bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lidar signal processing method for atmospheric coherence length measurement based on the WD-ADMF
Authors: Zhou Hui , Xie Chenbo , Hu Yalin , Shen Fahua , Xing Kunming , Wang Bangxin , Wang Yingjian
Published: April 2024

A denoising method applied to atmospheric coherent length lidar is proposed. Wavelet decomposition (WD) and the adaptive median filter (ADMF) are combined in this method. In this research, the effectiveness of the WD-ADMF has been verified through simulation and measurement. The results show that this filter algorithm, when applied to lidar data, improves the average peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and centroid error while maintaining data integrity such that the measurement of coherence length or the inference of C
n
2 from coherence length more closely matches simulated truth and measured data.
Temperature effects in narrow-linewidth optical cavity control with a surrogate quasi-second-harmonic field
Authors: Wei Li-Wei , Põld Jan Hendrik , Schmelzer Dennis , Karan Kanioar , Willke Benno
Published: April 2024

Fabry–Perot cavities are widely used in precision interferometric applications. Various techniques have been developed to achieve the resonance condition via the direct interrogation of the cavity with the main laser field of interest. Some use cases, however, require a surrogate field for cavity control. In this study, we construct a bichromatic cavity to study the surrogate control approach, where the main and the surrogate fields are related by the second-harmonic generation with nonlinear optics. We experimentally verify the temperature dependence of the differential reflection phase of a dielectric coating design optimized for the surrogate control approach of the optical cavities of the light-shining-through-a-wall experiment Any Light Particle Search II and develop a comprehensive cavity model for quasi-second-harmonic resonances that considers also other important factors, such as the Gouy phase shift, for a detailed analysis of the surrogate control approach.
Compact, Efficient Light Engines for AR Wearables
Authors: Patel Kripa , Prakash Rohit , Eash Aaron , Tang Edward
Published: April 2024

Lightweight, compact and efficient light engines are a key enabler towards glasses form factor AR wearables. Avegant's LCOS-based engines achieve the smallest footprint in the industry through innovative illumination optics, polarization management and imaging design.
End-to-End Simulation in the Design of Advanced AR / VR Headsets
Authors: Gangadhara Sanjay
Published: April 2024

Multiphysics, system-level simulation combining optical and mechanical design enables human vision analysis of what end users will see when wearing an AR / VR headset and is critical to developing advanced headsets at scale.
Computational Imaging with Randomness
Authors: Horisaki Ryoichi
Published: April 2024

I will present our recent research efforts in computational imaging with randomness and scattering, mainly focusing on light control applications like displays.
Eyebox Expansion and Vision Correction for Varifocal Near-Eye-Display Using Two Dimensional Retro-Reflection
Authors: Park Jae-Hyeung , Han Jiyun , Han Woongseob
Published: April 2024

Varifocal optics usually sacrifice the aperture size for faster operation speed, which results in small eyebox in a NED configuration. We introduce a technique to expand the eyebox of a varifocal NED using a two-dimensional retro-reflector. Vision correction is also demonstrated in the proposed system.
Quantum Imaging with Nonlinear Interfereometers
Authors: Fuenzalida Jorge , Töpfer Sebastian , Tovar Sergio , Gräfe Markus
Published: April 2024

Nonlinear interferometers enable quantum imaging with undetected light. Samples can be probed with light that is not detected at all. Instead, its quantum correlated partner light is recorded. This opens new perspectives for biomedical sensing.
Engineering, Understanding and Measuring Thermal Radiation
Authors: Kats Mikhail
Published: April 2024

We will discuss our research across these areas, including the demonstration of temperature- dependent emissivity, high-speed control of thermal radiation, water condensation and thermoregulation, and new measurement techniques.
Organic LEDs as a Platform Technology for Photonic Bioimplants
Authors: Gather Malte
Published: April 2024

Micrometre-sized organic LEDs are integrated on CMOS backplanes shaped into sharp needles. The resulting probes allow deep tissue light-delivery and can selectively activate individual neurons with millisecond precision in mice in vivo.
Data-Driven Photography
Authors: Zhang Cecilia
Published: April 2024

This talk is about the importance of training and inference data for photography applications - how additional input observations can be harnessed and reinforced with generic data priors from ML models trained on large-scale datasets.
The Era of Custom Diffractive Optics with Same Day Delivery
Authors: Tabiryan Nelson , Slagle Jonathan , McConney Michael , Bunning Timothy , Roberts David
Published: April 2024

Technology of geometrical phase optics has been matured to enable customization and fabrication even in large aperture sizes within minutes enhancing development efficiency of novel optical systems. It is also the most environmentally friendly optics technology requiring only milligrams of material per square inches.
Learned Optics — Improving Computational Imaging Systems through Deep Learning and Optimization
Authors: Heidrich Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Abstract not available.
Deep-Learning as a Design Tool in Localization Microscopy
Authors: Shechtman Yoav
Published: April 2024

I will discuss deep learning as a tool for optical system design in cases where traditional design metrics are elusive, focusing on point-spread function engineering for localization microscopy. Super-resolution using DL will also be discussed.
Integrated Nonlinear Photonics Lasers and Frequency Combs for Quantum Technologies
Authors: Srinivasan Kartik
Published: April 2024

We present the development of silicon nitride microresonators for creating broad bandwidth frequency combs and continuous wave lasers across the visible and near-infrared, targeting quantum technologies such as optical atomic clocks and other quantum sensors.
Visible Difference Predictors: A Class of Metrics Based on Perception Science
Authors: Chapiro Alexandre
Published: April 2024

The Visible Difference Predictors are data driven, white-box, and efficiently implemented metrics. They model important aspects of perception like spatial and temporal vision, foveation, and more, and are calibrated on datasets relevant for engineering purposes.
Macroscale Nonlinear Gigascope for Rapid Fresh Pathology
Authors: Borah Bhaskar , Sun Chi-Kuang
Published: April 2024

For rapid surgical pathology, a macroscale nonlinear gigascope was developed with a realtime artifact-compensated large-field mosaic-stitching approach, allowing streamlined “block-to-image” high throughput fresh digital pathology of H&E-stained specimens through optical sectioning.
Practical Machine Learning for Multi-Scale Optical Design
Authors: Latawiec Pawel , Forouzmand Ali , Salary Mohammad Mahdi
Published: April 2024

The tooling available to optical system designers has advanced light years beyond first-order optics and raytracing, but these techniques have not fallen by the wayside. We discuss the practical synthesis of proven methods with cutting-edge machine learning models to tackle problems in meta-optic design, tolerancing, and yield analysis as relevant to industry.
Silicon Photonics for AI Computing and Communication
Authors: Rosenberg Jessie
Published: April 2024

We will present recent developments in silicon photonics for AI workloads. Photonic analog compute systems accelerate matrix multiplication operations, while highly scaled photonic interconnects improve memory bandwidth and enable larger and more flexible networks.
Supply Chain, Compact Combs and Lasers
Authors: Davis Scott
Published: April 2024

Abstract not available.
Quantum Theme Invited Speaker: Title to be Announced
Authors: Roeloffzen Chris
Published: April 2024

Abstract not available.
3D Snapshot Microscopy Enabled by End-to-End Optimization of a Programmable Microscope and FourierNets
Authors: Turaga Srini
Published: April 2024

A new neural network architecture and differentiable wave optics simulation framework for end-to-end optimization of a programmable microscope. In simulations, programmable microscopy can optimize 3D snapshot imaging in a sample and ROI specific manner.
Towards Wearable Adaptive Optics for Vision
Authors: Artal Pablo
Published: April 2024

Adaptive optics is a technology used in the last decades in vision and ophthalmology. I will present a historical perspective of the field with emphasis in the current efforts to develop wearable devices for both vision testing and correction.
Art as Evidence: Uncovering the Past Through the Scientific Analysis of Works of Art
Authors: Trentelman Karen
Published: April 2024

The scientific analysis of works of art is carried out to answer questions related to artist’s technique, provenance, historic technologies, and material properties. Utilizing primarily non-invasive imaging and spectroscopic techniques, studies on objects ranging from mummies to Medieval manuscripts to paintings by masters such as Rembrandt and van Gogh will be presented.
Laboratory study of aberration calculation in underwater turbulence using Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and Zernike polynomials
Authors: Aghajani Amir , Kashani Fatemeh Dabbagh , Yousefi Masoud
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a laboratory study of the aberrations calculation in underwater turbulence using the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. The wavefront decomposition method and Zernike polynomials determine the aberration parameters. In our experimental setup, the turbulent phase screen generator is located in two locations: near the transmitter and therefore far from the receiver, and near the receiver and consequently far from the transmitter. Additionally, we investigate the impact of aperture diameter on turbulence-induced aberrations in the optical receiver system. However, it is essential to note that the coefficients of Zernike polynomials obtained using this method are subject to errors caused by receiver sensor noise and correlation between the polynomials. To address this, we first calculate the coefficients in different arrangements and then correct measurement errors arising from sensor noise and polynomial coefficient correlation.
Optimizing strategies for slowing the spread of invasive species
Authors: Lampert Adam
Published: April 2024

Invasive species are spreading worldwide, causing damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, and human health. A major question is, therefore, how to distribute treatment efforts cost-effectively across space and time to prevent or slow the spread of invasive species. However, finding optimal control strategies for the complex spatial-temporal dynamics of populations is complicated and requires novel methodologies. Here, we develop a novel algorithm that can be applied to various population models. The algorithm finds the optimal spatial distribution of treatment efforts and the optimal propagation speed of the target species. We apply the algorithm to examine how the results depend on the species’ demography and response to the treatment method. In particular, we analyze (1) a generic model and (2) a detailed model for the management of the spongy moth in North America to slow its spread via mating disruption. We show that, when utilizing optimization approaches to contain invasive species, significant improvements can be made in terms of cost-efficiency. The methodology developed here offers a much-needed tool for further examination of optimal strategies for additional cases of interest.
Deep learning workflow to support in-flight processing of digital aerial imagery for wildlife population surveys
Authors: Ke Tsung-Wei , Yu Stella X. , Koneff Mark D. , Fronczak David L. , Fara Luke J. , Harrison Travis J. , Landolt Kyle L. , Hlavacek Enrika J. , Lubinski Brian R. , White Timothy P.
Published: April 2024

Deep learning shows promise for automating detection and classification of wildlife from digital aerial imagery to support cost-efficient remote sensing solutions for wildlife population monitoring. To support in-flight orthorectification and machine learning processing to detect and classify wildlife from imagery in near real-time, we evaluated deep learning methods that address hardware limitations and the need for processing efficiencies to support the envisioned in-flight workflow. We developed an annotated dataset for a suite of marine birds from high-resolution digital aerial imagery collected over open water environments to train the models. The proposed 3-stage workflow for automated, in-flight data processing includes: 1) image filtering based on the probability of any bird occurrence, 2) bird instance detection, and 3) bird instance classification. For image filtering, we compared the performance of a binary classifier with Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN) as a means of sub-setting large volumes of imagery based on the probability of at least one bird occurrence in an image. On both the validation and test datasets, the binary classifier achieved higher performance than Mask R-CNN for predicting bird occurrence at the image-level. We recommend the binary classifier over Mask R-CNN for workflow first-stage filtering. For bird instance detection, we leveraged Mask R-CNN as our detection framework and proposed an iterative refinement method to bootstrap our predicted detections from loose ground-truth annotations. We also discuss future work to address the taxonomic classification phase of the envisioned workflow.
Enhancing radioprotection: A chitosan-based chelating polymer is a versatile radioprotective agent for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against radionuclide contamination
Authors: Durand Arthur , Borisova Tatiana , Lux François , Howard Jordyn A. , Tillement Augustin , Kuznietsova Halyna , Dziubenko Natalia , Lysenko Vladimir , David Laurent , Morel Daphné , Berbeco Ross , Komisarenko Serhiy , Tillement Olivier , Deutsch Eric
Published: April 2024

To mitigate the risk of radioactive isotope dissemination, the development of preventative and curative measures is of particular interest. For mass treatment, the developed solution must be easily administered, preferably orally, with effective, nontoxic decorporating properties against a wide range of radioactive isotopes. Currently, most orally administered chelation therapy products are quickly absorbed into the blood circulation, where chelation of the radioactive isotope is a race against time due to the short circulation half-life of the therapeutic. This report presents an alternative therapeutic approach by using a functionalized chitosan (chitosan@DOTAGA) with chelating properties that remains within the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated in feces, that can protect against ingested radioactive isotopes. The polymer shows important in vitro chelation properties towards different metallic cations of importance, including (Cs(I), Ir(III), Th(IV), Tl(I), Sr(II), U(VI) and Co(II)), at different pH (from 1 to 7) representing the different environments in the gastrointestinal tract. An in vivo proof of concept is presented on a rodent model of uranium contamination following an oral administration of Chitosan@DOTAGA. The polymer partially prevents the accumulation of uranium within the kidneys (providing a protective effect) and completely prevents its uptake by the spleen.
The effect on income of providing near vision correction to workers in Bangladesh: The THRIVE (Tradespeople and Hand-workers Rural Initiative for a Vision-enhanced Economy) randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sehrin Farzana , Jin Ling , Naher Kamrun , Das Narayan Chandra , Chan Ving Fan , Li Dong Feng , Bergson Susan , Gudwin Ella , Clarke Mike , Stephan Tai , Congdon Nathan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Presbyopia, the leading cause of vision impairment globally, is common during working years. However, no trials have assessed presbyopia’s impact on income.

Methods

In April 2017, we conducted a census among 59 Bangladesh villages to identify persons aged 35 to 65 years with presbyopia (presenting distance vision > = 6/12 bilaterally and correctable inability to see 6/13 at 40 cm with both eyes), who never had owned glasses. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive immediate free reading glasses (intervention) or glasses delivered 8 months later (control). Visual demand of different jobs was stratified into three levels. Outcomes were between-group differences in the 8 month change in: self-reported monthly income (primary) and Near Vision Related Quality of Life (NVRQOL, secondary).

Results

Among 10,884 census participants, 3,655 (33.6%) met vision criteria and 863 (23.6%) comprised a sample enriched for near vision-intensive jobs, but 39 (4.52%) could not be reached. All participants allocated to intervention (n = 423, 51.3%) and control (n = 401, 48.7%) received the appropriate intervention, and follow-up was available for 93.4% and 96.8% respectively. Groups were similar at baseline in all characteristics: mean age was 47 years, 50% were male, 35% literate, and about half engaged in "most near vision-intensive" occupations. Glasses wear at 8-month follow-up was 88.3% and 7.81% in intervention and control respectively. At baseline, both the intervention and control groups had a self-reported median monthly income of US$35.3. At endline, the median income for the intervention group was US$47.1 compared with US$35.3 for control, a difference of 33.4%. Predictors of greater income increase in multivariate models included intervention group allocation (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12, 1.88, P = 0.005), male sex (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.84, 3.16, P <0.001), and not engaging in income-producing work at baseline (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.69, 3.26, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Provision of reading glasses increases income in near vision-intensive occupations, and may facilitate return to work for those currently unemployed.
The effects of Urban Identity on Entrepreneurial Choice
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Feng Haifang , Zhang Tiantian
Published: April 2024

This study investigate how the Urban identity(UI) influence the entrepreneurial choice of the migrants. Drawing on the identity economics theory in combination with microscopic perspective on entrepreneurship, we conclude that the UI increases the odds of self-employment of the migrants by 19.91% after solving endogenous problem in our sample of 126385 individuals from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey. We test the moderating effect of medical insurance and find that the interaction coefficient is positive. This study further reveals that the expanding social networks, improving urban integration, and increasing income are the three main mechanisms through which the UI influences the entrepreneurial choice of the migrants. So, we derive results consistent with our hypotheses. The findings have implications for both the entrepreneurship and national policy literature.
Maternal outcomes of planned mode of delivery for term breech in nulliparous women
Authors: Caning Malene Mie , Rasmussen Steen Christian , Krebs Lone
Published: April 2024

Objective

To estimate short- and long-term maternal complications in relation to planned mode of term breech delivery in first pregnancy.

Design

Register-based cohort study

Setting

Denmark

Population

Nulliparous women with singleton breech delivery at term between 1991 and 2018 (n = 30,778).

Methods

We used data from the Danish national health registries to identify nulliparous women with singleton breech presentation at term and their subsequent pregnancies. We performed logistic regression to compare the risks of maternal complications by planned mode of delivery. All data were proceeded and statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA).

Main outcome measures

Postpartum hemorrhage, operative complications, puerperal infections in first pregnancy and uterine rupture, placenta previa, post-partum hemorrhage, hysterectomy and stillbirth in the subsequent two pregnancies.

Results

We identified 19,187 with planned cesarean and 9,681 with planned vaginal breech delivery of which 2,970 (30.7%) delivered vaginally. Planned cesarean significantly reduced the risk of postoperative infections (2.4% vs 3.9% adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.54 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.66) and surgical organ lesions (0.06% vs 0.1%; (aOR): 0.29 95% CI 0.11–0.76) compared to planned vaginal breech delivery. Planned cesarean delivery in the first pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of uterine rupture in the subsequent pregnancies but not with risk of postpartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, hysterectomy, or stillbirth.

Conclusion

Compared to planned vaginal breech delivery at term, nulliparous women with planned cesarean breech delivery have a significantly reduced risk of postoperative complications but a higher risk of uterine rupture in their subsequent pregnancies.
Osteohistological insight into the growth dynamics of early dinosaurs and their contemporaries
Authors: Curry Rogers Kristina , Martínez Ricardo N. , Colombi Carina , Rogers Raymond R. , Alcober Oscar
Published: April 2024

Dinosauria debuted on Earth’s stage in the aftermath of the Permo-Triassic Mass Extinction Event, and survived two other Triassic extinction intervals to eventually dominate terrestrial ecosystems. More than 231 million years ago, in the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of west-central Argentina, dinosaurs were just getting warmed up. At this time, dinosaurs represented a minor fraction of ecosystem diversity. Members of other tetrapod clades, including synapsids and pseudosuchians, shared convergently evolved features related to locomotion, feeding, respiration, and metabolism and could have risen to later dominance. However, it was Dinosauria that radiated in the later Mesozoic most significantly in terms of body size, diversity, and global distribution. Elevated growth rates are one of the adaptations that set later Mesozoic dinosaurs apart, particularly from their contemporary crocodilian and mammalian compatriots. When did the elevated growth rates of dinosaurs first evolve? How did the growth strategies of the earliest known dinosaurs compare with those of other tetrapods in their ecosystems? We studied femoral bone histology of an array of early dinosaurs alongside that of non-dinosaurian contemporaries from the Ischigualasto Formation in order to test whether the oldest known dinosaurs exhibited novel growth strategies. Our results indicate that the Ischigualasto vertebrate fauna collectively exhibits relatively high growth rates. Dinosaurs are among the fastest growing taxa in the sample, but they occupied this niche alongside crocodylomorphs, archosauriformes, and large-bodied pseudosuchians. Interestingly, these dinosaurs grew at least as quickly, but more continuously than sauropodomorph and theropod dinosaurs of the later Mesozoic. These data suggest that, while elevated growth rates were ancestral for Dinosauria and likely played a significant role in dinosaurs’ ascent within Mesozoic ecosystems, they did not set them apart from their contemporaries.
Social media does not elicit a physiological stress response as measured by heart rate and salivary cortisol over 20-minute sessions of cell phone use
Authors: Oppenheimer Suzanne , Bond Laura , Smith Charity
Published: April 2024

The pervasive use of social media has raised concerns about its potential detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Others have demonstrated a relationship between social media use and anxiety, depression, and psychosocial stress. In light of these studies, we examined physiological indicators of stress (heart rate to measure autonomic nervous system activation and cortisol to assess activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) associated with social media use and investigated possible moderating influences of sex, age, and psychological parameters. We collected physiological data from 59 subjects ranging in age from 13 to 55 across two cell phone treatments: social media use and a pre-selected YouTube playlist. Heart rate was measured using arm-band heart rate monitors before and during cell phone treatments, and saliva was collected for later cortisol analysis (by enzyme immunoassay) before and after each of the two cell phone treatments. To disentangle the effects of cell phone treatment from order of treatment, we used a crossover design in which participants were randomized to treatment order. Our study uncovered a significant period effect suggesting that both heart rate and cortisol decreased over the duration of our experiment, irrespective of the type of cell phone activity or the order of treatments. There was no indication that age, sex, habits of social media use, or psychometric parameters moderated the physiological response to cell phone activities. Our data suggest that 20-minute bouts of social media use or YouTube viewing do not elicit a physiological stress response.
Sjögren’s syndrome and Parkinson’s Disease: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Xin , Jin Zexu , Zhang Shaoqin , Liu Jiajun , Jiang Zong , Tang Fang , Lan Tianzuo
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous observational studies have reported an association between Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, the causal relationship between these conditions remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the causal impact of SS on the risk of developing PD, utilizing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

We conducted a bidirectional MR analysis using publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. The primary analysis utilized the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. Complementary methods, such as MR-Egger regression, weighted mode, weighted median, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), were utilized to identify and correct for the presence of horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

The IVW MR analysis revealed no significant association between SS and PD (IVW: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.94–1.07, P = 0.95). Likewise, the reverse MR analysis did not identify any significant causal relationship between PD and SS (IVW: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.85–1.12, P = 0.73). The results from MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode approaches were consistent with the IVW method. Sensitivity analyses suggested that horizontal pleiotropy is unlikely to introduce bias to the causal estimates.

Conclusion

This study does not provide evidence to support the assertion that SS has a conclusive impact on the risk of PD, which contradicts numerous existing observational reports. Further investigation is necessary to determine the possible mechanisms behind the associations observed in these observational studies.
Shepherding the past: High-resolution data on Neolithic Southern Iberian livestock management at Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Málaga)
Authors: Sierra Alejandro , Navarrete Vanessa , Alcàntara Roger , Camalich María Dolores , Martín-Socas Dimas , Fiorillo Denis , McGrath Krista , Saña Maria
Published: April 2024

The feeding strategies of the first domesticated herds had to manage the risks arising from the novelty of livestock practices in territories often distant from the animals’ primary habitats. The Iberian Peninsula is characterised by a great diversity of environments, which undoubtedly influenced these dynamics. At the beginning of the Neolithic period these led the possibility to combine diverse livestock farming practices based on different animal feeding habits. This variability is also consistent with the rythms of adoption of domesticated animals, being later on the northern area. In order to address this issue, this work focuses on the dietary regimes of early sheep herds from southern Iberia, an area for which information is currently scarce. This study utilises high-resolution radiocarbon dating and stable isotope data on teeth to investigate sheep husbandry management strategies in Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Málaga). The radiocarbon dates on the analysed remains evidenced they were deposited at the site over a short period, supporting the recurrent use of the cave. The sequential analysis of oxygen and carbon isotopes in tooth enamel reveals distinct livestock management strategies, reproduction patterns, feeding habits, and mobility during this short period. This variability demonstrates that livestock management practices in the western Mediterranean are more diverse than previously considered. Furthermore, these findings support the hypothesis that early Neolithic communities in the southern Iberian Peninsula were able to adopt different feeding strategies within the same herd, depending on their ecological and productive needs.
Mind to move: Differences in running biomechanics between sensing and intuition shod runners
Authors: Gindre Cyrille , Patoz Aurélien , Breine Bastiaan , Lussiana Thibault
Published: April 2024

Delving into the complexities of embodied cognition unveils the intertwined influence of mind, body, and environment. The connection of physical activity with cognition sparks a hypothesis linking motion and personality traits. Hence, this study explored whether personality traits could be linked to biomechanical variables characterizing running forms. To do so, 80 runners completed three randomized 50-m running-trials at 3.3, 4.2, and 5m/s during which their running biomechanics [ground contact time (tc), flight time (tf), duty factor (DF), step frequency (SF), leg stiffness (kleg), maximal vertical ground reaction force (Fmax), and maximal leg compression of the spring during stance (ΔL)] was evaluated. In addition, participants’ personality traits were assessed through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test. The MBTI classifies personality traits into one of two possible categories along four axes: extraversion-introversion; sensing-intuition; thinking-feeling; and judging-perceiving. This exploratory study offers compelling evidence that personality traits, specifically sensing and intuition, are associated with distinct running biomechanics. Individuals classified as sensing demonstrated a more grounded running style characterized by prolonged tc, shorter tf, higher DF, and greater ΔL compared to intuition individuals (p≤0.02). Conversely, intuition runners exhibited a more dynamic and elastic running style with a shorter tc and higher kleg than their sensing counterparts (p≤0.02). Post-hoc tests revealed a significant difference in tc between intuition and sensing runners at all speeds (p≤0.02). According to the definition of each category provided by the MBTI, sensing individuals tend to focus on concrete facts and physical realities while intuition individuals emphasize abstract concepts and patterns of information. These results suggest that runners with sensing and intuition personality traits differ in their ability to use their lower limb structures as springs. Intuition runners appeared to rely more in the stretch-shortening cycle to energetically optimize their running style while sensing runners seemed to optimize running economy by promoting more forward progression than vertical oscillations. This study underscores the intriguing interplay between personality traits of individuals and their preferred movement patterns.
Does working capital management improve financial performance in China’s agri-food sector during COVID-19? A comparison with the 2008 financial crisis
Authors: Liu Lujing , Zhou Xiaoning , Xu Jian
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to explore the impact of working capital management on firms’ financial performance in China’s agri-food sector from 2006 to 2021. In addition, we analyze whether this impact is the same during the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 crisis. Working capital management is measured by working capital investment policy (measured by current assets to total assets ratio), working capital financing policy (measured by current liabilities to total assets ratio), cash conversion cycle, and net working capital ratio. The results reveal that current assets to total assets ratio and net working capital ratio positively influence financial performance measured through return on assets (ROA), while current liabilities to total assets ratio and cash conversion cycle negatively influence ROA. We also find that the relationship between working capital management and financial performance is more affected during COVID-19 than in the 2008 financial crisis. The findings might provide important implications for company managers to make optimal working capital management practices, depending on the economic environment.
How our longitudinal employment patterns might shape our health as we approach middle adulthood—US NLSY79 cohort
Authors: Han Wen-Jui
Published: April 2024

Recent labor market transformations brought on by digital and technological advances, together with the rise of the service economy since the 1980s, have subjected more workers to precarious conditions, such as irregular work hours and low or unpredictable wages, threatening their economic well-being and health. This study advances our understanding of the critical role employment plays in our health by examining how employment patterns throughout our working lives, based on work schedules, may shape our health at age 50, paying particular attention to the moderating role of social position. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 (NLSY79), which has collected 30+ years of longitudinal information, was used to examine how employment patterns starting at ages 22 (n ≈ 7,336) might be associated with sleep hours and quality, physical and mental functions, and the likelihood of reporting poor health and depressive symptoms at age 50. Sequence analysis found five dominant employment patterns between ages 22 and 49: “mostly not working” (10%), “early standard hours before transitioning into mostly variable hours” (12%), “early standard hours before transitioning into volatile schedules” (early ST-volatile, 17%), “mostly standard hours with some variable hours” (35%), and “stable standard hours” (26%). The multiple regression analyses indicate that having the “early ST-volatile” schedule pattern between ages 22 and 49 was consistently, significantly associated with the poorest health, including the fewest hours of sleep per day, the lowest sleep quality, the lowest physical and mental functions, and the highest likelihood of reporting poor health and depressive symptoms at age 50. In addition, social position plays a significant role in these adverse health consequences. For example, whereas non-Hispanic White women reported the most hours of sleep and non-Hispanic Black men reported the fewest, the opposite was true for sleep quality. In addition, non-Hispanic Black men with less than a high school education had the highest likelihood of reporting poor health at age 50 if they engaged in an employment pattern of “early ST-volatile” between ages 22 and 49. In comparison, non-Hispanic White men with a college degree or above education had the lowest likelihood of reporting poor health if they engaged in an employment pattern of stable standard hours. This analysis underscores the critical role of employment patterns in shaping our daily routines, which matter to sleep and physical and mental health as we approach middle adulthood. Notably, the groups with relatively disadvantaged social positions are also likely to be subject to nonstandard work schedules, including non-Hispanic Blacks and people with low education; hence, they were more likely than others to shoulder the harmful links between nonstandard work schedules and sleep and health, worsening their probability of maintaining and nurturing their health as they approach middle adulthood.
AP39, a novel mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating the AMPK/UCP2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Yangxue , Liu Ning , Liu Bin
Published: April 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum, highly effective antitumor agent; however, its cardiotoxicity has greatly limited its use. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous transmitter that exerts cardioprotective effects via the regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis and maintenance of mitochondrial function, among other mechanisms. AP39 is a novel mitochondria-targeted H2S donor that, at appropriate concentrations, attenuates intracellular oxidative stress damage, maintains mitochondrial function, and ameliorates cardiomyocyte injury. In this study, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity models were established using H9c2 cells and Sprague–Dawley rats to evaluate the protective effect of AP39 and its mechanisms of action. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that DOX induces oxidative stress injury, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage in cardiomyocytes and decreases the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK and UCP2. All DOX-induced changes were attenuated by AP39 treatment. Furthermore, the protective effect of AP39 was significantly attenuated by the inhibition of AMPK and UCP2. The results suggest that AP39 ameliorates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating the expression of AMPK/UCP2.
Experiences of integrating a psychological intervention into a youth-led empowerment program targeting out-of-school adolescents, in urban informal settlements in Kenya: A qualitative study
Authors: Kangwana Beth , Mutahi Joan , Kumar Manasi
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are the leading causes of illness and disability in adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of integrating mental health services into a youth-led community-based intervention targeting out-of-school adolescents, residing in Kariobangi and Rhonda informal settlements in Kenya.

Method

Youth mentors were trained on the Bridging the Gaps (BTG) curriculum that integrated a modified version of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Problem Management Plus (PM+) psychological intervention into a sexual health, life-skills and financial education curriculum. Community lay mentors facilitated 72 weekly group sessions for 469 adolescent boys and girls, augmented with five enhanced one-on-one treatment sessions for those displaying signs of psychological distress. Adolescents displaying severe signs of psychological distress were referred directly to a primary health facility or connected to specialist services. A qualitative survey took place between February and March 2022, around four months before the end of the program. In-depth interviews were carried out with 44 adolescents, 7 partners, 19 parents and 11 stakeholders. Four focus group discussions were carried out with 17 mentors. Respondents were purposively selected to be interviewed based on their level of exposure to the intervention and ability to provide in-depth experiences. Themes focused on the program’s perceived effectiveness, ability to develop the capacity of lay mentors to address mental health issues, and increased access to mental health services.

Results

Adolescents reported that the intervention was able to improve their confidence in speaking up about their problems, equip them with essential first-aid skills to manage and treat anxiety or mild depression, provide them access to free one-on-one psychological help sessions, and increase their social network. Mentors were able to adhere to the core principles of psychological intervention delivery, providing preventative and treatment-focused psychosocial services. Furthermore, parents reported experiencing improved adolescent receptivity to parental suggestions or advice leading to improved parent-adolescent relationships. Mentors referred adolescents for a variety of reasons including severe mental illness, rape, and alcohol and substance use however, the high cost of transport was the main barrier limiting adolescents from following through with their referrals.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that integration of mental health services into community-based interventions is feasible and has benefits for adolescents, parents, and mentors.
A genetic atlas for the butterflies of continental Canada and United States
Authors: D’Ercole Jacopo , Dapporto Leonardo , Opler Paul , Schmidt Christian B. , Ho Chris , Menchetti Mattia , Zakharov Evgeny V. , Burns John M. , Hebert Paul D. N.
Published: April 2024

Multi-locus genetic data for phylogeographic studies is generally limited in geographic and taxonomic scope as most studies only examine a few related species. The strong adoption of DNA barcoding has generated large datasets of mtDNA COI sequences. This work examines the butterfly fauna of Canada and United States based on 13,236 COI barcode records derived from 619 species. It compiles i) geographic maps depicting the spatial distribution of haplotypes, ii) haplotype networks (minimum spanning trees), and iii) standard indices of genetic diversity such as nucleotide diversity (π), haplotype richness (H), and a measure of spatial genetic structure (GST). High intraspecific genetic diversity and marked spatial structure were observed in the northwestern and southern North America, as well as in proximity to mountain chains. While species generally displayed concordance between genetic diversity and spatial structure, some revealed incongruence between these two metrics. Interestingly, most species falling in this category shared their barcode sequences with one at least other species. Aside from revealing large-scale phylogeographic patterns and shedding light on the processes underlying these patterns, this work also exposed cases of potential synonymy and hybridization.
Infection kinetics, syncytia formation, and inflammatory biomarkers as predictive indicators for the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Calu-3 cells
Authors: Purwono Priyo Budi , Vacharathit Vimvara , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Ludowyke Natali , Suksatu Ampa , Thitithanyanont Arunee
Published: April 2024

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants as a result of continued host-virus interaction and viral genome mutations. These variants have been associated with varying levels of transmissibility and disease severity. We investigated the phenotypic profiles of six SARS-CoV-2 variants (WT, D614G, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron) in Calu-3 cells, a human lung epithelial cell line. In our model demonstrated that all variants, except for Omicron, had higher efficiency in virus entry compared to the wild-type. The Delta variant had the greatest phenotypic advantage in terms of early infection kinetics and marked syncytia formation, which could facilitate cell-to-cell spreading, while the Omicron variant displayed slower replication and fewer syncytia formation. We also identified the Delta variant as the strongest inducer of inflammatory biomarkers, including pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IP-10/CXCL10, TNF-α, and IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1RA), and growth factors (FGF-2 and VEGF-A), while these inflammatory mediators were not significantly elevated with Omicron infection. These findings are consistent with the observations that there was a generally more pronounced inflammatory response and angiogenesis activity within the lungs of COVID-19 patients as well as more severe symptoms and higher mortality rate during the Delta wave, as compared to less severe symptoms and lower mortality observed during the current Omicron wave in Thailand. Our findings suggest that early infectivity kinetics, enhanced syncytia formation, and specific inflammatory mediator production may serve as predictive indicators for the virulence potential of future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Comparing psychological versus pharmacological treatment in emotional disorders: A network analysis
Authors: Jurado-González Francisco , García-Torres Francisco , Contreras Alba , Muñoz-Navarro Roger , González-Blanch César , Adrián Medrano Leonardo , Ruiz-Rodríguez Paloma , Moreno Eliana M. , Pérez-Dueñas Carolina , Cano-Vindel Antonio , Moriana Juan A.
Published: April 2024

Transdiagnostic group cognitive behavioural therapy (TD-GCBT) is more effective in improving symptoms and severity of emotional disorders (EDs) than treatment as usual (TAU; usually pharmacological treatment). However, there is little research that has examined the effects of these treatments on specific symptoms. This study used Network Intervention Analysis (NIA) to investigate the direct and differential effects of TD-GCBT + TAU and TAU on specific symptoms of anxiety and depression. Data are from a multicentre randomised clinical trial (N = 1061) comparing TD-GCBT + TAU versus TAU alone for EDs. The networks included items from the PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) questionnaire and mixed graphical models were estimated at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Results revealed that TD-GCBT + TAU was associated with direct effects, mainly on several anxiety symptoms and depressed mood after treatment. New direct effects on other depressive symptoms emerged during the follow-up period promoted by TD-GCBT compared to TAU. Our results suggest that the improvement of anxiety symptoms after treatment might precipitate a wave of changes that favour a decrease in depressive symptomatology. NIA is a methodology that can provide fine-grained insight into the likely pathways through which treatments exert their effects.
Spatial and temporal differences and convergence analysis of multidimensional relative poverty in ethnic areas
Authors: Cheng Jing , Yu Xiaobin
Published: April 2024

Reducing multidimensional relative poverty is one of the important issues in the current global poverty governance field. This article takes 12 ethnic regions in China as the research object and constructs a multidimensional relative poverty measurement system. The calculated multidimensional relative poverty index is decomposed according to provinces, cities, dimensions, and indicators. Then, the Dagum Gini coefficient and convergence analysis are used to analyze spatiotemporal heterogeneity and convergence characteristics. The results show that the multi-dimensional relative poverty situation of various provinces in ethnic minority areas has improved from 2012 to 2021, among which Tibet province is the most serious and Shaanxi is the best. According to the analysis of convergence, it was observed that there is no σ-convergence of multidimensional relative poverty in ethnic areas in general, and there is absolute β-convergence in general and in the southwest and northwest regions, and there is no absolute β-convergence in the northeast region. Based on this, policy recommendations for reducing multidimensional relative poverty are proposed at the end of the article. Compared with previous studies, this article focuses on ethnic regions that are easily overlooked. Starting from the dimensions of economy, social development, and ecological environment, the poverty measurement system has been enriched.
Políticas de renda e ações fiscais no contexto da pandemia do COVID-19
Authors: Botelho Luciano Henrique Fialho , Costa Thiago de Melo Teixeira da , Lelis Davi Augusto Santana de
Published: April 2024

A pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe consequências socioeconômicas amplas, demandando ações emergências dos Estados. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar literaturas e relatórios sobre a implementação, por países diversos, de políticas de renda e medidas fiscais conjuntas no contexto da pandemia do COVID-19. Debateu-se sobre Estado de bem-estar social e suas bases fiscais e sociais, a respeito do panorama socioeconômico e a influência da pandemia da COVID-19 e acerca da renda emergencial e outras políticas de renda. Metodologicamente, este é um estudo qualitativo que se utiliza de análises bibliográficas e documentais, as quais são operacionalizadas pela técnica análise de conteúdo. Os pressupostos de valorização das ações fiscais com geração de liquidez e subsídios para manutenção e emprego e empresas, promoção de políticas de renda e adequação dos sistemas tributários e trabalhistas foram observados como ações emergenciais, porém não se verificou força para implementações efetivas pós-pandemia.