bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of burnout among Lebanese health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abboud Edmond , Abou-Abbas Linda , Hassan Hamad , Youssef Janet
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has harshly burdened the healthcare systems. Health care workers (HCWs) are at substantial risk of infection and confronted several stressors as well leading them to experience burnout. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese health HCWs and to identify its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between the first of November and the end of December 2020 among Lebanese HCWs working in all active hospitals operating across the country. Data were collected using an Arabic, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire comprising four sections: (a) basic sociodemographic characteristics, (b) exposure to COVID-19 covariates, (c) occupational factors, and (d) the measurements including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). CBI subscale cut-off score of 50 was used to assess the prevalence of burnout among HCWs. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with the different aspects of burnout.

Results

Out of the 1751 respondents, personal burnout (PB) was detected in its moderate and high-level aspects among 86.3% of Lebanese HCWs. Moderate and high levels of work-related burnout (WB), and client-related burnout (CB) hit 79.2% and 83.3% of HCWs, respectively. HCWs who were females, married, physicians, having a poor health status and specific living conditions (dependent child, elderly at home, family member with comorbidities, and a low income) were more likely to exhibit a high level of PB compared to no/low burnout level. Moreover, frontline HCWs, those infected by COVID-19 or those having a colleague infected by COVID-19, and those exhibiting a high perception of threat were more prone to experience a high-level PB rather than a low/no burnout. Working in a public hospital, extensive working hours, and insufficient sleeping hours were also found positively associated with high PB. However, older age and altruism were negatively associated with high PB compared to no/low PB among HCWs. As for WB, similar factors were found either positively or negatively associated with a high level of WB except health status and living conditions factors (dependent child or family member). As for CB, older age of HCWs (> 30 years) and altruism were negatively associated with high CB compared to no/low burnout level. However, working in the frontline, high threat perception, extensive working hours, insufficient sleeping hours, and low income were positively associated with high CB among HCWs compared to no/low burnout.

Conclusion

The prevalence of burnout among Lebanese HCWs during the pandemic was significant and alarming. Enacting and implementing preventive policies and effective interventions are urgently needed to cultivate wellness among HCWs.
Simulated decadal variations of surface and subsurface phytoplankton in the upstream Kuroshio Extension region
Authors: Tozuka Tomoki , Sasai Yoshikazu , Yasunaka Sayaka , Sasaki Hideharu , Nonaka Masami
Published: December 2022

Using outputs from an ecosystem model embedded in an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model that can realistically simulate decadal modulations of the Kuroshio Extension (KE) between stable and unstable states, decadal variations of phytoplankton concentration in the upstream KE region are investigated. During stable states of the KE, surface phytoplankton concentrations are anomalously suppressed to the south of the KE front, while those to the north are anomalously enhanced. Although the surface phytoplankton concentration anomalies are prominent only during winter to spring, significant subsurface anomalies centered around 60 m depth persist even in summer and autumn. Anomalies persist throughout the year in phytoplankton biomass integrated over the upper 100 m despite the strong surface anomalies during the spring bloom season. An analysis of nitrogen concentration anomalies suggests that the vertical movement of the isopycnal surfaces, vertical mixing of nutrients, and meridional shifts in the KE jet contribute to the anomalous phytoplankton biomass.
Evaluation of the performance of a high-resolution time-of-flight PET system dedicated to the head and breast according to NEMA NU 2-2012 standard
Authors: Morimoto-Ishikawa Daisuke , Hanaoka Kohei , Watanabe Shota , Yamada Takahiro , Yamakawa Yoshiyuki , Minagawa Suzuka , Takenouchi Shiho , Ohtani Atsushi , Mizuta Tetsuro , Kaida Hayato , Ishii Kazunari
Published: December 2022

Background

This study evaluated the physical performance of a positron emission tomography (PET) system dedicated to the head and breast according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU2-2012 standard.

Methods

The spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, count rate characteristics, corrections for count losses and randoms, and image quality of the system were determined. All measurements were performed according to the NEMA NU2-2012 acquisition protocols, but image quality was assessed using a brain-sized phantom. Furthermore, scans of the three-dimensional (3D) Hoffmann brain phantom and mini-Derenzo phantom were acquired to allow visual evaluation of the imaging performance for small structures.

Results

The tangential, radial, and axial full width at half maximum (FWHM) at a 10-mm offset in half the axial field of view were measured as 2.3, 2.5, and 2.9 mm, respectively. The average system sensitivity at the center of the field of view and at a 10-cm radial offset was 7.18 and 8.65 cps/kBq, respectively. The peak noise-equivalent counting rate was 35.2 kcps at 4.8 kBq/ml. The corresponding scatter fraction at the peak noise-equivalent counting rate was 46.8%. The peak true rate and scatter fraction at 8.6 kBq/ml were 127.8 kcps and 54.3%, respectively. The percent contrast value for a 10-mm sphere was approximately 50%. On the 3D Hoffman brain phantom image, the structures of the thin layers composing the phantom were visualized on the sagittal and coronal images. On the mini-Derenzo phantom, each of the 1.6-mm rods was clearly visualized.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results indicate that the head- and breast-dedicated PET system has high resolution and is well suited for clinical PET imaging.
Patient-reported experiences with side effects of kidney cancer therapies and corresponding information flow
Authors: Kastrati Karin , Mathies Viktoria , Kipp Anna P. , Huebner Jutta
Published: December 2022

Background

Treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have improved over recent years. Various therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma are currently approved for first and successive lines. Having various treatment options makes it important to reflect how patients experience side effects in the real-world setting. So far, data on the side effects of these treatments have only been collected within clinical trials, and have been mostly assessed by the investigator and not as patient-reported outcomes. Our aim was to determine patient-reported experiences of side effects in the real-world setting and to evaluate the doctor-patient communication regarding side effects.

Data were collected via an anonymous, voluntary online survey given to members of a support group for RCC; the questionnaire was completed by 104 mRCC patients.

Results

89.1% of participants were suffering from side effects of any grade. These appeared to be higher for patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors compared to those treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (98.4% vs. 68.4%). However, information on side effects is scarce: 4.0% had never heard anything about them while only 18.8% of participants received detailed information on possible side effects. Although 85.6% of participants reported side effects to their physician, 34.6% did not encounter an improvement. Limitations of the study include the design as an online questionnaire and the small sample, consisting only of members of a support group.

Conclusions

Differences can be seen between patient-reported side effects within our survey and those based on clinical trials. A shift towards more patient-reported outcomes is needed. In addition, patients seeking the advice of their physician on side effects are in need of more—or better—information and support.
Benign fibrous histiocytoma in breast: a case report on uncommon etiology with common presentation
Authors: Shaikh Sana , Arain Kashaf Anwar , Shakil Shaheera , Rashid Rahma , Shirazi Bushra
Published: December 2022

Background

Benign fibrous histiocytomas are among the most common soft tissue tumors and are made up of a mixture of fibroblasts, histiocytes, and chronic inflammatory cells. These are commonly found in skin and less commonly in deep soft tissues. There are reports of the presence of a malignant counterpart of fibrous histiocytoma in the breast; however, existence of benign fibrous histiocytoma in breast is a very rare occurrence.

Case presentation

We present here a case of benign fibrous histiocytoma at an uncommon location with a common presentation. This is a case of 45-year-old female patient, who complained of a painless focal area of hardness and itching in the left areolar region that developed gradually for 1 year, with recent onset of areolar skin thickening, erythema, and mastalgia on the left side. Physical examination revealed a focal area of nodular thickening in the areolar region on the left side with erythema and skin excoriation. No mass was palpable in either breast or axilla. A subsequent mammogram showed an area of focal thickening in the areolar region. Ultrasound also showed a similar finding of nodular skin thickening. Paget’s disease was suspected based on clinical and imaging findings. The contralateral breast was normal. Afterward, a core needle biopsy was done, but the histopathology report was inconclusive and showed only a spindle cell lesion. In due course, excisional biopsy was performed and on the basis of morphology and immune-histochemical markers, a diagnosis of benign fibrous histiocytoma was made.

Conclusions

Benign fibrous histiocytomas are varying soft tissue tumors that show wide variations in anatomic locations, biologic behavior, and pathologic features. Its diagnosis can be very challenging by imaging and even on histopathology. It must be based on the combination of morphological features and immunohistochemistry. Breast is an extremely uncommon location, and its presentation can mimic invasive carcinomas. A number of other benign and malignant skin lesions may be considered as probable differential diagnosis. It is worthwhile to keep these diverse entities in mind as differential diagnosis, with regards to this particular clinical presentation, which can be beneficial in dealing with challenging cases.
Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced mammography in the characterization of breast asymmetry
Authors: Dawoud Bassant Mahmoud , Darweesh Abdelmonem Nooman , Hefeda Mohamed Mohamed , Kamal Rasha Mohamed , Younis Rasha Lotfy
Published: December 2022

Background

Breast asymmetry is a prevalent mammographic finding described in BI-RADS atlas as asymmetry, focal asymmetry, global asymmetry, and developing asymmetry. Mammography has a limited role in discrimination between benign and malignant asymmetry, and digital mammography can overlook up to 15–30% of breast tumors. The purpose of our study was to assess the role of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in distinction between benign and malignant asymmetries.

Results

Out of the studied 540 indeterminate and suspicious asymmetries, and according to final histopathological results, 97/540 (17.9%) asymmetries were benign, 395/540(73%) asymmetries were malignant, 48/540 (8.9%) asymmetries were normal with no underlying pathology. After comparing results of sonomammography and CEM, CEM showed higher sensitivity (96.5% vs. 85.8), specificity (77.1% vs. 64.4%), NPV (88.8% vs. 62.7%), PPV (92.04% vs. 86.7%) and accuracy (91.3% vs. 80%).

Conclusions

CEM has proven to be a valuable and beneficial imaging technicality for patients and radiologists, with breast cancer detection sensitivities superior to that of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) with ultrasonography (US).
Survival in Young Adults With Cancer Is Associated With Medicaid Expansion Through the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Ji Xu , Shi Kewei Sylvia , Mertens Ann C. , Zhao Jingxuan , Yabroff K. Robin , Castellino Sharon M. , Han Xuesong
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

Medicaid expansion through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been shown to improve insurance coverage and early diagnosis of cancer in young adults (YAs); whether these improvements translate to survival benefits remains unknown. We examined the association between Medicaid expansion under the ACA and 2-year overall survival among YAs with cancer.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, we identified 345,413 YAs (age 18-39 years) diagnosed with cancer in 2010-2017. We applied the difference-in-differences (DD) method to estimate changes in 2-year overall survival after versus before Medicaid expansion in expansion versus nonexpansion states.

RESULTS

Among all YAs, 2-year overall survival increased more in expansion states (90.39% pre-expansion to 91.85% postexpansion) than in nonexpansion states (88.98% pre-expansion to 90.07% postexpansion), resulting in a net increase of 0.55 percentage points (ppt; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.96). The expansion-associated survival benefit was concentrated in patients with female breast cancer (DD, 1.20 ppt; 95%CI, 0.27 to 2.12) when stratifying by cancer type and in patients with stage IV disease (DD, 2.56; 95%CI, 0.36 to 4.77) when stratifying by stage. In addition, greater survival benefit associated with Medicaid expansion was observed among racial and ethnic minoritized groups (DD, 1.01 ppt; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.87) as compared with non-Hispanic White peers (DD, 0.41 ppt; 95% CI, –0.06 to 0.87) and among patients with a Charlson comorbidity score of ≥ 2 (DD, 6.48 ppt; 95% CI, 0.81 to 12.16) than those with a comorbidity score of 0 (DD, 0.44 ppt; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.87).

CONCLUSION

Medicaid expansion under the ACA was associated with an improvement in overall survival among YAs with cancer, with survival benefits most pronounced among patients of under-represented race and ethnicity and patients with high-risk diseases.
Effect of Conventional Treatment on Dental Complications and Ectopic Ossifications Among 30 Adults With XLH
Authors: Kato Hajime , Okawa Rena , Ogasawara Toru , Hoshino Yoshitomo , Hidaka Naoko , Koga Minae , Kinoshita Yuka , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Taniguchi Yuki , Fukumoto Seiji , Nangaku Masaomi , Makita Noriko , Hoshi Kazuto , Nakano Kazuhiko , Ito Nobuaki
Published: December 2022

Context

Conventional treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) was reported to prevent dental complications, but whether the preventive effect was different among different types of teeth, including anterior teeth and molar teeth, is uncertain. Evidence of the preventive effect of conventional treatment on ectopic ossifications is also limited.

Objective

To compare dental complications and ectopic ossifications among adults with XLH with early (<5 years old) or late (≥5 years old) conventional treatment.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included a total of 30 adults with XLH; orthopantomograms, spinal computed tomography scans, and X-rays of hip/knee joints were studied. Dental complications, including the decayed, missing, filled (DMF) index and devitalized teeth, apical periodontitis, and periodontitis, were evaluated. The ossification of the anterior/posterior longitudinal ligament and yellow ligament indexes (OA/OP/OY indexes) and the sum of the OA/OP/OY indexes (OS index) were utilized to evaluate the severity of spinal ligament ossification. The severity of the hip/knee osteophytes was evaluated using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) classification.

Results

The number of sound teeth was significantly lower and the DMF index was significantly higher in patients with late treatment. The severity of dental complications in the anterior tooth and molar tooth, OA/OP/OY/OS index, and KL grade were not significantly different among patients with early treatment and those with late treatment.

Conclusion

Early treatment could prevent dental complications but did not prevent ectopic ossification in adult patients with XLH. The difference in the preventive effect was not observed among different types of teeth.
Decreased Expression of EZH2 in Granulosa Cells Contributes to Endometriosis-Associated Infertility by Targeting IL-1R2
Authors: Lin Xiang , Tong Xiaomei , Zhang Yinli , Gu Weijia , Huang Qianmeng , Zhang Yi , Zhuo Feng , Zhao Fanxuan , Jin Xiaoying , Li Chao , Huang Dong , Zhang Songying , Dai Yongdong
Published: December 2022

The mechanism by which endometriosis, a common gynecological disease characterized by chronic pelvic pain and infertility, causes infertility remains elusive. Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome, the most common type of ovulatory dysfunction, is a cause of endometriosis-associated infertility involving reduced numbers of retrieved and mature oocytes. Ovulation is controlled by luteinizing hormone and paracrine signals produced within the follicle microenvironment. Generally, interleukin (IL)-1β is elevated in endometriosis follicular fluid, whereby it amplifies ovulation signals by activating extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β pathways. However, this amplification of ovulation by IL-1β does not occur in patients with endometriosis. To illuminate the mechanism of ovulatory dysfunction in endometriosis, we analyzed the effect of oxidative stress and IL-1β expression on endometriosis follicles. We found that oxidative stress decreased EZH2 expression and reduced H3K27Me3 levels in endometriosis ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Selective Ezh2 depletion in mice ovarian GCs reduced fertility by disturbing cumulus-oocyte complex expansion and reducing epidermal growth factor-like factor expression. Gene expression and H3K27Me3 ChIP-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) of GCs revealed IL-1 receptor 2 (IL-1R2), a high-affinity IL-1β-receptor that suppresses IL-1β-mediated inflammatory cascades during ovulation, as a crucial target gene of the EZH2-H3K27Me3 axis. Moreover, IL-1β addition did not restore ovulation upon Ezh2 knockdown, indicating a vital function of IL-1R2 in endometriosis. Thus, our findings show that reducing EZH2 and H3K27Me3 in GCs suppressed ovulatory signals by increasing IL-1R2 expression, which may ultimately contribute to endometriosis-associated infertility.
Analysis of the Impact of Project Activities on the Development of Patriotic Education of Students
Authors: Mizyurova E.
Published: December 2022

The author of the article points out the relevance of the patriotic theme, which is a priority in the educational work of Vavilov University. The problem of the influence of project activities on the development of patriotic education of student youth is considered by the example of the implementation of the cultural and educational project «Patriotic theme in the songs of Soviet composers». This method, using end–to-end technologies of the digital economy – virtual and augmented reality, has proved its effectiveness in the purposeful process of developing patriotic education of student youth.
Analysis of online behavior of Russian social media users during the periods of political tension in 2020-2021
Authors: Garbuznyak A.
Published: December 2022

The article explores online behavior of social media users during two periods of political tension in 2020-2021 in Russia. Online behavior is considered as one of the principal factors influencing political participation. The author analyses the case of protests, held in Russia in the beginning of 2021. That period of political tension is compared with another one (August-September 2020) when there were no civil protests. The analysis provides evidence that politicization of internet users increased during the period of the protests. It affected both production and consumption of the social media content. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok turned out to be the most politicized, their users showed greater involvement in political discourse and greater polarization. The politicization of users increased along with the growth of their interest in certain types of content: live coverage of events those stimulated political tension, as well as personal attitudes to what was happening expressed by public persons and ordinary users (in Twitter). The Facebook audience shows great interest in the media content and status persons commentaries. Telegram, LiveJournal, Instagram users are less politicized and polarized. News and comments of political strategists dominated here during both periods. The study also reveals about 15 media outlets that had the greatest impact on the social media agenda during the analyzed periods. Content analysis of social media does not allow us to judge the cause-and-effect relationships between online and offline mobilization, but suggests that politicized platforms will more likely catalyze protest activity rather than non-politicized ones.
Physical activity levels of people over 60
Authors: Tyszko Weronika
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Physical activity at any age brings numerous benefits. In youth, it strengthens and increases a person's overall physical fitness whereas in old age it improves well-being, inhibits the ageing process and sustains health. With systematic exercise it is possible to maintain physical fitness at a higher level compared to physically inactive people [1]. Physical activity is one of the factors that determines a person's state of health. Their ontogenesis is also a major element of a healthy lifestyle [2]. The human body was created for movement so, in order to function properly, it needs regular activities and physical exercise [3]. Regular physical activity influences the maintenance of functional fitness, independence and autonomy in performing daily activities in older age. Movement deficiency is a problem at any age, especially in seniors. Maintaining an active lifestyle among the elderly is a major component of successful ageing [4]. 

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the physical activity levels in people over 60 years old, and whether there is a correlation between sociodemographic factors, BMI and physical activity levels in the study group. 

Material and method: The study was conducted remotely in July and August 2020 on people aged 60 and over. The study involved 77 people over 60 years of age: 63 women and 14 men. The research tool was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). In the study group 69 people were aged 60-70 years and 8 people were aged 71-80 years.  

Results: People over 60 years of age lead active lifestyles; seniors' physical activity is sufficient. BMI and socio-demographic factors do not affect the physical activity of older people.  

Conclusions: The level of physical activity among the elderly covered by the study is sufficient. Sociodemographic factors and BMI do not determine the level of physical activity in the study group.
Risk Factors for the Development of Disorders Related to Children’s Gambling in the Light of Desk-research Studies
Authors: Piasecka Małgorzata , Kusztal Justyna , Nastazjak Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

The issue of addiction to activities has been present in the scientific discourse for years. Gambling disorders constitute a specific, separate disease entity. These disorders can affect people of all ages, and children and adolescents are particularly prone to them. The subject of the research described in the article are risk factors for the development of gambling disorders among children, and its aim is to present the results of research conducted in 2021 by a research team at the Jagiellonian University. The research method was a systematic literature review based on PRISMA standards. The research material consisted of selected articles published in English-language high-ranking scientific journals. The conclusions from the research, including the most common risk factors of gambling disorder, allowed for the formulation of recommendations and recommendations in the field of universal and selective prevention addressed to children, their parents and caregivers.
Parental Mistakes Experienced in Childhood by Girls and Their Needs and Values System as Adult Women
Authors: Szymańska Agnieszka
Published: December 2022

Childhood experiences are the foundation on which many personality traits develop. Stressful experiences such as parental mistakes may particularly impact the formation of personality traits. The aim of the current study was to examine how the childhood experiences of parental mistakes, such as aggression, rigor, and so forth, co-occur with the ability to satisfy one’s needs and to one’s value system in adulthood.
The study was carried out on a sample of 402 women aged 21 to 50 years. In order to answer the research questions, a cluster analysis using data mining algorithms and Social Network Analysis was performed.
The study revealed that women who experienced fewer parental mistakes in childhood displayed greater need fulfillment in adulthood than did women who experienced more parental mistakes. Women differed in their value systems depending on whether they experienced more mistakes from their fathers or mothers. Women who experienced fewer mothers’ mistakes held more values that were focused on others, while women who experienced fewer fathers’ mistakes espoused more self-centered values.
Jak Tadeusz Żeleński stworzył Boya: Strategie, autokreacje, wizerunki
Authors: Niedźwiedź Dominika
Published: December 2022

The book focuses on Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński (1874–1941), a Polish writer, translator and theatre critic, one of the major figures of Polish culture before World War II. The volume offers a new perspective on the evolution of the writer’s literary autobiography and image, the self-fashioning strategies that he used and the games that he played with his readers. At the same time, the book is a story of a little-known Boy-Żeleński: Boy as a publisher, Boy as a journalist and Boy as a creator. He was an excellent translator of such authors as Proust, Villon, Rabelais, or Balzac, the author of Słówka [Little Words], still recognized in Poland, and scripts performed by the cabaret “Zielony Balonik” [Green Balloon], a poet, a writer, and a commentator. At the same tame, he appears to be a master of self-fashioning, a public relations specialist, and a copywriter, although these concepts were most likely unknown in his time. Taking advantage of the power of the press, Boy presented himself to the readers in such a way that would meet their expectations, while protecting his privacy and guarding his most intimate secrets. He made this effort partly in rejection of the image imposed on him by his milieu, adopting and transforming selected elements of this image obtained in the process of literary communication.
The Dynamic Freight Routing Problem for Less-Than-Truckload Carriers
Authors: Baubaid Ahmad , Boland Natashia , Savelsbergh Martin
Published: December 2022

Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers transport freight shipments from origins to destinations by consolidating freight using a network of terminals. As daily freight quantities are uncertain, carriers dynamically decide freight routes on the day of operations. We introduce the dynamic freight routing problem (DFRP) and model this problem as a Markov decision process (MDP). To overcome the curses of dimensionality of the MDP model, we introduce an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) solution approach that uses a lookup table to store value function approximations and present and compares a number of aggregation approaches that use features of the postdecision states (PDSs) to aggregate the PDS space and reduce the number of entries in the lookup table. Furthermore, because the decision subproblems are integer programs (IPs), we present a framework for integrating lookup tables into the decision subproblem IPs. This framework consists of (1) a modeling approach for the integration of lookup table value function approximations into subproblem IPs to form extended subproblem IPs; (2) a solution approach, PDS-IP-bounding, which decomposes the extended subproblem IPs into many smaller IPs and uses dynamic bounds to reduce the number of small IPs that have to be solved; and (3) an adaptation of the ϵ-greedy exploration-exploitation algorithm for the IP setting. Our computational experiments show that despite the DFRP having high-dimensional PDS vectors, a two-dimensional aggregation of the space can produce policies that outperform standard myopic policies. Moreover, they demonstrate that the PDS-IP-bounding algorithm provides computational advantages over solving the extended subproblem IPs using a commercial solver.

Funding: A. Baubaid acknowledges financial support from the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.1190 .
Enhancement of Multifrequency Microwave Tomography Breast Imaging System using Flexible Preconditioner Based Krylov Subspace Methods
Authors: Nithya N. , Manikandan M. S. K.
Published: December 2022

Microwave Tomography Imaging System (MwTIS) is an emerging tool for medical diagnosis in the non-invasive screening process. This paper addresses the ill-condition problem by proposing two new schemes incorporated into the DBIM image reconstructed algorithm for high frequencies in MwTIS. The first scheme is to propose an optimal step frequency using the degree of ill-posedness value for reducing the frequency diversity problem. The second scheme is to propose Krylov Subspace-based regularization method called Flexible Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient Least Square (FP-CGLS) method to resolve the ill-condition problem. The iteratively updated preconditioner matrix in the proposed FP-CGLS method reduces the number of iterations and it is stable in high-level Gaussian noise. The efficiency of the proposed FP-CGLS method is validated by imposing Gaussian noise up to 30% in scattered breast phantom in the multifrequency range of 2 GHz -3 GHz It achieves an enhanced reconstructed image at 12 iterations with a relative error of 0.1802 for 20% of Gaussian noise and for the same scheme the existing CGLS method has a 0.4480 relative error at the 77 iterations. Further, the FP-CGLS along with the DBIM method produces a reconstructed image with the accuracy of 0.8760 in four DBIM iterations.
Dual-band Dual-polarized Dipole Antenna for Gain and Isolation Enhancements
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Lihua , Lin Yumeng , Wang Dan
Published: December 2022

A ± 45° linear-polarized cross-dipole with enhanced gain and isolation has been designed as an example for 5G applications in this paper. By adding stepped reflector and combined director, the isolation and radiation performance of the antenna can be improved significantly. According to the experimental results, the bandwidths with reflection coefficient lower than 10 dB in the low frequency band and high frequency band are 9.5% (3.2–3.52 GHz) and 17.5% (3.86–4.6 GHz), respectively. The dual band can cover 3.3-3.6 GHz and 4.4-4.5 GHz for 5G bands proposed by China’s IMT propulsion group. Therefore, the proposed antenna can be widely used in wireless detection, transmission and communication. The isolation of low frequency band and high frequency band can reach above 26 dB and above 22 dB. The average gain is approximately 10.2 dBi in the low frequency band, but the other band is around 6.37 dBi. Compared with commonly used base station antennas, the proposed antenna has been dramatically improved in terms of size, bandwidth, and other electromagnetic properties.
Embracing mental health considerations for survivors in gender-based violence inquiries at UK universities
Authors: Mudra Rakshasa-Loots Arish
Published: December 2022

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a key area of concern hindering progress towards gender equality. Students at university are especially vulnerable to sexual assault and intimate partner violence, but the mental health effects of such violence (and of the burden of reporting) may not be considered during university investigations. This article provides an overview of the current guidelines for investigating GBV in university proceedings in the UK context and offers concrete recommendations to better account for mental health in such inquiries.
Distributed strain interrogation with a linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating based on an optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Li Le , Wang Yiping , Zhu Dan , Tian Xiaozhong , Shi Jingzhan , Gao Lingge , Xiao Yunhao
Published: December 2022

A novel distributed strain sensor method, to the best of our knowledge, based on a linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating (LCFBG), which can simultaneously determine the strain value and ascertain the position, is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Different from the traditional distributed grating interrogation system via analyzing the optical spectrum of an LCFBG, the system is mainly based on the frequency domain measurement by using an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) structure, which has the characteristics of fast response and high resolution. Based on this structure, when the distributed strain is applied to the LCFBG, the frequency response of the OEO for a reflective point of a certain wavelength will change. The strain value can be obtained by detecting the frequency shift of the OEO. Combined with the one-to-one correspondence between the wavelength and the spatial position of the LCFBG, the exact position of the strain point can be determined. In a proof-of-concept experiment, interrogation of fully distributed grating sensors with nonuniform strain distributions is demonstrated experimentally. A spatial resolution of

∼

3

µ

m

over a gauge length of 53 mm and a strain resolution of

<

1

µ
ε

have been achieved.
Full-scale optic designed for onsite study of damage growth at the Laser MegaJoule facility
Authors: Lacombe Chloé , Lamaignère Laurent , Hallo Guillaume , Sozet Martin , Donval Thierry , Razé Gérard , Ameil Christel , Benoit Mélusine , Gaudfrin Florian , Bordenave Edouard , Bonod Nicolas , Néauport Jérôme
Published: December 2022

Large fusion scale laser facilities aim at delivering megajoules laser energy in the UV spectrum and nanosecond regime. Due to the extreme laser energies, the laser damage of final optics of such beamlines is an important issue that must be addressed. Once a damage site initiates, it grows at each laser shot which decreases the quality of the optical component and spoil laser performances. Operation at full energy and power of such laser facilities requires a perfect control of damage kinetics and laser parameters. Monitoring damage kinetics involves onsite observation, understanding of damage growth process and prediction of growth features. Facilities are equipped with cameras dedicated to the monitoring of damage site growth. Here we propose to design and manufacture a dedicated full size optical component to study damage growth at increased energy, on the beamline, i.e. in the real environment of the optics on a large laser facility. Used for the first time in 2021, the growth statistics acquired by this approach at the Laser MegaJoule (LMJ) facility provides a new calibration point at a fluence less than 5 J cm−2 and a flat-in-time pulse of 3 ns.
Spin-orbit interactions of a circularly polarized vortex beam in paraxial propagation
Authors: Yin Xiaojin , Zhao Ziyue , Hao Pengqi , Li Jinhong
Published: December 2022

Spin-orbit interactions (SOIs) of circularly polarized beam and circularly polarized vortex beam during paraxial propagation in a radial gradient-index (GRIN) fiber are analyzed using the generalized Huygens–Fresnel principle and the GRIN fiber’s ABCD matrix. SAM is only associated with polarized light helicity and OAM is only associated with topological charge m. SAM and OAM do not crosstalk or convert between each other; SOIs did not occur at the GRIN fiber’s focal plane. SOIs of partially coherent circularly polarized beam and partially coherent circularly polarized vortex beam in the GRIN fiber are also studied and show the same characteristics as the perfectly polarized beam.
Simultaneous multi-plane imaging light-sheet fluorescence microscopy for simultaneously acquiring neuronal activity at varying depths
Authors: Jiao Zhenfei , Zhou Zhou , Chen Zhongyun , Xie Jinze , Mu Yu , Du Jiulin , Fu Ling
Published: December 2022

Acquiring the firing sequence of neurons located in varying depths with
cellular resolution is essential to understand the underlying
functional neural circuits of living animals. Light-sheet fluorescence
microscopy (LSFM) enables neuronal activities recording with high
temporal and spatial resolutions. However, constrained by the
single-plane illumination and detection configuration, neurons located
in varying depths are impossible to be recorded simultaneously. To
address this challenge, we develop the simultaneous multi-plane
imaging light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (SIMPLE-LSFM) by combining
multi-plane or region-of-interest illumination of a sample, and
spherical-aberration-assisted point spread function in detection space
for simultaneous imaging of different depth within a sample.
SIMPLE-LSFM is demonstrated by acquiring neuronal activities of six
depths simultaneously in the larval zebrafish; while keeping cellular
resolution, millimeter-scale field of view, and

>

100

H
z

temporal resolution. Firing sequences
of the neurons located in varying depths were successfully captured.
The SIMPLE light-sheet methods enable high-speed cellular-resolution
multi-depth-resolved mapping of anatomic structure and fast dynamics
in three dimensions.
Ethical implications of economic compensation for voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV prevention and epidemic control
Authors: Köhler Johannes , Singh Jerome Amir , Stuart Rennie , Samuelson Julia , Reis Andreas Alois
Published: December 2022

Despite tremendous efforts in fighting HIV over the last decades, the estimated annual number of new infections is still a staggering 1.5 million. There is evidence that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) provides protection against men’s heterosexual acquisition of HIV-1 infection. Despite good progress, most countries implementing VMMC for HIV prevention programmes are challenged to reach VMMC coverage rates of 90%. Particularly for men older than 25 years, a low uptake has been reported. Consequently, there is a need to identify, study and implement interventions that could increase the uptake of VMMC. Loss of income and incurred transportation costs have been reported as major barriers to uptake of VMMC. In response, it has been suggested to use economic compensation in order to increase VMMC uptake. In this discussion paper, we present and review relevant arguments and concerns to inform decision-makers about the ethical implications of using economic compensation, and to provide a comprehensive basis for policy and project-related discussions and decisions.
Identifying clusters of leprosy patients in India: A comparison of methods
Authors: Taal Anneke T. , Garg Akshat , Lisam Suchitra , Agarwal Ashok , Barreto Josafá G. , van Brakel Wim H. , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Blok David J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Preventive interventions with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are needed in leprosy high-endemic areas to interrupt the transmission of Mycobacterium leprae. Program managers intend to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to target preventive interventions considering efficient use of public health resources. Statistical GIS analyses are commonly used to identify clusters of disease without accounting for the local context. Therefore, we propose a contextualized spatial approach that includes expert consultation to identify clusters and compare it with a standard statistical approach.

Methodology/Principal findings

We included all leprosy patients registered from 2014 to 2020 at the Health Centers in Fatehpur and Chandauli districts, Uttar Pradesh State, India (n = 3,855). Our contextualized spatial approach included expert consultation determining criteria and definition for the identification of clusters using Density Based Spatial Clustering Algorithm with Noise, followed by creating cluster maps considering natural boundaries and the local context. We compared this approach with the commonly used Anselin Local Moran’s I statistic to identify high-risk villages. In the contextualized approach, 374 clusters were identified in Chandauli and 512 in Fatehpur. In total, 75% and 57% of all cases were captured by the identified clusters in Chandauli and Fatehpur, respectively. If 100 individuals per case were targeted for PEP, 33% and 11% of the total cluster population would receive PEP, respectively. In the statistical approach, more clusters in Chandauli and fewer clusters in Fatehpur (508 and 193) and lower proportions of cases in clusters (66% and 43%) were identified, and lower proportions of population targeted for PEP was calculated compared to the contextualized approach (11% and 11%).

Conclusion

A contextualized spatial approach could identify clusters in high-endemic districts more precisely than a standard statistical approach. Therefore, it can be a useful alternative to detect preventive intervention targets in high-endemic areas.
Clinical study of anti-snake venom blockade in the treatment of local tissue necrosis caused by Chinese cobra (Naja atra) bites
Authors: Zeng Linsheng , Hou Jingjing , Ge Cuihong , Li Yanjun , Gao Jianhua , Zhang Congcong , Huang Peiying , Du Jiayu , Mo Zhizhun , Liu Yuxiang , Zeng Zhongyi
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy of anti-snake venom serum blockade in treating local tissue necrosis caused by Chinese cobra (Naja atra)bites.

Methods

Patients bitten by a Chinese cobra (Naja atra)(n = 50) that met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 25) and the control group (n = 25). The experimental group received regular as well as anti-snake venom serum blocking treatment, whereas regular treatment plus chymotrypsin blocking therapy was given to the control group. The necrotic volumes around snake wounds in these groups were detected on the first, third and seventh days. On the third day of treatment, some local tissues in the wounds were randomly selected for pathological biopsy, and the necrosis volume of the local tissue was observed. Furthermore, the amount of time required for wound healing was recorded.

Results

On the third and seventh days post-treatment, the necrotic volume of the wound of the experimental group was much smaller than that of the control group, and the experimental group’s wound healing time was shorter than that of the control group (allp<0.05). Moreover, the pathological biopsies taken from the control group showed nuclear pyknosis, fragmentation, sparse nuclear density, and blurred edges, and the degree of necrosis was much higher than that of the experimental group.

Conclusions

Anti-snake venom blocking therapy is a new and improved therapy with good clinical effect on local tissue necrosis caused by Chinese cobra bites; moreover, it is superior to conventional chymotrypsin blocking therapy in the treatment of cobra bites. It can better neutralize and prevent the spread of the toxin, reduce tissue necrosis, and shorten the course of the disease by promoting healing of the wound. Furthermore, this treatment plan is also applicable to wound necrosis caused by other snake toxins, such as tissue necrosis caused by elapidae and viper families.

Clinical Trial Registration

This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, a primary registry of International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, World Health Organization (Registration No.ChiCTR2200059070; trial URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=134353&htm=4).
Diversification and historical demography of Rhampholeon spectrum in West-Central Africa
Authors: Tapondjou Nkonmeneck Walter Paulin , Allen Kaitlin E. , Hime Paul M. , Knipp Kristen N. , Kameni Marina M. , Tchassem Arnaud M. , Gonwouo LeGrand N. , Brown Rafe M.
Published: December 2022

Pygmy Chameleons of the genusRhampholeonrepresent a moderately diverse, geographically circumscribed radiation, with most species (18 out of 19 extant taxa) limited to East Africa. The one exception isRhampholeon spectrum, a species restricted to West-Central African rainforests. We set out to characterize the geographic basis of genetic variation in this disjunctly distributedRhampholeonspecies using a combination of multilocus Sanger data and genomic sequences to explore population structure and range-wide phylogeographic patterns. We also employed demographic analyses and niche modeling to distinguish between alternate explanations to contextualize the impact of past geological and climatic events on the present-day distribution of intraspecific genetic variation. Phylogenetic analyses suggest thatR.spectrumis a complex of five geographically delimited populations grouped into two major clades (montane vs. lowland). We found pronounced population structure suggesting that divergence and, potentially, speciation began between the late Miocene and the Pleistocene. Sea level changes during the Pleistocene climatic oscillations resulted in allopatric divergence associated with dispersal over an ocean channel barrier and colonization of Bioko Island. Demographic inferences and range stability mapping each support diversification models with secondary contact due to population contraction in lowland and montane refugia during the interglacial period. Allopatric divergence, congruent with isolation caused by geologic uplift of the East African rift system, the “descent into the Icehouse,” and aridification of sub-Saharan Africa during the Eocene-Oligocene are identified as the key events explaining the population divergence betweenR.spectrumand its closely related sister clade from the Eastern Arc Mountains. Our results unveil cryptic genetic diversity inR.spectrum, suggesting the possibility of a species complex distributed across the Lower Guinean Forest and the Island of Bioko. We highlight the major element of species diversification that modelled today’s diversity and distributions in most West-Central African vertebrates.
An efficient class of estimators for finite population mean in the presence of non-response under ranked set sampling (RSS)
Authors: Rehman Syed Abdul , Shabbir Javid
Published: December 2022

In this study, we address the problem of estimating the finite population mean when the non-response occurs on the characteristics under study. We propose a class of Rao-regression type estimators when ranked set sampling (RSS) procedure is used to collect the data from non-response group only and from both, the response and non-response groups. The information provided on the auxiliary variable is used at both stages i.e., at designing stage and the estimation stage. Expressions for bias and mean square error of the estimators are obtained up to first order of approximation. A comprehensive simulation study is carried out to observe the performances of the estimators under non-response.