bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal and contextual information extraction and data enrichment methods with emphasis on artificial intelligence-driven optimization algorithms for cloud and edge computing
Authors: Συμβουλίδης Χρυσόστομος
Published: April 2024

Τα πεδία Ανακάλυψης Αιτιότητας (Causal Discovery) και Επίγνωσης Πλαισίου Αναφοράς (Context Awareness) αποτελούν κεντρικά θέματα στην έρευνα εδώ και πολλά χρόνια. Με τις ρίζες της βαθιά ριζωμένες στην επιστημονική έρευνα, στα στατιστικά συμπεράσματα και σε φιλοσοφικά ερωτήματα, η Ανακάλυψη Αιτιότητας έχει ενθουσιάσει τους ερευνητές λόγω του βασικού της ρόλου στην αποκάλυψη των σχέσεων μεταξύ των μεταβλητών. Η σημασία της, έγκειται στο ότι δεν αρκείται μόνο στη κατανόηση του τι συμβαίνει, αλλά και τους λόγους για τους οποίους συμβαίνει αυτό, γεγονός που τη καθιστά απαραίτητη σε πολλά επιστημονικά πεδία. Η Επίγνωση Πλαισίου Αναφοράς από την άλλη πλευρά, αναφέρεται στην ικανότητα ενός συστήματος να κατανοεί το περιβάλλον στο οποίο χρησιμοποιείται καθώς και ποιοι είναι οι παράγοντες που το επηρεάζουν. Δεδομένων όλων των παραπάνω, τόσο η Ανακάλυψη Αιτιότητας, όσο και η Επίγνωση Πλαισίου Αναφοράς αποτελούν θέματα ζωτικής σημασίας όταν αφορούν στην ανάπτυξη συστημάτων Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης που μπορούν να είναι πιο ακριβή, ισχυρά και γενικεύσιμα. Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στο σχεδιασμό, την υλοποίηση και την εφαρμογή δύο μεθόδων Εξαγωγής Αιτιότητας και δεδομένων σχετικών με το Πλαίσιο Αναφοράς που μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν για τον εμπλουτισμό των συνόλων δεδομένων με τελικό σκοπό τη βελτίωση μοντέλων Μηχανικής Μάθησης. Η πρώτη μέθοδος αναγννωρίζει τις παρατηρήσεις με τη μεγαλύτερη επιρροή σε ένα σύνολο δεδομένων με σκοπό τη δημιουργία ενός συνόλου δεδομένων βασισμένο σε αυτές. Η δεύτερη μέθοδος ανακαλύπτει τις αιτιώδεις σχέσεις που μπορεί να υπάρχουν σε ένα σύνολο δεδομένων και στη συνέχεια χρησιμοποιεί αυτές τις πληροφορίες για να δημιουργήσει αιτιακά χαρακτηριστικά τα οποία τελικά ενσωματώνονται στο αρχικό σύνολο δεδομένων. Προκειμένου να αξιολογηθεί η απόδοση των μεθόδων, έχουν εφαρμοστεί σε διαφορετικά πλαίσια και στρατηγικές που χρησιμοποιούνται για τη βελτιστοποίηση περιβάλλοντων Υπολογιστικών Νεφών (Cloud Computing) και Υπολογιστικής Επεξεργασίας στη Περιφέρεια (Edge Computing). Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι οι μέθοδοι μπορούν να εξάγουν αποτελεσματικά πληροφορίες σχετικά με το Πλαίσιο Αναφοράς και τις Αιτιακές σχέσεις που υπάρχουν. Ακόμη αποδεικνύεται ότι η αξιοποίηση αυτών των πληροφοριών μπορεί να βελτιώσει σημαντικά την απόδοση των αλγορίθμων Μηχανικής Μάθησης. Τέλος, η παρούσα παρουσιάζει πιθανές κατευθύνσεις για μελλοντική έρευνα που θα μπορούσε να βασιστεί στα ευρήματα της τρέχουσας διατριβής.
A cross-sectional study of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in acute organophosphorus poisoning in a tertiary care hospital in Central India
Authors: Pradeep Utkarsh , Mahajan Dr Satish
Published: April 2024

Background Acute organophosphorus poisoning remains a significant public health concern, with variable clinical outcomes. Prognostic markers are crucial for patient management and risk stratification. This study aims to investigate the Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a potential prognostic marker and its associations with severity and clinical outcomes in acute organophosphorus poisoning. Methods This cross-sectional observational study will be conducted over two years, involving patients presenting with acute organophosphorus poisoning in the Medicine Ward and Intensive Care Unit of DMIHER Wardha. Informed consent will be obtained, and detailed clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, and NLR calculations will be performed. The Nambaet, Peradeniya, and Bardin classification scales will be used to measure severity. Statistical methods will be applied to explore the relationships between NLR, clinical parameters, and clinical outcomes, including descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, correlation analysis, multivariate regression, and ROC analysis. Expected Results The study is anticipated to elucidate the role of NLR as a prognostic marker in acute organophosphorus poisoning. Initial assessments and correlations between NLR and clinical parameters will be presented. The predictive capability of NLR for clinical outcomes, including the need for ventilatory support and length of hospital stay, will be explored. Agreement and discrepancies between the classification scales will be evaluated.
Comparison of Antifungal Activity of Thymus Vulgaris Essential Oil and Triple Antibiotic Paste Against Candida Albicans Isolated from Root Canal (In Vitro Study)
Authors: Sadoon Abd Hadeel , Al. Haidar Aseel Haidar M.J.
Published: April 2024

Background The main objective of chemomechanical endodontic therapy is to reduce or eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system, and intracanal medications are used to accelerate the disinfection process. The aim of this study this study was to assess the antifungal activity of thymus vulgaris essential oil against C. albicans compared to that of triple antibiotic paste. Materials and methods C. albicans was isolated from patients who required endodontic treatment. Using the agar well diffusion method, the efficacy of Thymus vulgaris essential oil against C. albicans was determined at 25 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, and 2 mg/ml and compared to the triple antibiotic paste. The minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations against Candida albicans were determined using the microbroth dilution method. The constituents were identified using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer. Results Thymus vulgaris essential oil demonstrated antifungal activity against C. albicans, which appeared to increase as the extract concentration increased, and the difference between all concentrations and triple antibiotic paste was significant (p ≤ 0.01). The MIC and MFC for Thymus vulgaris essential oil were 0.015 mg/ml and 0.031 mg/ml, respectively. 53 compounds were identified by (GC-MS) analysis, which represented more than 95% of the oil composition. The main component was thymol (35.48%). Conclusion Thymus vulgaris essential oil is effective against C. albicans, suggesting that it has the potential to be applied as an intracanal medication.
A Comparative Study between Intermittent Smead Jones Rectus Closure and Continuous Rectus Closure in Midline Laparotomy Wound
Authors: Maheshwari Maulik , khan Imran Ali
Published: April 2024

This comparative study delves into the efficacy and impact of two primary closure techniques, intermittent Smead Jones rectus closure, and continuous rectus closure, on midline laparotomy wound management. Aimed at offering evidence-based guidance to surgeons, this investigation encompasses a prospective observational study involving 98 patients aged ≥18 undergoing midline exploratory laparotomy at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital Sawangi. Divided into two groups—intermittent S-J closure and continuous closure—the study will meticulously assess wound parameters and complications, notably focusing on wound dehiscence, burst abdomen, and incisional hernia repair rates. Spanning from February 2023 to May 2025, the research aims to scrutinize statistical outcomes using SPSS and MS Excel, seeking to provide critical insights into these closure techniques’ comparative effectiveness. Despite its limitations, including a relatively small sample size and an observational nature without interventions, this study aspires to contribute valuable data that can aid surgeons in optimizing closure methods for midline laparotomy wounds, thereby enhancing postoperative outcomes and patient care.
Injury incidence and associated factors among soccer players during the 2021 African Cup of Nations competition
Authors: Chaabeni Amr , Kalai Amine , Ben Saad Helmi , Zerguini Yacine , Tabben Montassar , Chamari Karim , Jellad Anis
Published: April 2024

Background Understanding the epidemiology of soccer injuries during specific international competitions is essential for customizing preventive strategies. Several studies have reported outcomes related to international competitions but, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no investigation into the injury patterns during any African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments. This study aimed to analyse the incidence and the characteristics of soccer injuries during the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which took place in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022. Methods A video-based analysis covering 52 matches was conducted by two independent consultant physicians. They reviewed injury replays to determine incidence and characteristics ( i.e. ; mechanisms, body location, match moment, player substitution, absence in the next match, and referee decisions). Results The tournament involved 519 male players, comprising 275 African (ALP) and 244 Non-African (NALP) league players. Eighty-seven injuries occurred, with incidences of 1.7 and 48.8 injuries per match and per 1000 match hours, respectively. Injury incidence rose with competition stages, particularly contact mechanism injuries. Non-contact injuries (23/87) predominantly occurred after 60 minutes of play (19/23), with the thigh being the most frequently affected body part (18/87). Older age and playing time significantly correlated with injury occurrence (p=0.032 and p<0.001, respectively). NALP midfielders and forwards were notably injured by contact mechanisms (36/45) in the attacking zone. Although non-contact mechanisms were more common in ALP than NALP (13/42 vs. 9/45), the difference lacked statistical significance (p=0.240), with a higher rate of muscle injuries (13/42 vs. 10/45, p=0.001). Conclusion Muscle injuries prevailed among professional soccer players in the 2021 AFCON, with older age and playing time identified as key associated factors. Muscle injuries were more prevalent in ALP compared to NALP.
The suitability of a singing repertoire for children’s vocal range in third-grade music lessons in general education schools
Authors: Rüü Inna
Published: April 2024

Artikli autori eesmärk on empiiriliselt uurida algkoolilapse lauluhääle omadusi ja varieeruvust ning vaadelda olemasolevate muusikaõpikute repertuaari sobivust. Töö meetodiks on kolmanda klassi õpilaste hääleulatuse profiili mõõtmine, millega on võimalik kindlaks määrata hääle kõrguslik ja dünaamiline ulatus kõigil nootidel. HUP-ide tulemusi võrreldakse muusikaõpikutes kasutusel oleva repertuaari tessiturogrammidega, kus on kokku loetud igale noodikõrgusele vastavate nootide arv laulus. Tulemustest selgub, et Eesti kooli kolmanda klassi muusikaõpikutes leidub piisaval hulgal lastele mugava tessituuriga laule, kuid osale lastest need hääle eripära tõttu ei sobi. Hea lahendus on see, kui õpetaja kasutab muusikatunnis rohkem relatiivses süsteemis kirjutatud laule ja mudellaule, mis on oma tessituuride poolest vähem mahukad.
Summary
Developing the methodological instructions of art education supporting key competences and subject-specific competence
Authors: Arov Helen , Porri Anneli , Vahter Edna , Löfström Erika
Published: April 2024

Eesti õpetajad on hästi ette valmistatud aine õpetamiseks, kuid ebakindlamalt tuntakse end kunsti osaoskuste ja üldpädevuste seostamisel. Eesti uuendatud riiklik õppekava näeb kunsti ainekavas ette ainepädevuse ja üldpädevuste ühendamist. Õppekava rakendamist mõjutavad uuenduste sisu, kontekstuaalsed faktorid ja õpetajate isiklik tõlgendus. Tõlgendamisega seoses on täheldatud, et mida enam institutsionaalsed suunised õpetaja ootustest lahknevad, seda enam õpetaja ametlikust õppekavast eemaldub. Artikli eesmärk on esitada soovitusi, kuidas seostada kunstiõppes aine- ja üldpädevusi. Selleks et täpsemalt mõista, mil moel on seni üldpädevusi kunsti õppeainega seostatud, analüüsisime riikliku õppekava teksti, kunstide ainevaldkonna kirjeldust ning kunsti aine- ja õppekava rakendumist toetavaid metoodilisi tugimaterjale. Tuvastatud kitsaskohtadele tuginedes täpsustame edasisi rakendussoovitusi, kuidas luua terviklikku ja nii ainepädevust kui ka üldpädevusi kujundavat õppeprotsessi.
Summary
Primeiro registro de Ceyxia pseudovillosa Andrade & Tavares, 2009 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) no estado do Acre
Authors: Santos Rodrigo Souza , Menezes Douglas Silva , Sales Niqueli Cunha da Costa , Silva Vênus de Mel Almeida da
Published: April 2024

Os insetos parasitoides possuem grande importância ecológica e econômica, pois atuam como reguladores de populações de insetos fitófagos, controlando pragas florestais e agrícolas. No entanto, apesar da sua relevância, os parasitoides ainda podem ser considerados como pouco estudados na região Norte do Brasil. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desse trabalho é registrar pela primeira vez a espécie Ceyxia pseudovillosa Andrade & Tavares, 2009 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) no estado do Acre, oriunda de coleta por armadilha Malaise na terra indígena Puyanawa, Mâncio Lima, Acre. Este registro aumenta tanto o conhecimento acerca das espécies de Chalcididae ocorrentes no estado do Acre, bem como o conhecimento acerca da distribuição geográfica dessa espécie no Brasil.
Analysis of the effectiveness of the training system of future computer profile specialists for the application of digital technologies
Authors: Potapchuk Olha
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the article is to verify and justify the effectiveness of implementing an authorial system for preparing future computer professionals to apply digital technologies.
The methodological basis of the publication is methods of scientific analysis, pedagogical positions on the issues of preparing future computer professionals, implementation of an authorial system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of digital technologies.
The scientific novelty lies in highlighting the main results of the pedagogical experiment, which aimed to verify the effectiveness of the system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of digital technologies. The pedagogical experiment was conducted in accordance with the main stages (diagnostic, formative, control), during each of which a series of tasks and research were carried out. The research hypothesis assumes that the quality of preparation of future computer professionals for the application of ICT in professional activities will improve by implementing organizational and pedagogical conditions, principles, approaches, content, forms, and methods laid down in the authorial system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of ICT. To substantiate the conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the content and methodology of the pedagogical experiment, statistical processing of the obtained data will be conducted.
It was found that EG students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and skills in mastering and using modern ICT tools and instruments: 3D modeling technologies, including for graphic reconstruction; additive technologies; development of adaptive web resources; development and application of virtual and augmented reality applications; use of Smart technologies in education, and so on.
Conclusions. Summarizing the research results, we believe that the authorial system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of ICT in professional activities is effective and positively influences the formation of their readiness for professional activities in general.
Ekonomia polityczna a demokracja w pismach klasyków liberalizmu – John Stuart Mill i Herbert Spencer
Authors: Grzybek Dariusz
Published: April 2024

POLITICAL ECONOMY AND DEMOCRACY IN THE WRITINGS OF CLASSICAL LIBERALS – JOHN STUART MILL AND HERBERT SPENCER
The main aim of this paper is showing mainstream  economic theory as an important factor shaping the evolution of political liberalism. The role of the economic theory in this process seems underestimated. The paper analyses the writings of two classical liberal thinkers – John Stuart Mill and Herbert Spencer, the former a pioneer of egalitarian liberalism, the latter of laissez-faire liberalism. Both Mill and Spencer were the followers of the classical political economy accepting the classical theory of distribution. Both saw the distribution of wealth as a spontaneous process, seeing no possibility correcting it for the people’s sake without disturbances or damages. According to the classical theory of wage fund, workers would get higher incomes only through accumulation of capital by owners and repressing their own fertility. Such statement was fundamentally opposite to all postulates of the workers’ movement. Workers always claimed bigger share in social income and legislation favoring laborers. The inevitable result of this contradiction was a conflict between liberal and democratic ideas. Mill and Spencer proposed two different solutions. J. S. Mill found a specific compromise and proposed enlarging franchise on working class, but with a still dominant position of the educated classes. Mill was against equal franchise for the working class because he did not conceive them as liable, rational and sober people. This position results from the wage fund doctrine; according to it, abundant workers’ fertility is wasteful for them and only sexual restraint (or chastity) would make their wages higher. Spencer in his early writing was an enthusiast of democracy, supposing the working class’ affinity to free market solutions. His later disappointment with democracy turned him into a strong critic of democratic parliamentarism from the standpoint of laissez-faire individualism. The case of these two liberal thinkers shows fundamental difficulty in reconciliation between the ideas of democracy and free market. We could choose democracy accepting welfare state or choose free market solution and become unambiguous critics of democracy. Spencer was a forerunner of all later ‘neoliberal’ critics of welfare state. Mill’s opinion was halfway between laissez-faire liberalism and modern egalitarian liberalism. Democracy and equal voting rights became acceptable by mainstream economist only when they had abandoned the wage fund doctrine and other constructs of the classical political economy. Thus changes in the economic theory had a significant impact on the evolution of political liberalism.
On-Demand, Long-Term, or Hybrid? An Economic Analysis of Optimal Rental Models on Sharing Platforms
Authors: Chen Jianqing , Feng Nan , Guo Zhiling , Zhang Wenyi
Published: April 2024

This study examines three rental models—long-term, on-demand, and hybrid—in the sharing economy and evaluates their impacts on social welfare and consumer surplus. Our analysis reveals the significance of consumers’ setup and transaction costs in determining the optimal rental-model for platforms. We find that the relative setup cost and the relative transaction cost between owners and renters play a crucial role in shaping the equilibrium market price and optimality of the three rental models, whereas the total costs determine the equilibrium transaction volume and sustainability of the three models, with high costs posing barriers to the viability of on-demand and hybrid models. In practice, platforms can maximize consumer surplus by selecting an optimal rental model that narrows the gap in setup costs between renters and owners. Policymakers should implement favorable policies or subsidies to balance consumers’ participation incentives on both sides of the market, leading to mutually beneficial social outcomes.
Taylor Approximation of Inventory Policies for One-Warehouse, Multi-Retailer Systems with Demand Feature Information
Authors: Huang Jingkai , Shang Kevin , Yang Yi , Zhou Weihua , Li Yuan
Published: April 2024

We consider a distribution system in which retailers replenish perishable goods from a warehouse, which, in turn, replenishes from an outside source. Demand at each retailer depends on exogenous features and a random shock, and unfulfilled demand is lost. The objective is to obtain a data-driven replenishment and allocation policy that minimizes the average inventory cost per time period. The extant data-driven methods either cannot guarantee a feasible solution for out-of-sample feature observations or generate one with excessive computational time. We propose a policy that resolves these issues in two steps. In the first step, we assume that the distributions of features and random shocks are known. We develop an effective heuristic policy by using Taylor expansion to approximate the retailer’s inventory cost. The resulting solution is closed-form, referred to as Taylor Approximation (TA) policy. We show that the TA policy is asymptotically optimal in the number of retailers. In the second step, we apply the linear quantile regression and kernel density estimation to the TA solution to obtain the data-driven policy called Data-Driven Taylor Approximation (DDTA) policy. We prove that the DDTA policy is consistent with the TA policy. A numerical study shows that the DDTA policy is very effective. Using a real data set provided by Fresh Hema, we show that the DDTA policy reduces the average cost by 11.0% compared with Hema’s policy. Finally, we show that the main results still hold in the cases of correlated demand features, positive lead times, and censored demand.

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, data science.

Funding: Y. Yang acknowledges financial support from the NSFC [Grants 72125004, 71821002]. W. Zhou acknowledges financial support from the NSFC [Grants 72192823, 71821002].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.04241 .
Achieving Zero Hunger under Sustainable Development Goals Concerning Organic Agriculture
Authors: Batra Vikas , A Avinash , Kumar Ashish , Soti Nupur
Published: April 2024

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were formulated to accomplish highly required overall human development without depleting the environment for future generations. Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) aims for “Zero Hunger” with eight associated targets. These associated targets set in motion the overall development of agriculture that provides healthy food and raises the living standard of smallholder farmers while maintaining the natural base. SDG2 and other SDGs are intertwined, and achieving SDG2 targets will help accomplish other goals that have been weakening due to climate change, carbon emission, excessive use of chemicals, droughts, locust attacks, and pandemics. The essence of achieving SDG2 is directly linked to food production and access. The current food production based on conventional farming harms the environment and is unsustainable in the long run. Thus, the need for an alternative food production system that ensures sustainable development is emphasized. Organic farming is a food production system based on agroecological principles and promotes sustainable development. We reviewed the role of the present organic farming as a food production system to achieve SDG2. We analyzed the four targets of SDG2 and assessed whether organic farming can achieve the sub-targets of SDG2. Besides food security, organic farming ensures economic viability for small farmers, provides nutritious food and promotes biodiversity. Innovative research, practices, stakeholder partnerships, and a comprehensive framework are recommended.
Bioassay Study of Azadirachtin And Plumbagin on Pericallia ricini (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: R Gnanamani. , B Ramanathan. , Rani. G Indira
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the overuse of commercially obtainable synthetic pesticides against phytophagous insects has augmented their bioaccumulation in the biosphere, foremost to increased resistance and reduced soil biodiversity. Moreover, extreme uses of insecticides enter various environmental resources as an outcome of overflow, initiating deleterious health problems to agriculturalists and consumers of agricultural products. Hence, more attention is being paid towards the expansion of substitute eco-friendly insecticides that will help in an effective pest management system and also prevent longstanding exposure that causes diseases. As a result, important ecologically friendly and harmless alternative practice strategies to artificial compounds are essential. Azadirachtin and plumbagin (phytoproducts) have been identified as an extraordinary biocontrol agent with low toxicity and high efficacy among many plant products for latent chemotherapeutic compounds in plant pest and disease management systems. The biocidal effectiveness of neem is attributed to its azadirachtin active ingredient, which affect some metabolic processes in insects such as protein synthesis, deviations in biological fitness, reduced sexual communication, and chitin synthesis. Similarly, Plumbagin (Napthaquinones) have established substantial attention in agricultural chemistry because of a novel action mode, extremely high activity against a broad spectrum of insects, low acute toxicity to mammals, and environmentally benign characteristics. The present study indicated that Azadirachtin and Plumbagin can be significant alternatives to Chemical insecticides for Pericallia ricini control in short-cycle crops.
Evaluation of Newly Bred Zinc and Iron Enriched Rice Genotypes for Cultivation Under Aerobic Condition Using Genetic Parameters: Implication on Drought Management
Authors: H. P Kavya , Vinutha D. N. , Shashidhar H. E. , Ganesh Doss
Published: April 2024

This research focused on the evaluation of twelve newly bred rice genotypes with diverse morphological traits under aerobic cultivation to develop strategies for water conservation while maintaining grain productivity and quality. The experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2016, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with wetland cultivation as a control. For analysis, various vegetative and reproductive traits namely, Plant height, Number of Tillers, Shoot Weight, Days to 50% flowering, Days to Maturity, Number of Productive Tillers, Panicle Length, Grain Weight, Length of the seed, Breadth of the seed, Ratio of Length and Breadth of the Seed, and Test weight of 100 seeds were recorded. Data on analysis of variance revealed the significant difference for days to flowering, maturity, plant height, panicle length, test weight, and grain yield under aerobic and wetland cultivation methods during the summer season, 2016, suggesting these traits are under high genetic control. Genetic parameters such as percentage of GCV, PCV, Heritability, and GAM were estimated across 13 parameters comprising vegetative and reproductive characters. The findings suggest a considerable amount of genetic variability for most traits, providing a foundation for the potential implementation of an effective selection procedure in breeding new rice varieties within the selected genotypes.
Unmet needs for information and support of cancer patients and carers: a structured questionnaire study
Authors: Tiirola Heli , Poutanen Veli-Matti , Auvinen Päivi , Tyynelä-Korhonen Kristiina , Vornanen Riitta , Pylkkänen Liisa
Published: April 2024

We examine the unmet needs for information and support of cancer patients and carers. A questionnaire study was performed among patients (n = 135) and carers (n = 73) at Kuopio University Hospital, Finland. Data are analysed using SPSS 27 by t-test, cross-tabulation and cluster and variance analyses. Patients and carers received less support than information. Older and less-educated individuals and males had more unmet needs. Carers received less information and support than patients. Carers expressed unmet needs particularly when they had limited opportunities to discuss with healthcare professionals. Individual needs of patients and carers should be addressed throughout the cancer care pathway.
Towards active citizenship and caring democracy? User participation in Norwegian long-term care
Authors: Christensen Karen , Andersen Jan , Askheim Ole Petter , Bikova Mariya
Published: April 2024

The conceptualisation of a caring democracy provides strong arguments against neoliberal welfare states. However, there is currently a knowledge gap regarding how non-market-oriented welfare states are striving to reach their intention of a caring democracy. Based on a qualitative study, this article uses the case of Norwegian long-term care services for older people to provide insight into how this intention is practised in everyday care service settings when the current development is about active citizenship. The findings show ethical dilemmas for care managers and healthcare professionals, positioned on the front line of combining the creation of active citizens with the democratisation of services.
Specificity of Early Childhood Hyperphagia Profiles in Neurogenetic Conditions
Authors: Andrews Sara M. , Panjwani Anita A. , Potter Sarah Nelson , Hamrick Lisa R. , Wheeler Anne C. , Kelleher Bridgette L.
Published: April 2024

Hyperphagia is highly penetrant in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and has increasingly been reported in other neurogenetic conditions (NGC). The Hyperphagia Questionnaire (HQ) was completed by caregivers of 4–8-year-olds with PWS (n = 17), Angelman syndrome (AS; n = 22), Williams syndrome (WS; n = 25), or low-risk controls (LRC; n = 35). All NGC groups were significantly elevated in HQ Total and Behavior scores compared to LRC. Only AS and WS were significantly elevated in the Drive domain, and only PWS in the Severity domain. After controlling for externalizing behavior, HQ Total scores were higher for PWS relative to other groups. Hyperphagic symptoms may not differentiate PWS from other NGCs in early childhood. However, hyperphagic phenotypes may be most severe in PWS. Further investigation of these profiles may inform etiology and syndrome-specific treatments.
The Behavioral Profile of SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability
Authors: Wright Damien , Kenny Aisling , Mizen Lindsay A. M. , McKechanie Andrew G. , Stanfield Andrew C.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to describe the behavioral profile of individuals with SYNGAP1-ID. Parents/carers of 30 individuals aged 3-18 years old with a diagnosis of SYNGAP1-ID and 21 typically developing individuals completed the Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Scale and the Child Behavior Checklist. We found that those with SYNGAP1-ID showed fewer adaptive behaviors and higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors across almost all domains compared to typically developing controls. There was some evidence that these differences were greatest in older children, and more apparent in those with co-occuring epilepsy. This characterization of the phenotype of SYNGAP1-ID significantly aids our understanding of the behavioral profile of this population and is a step towards the development of tailored interventions.
Adults With IDD in Supported Accommodation During COVID-19 Lockdown: The Families’ Perspective
Authors: Shpigelman Carmit-Noa , Araten-Bergman Tal
Published: April 2024

The present study aims to understand and describe family caregivers’ perceptions and experiences regarding contact and relationships with their adult relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in supported accommodation during the COVID-19 lockdown. A qualitative phenomenological approach was applied in which 19 Israeli family caregivers (parents and siblings) were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis revealed themes at the microsystem level (the resident, the caregiver, and their relationship), and at the mesosystem level (the caregivers’ interactions with service providers and other residents’ families). The findings highlight the pivotal role of family caregivers in times of uncertainty and the need to develop explicit policies and mechanisms to facilitate family engagement in the residents’ lives.
Improving Data Infrastructure for Person-Centered Outcomes Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Dhopeshwarkar Rina , Jiménez Frances , Ryan Sofia , Plourde Emma , Karimi Madjid
Published: April 2024

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to experience disparities in health and well-being despite improved provisions of person-centered care. Patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) translates evidence into practice for meaningful outcomes. This piece describes findings from an environmental scan and stakeholder outreach to identify and prioritize opportunities to enhance IDD PCOR data infrastructure. These opportunities include developing a standardized research definition; advancing data standards for service systems; improving capture of IDD at point of care; developing standardized outcome measures; and encouraging Medicaid data use for IDD research. Within this piece, we discuss the implications of addressing data gaps for enhanced research. While the identified activities provide a path towards advancing IDD PCOR data infrastructure, collaborative efforts between government, researchers, and others are paramount.
Perceiving Design? Reid's Design Discourse
Authors: Kroeker Esther Engels
Published: April 2024

abstract: Thomas Reid, I argue in this paper, holds that the belief that the works of nature are the effects of an intelligent cause is an instinctive or natural belief that may also be rational. After presenting the details of Reid's design argument, I turn to his account of human perception of the inner states of other human beings. I argue that perceptual beliefs of inner states, and hence beliefs in mental qualities such as intelligence and wisdom, involve natural signs that are both instinctive and rational. Natural signs of this sort include behaviors, artifacts, or facial expressions, which lead to belief in intelligence or design in a mind. These natural instinctive/rational beliefs are of the same kind as those that arise when one considers order in nature, and they receive support both from a general principle about causal inferences, and from the conclusion of a design argument.
Foils and Fools: “Bartleby” and the Failure of Romantic Possibility
Authors: Specq François
Published: April 2024

Abstract: “Bartleby” has elicited an inordinate number of readings, as it strikingly bridges the gulf between the antebellum sensibility and our own, but this essay sees it less as a forerunner of postmodern dislocations or indeterminacies, than as an exploration—or, rather, an exposition—of the limits of Romantic possibility. More specifically, the essay frames “Bartleby” as Melville’s response to the illusions or inadequacies of Transcendentalism. As distinct from the few readings that have connected Melville’s short story to Transcendentalism, this essay locates Melville’s critique of Transcendentalism not only in the figure of Bartleby, but also in that of the lawyer. Further, it points to a confrontation with Transcendentalism which focuses less on self-reliance than on another of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essential notions—that of power—arguing that, far from being a figure of potentiality, Bartleby is an emblem of starkly thwarted possibility, offering one of Melville’s harshest comments on the humanist vision of agency, discovery, and insight.
Multi-branch attention Raman network and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the classification of neurological disorders
Authors: Xiong Changchun , Zhong Qingshan , Yan Denghui , Zhang Baihua , Yao Yudong , Qian Wei , Zheng Chengying , Mei Xi , Zhu Shanshan
Published: April 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a rapid, low-cost, non-invasive, ultrasensitive, and label-free technique, has been widely used in-situ and ex-situ biomedical diagnostics questions. However, analyzing and interpreting the untargeted spectral data remains challenging due to the difficulty of designing an optimal data pre-processing and modelling procedure. In this paper, we propose a Multi-branch Attention Raman Network (MBA-RamanNet) with a multi-branch attention module, including the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) branch, deep convolution module (DCM) branch, and branch weights, to extract more global and local information of characteristic Raman peaks which are more distinctive for classification tasks. CBAM, including channel and spatial aspects, is adopted to enhance the distinctive global information on Raman peaks. DCM is used to supplement local information of Raman peaks. Autonomously trained branch weights are applied to fuse the features of each branch, thereby optimizing the global and local information of the characteristic Raman peaks for identifying diseases. Extensive experiments are performed for two different neurological disorders classification tasks via untargeted serum SERS data. The results demonstrate that MBA-RamanNet outperforms commonly used CNN methods with an accuracy of 88.24% for the classification of healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and Non-Alzheimer’s dementia; an accuracy of 90% for the classification of healthy controls, elderly depression, and elderly anxiety.
Time and power dependence of laser-induced photodamage on human sperm revealed by longitudinal rolling measurement using optical tweezers
Authors: He Jun , Wei Peipei , Wang Peng , Lyu Jifu , Li Changxu , Pan Haoyu , Lu Zijian , Lu Fengya , Wang Yi , Li Jun , Zhou Jinhua , Zhong Zhensheng
Published: April 2024

Lasers are widely applied in assisted reproductive technologies, including sperm fixation, sperm selection and intracytoplasmic sperm injections, to reduce procedure time and improve consistency and reproducibility. However, quantitative studies on laser-induced photodamage of sperm are lacking. In this study, we demonstrated that, by using optical tweezers, the kinematic parameters of freely swimming sperm are correlated with the frequency as well as the percentage of pausing duration of longitudinal rolling of the same sperm head in the optical trap. Furthermore, by trapping individual sperm cells using 1064-nm optical tweezers, we quantitatively characterized the time-dependence of longitudinal rolling frequency and percentage of pausing duration of sperm under different laser powers. Our study revealed that, as trapping time and the laser power time increase, the longitudinal rolling frequency of the optically trapped sperm decreases with an increasing percentage of pausing duration, which characterizes the effect of laser power and duration on the photodamage of individual sperm cells. Our study provides experimental basis for the optimization of laser application in assisted reproductive technology, which may reduce the photodamage-induced biosafety risk in the future.
Fourier space aberration correction for high resolution refractive index imaging using incoherent light
Authors: Chung Yoonjae , Hugonnet Herve , Hong Seung-Mo , Park YongKeun
Published: April 2024

An aberration correction method is introduced for 3D phase deconvolution microscopy. Our technique capitalizes on multiple illumination patterns to iteratively extract Fourier space aberrations, utilizing the overlapping information inherent in these patterns. By refining the point spread function based on the retrieved aberration data, we significantly improve the precision of refractive index deconvolution. We validate the effectiveness of our method on both synthetic and biological three-dimensional samples, achieving notable enhancements in resolution and measurement accuracy. The method's reliability in aberration retrieval is further confirmed through controlled experiments with intentionally induced spherical aberrations, underscoring its potential for wide-ranging applications in microscopy and biomedicine.
Broad-band-enhanced plasmonic random laser in silver nanostar arrays
Authors: Liu Fangyuan , Xin Xia , Chang Siqi , Liang Ningning , Cui Libin , Zhai Tianrui
Published: April 2024

As a novel optical device, the plasmonic random laser has unique working principle and emission characteristics. However, the simultaneous enhancement of absorption and emission by plasmons is still a problem. In this paper, we propose a broad-band-enhanced plasmonic random laser. Two-dimensional silver (Ag) nanostar arrays were prepared using a bottom-up method with the assistance of self-assembled nanosphere templates. The plasmon resonance of Ag nanostars contributes to the pump light absorption and photoluminescence (PL) of RhB. Coherent random lasing was achieved in RhB@PVA film based on localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) dual enhancement and scattering feedback of Ag nanostars. Ag nanostars prepared with different nanosphere diameters affect the laser emission wavelength. In addition, the random laser device achieves wavelength tunability on a flexible substrate under mechanical external force.
Maskless photolithography based on ultraviolet micro-LEDs and direct writing method for improving pattern resolution
Authors: Tan Cuili , Ren Tianyang , Qu Daopeng , Shan Xinyi , Lin Runze , Zhang Zhihao , Li Fusheng , Han Qiuyi , Cui Xugao , Guo Ruiqian , Zhang Shanduan , Tian Pengfei
Published: April 2024

Ultraviolet micro-LEDs show great potential as a light source for maskless photolithography. However, there are few reports on micro-LED based maskless photolithography systems, and the studies on the effects of system parameters on exposure patterns are still lacking. Hence, we developed a maskless photolithography system that employs micro-LEDs with peak wavelength 375 nm to produce micrometer-sized exposure patterns in photoresists. We also systematically explored the effects of exposure time and current density of micro-LED on static direct writing patterns, as well as the effects of stage velocity and current pulse width on dynamic direct writing patterns. Furthermore, reducing the size of micro-LED pixels enables obtaining high-resolution exposure patterns, but this approach will bring technical challenges and high costs. Therefore, this paper proposes an oblique direct writing method that, instead of reducing the micro-LED pixel size, improves the pattern resolution by changing the tilt angle of the sample. The experimental results show that the linewidths of the exposed lines decreased by 4.0% and 15.2%, respectively, as the sample tilt angle increased from 0° to 15° and 30°, which confirms the feasibility of the proposed method to improve the pattern resolution. This method is also expected to correct the exposure pattern error caused by optical distortion of the lens in the photolithography system. The system and method reported can be applied in various fields such as PCBs, photovoltaics, solar cells, and MEMS.
Microstructured large-area photoconductive terahertz emitters driven at high average power
Authors: Khalili Mohsen , Vogel Tim , Wang Yicheng , Mansourzadeh Samira , Singh Abhishek , Winnerl Stephan , Saraceno Clara J.
Published: April 2024

Emitters based on photoconductive materials excited by ultrafast lasers are well-established and popular devices for THz generation. However, so far, these emitters – both photoconductive antennas and large area emitters - were mostly explored using driving lasers with moderate average powers (either fiber lasers with up to hundreds of milliwatts or Ti:Sapphire systems up to few watts). In this paper, we explore the use of high-power, MHz repetition rate Ytterbium (Yb) based oscillator for THz emission using a microstructured large-area photoconductive emitter, consist of semi-insulating GaAs with a 10 × 10 mm2 active area. As a driving source, we use a frequency-doubled home-built high average power ultrafast Yb-oscillator, delivering 22 W of average power, 115 fs pulses with 91 MHz repetition rate at a central wavelength of 516 nm. When applying 9 W of average power (after an optical chopper with a duty cycle of 50%) on the structure without optimized heatsinking, we obtain 65 µW THz average power, 4 THz bandwidth; furthermore, we safely apply up to 18 W of power on the structure without observing damage. We investigate the impact of excitation power, bias voltage, optical fluence, and their interplay on the emitter performance and explore in detail the sources of thermal load originating from electrical and optical power. Optical power is found to have a more critical impact on large area photoconductive emitter saturation than electrical power, thus optimized heatsinking will allow us to improve the conversion efficiency in the near future towards much higher emitter power. This work paves the way towards achieving hundreds of MHz or even GHz repetition rates, high-power THz sources based on photoconductive emitters, that are of great interest for example for future THz imaging applications.
Sub-bandgap photo-response of black silicon fabricated by femtosecond laser irradiation under water
Authors: Wang Xuan , Du Wenhan , Lun Yinghao , Zhao Bing , Zhao Xiaona
Published: April 2024

Here we propose a method to fabricate black Si without the need for any chalcogenide doping, accomplished by femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation in a liquid environment, aiming to fabricate the infrared detector and investigating their optoelectronic performance. Multi-scale laser-induced periodical surface structures (LIPSSs), containing micron sized grooves decorated with low spatial frequency ripples on the surface, can be clearly observed by SEM and 3D confocal microscope. The generated black Si demonstrates superior absorption capabilities across a broad wavelength range of 200-2500 nm, achieving an average absorptance of up to 71%. This represents a notable enhancement in comparison to untreated Si, which exhibits an average absorption rate of no more than 20% across the entire detectable spectrum. A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) type photodetector was fabricated based on this black Si, demonstrating remarkable optoelectronic properties, specifically, it attains a responsivity of 50.2 mA/W@10 V and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 4.02% at a wavelength of 1550 nm, significantly outperforming the unprocessed Si by more than five orders of magnitude. The great enhancement in infrared absorption as well as the optoelectronic performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the multi-scale LIPSSs and the generated intermediate energy levels. On one hand, the multi-scale structures contribute to an anti-reflection and light trapping property; on the other hand, the defects levels generated through fs laser ablation process under water may narrow the band gap of the Si. The results therefore underscore the remarkable potential of black Si processed by fs laser under water for the application of photodetection, especially in the near-infrared band.
Wide field-of-view laser-based white light transmitter for visible light communications
Authors: Hou Yuqi , Wang Zhichong , Liu Meixin , Yi Shulan , Wang Xiaoqian , Xia Liang , Liu Guangyi , Shi Jianyang , Li Ziwei , Zhang Junwen , Chi Nan , Shen Chao
Published: April 2024

The advancement demands of high-speed wireless data link ask for higher requirements on visible light communication (VLC), where wide coverage stands as a critical criterion. Here, we present the design and implementation of a transmitter structure capable of emitting a high-power wide-coverage white light laser. This laser source exhibits excellent stability, with an irradiation range extending to a half-angle of 20°. Its high brightness satisfies the needs of indoor illumination while maintaining excellent communication performance. Utilizing bit-loading discrete multi-tone modulation, a peak data transmission rate of 3.24 Gbps has been achieved, spanning 1 to 5 m. Remarkably, the data rates exceed 2.5 Gbps within a 40° range at a distance of 5 m, enabling a long-distance, wide coverage, high-speed VLC link for future mobile network applications.