bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical application of upper limb fracture fixator in emergency treatment of upper limb fracture
Authors: Xiong Lianghao , Le Jintao , Zhao Chun , Yuan Rongxia , Yang Mai , Shen Hai
Published: September 2023

Objective: To compare and analyze the curative effect of fracture upper limb fixator and traditional splint in emergency treatment of upper limb fracture.

Methods: This is a prospective study. A total of 80 patients with upper limb fractures admitted to the Emergency Department of Sichuan Province Orthopedic Hospital from December 2021 to August 2022 were prospectively selected as subjects. They were divided into two groups according to the random number table method: Patients in the control group were treated with traditional splint, while those in the observation group were treated with medical adjustable upper limb fixator. The clinical efficacy, treatment time, pain, fitness, probability of secondary injury and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results: After treatment, the excellent and good rate in the observation group (75.00%) was higher than that in the control group(52.50%). There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment time between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the probability of secondary injury between the two group. Statistically significant difference was observed in the comparison of pain conditions between the two groups. The total fitness rate of the observation group (97.50%) was higher than that of the control group (75.00%). The total incidence of complications in the observation group (2.50%) was lower than that in the control group (20.00%), with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: Fracture upper limb fixator shows various benefits in first aid of upper limb fractures, such as improving the clinical efficacy of patients with upper limb fractures, ameliorating pain, improving fitness effect, and reducing the probability of complications.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7097

How to cite this: Xiong L, Le J, Zhao C, Yuan R, Yang M, Shen H. Clinical application of upper limb fracture fixator in emergency treatment of upper limb fracture. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7097

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Value of Cardiac Troponin, Myoglobin Combined with Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein Detection in Diagnosis of Early Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sun Jian-hua , Liu Xiao-kun , Xing Xiao-wei , Yang Yang , Xuan Hui-hong , Fu Bin-bin
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate the value of cardiac troponin(cTn), myoglobin(Myo) combined with heart-type fatty acid-binding protein(H-FABP) detection in the diagnosis of early acute myocardial infarction(AMI).

Methods: This study was a clinical comparative study. Eighty patients with AMI hospitalized in Tangshan Workers’ Hospital were selected as study group, and another 80 individuals receiving normal physical examination were selected as control group from September 20, 2021 to September 20, 2022. The concentrations of cTn, Myo and H-FABPP, diagnostic indicators, the sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis, as well as the diagnostic efficacy for AMI were compared between the two groups.

Results: The levels of cTn, Myo and H-FABPP in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P= 0.00). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cTn, Myo and H-FABP were all relevant indicators for AMI. H-FABP alone has better diagnostic efficacy for AMI. The area under the curve of their combined detection, the specificity, and the sensitivity were higher than those of cTn, Myo and H-FABP alone, indicating that their combined application has the best diagnostic efficiency. cTn, Myo and H-FABP levels were positively correlated with Glu, TC, LDL-C and hs-CRP levels(P< 0.01), while negatively correlated with HDL level(P< 0.01).

Conclusions: The combined detection of cardiac markers such as cTn, Myo and H-FABP presents higher sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of AMI compared with any single detection, and can provide better data support for the definite diagnosis of AMI, with high clinical application value.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7101

How to cite this: Sun J, Liu X, Xing X, Yang Y, Xuan H, Fu B. Value of Cardiac Troponin, Myoglobin Combined with Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein Detection in Diagnosis of Early Acute Myocardial Infarction. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7101

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Prevalence of visual dysfunction and ocular motility disorders in developmentally delayed patients
Authors: Chaudhary Dr Muhammad Ajmal , Ajmal Chaudhary Muhammad , Nishat Bukhari Muhammad , Ahmed Naima
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of reduced visual acuity (VA), refractive errors (RE), reduced contrast sensitivity and strabismus in developmentally delayed (DD) patients.

Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Ophthalmology Departments of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, The Children’s Hospital, Lahore and The Children’s Hospital, Multan from June 2019 to December 2019. We recruited 257 patients of either gender, between the ages of 06-16 years having intelligence quotient (IQ) ≤ 80 by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) from the out-patient departments. Detailed systemic and ophthalmic history was taken and through anterior and posterior segment examination was carried out. VA was assessed with age matched VA charts. Cycloplegic refraction with 1% cyclopentolate was carried out. Contrast sensitivity was measured with hiding Heidi charts. Strabismus was assessed with Hirschberg and covers /uncover tests.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.88 years with standard deviation (SD) of ± 2.70. The prevalence of reduced VA, RE, strabismus and reduced contrast sensitivity in these children were 43.58%, 52.92%, 52.14% and 32.7% respectively. Out of these 52.92% RE, 56 (21.79%) were myopic, 66 (25.68%) were hyperopic and 14 (05.45%) were astigmatic. The percentage of esotropia was 72 (28.02%) and exotropia was 62 (24.12%).

Conclusion: The results of our study in DD children have shown that a significant number of children have reduced VA, RE, strabismus and reduced contrast sensitivity. Apart from general management of DD children by a pediatrician, the ophthalmic management of these problems must be carried out by a pediatric ophthalmologist to improve their quality of life.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7328

How to cite this: Ajmal Ch M, Chaudhary MA, Bukhari MN, Ahmed N. Prevalence of visual dysfunction and ocular motility disorders in developmentally delayed patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7328

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Moya Moya Disease: A rare disease with a common presenting symptom in a chronic kidney disease patient
Authors: German Sidra , Bhatti Sajid Islam , Naqvi Rubina , Waqar Tajammul
Published: September 2023

Moya Moya Disease (MDD) is a rare cerebrovascular pathology. It is non atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease characterized by bilateral internal carotid stenosis or occlusion, and abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain. Here we report a case of young female who presented in emergency with complaints of jerky movements of limbs for six months and history of recently developed unusual high blood pressure which was followed by uremic symptoms. Her workup revealed severe renal dysfunction required kidney replacement therapy (KRT) i.e., hemodialysis. During hospital stay her mental status deteriorated with a drop in GCS. Brain imaging performed and she found to have MMD. Her clinical course continued to deteriorate despite of extensive work up and aggressive management, she died eventually.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7953

How to cite this: German S, Bhatti SI, Naqvi R, Waqar T. Moya Moya Disease: A rare disease with a common presenting symptom in a chronic kidney disease patient . Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7953

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of the effect of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of end-stage renal disease
Authors: Zhao Yuan
Published: September 2023

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Methods: Clinical data of ESRD patients who received HD (n=74) and PD (n=77) for more than 12 months in the First People’s Hospital of Tonglu County from October 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively selected. Renal function indexes, blood pressure, and complication rates in the two groups before the first dialysis and at the end of the observation period were compared.

Results: After the dialysis, the urea nitrogen (BUN) levels decreased in both groups, and were significantly lower in the PD group compared to the HD group. Urea clearance index (Kt/V) increased, and were significantly higher in the PD group compared to the HD group (P<0.05). After the dialysis, albumin (ALB) and cardiac ejection fraction (EF) levels significantly increased, and ALB levels were significantly higher in the HD group while EF levels were significantly higher in the PD group (P<0.05). Levels of whole parathyroid hormone (iPTH), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure indicators in both groups decreased compared to before the dialysis, and were significantly lower in the PD group compared to the HD group of patients (P<0.05). PD was associated with significantly lower total incidence of complications compared to HD (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Peritoneal dialysis is more effective in maintaining the hemodynamic stability for ESRD patients, reducing blood pressure level, improving the clearance rate of molecular substances, and protecting the renal function of patients compared to hemodialysis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8056

How to cite this: Zhao Y. Comparison of the effect of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of end-stage renal disease. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8056

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Building public trust and confidence in secondary use of health data for healthcare improvement and research: a qualitative study pre-protocol
Authors: Bedenik Tina , Cahir Caitriona , Bennett K.
Published: September 2023

Background

Secondary use of health data provides opportunities to drive improvements in healthcare provision, personalised medicine, comparative effectiveness research, health services innovation, and policy and practice. However, secondary data use requires compliance with relevant legislation, implementation of technical safeguards, ethical data management, and respect for data sharers. Existing evidence suggests widespread support for secondary use of health data among the public, which co-exists with concerns about privacy, confidentiality and misuse of data. Balancing the protection of individuals’ rights against the use of their health data for societal benefits is of vital importance, and trust underpins this process. The study protocol explores how to build public trust and confidence in the secondary use of health data through all key stakeholder groups in Ireland, towards developing a culture that promotes a safe and trustworthy use of data.

Methods

This study will adopt a qualitative cross-sectional approach conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research COREQ guidelines. Participants in the study will include academics and researchers; healthcare professionals, data protection, ethics and privacy experts and data controllers; pharmaceutical industry and patients and public. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques will be utilised to recruit the participants, and data will be collected utilizing focus groups that may be supplemented with semi-structured interviews. Data will be coded by themes using reflexive thematic analysis (TA) and collective intelligence (CI) will be convened post-analysis to explore the preliminary findings with the participants.

Ethics and Dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Research Ethics Committee (REC202208013). Final data analysis and dissemination is expected by Q1 2024. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, presentations at relevant conferences, and other academic, public and policy channels. Lay summaries will be designed for Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) contributors and general public.
PROCare4Life lessons learned
Authors: Gangas Pilar , Judica Elda , Marin Mayca , Bouça-Machado Raquel , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Louro Claudia , Brach Michael , Linnane David , Ahmed Mona , Bentlage Ellen , Semerci Yusuf Can , Proença Joao P. , Alfonso Jorge
Published: September 2023

PeRsOnalised Integrated CARE Solution for Elderly (PROCare4Life) has been an EU funded project running since January 2020 until June 2023, whose focus has been to further develop and integrate previous ICT solutions developed by several previous EU funded projects into a unique modular system able to support the autonomy, empowerment and to increase the Quality of Life (QoL) of elderly people living with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or similar dementia, having also tested the system for elderly people living with comorbidities. This article focuses on the methodology and results used to identify the internal Lessons Learned. PROCare4Life has been developed using a codesign approach involving more than 2000 participants whose support has been listened to and transformed into valuable changes of the system and also into lessons learned included in this case study report. Since the beginning of the implementation of PROCare4Life there has been a commitment to make invisible knowledge visible through open discussion and including our lessons learned in each of our deliverables. In the last six months of implementation, to the previous results internal qualitative research has been implemented by the PROCare4Life consortium to identify and select our most relevant challenges and recommendations for future projects and initiatives. PROCare4Life was highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is acknowledged in the lessons learned. However, the consortium has focused on the recommendations that could be more valuable for ordinary implementation of future projects and initiatives developing eHealth tools for elderly citizens living with conditions that might affect their cognitive or mobility capacities.
Constipation - a patient's discomfort or a disturbing symptom - an overview of current knowledge
Authors: Kuziemkowska Daria , Ben Rhaiem Rami , Kępka Przemysław , Kuźma Jan , Łącka-Majcher Anna , Łokczewska-Bojar Aleksandra , Tarsa Grzegorz , Skotalczyk Magdalena , Sawińska Zuzanna , Sudelska Katarzyna
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Constipation is identified as too few bowel movements (≤2/week; severe constipation is ≤2 bowel movements per month) or hard stools (Bristol Formation Scale 1 and 2) that are passed with effort, often with a sensation of incomplete defecation .  
Purpose of study: The aim of this review is to present key aspects of constipation, including epidemiology, diagnosis, management and clinical treatment directed to the individual patient and individual therapy.  
Materials and methods: The review was based on the available literature in the PubMed database and the Google Scholar search engine using the key words: "constipation"; “constipation diagnosis”; “constipation treatment”.  
Conclusions: Constipation is a common health problem that affects people of all ages. It is the most frequently reported ailment in gastroenterological practice. Not only are they a cause of patient discomfort, but they are often an alarming symptom of a larger pathology in the human body. Correct diagnosis often includes multi-aspect diagnostics, in which doctors of various specialties are involved, and correct treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients.
The role of the gut microbiota and the use of new therapies in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Dąbrowski Jan , Gąbka Ilona , Dalmata Weronika , Gendek Karolina , Kozłowska Anna , Korzeniowska Anna , Załęska Natalia
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a multifactorial nature of the disease. IBS affects 11% of the population, with the gut microbiota playing an important role in the pathophysiology.
Purpose: The aim of this article is to present the course of irritable bowel syndrome, the role of the gut microbiota in pathophysiology, and new therapeutic approaches, including probiotics, based on the current state of knowledge.
Conclusions: IBS is a syndrome whose exact pathophysiology is not fully understood. The state of the gut microbiota has a huge impact on the course of the disease, but also on the functioning of the whole body. New therapies currently in use, i.e. probiotics, are showing promising results, but more research is needed to find the golden mean to treat the disease.
Methods: Data for the article were retrieved using PubMed setting the time descriptors to 2013-2023.
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the more common functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It manifests as recurrent abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating accompanied by bowel movements without a direct underlying cause. From multicentre clinical studies, it is known that disorders of various mechanisms within the brain-gut axis, altered gastrointestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity are the underlying causes. In addition, many scholars are of the opinion that disturbances in the gut microbiota play a key role in the pathogenesis of IBS.
Information Provision in Two-Sided Platforms: Optimizing for Supply
Authors: Bimpikis Kostas , Papanastasiou Yiangos , Zhang Wenchang
Published: September 2023

Although information design has recently received significant attention as a tool for shaping consumers’ purchase behavior, little is known about its use and implications in two-sided marketplaces, where both supply and demand consist of self-interested strategic agents. In this paper, we develop a model of a two-sided platform that facilitates transactions between vertically differentiated suppliers and consumers who differ in their quality preferences. We focus on illustrating the potential benefits of optimal information provision in managing the supply side of the marketplace, including the entry, exit, and pricing decisions of potential suppliers. We show that the revenue-optimal information provision policy often involves delaying the disclosure of information regarding the quality of the available suppliers. When the outside options available to consumers are relatively unattractive, we find that information design can help the platform achieve a more revenue-efficient matching between supply and demand. On the other hand, when consumers have access to attractive outside options, we show that information design can accelerate the discovery of high-quality suppliers, leading to an increase in the platform’s total transaction volume. Moreover, in cases where the platform benefits from commission subsidies to incentivize the entry of new suppliers, information design can be used to achieve the same goal while allowing the platform to earn higher commission revenue. Overall, our numerical experiments suggest that the impact of information design on platform revenue, as well as on consumer surplus, can be substantial.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4894 .
TÜRK PORTRE RESMİNDE İNSANA İLİŞKİN BETİMLEME ÇABASINDA FİZYONOMİ/ İLM- İ SİMA/ FİRÂSET
Authors: ÜNSAL Erdal
Published: September 2023

Öz: Batı resmi, başlangıçta insana ilişkin betimleme çabasını, inanç sistemleri üzerinden düşmanlaştırma ya da yüceltme gibi iki karşıt uçta, insanın sınıflandırılması yoluyla gerçekleştirmiştir. Batıda bu anlam da düşman yaratma çabası üzerine kurulu her türden imgeye rastlamak olasıdır. Bu, modern dönemin sonuna kadar giderek yoğunluğunu yitirmiş, ideolojik ve eleştirel biçimleme çabasına dönüşmüştür. Batılı anlam da Türk resmi gelişim süreci içerisin de, batıdan elde ettiği biçim ve renk ilişkisini kendi görsel birikimi ile kaynaştırması Batıyla doğrudan etkileşimde bulunabildiği zamanlar da olanaklı hale getirebilmiştir. Araştırma Batı da izini rahatlıkla sürdüğümüz fizyonominin, Türk resminde nasıl bir karşılık bulduğu ya da onu nasıl etkilediği üzerine odaklanmaktadır. Ayrıca araştırmanın önemli bir diğer amacı, fizyonominin ortaya koyduğu insana ilişkin biçimsel yorumun yardımıyla, Türk ressamının insana nasıl baktığını ve nasıl yorumladığını ortaya koymaya çalışmaktır. Fizyonominin tarihsel geçmişinin Aristoteles’e dayanması ve İslam inancında da fizyonomiye benzer çabaları nedeniyle, sadece Batılı anlam da Türk Resim Sanatı değil aynı zaman da minyatürler de örneklerle incelenmiştir. Yüzden niyet okumanın biçimsel verileri, seçilen portreler yoluyla karşılaştırılmış, fizyonomi bağlamında seçilen portrelere ilişkin değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Bu sonuçlar, Türk Resim Sanatının insana ilişkin yorumlarını ve ona atfettiği anlamın kendine özgün olduğunu göstermektedir.
ANIMATION FORMS IN VIDEO GAMES A CLASSIFICATION STUDY BASED ON GAME MECHANICS
Authors: ÜSTÜN Cahit
Published: September 2023

The first inventions that aimed to convey the movement had features of animated films rather than filming. However, cinema and animation began to emerge as an art, not only with the transmission of movement. The creation of software-based graphics enabled video games to be created with computer graphics, and digital games using three-dimensional graphics began to appear in other attractive animation applications. So again, game technology animation filmmaking, different forms specific to games began. Since this study accepts it as a form of making cinema, not a genre of cinema, using the ways of using cinema in video games to understand, define and use it with game mechanics. In the study, video games were examined and the animation methods used here were defined, and these methods were classified and analyzed within the teachings. Video games cooperate closely with the art of cinema. Although the digital game shows a software-based structure, its aesthetic components can be included in the animation universe. The research has shown that the playing experience is actually an animation experience and has classified these experience areas with examples in this direction.
Population genetic structure of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) in the South Indonesia Sea with limited sample based on ND5 gene
Authors: WARDANA ERICA DENISE , PUTRA I NYOMAN GIRI , AL MALIK MUHAMMAD DANIE , YUSMALINDA NI LUH ASTRIA , NINGSIH ENEX YUNIARTI , PERTIWI NI PUTU DIAN , SALIM MUHAMMAD GHOZALY , KANEDI MEUTHIA MAHARANI , PUTRA MOCHAMAD IQBAL HERWATA , SEMBIRING ANDRIANUS
Published: September 2023

Abstract. Wardana ED, Putra ING, Al Malik MD, Yusmalinda NLA, Ningsih EY, Pertiwi NPD, Salim MG, Kanedi MM, Putra MIH, Sembiring A. 2023. Population genetic structure of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) in the South Indonesia Sea with limited sample based on ND5 gene. Biodiversitas 24: 3743-3749. Bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) is one of five Mobula rays with a worldwide distribution. This species has high economic value and play an essential ecological role. However, due to their biological characteristics, such as low reproductive rates and late maturity, these species are highly vulnerable to overfishing and slow to recover from depletion. Genetic information, such as this species's population structure and genetic diversity is limited. This study aimed to determine the genetic variation and population structure of M. thurstoni in the South Indonesia Sea based on mitochondrial DNA from ND5 gene. Twenty-two samples of M. thurstoni were successfully collected from three locations Palabuhanratu (n=5), Muncar (n=13), and Savu Sea (n= 4). The haplotype diversity (Hd) ranged from 0.782 to 1.00 (mean=0.839), and Nucleotide diversity (?) ranged from 0.004 to 0.018 (mean=0.007). Then, no significant population differences (P-value > 0.05) were observed between locations, indicating that M. thurstoni population in the South Indonesian Sea represents a single genetic population. Additionally, the haplotype distribution also indicated the presence of two shared haplotypes between locations. Consequently, co-management strategies for sustainable fishing and conservation must be implemented across these three locations to ensure the sustainability of this species in the nature habitat.
Positioning Young African American Men as Public Intellectuals: a Disruption in School-based Norms Amidst COVID-19, a Global Pandemic
Authors: Hawkins Elbert
Published: September 2023

Abstract: During times of uncertainty, educators must listen so they can understand and create spaces for their students to imagine their dreams and possibilities. This paper examines and celebrates the resilience of two young African American men in high school who learned to claim agency during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Living in a culture that privileges and advantages whiteness, they were challenged by a growing need to return to "normal." For them, normal meant returning to a sense of loneliness, marginalization, and racial injustices that continue to plague our world. As the researcher, I was interested in their positionality, how they disrupted this sense of "normalcy," and how they thrived as public intellectuals. Through informal conversations, they were able to address and unpack topical issues such as education, race, and their identities. Also, they were able to affirm their voices and reimagine the concept of "normal." During the initial conversation, the following question emerged: "Why is there a need and a sense of urgency to go back to normal in our K-12 schools, specifically concerning how educators engage and educate young African American men?" The question grounds their curiosity, emotions, and criticalness as these young men self-reflect on their promise, possibility, and hope.
Compact dual-band spectral analysis via multiplexed rotated chirped volume Bragg gratings
Authors: Mhibik Oussama , Yessenov Murat , Glebov Leon , Abouraddy Ayman F. , Divliansky Ivan
Published: September 2023

Chirped Bragg volume gratings (CBGs) offer a useful alternative for spectral analysis, but increasing the bandwidth necessitates increasing the device area. In contrast, recently developed rotated CBGs (r-CBGs), in which the Bragg structure is rotated by 45° with respect to the device facets, require increasing only the device length to extend the bandwidth, in addition to the convenience of resolving the spectrum at normal incidence. Here, we multiplex r-CBGs in the same device to enable spectral analysis in two independent spectral windows without increasing the system volume. This new, to the best of our knowledge, device, which we term an X-CBG, allows for compact multi-band spectroscopy in contiguous or separated spectral windows for the visible and near-infrared applications in nonlinear microscopy and material identification and sensing.
Differential integrating sphere-based photoacoustic spectroscopy gas sensing
Authors: Zhang Chu , He Ying , Qiao Shunda , Ma Yufei
Published: September 2023

In this Letter, a differential integrating sphere-based photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) gas sensor is proposed for the first time to our knowledge. The differential integrating sphere system consists of two integrating spheres and a tube. Based on differential characteristics, the photoacoustic signal of the designed differential integrating sphere was doubly enhanced and the noise was suppressed. Compared with a single channel integrating sphere, the differential integrating sphere sensing system had a 1.86 times improvement in signal level. An erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) was adopted to amplify the output of diode laser to enhance the optical excitation. The second harmonic (2f) signal of differential integrating sphere-based acetylene (C2H2) PAS sensor with an amplified 1000 mW optical output power was 104.67 mV, which was 22.80 times improved compared to the sensing system without EDFA. When the integration time was 100 s, the minimum detection limit (MDL) of the differential integrating sphere-based C2H2 PAS sensor was 416.7 ppb. The differential integrating sphere provides a new method, to the best of our knowledge, for the development of PAS sensor, which has the advantages of photoacoustic signal enhancement, strong noise immunity, and no need for optical adjustment.
One-bit quantization delta-sigma modulation-based autoencoder for power-efficient free-space communication
Authors: Cai Jifan , Lu Zhilan , Luo Zhiteng , Zhang Junwen , Chi Nan
Published: September 2023

This Letter proposes a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach utilizing a delta-sigma modulation (DSM)-based 1-bit autoencoder (AE) for efficient encoding and decoding in various channel conditions. Simulation analysis demonstrates the AE’s ability to mitigate noise by reducing a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and enhancing an in-band power of the signals, particularly under low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The AE-DSM achieves theoretical transmission performance even at SNRs below 6 dB. In a 40-m free-space link experiment, the AE-DSM exhibits an 8.4-dB lower bit error rate (BER) compared to 64QAM-DSM, enabling a transmission rate of 1.31 Gbps. Furthermore, the 1-bit AE-DSM significantly reduces power consumption in the receiving analog-to-digital converter (ADC), facilitates transmission at low SNRs, and effectively mitigates nonlinear effects. Consequently, the DSM-based AE holds immense potential for future mobile fronthaul links.
Morphological investigation and 3D simulation of plasmonic nanostructures to improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Fathi Davood , Eskandari Mehdi
Published: September 2023

Light absorption process is a key factor in improving the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Using arrays of metal nanostructures on semiconductors such as perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3), the amount of light absorption in these layers is significantly increased. Metal nanostructures have been considered for their ability to excite plasmons (collective oscillations of free electrons). Noble metal nanoparticles placed inside solar cells, by increasing the scattering of the incident light, effectively increase the optical absorption inside PSCs; this in turn increases the electric current generated in the photovoltaic device. In this work, by calculating the cross-sectional area of dispersion and absorption on gold (Au) nanoparticles, the effects of the position of nanoparticles in the active layer (AL) and their morphology on the increase of absorption within the PSC are investigated. The optimal position of the plasmonic nanoparticle was obtained in the middle of the AL using a three-dimensional (3D) simulation method. Then, three different morphologies of nano-sphere, nano-star and nano-cubes were investigated, where the short-circuit currents (Jsc) for these three nanostructures were obtained equal to 19.01, 18.66 and 20.03 mA/cm2, respectively. In our study, the best morphology of the nanostructure according to the Jsc value was related to the nano-cube, in which the device power conversion efficiency (PCE) was equal to 16.20%, which is about 15% better than the PSC with the planar architecture.
Applying an evolutionary mismatch framework to understand disease susceptibility
Authors: Lea Amanda J. , Clark Andrew G. , Dahl Andrew W. , Devinsky Orrin , Garcia Angela R. , Golden Christopher D. , Kamau Joseph , Kraft Thomas S. , Lim Yvonne A. L. , Martins Dino J. , Mogoi Donald , Pajukanta Päivi , Perry George H. , Pontzer Herman , Trumble Benjamin C. , Urlacher Samuel S. , Venkataraman Vivek V. , Wallace Ian J. , Gurven Michael , Lieberman Daniel E. , Ayroles Julien F.
Published: September 2023

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise worldwide. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes are among a long list of “lifestyle” diseases that were rare throughout human history but are now common. The evolutionary mismatch hypothesis posits that humans evolved in environments that radically differ from those we currently experience; consequently, traits that were once advantageous may now be “mismatched” and disease causing. At the genetic level, this hypothesis predicts that loci with a history of selection will exhibit “genotype by environment” (GxE) interactions, with different health effects in “ancestral” versus “modern” environments. To identify such loci, we advocate for combining genomic tools in partnership with subsistence-level groups experiencing rapid lifestyle change. In these populations, comparisons of individuals falling on opposite extremes of the “matched” to “mismatched” spectrum are uniquely possible. More broadly, the work we propose will inform our understanding of environmental and genetic risk factors for NCDs across diverse ancestries and cultures.
Testing predictive coding theories of autism spectrum disorder using models of active inference
Authors: Arthur Tom , Vine Sam , Buckingham Gavin , Brosnan Mark , Wilson Mark , Harris David
Published: September 2023

Several competing neuro-computational theories of autism have emerged from predictive coding models of the brain. To disentangle their subtly different predictions about the nature of atypicalities in autistic perception, we performed computational modelling of two sensorimotor tasks: the predictive use of manual gripping forces during object lifting and anticipatory eye movements during a naturalistic interception task. In contrast to some accounts, we found no evidence of chronic atypicalities in the use of priors or weighting of sensory information during object lifting. Differences in prior beliefs, rates of belief updating, and the precision weighting of prediction errors were, however, observed for anticipatory eye movements. Most notably, we observed autism-related difficulties in flexibly adapting learning rates in response to environmental change (i.e., volatility). These findings suggest that atypical encoding of precision and context-sensitive adjustments provide a better explanation of autistic perception than generic attenuation of priors or persistently high precision prediction errors. Our results did not, however, support previous suggestions that autistic people perceive their environment to be persistently volatile.
Climate action in the United States
Authors: McCormick Sabrina , Aldous Annette , Yarbrough Laurilee
Published: September 2023

Individuals can act to mitigate climate change and its consequences by changing their own behavior, working with others to address community issues, or advocating for government action. However, little is known about what people are doing or the factors shaping their engagement. We surveyed 741 respondents in the United States to understand their current beliefs, motivations, and behaviors related to climate action. Our respondents report frequently taking everyday actions, such as talking to others about climate change and buying climate friendly products with less frequent, but still higher than expected, advocacy-oriented actions like signing petitions or contacting representatives. We find wide agreement on the importance of government action and the need for government to hear people’s concerns, with more variability in the importance assigned to community and individual actions. Lack of access to resources, social support, or fun approaches to addressing climate change represent obstacles to further action.
Assessing independence in mobility activities in trauma care: Validity and reliability of the Activity Independence Measure-Trauma (AIM-T) in humanitarian settings
Authors: Gohy Bérangère , Opava Christina H. , von Schreeb Johan , Van den Bergh Rafael , Brus Aude , Fouda Mbarga Nicole , Ouamba Jean Patrick , Mafuko Jean-Marie , Mulombwe Musambi Irene , Rougeon Delphine , Côté Grenier Evelyne , Gaspar Fernandes Lívia , Van Hulse Julie , Weerts Eric ,   The AIM-T Study Group, Brodin Nina
Published: September 2023

The importance of measuring outcomes after injury beyond mortality and morbidity is increasingly recognized, though underreported in humanitarian settings. To address shortcomings of existing outcome measures in humanitarian settings, the Activity Independence Measure-Trauma (AIM-T) was developed, and is structured in three subscales (i.e., core, lower limb, and upper limb). This study aimed to assess the AIM-T construct validity (structural validity and hypothesis testing) and reliability (internal consistency, inter-rater reliability and measurement error) in four humanitarian settings (Burundi, Iraq, Cameroon and Central African Republic). Patients with acute injury (n = 195) were assessed using the AIM-T, the Barthel Index (BI), and two pain scores. Structural validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis. Hypotheses were tested regarding correlations with BI and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and differences in AIM-T scores between patients’ subgroups, using standardized effect size Cohen’s d (d). Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha (α). AIM-T was reassessed by a second rater in 77 participants to test inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The results showed that the AIM-T structure in three subscales had an acceptable fit. The AIM-T showed an inverse weak to moderate correlation with both pain scores (PCC<0.7, p≤0.05), positive strong correlation with BI (PCC≥0.7, p≤0.05), and differed between all subgroups (d≥0.5, p≤0.05). The inter-rater reliability in the (sub)scales was good to excellent (ICC 0.86–0.91) and the three subscales’ internal consistency was adequate (α≥0.7). In conclusion, this study supports the AIM-T validity in measuring independence in mobility activities and its reliability in humanitarian settings, as well as it informs on its interpretability. Thus, the AIM-T could be a valuable measure to assess outcomes after injury in humanitarian settings.
Older adults’ experiences of taking up a new community-based leisure activity to promote brain health: A focus group study
Authors: Niechcial Malwina A. , Marr Calum , Potter Lauren M. , Dickson Adele , Gow Alan J.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

An active and engaged lifestyle is supported as being beneficial for brain health. Activities comprising physical, mental and social demands, or combinations of those, are of particular interest, and have been the focus of specific interventions. Exploring how older people engage with such community-based activities, including facilitators and barriers to participation, may help improve the success of future translational activities. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify factors that enabled or hindered activity engagement by conducting focus groups with people who had been supported to take up a new activity as part of an intervention study.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven older adults aged 65–86 (56% female) who had completed an activity-based intervention study participated in three focus groups. Discussions explored their experiences of taking up a new activity, including facilitators and barriers to their engagement, and their perceptions of any benefits.

Results

Thematic analysis grouped participants’ responses into five themes: positive aspects and facilitators of engagement in a new activity; challenges and barriers to engagement; ageing being a facilitator and a barrier to engagement; differential effects of activities on participants’ health and wellbeing; and general project feedback (including opinions on study design).

Discussion and conclusions

Participants’ experiences and expectations included positive (e.g., enjoyment, socialisation) and negative factors (e.g., lack of confidence, other commitments, class costs and poor structure), consistent with previous research on social participation and engaging with new learning opportunities. Future studies should also consider those who do not readily participate in leisure activities to address earlier barriers. It is important that older adults have access to potentially beneficial activities and local authorities should prioritise increasing their provision.
Transformation pédagogique à l’université et engagement des acteurs
Authors: Bellin Stéphane , Flon Émilie , Lepine Valérie
Published: September 2023

Lancée est un projet collectif de renouvellement des pratiques pédagogiques porté par une équipe d’enseignants d’un IUT français qui s’inscrit dans la mouvance des pédagogies actives à partir d’approches par compétences. Cette contribution mobilise le cadre théorique de la sociologie de la traduction pour caractériser les engagements permettant l’émergence et le développement du projet. L’analyse croise au niveau méso, la façon dont le projet a pu “prendre sa place” au milieu de logiques institutionnelles hétéroclites et, au niveau micro, les logiques individuelles et collectives à partir des représentations et expériences vécues par les parties prenantes. En identifiant les actions d’enrôlement et les ajustements des acteurs hétérogènes, l’analyse montre comment les comportements et activités des individus varient selon les étapes d’un processus d’innovation au sein duquel Lancée s’est construit, transformé et reconfiguré. Un corpus d’entretiens qualitatifs et une observation participante, ont permis d'étudier les controverses et les traductions aboutissant à la concrétisation du projet de transformation pédagogique.
Sustainable Finance muss den Impact in den Mittelpunkt stellen
Authors: Boschert Friedhelm
Published: September 2023

Eine nachhaltige Transformation benötigt auch die Unterstützung der Finanzmärkte. Mit unterschiedlichen Instrumenten versucht die nachhaltige Finanzwirtschaft den Sektor umzubauen. Welche Bedeutung haben dabei der Ansatz der Impact Finance oder Sustainable Fintechs?
Regulierung als Chance
Authors: Nikutta Harald , Ebinger Frank
Published: September 2023

Unternehmerische Risiken können nicht mehr losgelöst von Nachhaltigkeitsrisiken in einer „flüchtigen Moderne“ betrachtet werden. Entsprechend fordern die jüngsten Gesetzgebungsverfahren der EU‑Kommission ein intensives Auseinandersetzen mit Nachhaltigkeitsrisiken. Dies macht neue Formen und transparente Ansätze des unternehmerischen Risikomanagements notwendig.
Zur Entstehung europäischer Standards für die Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung
Authors: Töpfer Christoph
Published: September 2023

Die Europäischen Nachhaltigkeitsberichtsstandards sind ab dem Jahr 2024 von vielen Unternehmen in der Europäischen Union anzuwenden. Deren Entstehung ist ein vergleichsweise kurzer, aber durchaus komplexer Prozess. Welche Mitwirkungsmöglichkeiten gab es bei der European Financial Reporting Advisory Group für verschiedene Interessengruppen?
Auswirkungen von Regulierung auf die Unternehmensinitiative für mehr Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Zwick Yvonne
Published: September 2023

Die Widerstände gegen die regulatorischen Initiativen, die unternehmerische Berichterstattung über Nachhaltigkeitsleistungen qualitativ und quantitativ ausweiten, gibt es auch in der Nachhaltigkeitsszene. Wie kann hieraus nachhaltiges Wirtschaften als neues Normal erwachsen?
Core temperature and heart rate at the upper limit of the prescriptive zone
Authors: Bernard Thomas E. , Ashley Candi D. , Wolf S. Tony , Kenney W. Larry
Published: September 2023

The expressed goal of limiting workplace heat stress exposures to a core temperature (Tc) of 38°C traces back to a 1969 World Health Organization Technical Report (WHO Series 412). The actual goal was to limit exposures to the upper limit of the prescriptive zone (ULPZ). To explore the physiological strain at the ULPZ, progressive heat stress protocol data from Penn State University (PSU) and University of South Florida (USF) below and at the ULPZ were used to articulate the relation of Tc and heart rate (HR) to metabolic rate (MR) with consideration of acclimatization state, clothing, exposure condition (PreULPZ vs. ULPZ), and sex. Regression models demonstrated the association of MR and sex with Tc and HR. At the ULPZ, women had systematically higher values of Tc and HR than men at the same MR likely due to higher relative demands. There was no effect for acclimatization state and clothing. As expected for individuals, Tc was practically constant below the ULPZ and HR exhibited increasing values approaching the ULPZ. At 490 W, the high MR cited in the WHO document, the mean Tc for men was near the 38°C limit with systematically lower Tc at lower MRs.
“Sacred and Beautiful”: The Lived Experience of Slovak Women who had a Planned Homebirth
Authors: Uhrecký Branislav , Rajnohová Radomíra , Baránková Martina
Published: September 2023

While many Western countries do legally permit homebirths under certain conditions, in the Slovak Republic they exist in a legal vacuum – they are neither permitted nor prohibited. In the present study, we aimed to explore how Slovak women who deliberately delivered at home perceive the reason for this decision and the subsequent homebirth itself. We interviewed eight women aged 21 to 36 and analysed the transcripts using the interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. The analysis revealed four major themes – (1) the sacredness of childbirth, (2) the aspiration to be the director of your childbirth, (3) homebirth as an expression of the need for intimacy, and (4) the struggle with one’s social circle. Childbirth is seen as an ultimate act of nature defined by its beauty and purity, but these qualities are tainted by biomedical approach of healthcare providers. The results of this study suggest that women’s needs of autonomy, relatedness, and inclusion are not properly met by Slovak health care and obstetrics. Stricter adherence to the principle of informed consent during hospital births, and legalisation and regulation of homebirths could reduce medical risks during childbirth and improve women’s mental well-being during and after a pivotal moment in their life.