bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who’s right? What rights? How? Rights debates in Irish social work: a call for nuance
Authors: Whelan Joe , Flynn Susan
Published: November 2023

CORU are tasked with regulating social work in Ireland. This commentary responds to a debate that is currently unfolding in Irish social work circles concerning an absence of the term ‘human rights’ from the CORU Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, something that has prompted much criticism. It is argued here that much of this response has been ‘knee-jerk’ and that the debate must be nuanced through the consideration of radical alternatives to ‘human rights’.
Towards a post-neoliberal mode of European economic integration? A regulationist critique of the failing forward-approach
Authors: Schneider Etienne , Sablowski Thomas , Syrovatka Felix
Published: November 2023

In light of the Euro crisis and disintegrative tendencies, recent approaches in European integration research increasingly emphasise constraints and crises of integration, most prominently elaborated in the so-called failing forward-approach. However, we argue that this approach is significantly limited in understanding both the nature of crises and the potential breadth of current ruptures in European economic integration. Based on regulation theory, we develop an alternative and more encompassing account of how different periods and modes of integration emerged as a response to crises but simultaneously unleashed new crisis tendencies. More specifically, we detail how the specific and asymmetric Europeanisation of forms of regulation provided a response to the crisis of the Fordist mode of development but concomitantly set the scene for the Euro crisis to emerge. This triggered a partial reconfiguration of the post-Fordist, neoliberal European mode of regulation since 2010, without, however, substantially addressing its underlying crisis tendencies. Against this background, and in the face of mounting geopolitical rivalries and the climate crisis, we analyse significant ruptures in the neoliberal mode of regulation in the EU currently underway, namely in the area of the regulation of the wage relation (European Minimum Wage Directive, Posting of Workers Directive), fiscal policy (NextGenerationEU, reform of the Stability and Growth Pact) as well as in the regulation of competition (strategic industrial policy, relaxation of competition law). Together, and although it seems too early to discern a ‘post-neoliberal’ mode of development, these ruptures indicate a significant departure from the neoliberal mode of European economic integration.
Improving distance imaging accuracy through temporal position correction with phase difference compensation
Authors: Wu Zengyan , Cao Changqing , Feng Zhejun , Wu Xiaona , Duan Chenxuan , Liu Hongyuan
Published: November 2023

This study introduces a time-domain-based phase compensation method to address decoherence effects in optical heterodyne detection, which is critical for remote sensing and distance imaging. The numerical simulations demonstrate a substantial reduction in localization bias (6.56–2.85) and an increased probability of bias values below 2 (21.6%–70.5%). The experiments show significant improvement in whiteboard distance imaging accuracy at 10 m from the detector, with 91.7% of the data falling within 10–12 m, compared to a mere 2.3% accuracy before compensation. The method effectively enhances intensity image quality, mitigates decoherence phenomena, and improves detection accuracy and reliability without additional hardware.
Pulse energy exchange of vector solitons in a fiber laser
Authors: Zhou Yong , Wang Xian , Liu Hao , Tang Shihao , Xu Zhiyu , Ma Xiaohui , Fang Wentan , Chen Xiaolin , Huang Song , Zhang Wei , Li Li , Gao Weiqing
Published: November 2023

The energy exchange between orthogonal polarization components is crucial for the build-up of vector solitons (VSs). Unlike previous observations of energy exchange in the frequency domain, our experiments analyzed pulse energy flows in the time domain. We provide evidence to demonstrate the influence of the four-wave mixing (FWM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) effect on VSs build-up in passive mode-locked fiber lasers through a perspective of pulse energy exchange. The results indicate that the energy exchange of PRVS caused by FWM and XPM is stronger than that of PLVS. The liner energy exchange caused by the birefringence of fiber and PC influences the period of energy exchange. After stabilization, the intra-cavity energy evolution period is one roundtrip for PLVS while serval roundtrips for PRVS. In the future, we can achieve PLVS by adjusting the linear energy exchange through cavity birefringence, thereby meeting the industrial demand for stable and uniform pulse trains.
Controlling periodic Fano resonances of quantum acoustic waves with a giant atom coupled to a microwave waveguide
Authors: Kuo Po-Chen , Lin Jhen-Dong , Huang Yin-Chun , Chen Yueh-Nan
Published: November 2023

Nanoscale Fano resonances, with applications from telecommunications to ultra-sensitive biosensing, have prompted extensive research. We demonstrate that a superconducting qubit, jointly coupled to microwave waveguides and an inter-digital transducer composite device, can exhibit acoustic Fano resonances. Our analytical framework, leveraging the Taylor series approximation, elucidates the origins of these quantum acoustic resonances with periodic Fano-like interference. By analyzing the analytical Fano parameter, we demonstrate that the Fano resonances and their corresponding Fano widths near the resonance frequency of a giant atom can be precisely controlled and manipulated by adjusting the time delay. Moreover, not just the near-resonant Fano profiles, but the entire periodic Fano resonance features can be precisely modulated from Lorentz, Fano to quasi-Lorentz shapes by tuning the coupling strength of the microwave waveguide. Our analytical framework offers insights into the control and manipulation of periodic Fano resonances in quantum acoustic waves, thereby presenting significant potential for applications such as quantum information processing, sensing, and communication.
Demonstration of universal contextuality through communication games free of both operational inequivalence and compatibility loopholes
Authors: Fan Xuan , Xiao Ya , Gu Yongjian
Published: November 2023

Universal contextuality is the leading notion of non-classicality even for single systems, showing its advantage as a more general quantum correlation than Bell non-locality, as well as preparation contextuality. However, a loophole-free experimental demonstration of universal contextuality at least requires that both operational inequivalence and compatibility loopholes are closed, which have never been simultaneously achieved to date. In our work, we experimentally test universal contextuality through (3,3) and (4,3) communication games, simultaneously restoring operational equivalence and circumventing the compatibility loophole. Our result exhibits the violation of universal non-contextuality bound by 97 standard deviations in (3,3) scenario, and 107 deviations in (4,3) scenario. Notably there are states which exhibit locality but reveal universal contextuality in both two scenarios. In addition, our result shows that universal contextuality is more general than preparation contextuality in (3,3) scenario, while equivalent to preparation contextuality in (4,3) scenario.
Low-cost, high-speed multispectral imager via spatiotemporal modulation based on a color camera
Authors: Lin Zijian , Guo Tingbiao , Chen Xiao , Tian Jiahan , Zhang Zhi , He Sailing
Published: November 2023

Spectral imaging is a powerful tool in industrial processes, medical imaging, and fundamental scientific research. However, for the commonly used spatial/spectral-scanning spectral imager, the slow response time has posed a big challenge for its employment in dynamic scenes. In this paper, we propose a spatiotemporal modulation concept and build a simple, low-cost spectral imager by combining a liquid crystal (LC) cell with a commercial color camera. By the synergic effect of temporal modulation of the LC materials and spatial modulation of the Bayer filter in a color camera, high-quality multispectral imaging is successfully demonstrated with a high rate of 8 Hz, far beyond the counterparts. Experimental results show that even with three tuning states of the LC material, optical signals with a 10-nm band can be resolved in the range between 410 and 700 nm by this method, overcoming the tradeoff between spectral resolution and time resolution. As a proof of demonstration, we present its potential usage for metamerism recognition, showing superiority over traditional color cameras with more spectral details. Considering its low cost, miniaturization and monolithic-integration ability on color sensors, this simple approach may bring the spectral imaging technology closer to the consumer market and even to ubiquitous smartphones for health care, food inspection and other applications.
Single-frame reconstruction by fractional Fourier-transform domain filtering in off-axis digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Cui Wanying , Liu Yiwei , Zhang Junjie , Han Yang , Jiang Zhuqing
Published: November 2023

We propose a single-frame zero-order-eliminated reconstruction method by fractional Fourier transform filtering for an off-axis digital hologram. The filtering in the fractional Fourier transform domain of the hologram can effectively improve the reconstruction resolution, but it is required to remove its zero-order term. With the zero-order-term elimination of the Laplacian hologram, the higher reconstruction resolution of a single-frame hologram is achieved by zero-padding the hologram and choosing the optimal option of the fractional-order number. The results demonstrate that the resolutions of reconstructed amplitude and phase images are obviously improved. It will have a promising application in real-time imaging for biological cells and moving objects.
Detecting glucose in a cell culture medium by surface-enhanced Raman scattering on InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Nhi Phan Le Yen , Nguyet Nguyen Thi Anh , Chen Hong Long , Chen Wen-Yih , Yang Ching-Jen , Chien Fan-Ching , Liu Cheng-Yi , Lai Kun-Yu
Published: November 2023

Cell cultivation is a multi-billion dollar industry. The industry is currently in great need of a glucose-monitoring tool to maximize the yield of biological products. However, detecting glucose in a cell culture medium is no easy task. This is because the medium contains complex cell nutrients, from which the interfering noises make it extremely difficult to extract reliable glucose signals. We address the issue by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) built with InGaN quantum wells, delivering concentration-dependent glucose signals from the noisy medium. The breakthrough is made by the quantum-confined charges whose oscillating frequency matches the plasmonic resonance desired for SERS.
Integration of aberrated laser beams in particle-in-cell simulation for their meticulous propagation.
Authors: RONDEPIERRE Alexandre , Zhidkov Alexei , Espinos Driss Oumbarek , Pathak Naveen , Hosokai Tomonao
Published: November 2023

The interaction of a complex, aberrated laser beam with plasmas involves a lot of physical phenomena and non-linear effects, such as self-focusing or filamentation. In the case of PIC (particle-in-cell) simulations, a confident analysis can be done only if the beam is implemented as an analytical one for it has convenient known solutions for initial conditions, such as a Gaussian case. However, a real beam with its imperfect intensity and phase patterns may propagate, focus and interact with the plasma in a completely different way compared to the Gaussian approximation from which we should get rid off.
Therefore, we present in this letter the demonstration of a way for PIC code to be able to simulate such realistic beams. The required phase and intensity pattern of the laser beam in the vicinity of the focal plane, used as initial condition for the PIC code, is obtained with the Fresnel diffraction integral. This initial beam is then propagated over a few millimeters in vacuum and shows a great consistency compared to the outputs calculated by Fresnel theory, in the same positions. As the propagating behaviour with aberrated beams is shown to be totally different, we are expecting to pave the way for more accurate PIC simulations, closer to experimental conditions, but also to improve the general understanding of high-power laser processes in particular when plasmas are involved.
Continuous-wave operation of a tandem optical parametric oscillator up to 5.19 μm based on periodically poled LiNbO₃
Authors: Lv Xinjie , Hu Liemao , Ning Jian , Chen Yifan , Zhao Gang , Xu Ping , Zhu Shining
Published: November 2023

A continuous-wave, tandem optical parametric oscillator (TOPO) based on a MgO-doped periodically poled LiNbO₃ (MgO:PPLN) is demonstrated. Because the MgO:PPLN is tandemly pumped by the OPO’s signal beam, it outputs simultaneously two groups of signal and idler with a single pump source. The entire range spans from 1398 to 1490 nm, 1914 to 2107 nm, 3720 to 4444 nm, and 4849 to 5190 nm, which is limited by periods of the MgO:PPLN and cavity mirror coatings. The TOPO, whose oscillation threshold of pump power exceeds 7 W, can be easily triggered by marginally increasing the pump power as long as the OPO process occurs. The maximum idler powers are respectively 2.6 W (at 3896 nm) and 34 mW (at 4863 nm), and the corresponding signal powers are both nearly one hundred milliwatts.
ATG9A regulates the dissociation of recycling endosomes from microtubules to form liquid influenza A virus inclusions
Authors: Vale-Costa Sílvia , Etibor Temitope Akhigbe , Brás Daniela , Sousa Ana Laura , Ferreira Mariana , Martins Gabriel G. , Mello Victor Hugo , Amorim Maria João
Published: November 2023

It is now established that many viruses that threaten public health establish condensates via phase transitions to complete their lifecycles, and knowledge on such processes may offer new strategies for antiviral therapy. In the case of influenza A virus (IAV), liquid condensates known as viral inclusions, concentrate the 8 distinct viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) that form IAV genome and are viewed as sites dedicated to the assembly of the 8-partite genomic complex. Despite not being delimited by host membranes, IAV liquid inclusions accumulate host membranes inside as a result of vRNP binding to the recycling endocytic marker Rab11a, a driver of the biogenesis of these structures. We lack molecular understanding on how Rab11a-recycling endosomes condensate specifically near the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites upon IAV infection. We show here that liquid viral inclusions interact with the ER to fuse, divide, and slide. We uncover that, contrary to previous indications, the reported reduction in recycling endocytic activity is a regulated process rather than a competition for cellular resources involving a novel role for the host factor ATG9A. In infection, ATG9A mediates the removal of Rab11a-recycling endosomes carrying vRNPs from microtubules. We observe that the recycling endocytic usage of microtubules is rescued when ATG9A is depleted, which prevents condensation of Rab11a endosomes near the ER. The failure to produce viral inclusions accumulates vRNPs in the cytosol and reduces genome assembly and the release of infectious virions. We propose that the ER supports the dynamics of liquid IAV inclusions, with ATG9A facilitating their formation. This work advances our understanding on how epidemic and pandemic influenza genomes are formed. It also reveals the plasticity of recycling endosomes to undergo condensation in response to infection, disclosing new roles for ATG9A beyond its classical involvement in autophagy.
The murine meninges acquire lymphoid tissue properties and harbour autoreactive B cells during chronic Trypanosoma brucei infection
Authors: Quintana Juan F. , Sinton Matthew C. , Chandrasegaran Praveena , Kumar Dubey Lalit , Ogunsola John , Al Samman Moumen , Haley Michael , McConnell Gail , Kuispond Swar Nono-Raymond , Ngoyi Dieudonné Mumba , Bending David , de Lecea Luis , MacLeod Annette , Mabbott Neil A.
Published: November 2023

The meningeal space is a critical brain structure providing immunosurveillance for the central nervous system (CNS), but the impact of infections on the meningeal immune landscape is far from being fully understood. The extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness, accumulates in the meningeal spaces, ultimately inducing severe meningitis and resulting in death if left untreated. Thus, sleeping sickness represents an attractive model to study immunological dynamics in the meninges during infection. Here, by combining single-cell transcriptomics and mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) with in vivo interventions, we found that chronic T. brucei infection triggers the development of ectopic lymphoid aggregates (ELAs) in the murine meninges. These infection-induced ELAs were defined by the presence of ER-TR7+ fibroblastic reticular cells, CD21/35+ follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), CXCR5+ PD1+ T follicular helper-like phenotype, GL7+ CD95+ GC-like B cells, and plasmablasts/plasma cells. Furthermore, the B cells found in the infected meninges produced high-affinity autoantibodies able to recognise mouse brain antigens, in a process dependent on LTβ signalling. A mid-throughput screening identified several host factors recognised by these autoantibodies, including myelin basic protein (MBP), coinciding with cortical demyelination and brain pathology. In humans, we identified the presence of autoreactive IgG antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of second stage HAT patients that recognised human brain lysates and MBP, consistent with our findings in experimental infections. Lastly, we found that the pathological B cell responses we observed in the meninges required the presence of T. brucei in the CNS, as suramin treatment before the onset of the CNS stage prevented the accumulation of GL7+ CD95+ GC-like B cells and brain-specific autoantibody deposition. Taken together, our data provide evidence that the meningeal immune response during chronic T. brucei infection results in the acquisition of lymphoid tissue-like properties, broadening our understanding of meningeal immunity in the context of chronic infections. These findings have wider implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying the formation ELAs during chronic inflammation resulting in autoimmunity in mice and humans, as observed in other autoimmune neurodegenerative disorders, including neuropsychiatric lupus and multiple sclerosis.
A simple Turing reaction–diffusion model explains how PLK4 breaks symmetry during centriole duplication and assembly
Authors: Wilmott Zachary M. , Goriely Alain , Raff Jordan W.
Published: November 2023

Centrioles duplicate when a mother centriole gives birth to a daughter that grows from its side. Polo-like-kinase 4 (PLK4), the master regulator of centriole duplication, is recruited symmetrically around the mother centriole, but it then concentrates at a single focus that defines the daughter centriole assembly site. How PLK4 breaks symmetry is unclear. Here, we propose that phosphorylated and unphosphorylated species of PLK4 form the 2 components of a classical Turing reaction–diffusion system. These 2 components bind to/unbind from the surface of the mother centriole at different rates, allowing a slow-diffusing activator species of PLK4 to accumulate at a single site on the mother, while a fast-diffusing inhibitor species of PLK4 suppresses activator accumulation around the rest of the centriole. This “short-range activation/long-range inhibition,” inherent to Turing systems, can drive PLK4 symmetry breaking on a either a continuous or compartmentalised Plk4-binding surface, with PLK4 overexpression producing multiple PLK4 foci and PLK4 kinase inhibition leading to a lack of symmetry-breaking and PLK4 accumulation—as observed experimentally.
Toward schistosomiasis control: Assessment of infection-associated voiding symptoms, quality of life and the impact of exercise coupled with water intake on egg recovery in an endemic community in Ghana
Authors: Essien-Baidoo Samuel , Essuman Mainprice Akuoko , Tee Joseph , Ephraim Richard K. D. , Blay Mensah Loretta Betty , Boakye Amponsah Seth , Afrifa Justice
Published: November 2023

Assessment of the burden of disease and techniques for clinical diagnosis could ultimately help in schistosomiasis control. This study assessed the impact of exercises and water intake on ova recovery during laboratory diagnosis and schistosomiasis-associated urinary symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among inhabitants of Dendo, an endemic community in Ghana. The clinical findings and responses of 400 randomly selected participants were used for the study. The International Prostate Symptoms Score (I-PSS) was used to collect information on participants’ self-reported urinary symptoms and QOL. Finally, urine samples were collected on two consecutive days, initially without exercise and water intake and then after exercise and water intake, and about 10 ml of it were microscopically examined for the presence and quantification of ova. The data collected from the study were analyzed using IBM SPSS. Schistosoma haematobium egg recovery increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 206 (51.5%) to 220 (55.0%) after exercise and water intake with the highest increase being observed among participants less than 20 years (53.3% to 57.1% after exercise and water intake). As high as 90.3% and 56.8% of Schistosoma-positive participants reported IPSS>7 (symptomatic voiding disorders) and QOL≥4 (mostly dissatisfied or unhappy QOL) respectively. The commonest voiding symptoms reported were nocturia (98.9%) and incomplete emptying (79.6%). Positive correlations between egg count, IPSS score, and QOL were observed. This study provides important evidence for the inclusion of exercise and water intake in the microscopic diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium and reveals that schistosomiasis significantly impacts the affected individuals’ urinary health and overall quality of life.
Healthcare provider perspective on barriers and facilitators in the care of pediatric injury patients at a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania: A qualitative study
Authors: Keating Elizabeth M. , Sakita Francis , Vlasic Kajsa , Amiri Ismail , Nkini Getrude , Nkoronko Mugisha , Young Bryan , Birchall Jenna , Watt Melissa H. , Staton Catherine A. , Mmbaga Blandina T.
Published: November 2023

Pediatric injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The recovery of injured children in LMICs is often impeded by barriers in accessing and receiving timely and quality care at healthcare facilities. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers and the facilitators in pediatric injury care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), a tertiary zonal referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. In this study, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted by trained interviewers who were fluent in English and Swahili in order to examine the barriers and facilitators in pediatric injury care. Five FGDs were completed from February 2021 to July 2021. Participants (n = 30) were healthcare providers from the emergency department, burn ward, surgical ward, and pediatric ward. De-identified transcripts were analyzed with team-based, applied thematic analysis using qualitative memo writing and consensus discussions. Our study found barriers that impeded pediatric injury care were: lack of pediatric-specific injury training and care guidelines, lack of appropriate pediatric-specific equipment, staffing shortages, lack of specialist care, and complexity of cases due to pre-hospital delays in patients presenting for care due to cultural and financial barriers. Facilitators that improved pediatric injury care were: team cooperation and commitment, strong priority and triage processes, benefits of a tertiary care facility, and flexibility of healthcare providers to provide specialized care if needed. The data highlights barriers and facilitators that could inform interventions to improve the care of pediatric injury patients in Northern Tanzania such as: increasing specialized provider training in pediatric injury management, the development of pediatric injury care guidelines, and improving access to pediatric-specific technologies and equipment.
Proximate and distant determinants of maternal and neonatal mortality in the postnatal period: A scoping review of data from low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Izulla Preston , Muriuki Angela , Kiragu Michael , Yahner Melanie , Fonner Virginia , Nitu Syeda Nabin Ara , Osir Bernard , Bello Farahat , de Graft-Johnson Joseph
Published: November 2023

Global maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain unacceptably high. The postnatal period, encompassing the first hour of life until 42 days, is critical for mother-baby dyads, yet postnatal care (PNC) coverage is low. Identifying mother-baby dyads at increased risk for adverse outcomes is critical. Yet few efforts have synthesized research on proximate and distant factors associated with maternal and neonatal mortality during the postnatal period. This scoping review identified proximate and distant factors associated with maternal and neonatal mortality during the postnatal period within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A rigorous, systematic search of four electronic databases was undertaken to identify studies published within the last 11 years containing data on risk factors among nationally representative samples. Results were synthesized narratively. Seventy-nine studies were included. Five papers examined maternal mortality, one focused on maternal and neonatal mortality, and the rest focused on neonatal mortality. Regarding proximate factors, maternal age, parity, birth interval, birth order/rank, neonate sex, birth weight, multiple-gestation, previous history of child death, and lack of or inadequate antenatal care visits were associated with increased neonatal mortality risk. Distant factors for neonatal mortality included low levels of parental education, parental employment, rural residence, low household income, solid fuel use, and lack of clean water. This review identified risk factors that could be applied to identify mother-baby dyads with increased mortality risk for targeted PNC. Given risks inherent in pregnancy and childbirth, adverse outcomes can occur among dyads without obvious risk factors; providing timely PNC to all is critical. Efforts to reduce the prevalence of risk factors could improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Few studies exploring maternal mortality risk factors were available; investments in population-based studies to identify factors associated with maternal mortality are needed. Harmonizing categorization of factors (e.g., age, education) is a gap for future research.
Digital health solutions and integrated COVID-19 and TB services to help recover TB care and prevention services in the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive study in four high TB burden countries
Authors: Spruijt Ineke , Alam Yalda , Nguyen Huong , Myrzaliev Bakyt , Ahmatov Muratbek , Odume Bethrand , Mtei Lillian , Gebhard Agnes , Gidado Mustapha , Jerene Degu
Published: November 2023

Background

The measures undertaken to control COVID-19 have disrupted many platforms including tuberculosis (TB) healthcare services. Consequently, declines in TB notifications have been observed in various countries. We visualized changes over time in TB and SARS-CoV-2 infection notifications and reported on country-specific strategies to retain TB care and prevention services in Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

Methods

We collected and visualized quarterly, retrospective, and country-specific data (Quarter (Q) 1 2018- Q1 2021) on SARS-CoV-2 infection and TB notifications. Additionally, we conducted a country-specific landscape assessment on COVID-19 measures, including lockdowns, operational level strategy of TB care and prevention services, and strategies employed to recover and retain those services. We used negative binomial regression models to assess the association between the installation of COVID-19 measures and changes in TB notifications.

Results

TB notifications declined in Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, and (slightly) increased in Nigeria and Tanzania. The changes in TB notifications were associated with the installation of various COVID-19 prevention measures for Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam (declines) and Nigeria (increases). All countries reported reduced TB screening and testing activities. Countries reported the following strategies to retain TB prevention and care services: digital solutions for treatment adherence support, capacity building, and monitor & evaluation activities; adjustment in medication supply/delivery & quantity, including home delivery, pick up points, and month supply; integrated TB/COVID-19 screening & diagnostic platform; and the use of community health care workers.

Conclusion

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not observe consistent changes in TB notifications across countries. However, all countries reported lower operating levels of TB prevention and care services. Digital health solutions, community-based interventions, and the integration of COVID-19 and TB testing services were employed to recover and retain those services.
Intervention and information effects at the individual level during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Chang Mateus Silva , Yamamoto Isamu
Published: November 2023

This paper estimated the impact of intervention effects (state of emergency (SOE) or quasi-SOE requirements) and information effects (publicized increases in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths and fear of infection) on preventive behaviors and telecommuting during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Japan Household Panel Survey. Our results indicated that SOEs and quasi-SOEs had positive effects on the adoption of preventive behaviors among individuals, including handwashing, which indicates that an SOE has a direct effect and an indirect effect. Although SOEs in Japan were less enforceable and more lenient than those in other countries, they still had a certain effect on people’s adoption of preventive behaviors. However, the contribution of information effects was much larger than that of intervention effects, suggesting the importance of how and when information should be communicated to the public to prevent the spread of infection.
Optimization of cabin seating arrangement strategies based on the Wells–Riley risk theory
Authors: Liu Yanxi , Cheng Xuan , Tang Dengzhao , Wang Xinyue
Published: November 2023

Civil aviation transport is an important source of global respiratory disease spread due to the closely-spaced environment. In order to reduce the probability of infection of passengers, an improved Wells-Riley model for cabin passenger risk assessment have been given in this work, the cabin ventilation and passenger nose and mouth orientation were considered. The model’s effectiveness has been verified with published data. Finally, how the load factor and use of an empty seat scheme are associated with the number of infected people was assessed. The results demonstrated that the number of infected people positively correlates with the passenger load factor, and the most suitable load factor can be determined by controlling the final number of infected people with the condition of the epidemic situation in the departure city. Additionally, infection risk was found to be lower among passengers in window seats than in those in aisle seats and middle seats, and keeping empty seats in the middle or aisle could reduce the cabin average probability of infection by up to 37.47%. Using the model developed here, airlines can determine the optimal load factor threshold and seating arrangement strategy to improve economic benefits and reduce the probability of passenger infection.
Food frequency questionnaires developed and validated in Brazil: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Barros Acsa Nara de Araújo Brito , Felipe Maria Luisa do Nascimento , Leite-Lais Lucia , Pedrosa Lucia Fátima Campos
Published: November 2023

A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is used to assess habitual food and nutrient intake. The choice of a FFQ should consider the study objectives, instrument particularities, target population, and geographic region. Over the past few years, FFQs have been constructed and validated in Brazil for children, adolescents, adults, athletes, and individuals with specific clinical conditions. The aim of this scoping review is to map the food frequency questionnaires developed and validated in Brazil. The Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework was used for search strategy and defined as P—not applicable (open), C—food frequency questionnaire, and C—Brazil. FFQ validation studies performed with healthy or sick people will be included, regardless of clinical condition, age, sex, or region in the country. Studies with populations from other countries will be excluded. The review will be conducted in accordance with JBI (formerly known as Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology for scoping reviews. Search databases will include PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, and Google Scholar. Data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers and discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. In order to improve the understanding and contextualization of the studies, a description of the results and presentation in tables and figures will be provided. Applications and implications for future research, practices, and policies will be discussed. Our protocol is registered through the Open Science Framework (doi 10.17605/OSF.IO/G5J3K).
A comparison of intima media thickness in the common carotid artery, the bulb and plaque area as predictions of incident atherosclerotic events
Authors: Lind Lars
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

There is a debate on how to evaluate carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). We here compared IMT of the common carotid artery (CCA) and bulb with plaque area regarding incident atherosclerotic disease.

Methods

In the PIVUS study (age 70 at baseline, 53% women, n = 856), IMT-CCA, IMT-bulb and plaque area were measured at ages 70, 75 and 80 years and these three measurements were used in updated Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results

Over 15 years follow-up, 135 individuals experienced a first-time atherosclerotic disease (myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke). IMT-CCA was not significantly related to this composite endpoint (p = 0.10). IMT-bulb was significantly related to the endpoint (p = 0.003), but this relationship was attenuated following adjustment for CVD risk factors (p = 0.02). On the contrary, plaque area was consistently related to incident atherosclerotic disease also following adjustment for CVD risk factors (p<0.001). When added on top of traditional risk factors, both IMT-bulb and plaque area, but not IMT-CCA, improved the discrimination compared to the traditional risk factors (+5.2%, p = 0.0026 for IMT-bulb, +3.8%, p = 0.013 for plaque area and 0.0% for IMT-CCA).

Conclusion

In elderly subjects, both IMT-bulb and plaque area improved the discrimination regarding incident atherosclerotic disease when added to traditional risk factors. This was not seen for IMT-CCA. IMT-CCA was therefore inferior compared to the other two carotid artery ultrasonographic measurements in this sample of elderly subjects.
Association of osteoporosis with ankle fractures in the geriatric population
Authors: Nurlygaianov R. Z. , Minasov T. B. , Nurlygaianova D. R.
Published: November 2023

Ankle fractures are common in older people. However, their association with osteoporosis remains controversial. This systematic review aims to determine the relationship between ankle fracture and bone mineral density (BMD). The article presents an overview of articles that have statistical data on the relationship of bone mineral density with the frequency of ankle fractures in the elderly. The aim of the review is to define ankle fracture associations in the geriatric population. Search was performed in PubMed, Medline, Scopus publications for articles in which a study of elderly patients with ankle fractures was conducted with an assessment of bone mineral density, followed by statistical processing with the presentation of the results. Ankle fractures in the geriatric population are due to generalized bone loss and changes in trabecular bone microarchitectonics, fragility, and therefore should be considered osteoporotic fractures, regardless of BMD. Correlation relationships were established with female sex, overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, which are characterized by a decrease in the trabecular structure. The FRAX fracture algorithm underestimates the likelihood of fractures in geriatric patients who have a high BMI and comorbid physical pathology, so it is necessary to focus on independent clinical risk factors for BMD in order to optimize fracture prevention.
Features of the clinical course of pachydermoperiostosis with a verified mutation in the European type gene
Authors: Frolova T. M. , Golounina O. O. , Mamedova E. O. , Litvinova E. E. , Belaya Zh. E.
Published: November 2023

Pachydermoperiostosis (primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) is an orphan disease, the main clinical manifestations of which include pin-shaped deformity of the fingers according to the type of «drumsticks», periostosis (non-inflammatory changes of the periosteum) of tubular bones, pachydermia of the face (hypertrophy and hyperplasia of all skin layers). Two genes associated with the development of pachydermoperiostosis are known — HPGD and SLCO2A1. Mutations in these genes lead to impaired prostaglandin E2 metabolism. This article describes a clinical case of a patient with pachydermoperiostosis, in which two mutations in the HPGD gene were detected during a molecular genetic study: in 1 exon (chr4-174522451-T-A, NM_000860.6:c.1A>T) and in 2 exon (chr4-174521985-AG-, NM_000860.6:c.175_176del) in compound-heterozygous state, while the c.1A>T mutation was previously described once, and the revealed biallelic combination of mutations in the HPGD gene was not previously found in the literature. This clinical case of pachydermoperiostosis is the second described in the Russian population, and the first with confirmed mutations in the HPGD gene. The article expands the knowledge about the correlation of genotype and phenotype in pachydermoperiostosis, which contributes to a faster and more correct interpretation of genetic information during genetic counseling.
Uso do Controle Gerencial como Estímulo à Resiliência Organizacional: Survey Single Entity em uma Empresa do Setor de Derivados de Petróleo
Authors: Bragueto Martins Daiana , Frezatti Fábio
Published: November 2023

Objetivo(s): Investigar como o uso do Sistema de Controle Gerencial influencia na gestão da resiliência organizacional de uma empresa brasileira.
Método: Desenvolveu-se um survey single entity em uma empresa do setor de comércio de derivados de petróleo, com estrutura, porte e sistema de controle gerencial demandados para a investigação. O levantamento dos dados ocorreu a partir de um questionário enviado aos executivos de diversas áreas da organização. Para análise dos dados o modelo estrutural foi estimado por meio do método dos mínimos quadrados parciais (PLS-PM - Partial Least Squares Path Modeling).
Resultados: Os resultados suportam a hipótese de que o uso do sistema de controle gerencial impacta positivamente na resiliência estratégica. Observou-se que elevados níveis do uso do sistema de controle gerencial nas formas de sistemas de crenças, restrições, uso diagnóstico e uso interativo aumentam a capacidade da organização para a resiliência ao atuarem de forma proativa, com visão estratégica frente às adversidades do cenário empresarial, proporcionando a renovação da estratégica proposta por Simons (1995).
Contribuições: A contribuição teórica está no desenvolvimento de um modelo que visa auxiliar as organizações na gestão da resiliência organizacional por meio dos sistemas de controle gerencial. A utilização do mapa de prioridade para análise de dados trouxe um caráter prático de modo a auxiliar os gestores a decidirem qual padrão de controle melhor se adequa às circunstâncias em que operam e aos seus desafios estratégicos, contribuindo para a compreensão de como o uso do sistema de controle gerencial impacta a resiliência no ambiente organizacional.
educating for marginalization: normative implications of the Malawian medium of instruction policy
Authors:   University of Malawi, Herbert Manthalu Chikumbutso , Nzomera Ngwira Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

In 2014 the Malawian Government amended its education policy to make English the sole medium of instruction from basic primary level to tertiary level. Prior to the amendment, the policy stated that the medium of instruction for the first four classes of basic education should be the dominant vernacular language in the local area, given Malawi's multilingualism. This paper critically examines the normative implications of the current policy. Using Seyla Benhabib's (2011) theory of communicative or concrete universalism, the article argues that this policy preserves and perpetuates a duo-pronged form of marginalization. In the first sense the policy marginalises the unprivileged majority students and communities for whom English is not even a second language, but also have almost non-existent opportunities for engaging the English language outside the school domain. The second form of marginalization occasioned by this policy pertains to the ultimate devaluation and extinguishing of concrete local ways of being human that are expressed through local culture, art and literature in favour of those associated with the English language. It is argued that such systematic forms of marginalization are a result and perpetuation of colonial behaviour that undermines local cultures, literature, and ways of being human as the necessary cost for having globally relevant education. Ultimately, it is contended that an ostensible need for choice for globally relevant education between the indigenous local and the Eurocentric global poses a false dilemma. Instead, ideal globally relevant education ought to centre on both local and global interests as a matter of moral necessity. The paper, therefore, proposes as a remedy to the moral ills caused by this policy, multilingual and translanguaging approaches to both national language and language of instruction policies. In this vein, an argument is made for deliberate, sustained and systematic support from the Malawian government towards the enhancement of local languages and local art and literature.
Analisis Dampak Perubahan Cuaca Terhadap Kualitas dan Produksi Garam di Kabupaten Rembang
Authors: Ashilah Azizah Anis , Wirasatriya Anindya , Handoyo Gentur
Published: November 2023

Garam merupakan komponen penting bagi manusia yang dimanfaatkan baik sebagai kebutuhan pokok maupun bahan baku industri. Indonesia, yang memiliki sumber daya lautan yang luas, ironisnya masih melakukan impor garam karena kebutuhan garam di Indonesia yang mencapai 61,5% berbanding terbalik dengan persentase produksi garam yang hanya sebanyak 31%. Indonesia yang memiliki iklim Tropis umumnya menggunakan metode Solar Evaporation untuk memproduksi garam dengan memanfaatkan panas matahari. Namun, kualitas garam yang dihasilkan di provinsi Jawa Tengah masih sedikit yang mencapai mutu KW-1. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor klimatologi yang mempengaruhi produktivitas produksi garam di Kabupaten Rembang, daerah penghasil garam terbesar kedua di Jawa Tengah, dengan menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Penelitian dilakukan dengan mengumpulkan data sekunder dan mengolahnya dengan berbagai software pendukung, yaitu Microsoft word, Ocean Data View 4, dan ArcGis 10.3. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kondisi ideal produksi garam besar dipengaruhi oleh beberapa variabel dengan nilai korelasi radiasi matahari r=0,782, salinitas r=0,697, dan kelembapan relatif r=-0,673. Waktu produksi garam tertinggi ini terjadi di bulan Oktober yang mengalami fase peralihan dari musim kemarau ke musim hujan. Dari penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa produksi garam di Kabupaten Rembang sangat dipengaruhi oleh faktor hidrologi, khususnya curah hujan. Kata kunci: Produksi Garam, Curah hujan, Iklim, Kabupaten Rembang Abstract Salt is an essential component for humans used both as a basic need and industrial raw material. Indonesia, which has vast ocean resources, ironically still imports salt because the need for salt in Indonesia reaches 61.5%, in contrast to the percentage of salt production, which is only 31%. As a tropical climate country, Indonesia generally uses the Solar Evaporation method to produce salt by utilizing solar heat. However, the quality of salt produced in the province of Central Java is still low, which reaches the KW-1 quality. This study analyzes climatological factors that affect the productivity of salt production in Rembang Regency, the second-largest salt-producing area in Central Java, using quantitative methods. The research collected secondary data and processed it with supporting software such as Microsoft word, Ocean Data View 4, and ArcGis 10.3. The results showed that the ideal conditions for large salt production were influenced by several variables with the correlation value of solar radiation r=0.782, salinity r=0.697, and relative humidity r=-0.673. The highest salt production time occurs in October, experiencing a transitional phase from the dry to the rainy season. From this research, it can be concluded that hydrological factors, especially rainfall, strongly influence salt production in Rembang Regency. Keywords: Salt Production, Rainfall, Climate, Rembang Regency