bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving mothers' understanding of the mother and child health handbook in Nyamira County, Kenya
Authors: Osero Justus OS , Osano Edna Nyanchama
Published: June 2024

Background/Aims

Mothers' knowledge of the mother and child health handbook positively affects their practice in child healthcare. However, there is evidence that their understanding of the handbook's contents and its purpose is limited. This study's aim was to assess the impact of a health education intervention designed to improve mothers' knowledge of the handbook's use and contents.

Methods

In this quasi-experimental study, participants were recruited from four selected health facilities. Participants in the experimental arm were given health training on the mother and child health handbook while those in the control arm received usual care. Data on participants' understanding of the handbook's purpose and contents were collected via questionnaire at baseline and, for intervention participants, after 9 months. Interviews were conducted with four healthcare providers, to explore their perception of women's understanding of the handbook. Data were analysed using the Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test and odds ratios.

Results

Participants who received health education showed significant improvement in knowledge of the handbook's contents, with the exception of the HIV prophylaxis schedule. This included being more likely to know that weight-for-height monitoring (odds ratio=2.222; P<0.001), height-for-age monitoring (odds ratio=2.308; P<0.001) and a recommended vaccine schedule (odds ratio=3.000; P<0.001) were found in the handbook. The proportion of mothers who recognised the growth monitoring curve also improved greatly (16.7% pre-intervention, 100.0% post-intervention).

Conclusions

Mothers' knowledge of the mother and child health handbook improved significantly after health education. Mothers should be given education to ensure that they can make full use of the handbook.
Effects of the supportive care needs of patients with cancer on their comfort levels
Authors: Akduran Funda , Karaca Anita , Eroglu Semiha Akin
Published: June 2024

Background:

Providing supportive care to patients with cancer and improving their comfort levels can promote their adjustment to the disease, compliance with treatment and improve their quality of life.

Aim:

The aim of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to identify the effects of the supportive care needs of cancer patients on their comfort levels.

Methods:

The study was performed in the oncology department of a university hospital. A total of 153 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy constituted the sample. The data collection procedure included the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) and the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ).

Results:

The SCNS scores of the patients were low (Mean±SD: 75.13±27.93). The socio-cultural dimension of the GCQ was the most adversely influenced area of comfort. There was a negative relationship between needs and comfort levels (rs=-0.69, p<0.01). Lower scores of comfort were associated with higher scores of SCNS (ß=-0.487; ß=-0.316; ß=-0.958, respectively).

Conclusions:

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were supported in meeting their physical and psychological needs and performing their activities of daily living and care during their hospital stay. Patients with higher support needs had lower comfort levels.
Risk Factor
Authors: Hayes Steve
Published: June 2024

In an age of rapid wireless advancement, understanding and mitigating the risks posed by connected devices is vital, says Element Materials Technology.
Testing 1,2,3
Authors: Milton Tina
Published: June 2024

Microphones are a core component in many of the most popular consumer electronics, from smartphones to voice assistants. But how do audio testers ensure their reliability and sound quality?
Chemistry Lesson
Authors: Haber Judith
Published: June 2024

As countries worldwide respond to the danger posed by hazardous substances, staying on top of compliance is a complex challenge for electronics companies. UL Solutions offers this overview of global chemical regulations.
Inside Out
Authors:   Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions
Published: June 2024

Assessing component failure for electronics requires a suite of increasingly sophisticated non-destructive testing technologies and workflows, says ZEISS.
Effective Feature Information Identification of Sugarcane Based on Hybrid Deep Learning Models
Authors: Pan Mingzhang , Gou Xuanyuan , Zeng Yue , Wang Zongrun , Yuan Leyi , Liang Ke
Published: June 2024

Highlights

MobileNetV3+U-Net lightweight network improves sugarcane segmentation accuracy and speed.

The image processing algorithm removes interference information from the predicted sugarcane segmentation images.

Improved YOLOX network enhances the accuracy of sugarcane stem node detection and provides better visualization.

Hybrid deep learning models are utilized to extract complete feature information required for sugarcane harvesting.

Abstract. The efficiency of intelligent sugarcane harvesters in harvesting depends on the effectiveness of identifying and locating the sugarcane during the harvesting process. In the actual harvesting process, accurately extracting valid features of sugarcane amidst the dense and interwoven sugarcane becomes a challenging task. To address this issue, we propose a hybrid deep learning approach to extract sugarcane stem contours and internal stem node feature information from sugarcane efficiently in the context of a complex harvest. Firstly, this study combined the MobileNetV3 and U-Net networks to segment overall images that contain information about the external contours of the sugarcane stem. Then, the extracted overall profile images were optimized using a variety of image processing techniques to meet the requirements of harvesting. Lastly, the improved YOLOX model was utilized to identify the internal stem node features of sugarcane from the optimized overall images. The experimental results on a real sugarcane dataset show that the proposed external sugarcane stem segmentation model achieves a high mean intersection over union (MIoU) of 91.68% with an average segmentation time of just 0.025 seconds. Moreover, the proposed model for internal stem node recognition in sugarcane achieves an average precision (AP) of 96.19% with an average detection time of 0.026 seconds. Additionally, this study compares image segmentation models such as PSPNet and DeepLabv3+ with target detection models such as YoloV5 and YoloV7. The experimental results show that the sugarcane feature extraction models proposed in this article all exhibit high accuracy and robustness.
Soil and Crop Effects of a Subsurface Fluid Lime Applicator
Authors: Casanova Joaquin , Heineck Garett , LeTourneau Melissa K. , Hansen Jeremy C. , Carlson Jenny L. , Huggins David
Published: June 2024

Highlights

Continuous no-tillage with fertilizer deep-banded below the seed can result in stratified soil acidity that cannot be rapidly addressed with surface-applied lime.

We modified a tractor-driven sweep implement to inject fluid lime that targets sub-surface soil acidity with minimal disturbance that maintains surface crop residues, and tested it prior to seeding winter peas at 4 liming rates.

Soil chemistry, microbiology, and crop growth were monitored over the season.

Abstract. Deep-banding ammonia and urea-based nitrogen fertilizers under continuous no-tillage can result in stratified acidification at the fertilizer-injection depth. Currently, producers address this acidification through primary tillage operations that mix the soil and dilute the acidification, but increase the hazard of soil erosion. Typically, lime is required to ameliorate soil acidity; however, surface-applied lime does not immediately address subsurface acidity, and often tillage is used to incorporate lime and correct acidified layers created through deep-banded fertilizer placement under no-tillage. Here, we designed, developed, and tested a subsurface applicator for fluid lime that can target specific soil depths and rates. The liming system was tested in Eastern Washington on a field that had been under continuous no-tillage for 25 years, had stratified soil acidity, and was to be planted to winter pea, a crop known to be sensitive to acid soil conditions. Soil pH and carbon distribution, microbial changes, biomass, and leaf area index (LAI). Results indicated that the lime targeted the seed zone and raised pH significantly; effects on biomass were marginally significant; and effects on LAI and vegetation cover were insignificant. Topography had a significant effect on all variables due to changes in applicator effectiveness with changes in soil mechanics, meaning as-applied rates varied from desired rates. Keywords: Liming, No-tillage, Precision agriculture, Soil acidity, Soil microbiology.
Highly coherent supercontinuum generation in a photonic crystal fiber based on GeSe2–As2Se3–PbSe chalcogenide in the mid-infrared region
Authors: Tran Hong Tham , Nguyen Xuan Thuan , Thi Nguyen Hue , Hoang Van Thuy , Le Hieu Van
Published: June 2024

We numerically demonstrated highly coherent mid-infrared (IR) super-continuum (SC) generation using all-normal dispersion (AND) GeSe2−As2Se3−PbSe chalcogenide photonic crystal fiber (PCF). The structural parameters of this PCF were optimized to obtain an ultra-flat-AND region and high nonlinearity characteristics using the full-vectorial finite difference method with the perfectly matched layer boundary conditions to calculate the linear properties of the fiber. We show that, pumping a light source at 9.8 µm pump wavelength with an input pulse energy of 3.5 nJ and pulse width of 200 fs, corresponding to the peak power of 17.5 kW, into a 10-cm-long fiber, an ultra-flat-coherent mid-IR SC extended from 2851.8 nm to 13538.8 nm (bandwidth of 10687 nm) is obtained. This ultra-wide and flattened spectrum has excellent stability and coherence properties that can be used for mid-IR applications such as biological imaging, optical coherence tomography, and frequency metrology.
Polarization characterization of a nonspherical sea salt aerosol model
Authors: Lian Wentao , Dai Congming , Chen Shunping , Wang Chen , Zhang Cong , Wu Fan , Zhang Yuxuan , Wei Heli
Published: June 2024

The T-matrix method was utilized to study the polarization characteristics of nonspherical sea salt aerosol models within the wavelength range of 0.48–2.5 µm. Analysis was conducted on the polarization characteristics of nonspherical sea salt aerosols across different wavelengths as a function of scattering angle. This included scrutinizing linear depolarization ratios under typical visible and near-infrared wavelengths for various aspect ratios. The impact of particle nonsphericity on the linear depolarization ratios of monodisperse and polydisperse sea salt aerosol particles was examined. The results indicate: (1) In the analysis of the polarization characteristics of sea salt aerosols, the trends of polarization properties are similar between monodisperse and polydisperse systems. The scattering phase function P11(θ) is predominantly more significant in the forward-scattering direction. P11(θ) is insensitive to wavelength changes in the backward-scattering direction. P33(θ)/P11(θ) varies across different bands; in the visible light spectrum, there are significant fluctuating changes, while in the infrared spectrum, it trends towards nearly linear changes. The variation trends of −P12(θ)/P11(θ) and P34(θ)/P11(θ) with scattering angle are similar, and both are significantly affected by changes in wavelength. (2) Regarding the depolarization ratio of sea salt aerosols, the value for polydisperse systems is more than twice that of monodisperse systems, and the greater the nonsphericity, the higher the linear depolarization ratio. In monodisperse systems, at a wavelength of 0.633 µm for visible light and an aspect ratio of 0.4, the maximum depolarization ratio is around 118.82, while at 1.65 µm in the near-infrared, with an aspect ratio of 0.2, the maximum depolarization ratio is near 97.52; under polydisperse conditions, at 0.633 µm for visible light and an aspect ratio of 0.4, the maximum depolarization ratio is around 117.18, while at 1.65 µm in the near-infrared, with an aspect ratio of 0.2, the maximum linear depolarization ratio is near 215.66. Investigating the polarization characteristics and linear depolarization ratios of nonspherical spheroid sea salt aerosol particle models at all scattering angles is important for remote-sensing detection, high-precision calibration, and other optoelectronic applications.
Transceiver impairment robust and joint monitoring of PDL, DGD, and CD using frequency domain pilot tones for digital subcarrier multiplexing systems
Authors: Fan Linsheng , Yang Yanfu , Zhang Qun , Gong Siyu , Jia Yuchen , Cheng Chen , Yao Yong
Published: June 2024

Optical performance monitoring is vital for enabling dynamically reconfigurable optical networks. This paper introduces a monitoring scheme that is robust to transceiver impairments for coherent digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) systems that simultaneously monitors polarization-dependent loss (PDL), differential group delay (DGD), and chromatic dispersion (CD). In the proposed scheme, a pair of frequency domain pilot tones (FPTs) are inserted into the X and Y polarizations of the transmitted dual-polarization signal. Both the signal and the FPTs endure identical channel impairments during fiber transmission. At the receiver side, the transmitted FPTs are extracted to monitor the channel impairments. We begin by establishing a simplified system model using a single frequency tone to analyze the effects of system impairments on the frequency domain pilots. Based on this model, CD, PDL, and DGD are jointly and accurately estimated. In addition, the influences of temporal, amplitude, and phase mismatches between in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of transceivers on channel impairment monitoring are completely eliminated. This achieves a channel impairment monitoring scheme that is robust to transceiver impairments. Experimental verification shows that the proposed scheme can jointly and accurately estimate a wide range of CD, PDL, and DGD. Additionally, the proposed monitoring scheme demonstrates strong robustness against transceiver impairments, rapid polarization fluctuations, and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise.
Raman amplifier based on stimulated Raman scattering in a methane-filled hollow core fiber
Authors: Hampton Shawn , Geraghty Michael , Chavez Joseph R. , Ongstad Andrew P. , Lane Ryan A.
Published: June 2024

This article reports on a single pass amplifier based on stimulated Raman scattering in a methane-filled negative curvature hollow core fiber (HCF) to transition 1.06 μm power to 1.54 μm. The researchers measured the highest average Raman power at a single frequency in a methane filled HCF to date of 4.92 W (246 μJ/pulse), with a high average quantum efficiency of 95.9%. A numerical model for the system was developed and shows good agreement with measured thresholds and efficiencies. Model results from a trade space study indicate configuration regimes necessary to maximize 1.54 μm power while avoiding power loss from the secondary shift.
Odd-even symbol dispersion pre-compensation technique utilizing interleaved dual-FIR filters in IM-DD systems
Authors: Ni Weihao , Yin Mingzhu , Rong Limin , Zou Dongdong , Li Fan
Published: June 2024

An interleaved odd and even samples electrical dispersion pre-compensation (pre-EDC) scheme with low complexity is proposed to alleviate the severe distortions caused by frequency-selective fading due to chromatic dispersion (CD) in the intensity-modulation and direct-detection (IM-DD) optical transmission systems. This scheme utilizes training-based interleaved dual finite impulse response (FIR) filters for odd and even samples pre-compensation, respectively, referred to as training-based ID FIRs-pre-EDC. Additionally, a Tx and Rx side joint scheme is proposed to enhance the performance of the training-based ID FIRs-pre-EDC by implementing the efficient reduced state maximum likelihood sequence estimation (RS-MLSE) at the receiver side. Experimental validations in a C-band 56 Gbit/s PAM-4 80 km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) transmission system show that the training-based ID FIRs-pre-EDC achieves over 0.95 dB receiver sensitivity improvement at the 7% hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold compared to traditional FIR-pre-EDC schemes. Employing the proposed joint scheme obtains ∼3 dB receiver sensitivity gain at the 7% HD-FEC threshold compared with only implementing training-based ID FIRs-pre-EDC at the transmitter side. These results indicate the potential and feasibility of the proposed schemes in optical interconnects.
Long-range dipole-dipole exchange-induced atomic grating
Authors: Bao Xuan-Qian , Tian Xue-Dong , Li Dong-Xiao , Liu Yi-Mou
Published: June 2024

We propose a theoretical scheme for dipole exchange-induced grating (DEIG) based on a hybrid coherent atomic system. The system consists of an ultra-cold rubidium (87Rb) atomic ensemble and movable Rydberg spin atoms. The optical response of the grating appears as a superposition of three- and four-level configurations, which is similar to the cooperative optical nonlinearity caused by the dipole blockade effect. The far-field diffraction properties of the cooperative optical nonlinear grating are tuned by the probe field (intensity and photon statistics). However, our Rydberg atomic grating uniquely responds to the spatial positions of spin atoms, which offers a novel approach to dynamically control electromagnetically induced gratings (EIG).
Spread spectrum for covert communication in ultra-violet communication system
Authors: Yang Yueke , Ren Yuan , Liu Weijie , Gong Chen , Huang Nuo , Xu Zhengyuan
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose a covert communication scheme based on a spread spectrum for ultra-violet communication. We first characterize the system model of the communication system, where Warden is adopted to monitor the legitimated user transmission based on the binary hypothesis test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To avoid periodic transmission of the pilot sequence which potentially degrades covertness, we propose a blind synchronization approach, such that the pilot sequence does not need to be transmitted. It is observed from system-level simulation that the spread spectrum-based approach can achieve both low detection bit error rate and covertness under weak light intensity. Moreover, we experimentally evaluate the detection performance and covertness of the proposed approach.
Design of a three-frequency Rayleigh lidar for simultaneous temperature and wind measurements
Authors: Sun Leilei , Fang Xin , Li Tao , Yang Chengyun , Dou Xiankang
Published: June 2024

This study proposes what we believe to be a novel high-spectral-resolution three-frequency Rayleigh lidar for simultaneously measuring middle atmosphere temperature and wind. The temperature and wind could be retrieved without assuming an external reference temperature, as typical for a traditional Rayleigh Doppler lidar. Adopting a similar idea used in sodium temperature/wind lidar, this system alternatively emits laser pulses at three frequencies. It receives the corresponding Rayleigh backscattered signals filtered by an iodine cell as a frequency discriminator. The three frequencies are optimized based on the spectral characteristics resulting from the convolution of the pulse laser lineshape convolved Rayleigh scattering signal with iodine molecular absorption spectrum. A two-dimensional calibration curve for temperature and wind ratio is then generated from the theoretical calculation of the final convoluted spectra and used to retrieve temperature and wind simultaneously. Simulated with the return signals collected by a current broadband Rayleigh lidar (30-inch telescope and 15 W output laser power), the temperature and wind uncertainties with resolutions of 1 km and 1 hr are estimated to be 0.4 K and 0.35 m/s, respectively, at 30 km and increase to 16.3 K and 8.1 m/s at 70 km.
Robust detection of a rotational Doppler shift with randomly fluctuated light
Authors: Zhao Xuechun , Lu Xingyuan , Hu Zhiquan , Liu Tong , Hang Yiyi , Gao Jianbo , Wang Zhuoyi , Zhan Qiwen , Cai Yangjian , Ren Yuan , Zhao Chengliang
Published: June 2024

The complex external environment, such as obstruction and turbulence, poses significant limitations on the applications of rotational Doppler detection. The active manipulation of randomly fluctuated light has been proven effective in mitigating external environmental perturbations. Here, as an example, a partially coherent source with petal-like focal (or far) field distribution is constructed specifically for detecting rotational Doppler frequency shifts. The experiment involved conducting rotational Doppler detection under obstruction or turbulence conditions, and the results are compared with the fully coherent counterpart. The results demonstrate that the use of a partially coherent source can address the frequency-shift broadening problem due to the obstruction-induced beam information loss and mitigate it due to the turbulence-induced beam misalignment. These advantages make the proposed approach applicable to velocity metrology in complex environments.
Enhancing photoluminescence of WSe2 in vapor grown WSe2/VOCl bilayer heterojunctions via surface passivation
Authors: Hussain Syed Aamir , Zheng Biyuan , Xu Zheyuan , Liu Yong , Wang Hui , Sun Xingxia , Zhu Chenguang , Wu Guangcheng , Zheng Weihao , Zhu Xiaoli , Li Dong , Jiang Ying , Pan Anlian
Published: June 2024

Monolayer tungsten selenide (WSe2) has attracted attention due to its direct bandgap-generated strong light emission and light–matter interaction. Herein, vertical WSe2/VOCl bilayer heterojunctions with enhanced PL of WSe2 were synthesized by the vapor growth method. The morphology, crystal structure, and chemical composition of the WSe2/VOCl heterojunctions were systematically investigated, which confirmed the successful formation of the heterojunctions. The PL emission intensity of WSe2 obtained from the WSe2/VOCl heterojunction was about 2.4 times higher than that of the WSe2 monolayer, demonstrating the high optical quality of the WSe2/VOCl heterojunction, which was further confirmed by time-resolved PL measurements. The insulator top VOCl, which was deposited on the surface of the semiconductor bottom WSe2 as a surface passivation material, reducing the impurities and resulting in an atomically clean surface, successfully enhanced the PL emission of the bottom WSe2. This vertical WSe2/VOCl bilayer heterojunction with PL enhancement could provide a promising platform for optical devices.
A near-resonant excitation strategy to achieve ultra-low threshold GaN polariton lasing
Authors: Yang Jiajia , Tao Renchun , Huang Zhen , Li Duo , Rong Xin , Chu Zihao , Liu Qiang , Huo Xiaodi , Li Tai , Sheng Bowen , Wang Tao , Liu Fang , Yuan Ye , Wang Ping , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo , Wang Xinqiang
Published: June 2024

A near-resonant excitation strategy is proposed and implemented in a 4-µm-thick GaN microcavity to realize an exciton–polariton condensate/lasing with low threshold. Strong exciton–photon coupling is demonstrated, and polariton lasing is realized with an ultra-low threshold excitation power density of about 13.3 W/cm2 at room temperature. Such an ultra-low threshold is ascribed to the implementation of the near-resonant optical excitation strategy, which enables acceleration of the exciton and polariton relaxation and suppression of the heat generation in the cavity, thereby reducing the energy loss and enhance the cavity excitation efficiency.
High-temperature-insensitivity high-power Yb-doped fiber laser directly in-band pumping by 1018 nm laser diodes
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Li Dan , Li Pei , Qi Tiancheng , Du Shanshan , Yang Yousi , Zhong Hongkun , Yan Ping , Gong Mali , Xiao Qirong
Published: June 2024

In this Letter, we demonstrate a high-power ytterbium-doped fiber laser (YDFL) based on a directly in-band pumping scheme (DIPS) which employs 1018 nm laser diodes (LDs) as pump sources. The wavelength of the LDs is designed theoretically, considering the distribution of Yb3+ absorption cross section (σ
a
) as well as quantum defect (QD). The flat distribution of σ
a
around 1018 nm ensures excellent temperature insensitivity and flexibility for the YDFL. Besides, lower QD and more compact structure promise higher optical-to-optical (O-O) and electrical-to-optical (E-O) efficiencies. Based on the experimental setup, as the cooling temperature of the 1018 nm LDs ranges from 6 to 23°C, an output power of 2 kW level is achieved that varies by only 2.01% without adjusting the operating current of the LDs subjectively. The output power is then scaled up to 5 kW level. Furthermore, there is a great potential to achieve higher output power and E-O efficiency in YDFLs based on the DIPS.
Femtosecond laser synthesis of YAG:Ce3+ nanoparticles in liquid
Authors: Liang Pan , Jia Xin , Zhao Hua , Hu Rongrong , Jiang Kai
Published: June 2024

YAG:Ce3+ nanocrystals are promising bio-labeling materials due to their low toxicity and high photostability. It is in demand to efficiently synthesize YAG:Ce3+ nanocrystals of a small size. Pulse laser ablation is an approach to produce nanoparticles directly from bulk materials with the advantages of smaller particle sizes and lower production costs. Here, we present the synthesis of YAG:Ce3+ nanocrystals from bulk crystal using the femtosecond laser ablation method in liquid. Comparing the liquid environment, we demonstrated that the lauryl dimethylaminoacetic acid betain (LDA) aqueous solution is preferred for the formation of smaller-sized YAG:Ce3+ nanoparticles than deionized water due to the attractiveness between the LDA molecules and the YAG:Ce3+ nanoparticles. We also verified that the high laser repetition rate had no effect on the average size of YAG:Ce3+ nanocrystals, where the fragmentation process is saturated under a high laser repetition rate. This study provides a simple and effective method to synthesize small size YAG:Ce3+ nanoparticles by femtosecond laser ablation in liquid.
Growing Glycans in Rosetta: Accurate de novo glycan modeling, density fitting, and rational sequon design
Authors: Adolf-Bryfogle Jared , Labonte Jason W. , Kraft John C. , Shapovalov Maxim , Raemisch Sebastian , Lütteke Thomas , DiMaio Frank , Bahl Christopher D. , Pallesen Jesper , King Neil P. , Gray Jeffrey J. , Kulp Daniel W. , Schief William R.
Published: June 2024

Carbohydrates and glycoproteins modulate key biological functions. However, experimental structure determination of sugar polymers is notoriously difficult. Computational approaches can aid in carbohydrate structure prediction, structure determination, and design. In this work, we developed a glycan-modeling algorithm, GlycanTreeModeler, that computationally builds glycans layer-by-layer, using adaptive kernel density estimates (KDE) of common glycan conformations derived from data in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and from quantum mechanics (QM) calculations. GlycanTreeModeler was benchmarked on a test set of glycan structures of varying lengths, or “trees”. Structures predicted by GlycanTreeModeler agreed with native structures at high accuracy for both de novo modeling and experimental density-guided building. We employed these tools to design de novo glycan trees into a protein nanoparticle vaccine to shield regions of the scaffold from antibody recognition, and experimentally verified shielding. This work will inform glycoprotein model prediction, glycan masking, and further aid computational methods in experimental structure determination and refinement.
Dietary intervention rescues a bone porosity phenotype in a murine model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
Authors: O’Donohue Alexandra K. , Li Xiaoying C. , Lee Lucinda R. , Vasiljevski Emily R. , Little David G. , Munns Craig F. , Schindeler Aaron
Published: June 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a complex genetic disorder that affects a range of tissues including muscle and bone. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that Nf1 deficiency in muscle causes metabolic changes resulting in intramyocellular lipid accumulation and muscle weakness. These can be subsequently rescued by dietary interventions aimed at modulating lipid availability and metabolism. It was speculated that the modified diet may rescue defects in cortical bone as NF1 deficiency has been reported to affect genes involved with lipid metabolism. Bone specimens were analyzed from wild type control mice as well as Nf1Prx1-/- (limb-targeted Nf1 knockout mice) fed standard chow versus a range of modified chows hypothesized to influence lipid metabolism. Mice were fed from 4 weeks to 12 weeks of age. MicroCT analysis was performed on the cortical bone to examine standard parameters (bone volume, tissue mineral density, cortical thickness) and specific porosity measures (closed pores corresponding to osteocyte lacunae, and larger open pores). Nf1Prx1-/- bones were found to have inferior bone properties to wild type bones, with a 4-fold increase in the porosity attributed to open pores. These measures were rescued by dietary interventions including a L-carnitine + medium-chain fatty acid supplemented chow previously shown to improve muscle histology function. Histological staining visualized these changes in bone porosity. These data support the concept that lipid metabolism may have a mechanistic impact on bone porosity and quality in NF1.
Validation of the compassionate engagement and action scales, compassion scale, and Sussex-Oxford compassion scales in a French-Canadian sample
Authors: Brophy Kyla , Emery Matthew , MacDonald Ceilagh , Côté Catherine Isadora , Körner Annett
Published: June 2024

Compassion towards oneself and towards others has been associated with positive psychological outcomes, however, research is limited by the availability of valid psychometric measures, particularly in languages other than English. The current study translated (English to French) and validated the following measures: the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS), assessing self-compassion (CEAS-SC), compassion to others (CEAS-TO), and compassion from others (CEAS-FROM); the Compassion Scale (CS); and the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scales for Self (SOCS-S) and Others (SOCS-O). French-speaking participants were recruited online (N = 384) and completed the translated measures as well as questionnaires assessing self-compassion, depression, anxiety, stress, insecure attachment, mindfulness, and well-being. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supports the original factor structures proposed for the CEAS-FROM (two-factor hierarchical), CS (four-factor hierarchical), SOCS-S and SOCS-O (five-factor hierarchical), with alternate factor structures proposed for CEAS-SC (three-factor) and CEAS-TO (two-factor). Results showed good internal consistency and convergent validity for all scales, supporting the use of total scores for the translated measures.
Study on vertical variation characteristics of soil phosphorus adsorption and desorption in black soil region of Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Wenzhi , Xie Xu , He Tian , Zhang Jintao , Liu Jiufen
Published: June 2024

The adsorption and desorption of phosphorus (P) in soil constitute a crucial internal cycle that is closely associated with soil fertility, exerting direct influence on the quantity, form, and availability of P within the soil. The vertical spatial variation characteristics of soil adsorption and desorption were investigated for the 0–100 cm soil layer in the northeast black soil region in this study. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) and maximum adsorption buffer capacity (MBC) of black soil in the study area ranged from 313.8 to 411.9 mg kg-1 and from 3.1 to 28.8 L kg-1, respectively, within the soil layer of 0–100 cm depth, exhibiting an increasing trend with greater soil depth. The degree of P adsorption saturation (DPS) exhibited a contrasting trend with the variations in Qmax and MBC, ranging from 3.8% to 21.6%. The maximum desorption capacity (Dmax) and desorption rate (Dr) of soil P ranged from 112.8 to 215.7 mg kg-1 and 32.1% to 52.5%, respectively, while the readily desorbable P (RDP) in soil was within the range of 1.02 to 3.35 mg kg-1. Both Dmax, Dr, and RDP exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing soil depth before showing an upward trend. These research findings not only provide essential background data for the systematic investigation of soil P in the black soil region but also serve as a valuable reference for assessing soil quality in this area.
Effect of three different lairage times (0, 18 and 24 hours) on meat quality parameters in camels
Authors: Hamad Brahim , Hadef Leyla , Bellabidi Meriem , Aggad Hebib
Published: June 2024

Animal stress has frequently been linked to pre-slaughter operations, particularly the transportation and handling process. Therefore, it is assumed that an optimal lairage time before slaughter will exert positive effects on the animal's welfare and meat quality. However, the impact of this practice on camels is unknown. This study aimed to assess the influence of three lairage durations: 0 h (L0), 18 h (L18), and 24 h (L24) on the quality of camel meat. Ninety adult male camels aged 6 years were included in this study. Longissimus lumborum was sampled to analyze for muscle glycogen, muscle pH (45 min; 48 h), muscle temperature (45 min; 48 h), electrical conductivity (45 min; 48 h), drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL), and thawing loss (TL). The L24 group had the lowest (p < 0.05) of muscle glycogen and the highest ultimate pH (48 h). Further, the L24 group had the lowest muscle temperature, electrical conductivity, drip loss, and thawing loss (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a lairage period of 24 h is recommended in the field conditions studied here for full recovery from stress response caused by the pre-slaughter process and for achieving better camel meat quality.
Tailored Hydration With Lactated Ringer's Solution for Postendoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cho Eunae , Kim Seong-Hun , Park Chang Hwan , Yoon Jae Hyun , Lee Seung Ok , Kim Tae Hyeon , Chon Hyung Ku
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Aggressive hydration using lactated Ringer's solution prevents postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). Concerns of this strategy are large volume and lengthy hydration. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tailored aggressive hydration (TAH) for PEP prevention.

METHODS:

In this prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized trial conducted across 3 tertiary Korean hospitals, patients who underwent ERCP for the first time were randomly assigned (1:1) to the tailored standard hydration (TSH) and TAH groups. The TSH group received 1.5 mL/kg/hr lactated Ringer's solution during and after ERCP, whereas the TAH group was administered a 20 mL/kg bolus post-ERCP and 3 mL/kg/hr during and after the procedure. Both groups were assessed for elevated serum amylase levels and pain 4–6 hours after ERCP. If both were absent, hydration was discontinued. If either was present, hydration was continued at the original rate until 8 hours. The primary end point was PEP development and was analyzed on an intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 344 patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups (171 to the TSH group and 172 to the TAH group). PEP was observed in 9.4% (16/171) in the TSH group and 3.5% (6/172) in the TAH group (relative risk 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.93, P = 0.03). No difference was identified between the 2 groups in PEP severity (P = 0.80) and complications related to volume overload (P = 0.32).

DISCUSSION:

TAH according to the presence of abdominal pain or elevated serum amylase levels at 4–6 hours after ERCP is safe and prevents PEP development.
Hegemoni Maskulinitas “Tafsir Hadis” Pada Makna Teks “Perempuan Membawa Sial”
Authors: Mala Fiki Khoirul
Published: June 2024

Peper ini memfokus pada pengaruh dominasi maskulinitas dalam syarah hadis dari kitab al-Tamhīd karya Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr al-Andalusy di Andalusia. Adapun tujuan penelitian dari Paper ini menganalisis representasi hegemoni maskulinitas secara umum dari perspektif syarah hadis dan memetakan alur pemahaman tentang hadis berdasarkan tekstual dan kontekstual yang berkaitan dengan hegemoni maskulinitas. Paper ini mengurai teori kritik matan hadis dan teori hegemoni Antonio Grmasci. Hal ini mencermati tentang makna perempuan pembawa sial dan pola makna hegemoni maskulinitas yang didefinisikan Antoni Gramsci. Dari kedua makna yang ada memiliki kandungan pengaruh lingkungan dan perjalanan pengalaman hidup dari kemunculan sebuah tafsir suatu hadis.
[This research focuses on the influence of masculinity domination in the hadith syarah from the Kitab al-Tamhiīd limā fī al-Muwaṭṭa min al-Ma’āni wa al-Asānid by Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr al-Andalusy in Andalusia. The purpose of study is to analyze the epresentation of hegemonic masculinity in general from the perspective of syarah hadith and map out the flow in understanding hadith based on textual and contextual aspects related to hegemonic masculinity. The paper says to critical on exegesis Hadith intepretetion theory and Antonio Gramsci’s hegemonic theory. It is talking about women with damn charge in unlucky public deal perception for female posision. It is differen with hegemonic masculinity theory. The environment and experience are the main influences for hadith interpretation]
Notas para una antropotécnica negativa o de la mala ejercitación. Una propuesta desde Sloterdijk
Authors: Arango Tobón Mauricio
Published: June 2024

La presente reflexión tiene como punto de partida la noción de antropotécnica desarrollada por el filósofo Peter Sloterdijk. El autor asume que los humanos somos seres ejercitantes en tanto día a día ejecutamos una serie de rutinas diarias que nos permiten modelar nuestra existencia. En dicho proceso nos encontramos con instituciones sociales que orientan tales ejercicios antropotécnicos. A partir de una caracterización exhaustiva del planteamiento de Sloterdijk, proponemos la noción de antropotécnica negativa, como envés de la antropotécnica, para referirnos a una comprensión alternativa de las ejercitaciones contraindicadas que se realizan en oposición a valores legitimados e idealizados cutralmente sobre cómo modelar la existencia. Concluimos que la antropotécnica negativa puede ser un recurso analítico para aproximarnos a la mala ejercitación como fenómeno histórico y a la potencia existencial de algunas vidas que se expresan privilegiadamente como negatividad, abyección o marginalidad.
Corporate Tax Rates, Allocative Efficiency, and Aggregate Productivity
Authors: Dinerstein Marcos , Patiño Peña Fausto
Published: June 2024

This paper quantifies the impact of effective corporate tax rates on aggregate total factor productivity (TFP). Using Chilean manufacturing data, we document a large dispersion in the effective tax rate faced by firms and a mass of firms facing a 0 percent tax rate. We integrate these findings into a standard monopolistic competition model, where firms are subject to corporate taxation and also face output and capital wedges, which represent all other distortions present in the economy. We find that eliminating corporate tax rates increases TFP between 4 and 11 percent. We consider counterfactual policies in which firms face a uniform flat tax rate and find a monotonically decreasing relationship between the level of the tax rate and TFP.
Evaluation of cryptic invasion in Japanese Undaria populations based on mitochondrial haplotypic analysis
Authors: Uwai Shinya , Saito Daisuke , Sato Yoichi
Published: June 2024

To improve the quality and quantity of seaweed mariculture harvests, seedlings are frequently introduced from regions geographically apart from cultivation sites. The effects of such introduction have been insufficiently studied, despite increasing demands on seaweed cultivation as a measure against global warming. We here evaluated the degree of cryptic invasion occurring through mariculture using a brown algal species, Undaria pinnatifida. Cultivated materials used in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, were introduced from northern Japan in the 1970s. Based on the clear genetic structure among Japanese Undaria populations, we compared mitochondrial haplotypes between wild populations and cultivated materials in the Seto Inland Sea. All cultivated materials analyzed had haplogroups native to northern Japan. Multiple haplogroups were observed in the wild populations, especially those in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, which is exceptional considering the reported genetic structure. Some northern Japan haplotypes were observed both in cultivated materials and wild individuals. A northern Japan haplogroup was predominant at several sites near Undaria-cultivation sites. These results strongly suggested that cryptic invasion through Undaria mariculture occurred here, although its ecological impact remains unclear. There is a clear risk of invasion by mariculture seedlings from other regions, even when native conspecific populations are present.
Development of augmented reality as a learning tool to improve student ability in comprehending chemical properties of the elements
Authors: Nazar Muhammad , Zulfadli  , Rahmatillah  , Puspita Kana , Setiawaty Sri , Sulastri
Published: June 2024

The research aims to develop an AR app as a learning tool to facilitate first-year university students in comprehending the concept of the chemical properties and investigate students’ performance in understanding the concept of the chemical properties of main group elements. The app was developed using Unity, Vuforia, Canva, and Blender. A mixed method was employed in the R&D adopting ADDIE development model. Twenty-two students of chemistry education department at a state university in Aceh, Indonesia participated in the need analysis and implementation stage. The data was collected through questionnaires, and a system usability scale. The students’ performance was evaluated through online Quizizz platform. The findings reveal a strong consensus among students regarding the necessity of AR for comprehending chemistry concepts. The students responded positively to the app’s attractiveness, ease of use, impact on their learning experience, alignment with teaching materials, and markers quality, yielding a mean score of 91.8 %. The application is ease to use with a SUS score of 84.9. The N-Gain score indicates positive impact to the students’ performance. AR app of periodic properties of elements demonstrates feasibility and serves as a viable alternative teaching tool for the concept of periodic properties of elements.
Incidence and associated risk factors of congenital hypothyroidism among newborns in Hainan, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Zhendong , Shi Haijie , Wen Yingmei , Xu Haizhu
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in newborns in Hainan Province, China, to provide a reference for early and effective prevention strategies.

Methods

Newborns born in Hainan Province from 2017 to 2021 were the subjects of this study. Time-resolved immunofluorescence was used for initial screening and chemiluminescence for confirmatory diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis, newborns were classified into CH and non-CH groups. Statistical analysis was conducted on the initial screening and confirmed CH cases in newborns in Hainan Province, and potential risk factors for CH were explored.

Results

From 2017 to 2021, a total of 585,886 newborns were screened, revealing 6,856 initial positive results, 614 positive rescreens, and 420 confirmed CH cases, yielding an incidence rate of 1/1,395 (420/585,886). The annual initial positive screening rate of newborns in Hainan Province showed a rising trend from 2017 to 2021 (p=0.000). No significant differences were found regarding gender (p=0.400) and ethnicity (p=0.836). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that residing in coastal areas, especially those with salt fields (OR=2.151, 95 % CI: 1.364–3.390), was risk factors for the development of CH in newborns.

Conclusions

The incidence of CH in newborns showed a year-on-year increase in Hainan Province from 2017 to 2021. Residing in coastal areas, particularly those with salt fields, was identified as a risk factor for the development of CH.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students’ emails to faculty members: an impoliteness perspective
Authors: Abu-Rumman Marah Ahmad , Altakhaineh Abdel Rahman Mitib , Al-Badawi Mohammed , Hammouri Yazeed
Published: June 2024

This study delves into the use of impoliteness strategies within emails sent by undergraduate and postgraduate students to their professors, aiming to discern the variance in their implementation based on (Culpeper and Hardaker’s. 2017. Impoliteness. In: Culpeper, Jonathan, Haugh, Michael and Daniel Kadar (eds.), The Palgrave handbook of linguistic (im) politeness, 199–225. Basingstoke: Palgrave) model. Data, comprising emails from University of Jordan students and semi-structured interviews, underwent analysis to identify impoliteness strategies and themes. Findings indicate a higher prevalence of impolite strategies among undergraduates, totaling 58 instances compared to 38 among postgraduates. Particularly, undergraduates exhibit a greater tendency toward positive impoliteness. Thematic analysis of interviews unveils three contributing factors: work experience, participation in writing skills courses, and familiarity with formality levels. Notably, undergraduates’ lack of work experience contrasts with postgraduates’, often impacting their email etiquette. Moreover, postgraduates’ extensive enrollment in writing courses during MA studies fosters a more formal approach in communication with professors. The study underscores implications for future research, emphasizing the need to explore these dynamics further. By comprehending the influences on students’ email behavior, institutions can devise tailored interventions to promote effective and respectful communication within academic setting.
Directionally tunable co- and counterpropagating photon pairs from a nonlinear metasurface
Authors: Weissflog Maximilian A. , Ma Jinyong , Zhang Jihua , Fan Tongmiao , Lung Shaun , Pertsch Thomas , Neshev Dragomir N. , Saravi Sina , Setzpfandt Frank , Sukhorukov Andrey A.
Published: June 2024

Nonlinear metasurfaces have recently been established as a new platform for generating photon pairs via spontaneous parametric down-conversion. While for classical harmonic generation in metasurfaces a high level of control over all degrees of freedom of light has been reached, this capability is yet to be developed for photon-pair generation. In this work, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate for the first time precise control of the emission angle of photon pairs generated from a nonlinear metasurface. Our measurements show angularly tunable pair generation with high coincidence-to-accidental ratio for both co- and counterpropagating emission. The underlying principle is the transverse phase matching of guided-mode resonances with strong angular dispersion in a nonlinear metasurface consisting of a silicon dioxide grating on a nonlinear lithium niobate guiding layer. We provide a straightforward design strategy for photon-pair generation in such a device and find very good agreement between the calculations and experimental results. Here, we use all-optical emission angle tuning by means of the pump wavelength; however, the principle could be extended to modulation via the electro-optic effect in lithium niobate. In sum, this work provides an important addition to the toolset of subwavelength thickness photon-pair sources.