bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior-guided adaptive generative adversarial network method for various types of borehole image inpainting
Authors: Zhong Zhaoyan , Wang Xin
Published: March 2024

During geophysical exploration, inpainting defective logging images caused by mismatches between logging tools and borehole sizes can affect fracture and hole identification, petrographic analysis, and stratigraphic studies. However, existing methods do not describe sufficient stratigraphic continuity. In addition, they ignore the completeness of characterization in terms of fractures, gravel structures, and fine-grained textures in the logging images. To address these issues, we develop a deep-learning method for inpainting stratigraphic features. First, to enhance the continuity of image inpainting, we build a generative adversarial network and train it on numerous natural images to extract relevant features that guide the recovery of continuity characteristics. Second, to ensure that complete structural and textural features are found in geologic formations, we introduce a feature-extraction-fusion module with a cooccurrence mechanism consisting of channel attention (CA) and self-attention (SA). CA improves texture effects by adaptively adjusting control parameters based on highly correlated prior features from electrical logging images. SA captures long-range contextual associations across preinpainted gaps to improve completeness in fractures and gravel structure representation. Our method has been tested on various borehole images demonstrating its reliability and robustness.
Characterizing landfill extent, composition, and biogeochemical activity using electrical resistivity tomography and induced polarization under varying geomembrane coverage
Authors: Ma Xinmin , Zhang Jiaming , Schwartz Nimrod , Li Jing , Chao Chen , Meng Jian , Mao Deqiang
Published: March 2024

Landfill monitoring is essential for sustainable waste management and environmental protection. Geophysical methods can provide quasicontinuous spatial and temporal insights into subsurface physical properties and processes in a nonintrusive manner. The effectiveness of monitoring landfill extent, composition, and degradation under varying geomembrane coverage is evaluated using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and induced polarization (IP) methods. Synthetic electrical models for landfills with different geomembrane damage degrees are inverted to assess data reliability. The current conduction channels into the geomembrane during the electrical survey are quantified. Reliable electrical data are obtained when the inverted conduction channel ratio of the geomembrane (representing the damage to the geomembrane) is 51.6% or higher. This criterion is validated in a landfill experiencing aeration and anaerobic treatments. ERT and IP data capture construction and domestic waste distribution and identify the landfill boundary. The chargeability of domestic waste proves sensitive to microbial degradation activity, corroborated by characteristic ammonium and nitrate ions and a linear relation between chargeability and subsurface temperature. Temperature variations between the aerobic and anaerobic reaction zones ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are observed to correlate with high chargeability values ([Formula: see text]), signifying the presence of biogeochemically active zones. IP excels in characterizing geomembrane-covered landfill boundaries and discerning biogeochemical activity, thereby enhancing landfill monitoring and waste management strategies.
Mental health in Ukraine in 2023
Authors: Martsenkovskyi Dmytro , Shevlin Mark , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Bondjers Kristina , Fox Robert , Karatzias Thanos , Martsenkovska Inna , Martsenkovsky Igor , Pfeiffer Elisa , Sachser Cedric , Vallières Frédérique , Hyland Philip
Published: March 2024

Background

Very little is known about the mental health of the adult population of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of seven mental health disorders, the proportion of adults screening positive for any disorder, and the sociodemographic factors associated with meeting requirements for each and any disorder.

Methods

A non-probability quota sample (N = 2,050) of adults living in Ukraine in September 2023 was collected online. Participants completed self-report questionnaires of the seven mental health disorders. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of the different disorders.

Results

Prevalence estimates ranged from 1.5% (cannabis use disorder) to 15.2% (generalized anxiety disorder), and 36.3% screened positive for any of the seven disorders. Females were significantly more likely than males (39.0% vs. 33.8%) to screen positive for any disorder. Disruption to life due to Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine, greater financial worries, and having fewer positive childhood experiences were consistent risk factors for different mental health disorders and for any or multiple disorders.

Conclusion

Our findings show that approximately one in three adults living in Ukraine report problems consistent with meeting diagnostic requirements for a mental health disorder 18 months after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine’s mental healthcare system has been severely compromised by the loss of infrastructure and human capital due to the war. These findings may help to identify those most vulnerable so that limited resources can be used most effectively.
Improving Women’s Mental Health during a Pandemic
Authors: Vlassopoulos Michael , Siddique Abu , Rahman Tabassum , Pakrashi Debayan , Islam Asad , Ahmed Firoz
Published: March 2024

This paper evaluates a randomized, over-the-phone counseling intervention aimed at mitigating the mental health impact of COVID-19 on a sample of 2,402 women across 357 villages in Bangladesh. We find that the provision of two hours of mental support plus information on COVID-19 improves mental health ten months postintervention, leading to reductions of 20 percent in the prevalence of moderate and severe stress and 33 percent in depression. Our results suggest that this type of low-cost intervention ($14 per person) can be effective in providing rapid psychological support to vulnerable groups in times of crises. (JEL I12, I18, I31, J16, O12, O15)
Intergenerational Mobility in India: New Measures and Estimates across Time and Social Groups
Authors: Asher Sam , Novosad Paul , Rafkin Charlie
Published: March 2024

We study intergenerational mobility in India. We propose a new measure of upward mobility: the expected education rank of a child born to parents in the bottom half of the education distribution. This measure works well under data constraints common in developing countries and historical contexts. Intergenerational mobility in India has been constant and low since before liberalization. Among sons, we observe rising mobility for Scheduled Castes and declining mobility among Muslims. Daughters’ intergenerational mobility is lower than sons’, with less cross-group variation over time. A natural experiment suggests that affirmative action for Scheduled Castes has substantially improved their mobility. (JEL I24, J13, J15, J16, J62, O12, Z12)
Predistribution versus Redistribution: Evidence from France and the United States
Authors: Bozio Antoine , Garbinti Bertrand , Goupille-Lebret Jonathan , Guillot Malka , Piketty Thomas
Published: March 2024

We construct series of posttax income for France over the 1900–2018 period and compare them with US series. We quantify the extent of redistribution—the reduction from pretax to posttax inequality—and estimate the contribution of redistribution in explaining differences in posttax inequality. We find that differences in pretax inequality drive most of the differences in posttax inequality between France and the United States, and that changes over time in both countries are mostly due to changes in pretax inequality. We highlight that the concept of redistribution can be empirically misleading for judging how policies reduce inequalities. (JEL D31, H23, H24, H31, I38)
OS RISCOS SOCIAIS QUE O TELETRABALHO PRODUZ
Authors: Guimarães Jairo de Carvalho
Published: March 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar e aprofundar a análise que envolve a utilização do teletrabalho como instrumento presente nas relações laborais, com elevada ênfase desde a emergência da Covid-19. Tomando a formação do corpo teórico como marco, com a apresentação de estudos desenvolvidos por outros pesquisadores, caminha-se na direção da constatação de que há evidentes riscos sociais para o trabalhador que, impelido compulsoriamente a aderir a tal formato, se vê diante de um panorama desfavorável, com clara desconfiguração nos seus direitos sociais, mesmo aqueles naturalmente previstos na Constituição Federal de 1988 (CF/88). Como resultado, propugna-se aqui que, não obstante o teletrabalho se constituir uma alternativa atual e moderna, a sua adoção representa, em muitas situações, a institucionalização do desmonte social, cuja repercussão imediata é a ausência de cobertura social para os trabalhadores, fragilizando a cidadania e a própria democracia, enquanto vetor de consubstanciamento das conquistas sociais.
Contextual factors related to vector-control interventions for malaria: a scoping review and evidence and gap map protocol
Authors: Barker Timothy Hugh , McBride Grace McKenzie , Dias Mafalda , Kanukula Raju , Hasanoff Sabira , Pollock Danielle , Price Carrie , Kabaghe Alinune Nathanael , Akl Ellie A. , Kolaczinki Jan , Munn Zachary
Published: March 2024

Objective This scoping review will identify existing literature regarding contextual factors relevant to vector-control interventions to prevent malaria. We will use the findings of the scoping review to produce an interactive evidence and gap map. The map will assist in the priority setting, development, and conduct of targeted systematic reviews. These systematic reviews seek to assist the Vector Control and Insecticide Resistance Unit of the World Health Organization’s Global Malaria Programme by informing recommendation development by their Guidelines Development Group. Introduction Malaria contributes substantially to the global burden of disease, with an estimated 247 million cases and 619,000 deaths in 2021. Vector-control is key in reducing malaria transmission. Vector-control interventions directly target the mosquito, reducing the potential for parasite infections. These interventions commonly include insecticides used in indoor residual spraying or insecticide-treated nets and larval source management. Several new vector-control interventions are under evaluation to complement these. In addition to estimating the effects of interventions on health outcomes, it is critical to understand how populations at risk of malaria consider them in terms of their feasibility, acceptability, and values. Inclusion Criteria Eligible studies will have assessed the contextual factors of feasibility or acceptability of the interventions of interest, or the valuation of the outcomes of interests. These assessments will be from the perspective of people who receive (residents) or deliver (workers or technicians) the vector-control intervention for the purpose of preventing malaria. Methods We will conduct this scoping review in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and report in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We will construct the evidence and gap map following guidance from the Campbell Collaboration.
Wine Consumer Studies: Current Status and Future Agendas
Authors: Neelavar Kelkar Vageesh , Mallya Jyothi , Payini Valsaraj , Kamath Vasanth
Published: March 2024

Background As wine has become more than just a drink, exploring wine consumer studies provides a better understanding of various factors that shape the wine industry. Therefore, this paper aims to review and map the landscape of wine consumer literature using bibliometric analysis and systematic review. It identifies the key areas, clusters, antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes to propose the framework for future research directions. Methods This study adopts an integrative review approach: a bibliometric and systematic review. The data for this study were retrieved from the Scopus database. While the bibliometric analyses are conducted using VoSviewer software, a systematic review is conducted using a content analysis approach. Results Four main topics in the extant wine consumer literature are identified: sustainability and wine, wine preferences and choice, wine consumer behavior, and wine consumer insights. The five critical areas of wine consumers’ literature recognized are decision-making, consumer preferences, consumer behavior, segmentation, and consumer involvement. This study also recognizes theoretical and methodological advancements in the wine consumer literature. Conclusions The findings contribute to advancing knowledge development, identifying research gaps and shedding light on future research in the wine consumer domain. The results offer practical insight for wine industry stakeholders, researchers, and influencers.
Introducing qrlabelr: Fast user-friendly software for machine- and human-readable labels in agricultural research and development
Authors: Kena Alexander , Ogoe Ebenezer , Cruet-Burgos Clara , Agyare Richard , Adoma Naomi , Annor Benjamin , Raymundo Rubi , Morris Geoffrey
Published: March 2024

The advent of modern tools in agricultural experiments, digital data collection, and high-throughput phenotyping have necessitated field plot labels that are both machine- and human-readable. Such labels are usually made with commercial software, which are often inaccessible to under-funded research programs in developing countries. The availability of free fit-for-purpose label design software to under-funded research programs in developing countries would address one of the main roadblocks to modernizing agricultural research. The goal was to develop a new open-source software with design features well-suited for field trials and other agricultural experiments. We report here qrlabelr, a new software for creating print-ready plot labels that builds on the foundation of an existing open-source program. The qrlabelr software offers more flexibility in the label design steps, guarantees true string fidelity after QR encoding, and provides faster label generation to users. The new software is available as an R package and offers customizable functions for generating plot labels. For non-R users or beginners in R programming, the package provides an interactive Shiny app version that can be launched from R locally or accessed online at https://bit.ly/3Sud4xy. The design philosophy of this new program emphasizes the adoption of best practices in plot label design to enhance reproducibility, tracking, and accurate data curation in agricultural research and development studies.
Congenital heart disease and comorbidities in primary care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ellison Sarah , Partington James , Watkin Anna , Buckels Chris , Jaydeokar Sujeet
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims

Patients with congenital heart disease are living longer as a result of surgical and medical advances. General practice is key in identifying and supporting lifelong care, yet there is a lack of research into congenital heart disease in this area. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and comorbidities of patients with congenital heart disease compared to those without congenital heart disease in primary care settings in Cheshire, England.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used routinely collected health data from the NHS general practice population information disease database within primary care in Cheshire. Clinical read codes for congenital heart disease were added to the current data analytics risk stratification tool. Searches for patients of all ages with and without congenital heart disease were undertaken in July 2022. A total of 765 576 patients were included in the study.

Results

Of 765 576 patient records, 6419 patients were coded with congenital heart disease, a prevalence of 0.8%, with a comparatively younger age compared with the non-congenital heart disease cohort. Patients with congenital heart disease were three times more likely to have heart failure (odds ratio=3.36; 95% confidence interval=2.96−3.81) or stroke (odds ratio=3.58; 95% confidence interval=3.24–3.94). The most frequent comorbidities in both groups were hypertension, anxiety and depression, with no significant difference between the groups. Among those with congenital heart disease, the prevalence of a learning disability was more than eight times higher than those without congenital heart disease (odds ratio=9.23; 95% confidence interval=8.16–10.55) and autism was three times more likely (odds ratio=2.98; 95% confidence interval=2.32–3.84) in those with congenital heart disease.

Conclusions

There are high rates of comorbidities in the congenital heart disease population in primary care. Innovative use of digital instruments can enable identification and risk stratification of patients with congenital heart disease to support lifelong care. Congenital heart disease guidance should include primary care settings to create opportunities for mutual learning that can enhance collaborative practice.
Highlighting the latest research: March 2024
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane , Cowan Helen
Published: March 2024

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing, while Helen Cowan explores their application to practice. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected and highlight their relevance to cardiac nursing practice. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail.
Scapula fractures: functional anatomy, clinical assessment and management
Authors: Mavrotas Jason , Fischer Jochen
Published: March 2024

Fractures of the scapula are rare injuries, accounting for 3–5% of all shoulder girdle fractures. They are frequently the result of high energy trauma and often present with concurrent and life-threatening injuries to adjacent structures, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Patients presenting with scapula fractures must receive a thorough and systematic clinical assessment as directed by national trauma guidelines. Appropriate imaging is essential in delineating fracture morphology and should at the very least include anteroposterior, anteroposterior oblique (Grashey) and axillary or scapula ‘Y’ view of the shoulder. Computed tomography imaging with three-dimensional reconstruction allows better delineation of the fracture morphology and helps with surgical planning. A lack of randomised controlled trials comparing the efficacy of conservative and operative management of scapula fractures has resulted in limited consensus for surgical indications. Nevertheless, most extra-articular fractures can be managed conservatively while intra-articular fractures of the glenoid frequently require surgical fixation.
Exploring how common factors influence experience and outcomes in painful musculoskeletal conditions: a qualitative study
Authors: Holmes Mary Beth , Camarinos James , Driscoll Laura
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims

In studies exploring the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions, interventions appear to improve patient-reported outcomes. The interventions adopt different approaches, but there is a lack of agreement about which approach is most effective. Thus, research is needed to look at the potential influence of other variables present, such as common factors. Common factors are elements present across different treatments, which are necessary conditions for forming a therapeutic alliance and providing patient-centred care. While there is a positive relationship between common factors and patient outcomes noted in physical therapy, the mechanism through which these factors influence patient outcomes is less understood. The aim of this study was to explore participants' perceptions of the influence of common factors on physical therapy outcomes.

Methods

Interviews were undertaken with seven individuals participating in physical therapy. The contextual model provided the framework to move beyond defining common factors to discussing how these elements contribute to the therapeutic changes seen in physical therapy.

Results

Participants discussed how the therapeutic relationship is influenced by perceived trust and credibility, enhanced by goal setting, and individualised care. When these common factors are present, the potential for engaging in the work of physical therapy and enacting healthy behaviours and actions by patients were enhanced.

Conclusions

By understanding common factors in physical therapy, a more complete view of the effects of interventions may be possible.

Implications for practice

This study sheds light on the clinical impact of common factors in physical therapy, highlighting the pivotal role of therapeutic relationships built on trust, credibility, and individualized care. Recognizing and integrating these common factors into practice may enhance patient engagement and foster better therapeutic outcomes in musculoskeletal conditions.
Research on the Transformation Mechanism of Soil Cadmium Fractions under the Conditions of Freeze-thaw and Crude Oil Contamination in Wetlands in the Songnen Plain, China
Authors:   Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun 130021, China, Song Yazhi ,   Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Water Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China, Song Tiejun ,   Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun 130021, China,   Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Water Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China, Hao Yang ,   Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun 130021, China,   Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Water Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
Published: March 2024

Environmental changes can significantly affect heavy metals behave in soil. Currently, we know little about the impact of crude oil contamination on heavy metal fractions in soil, with few studies available on heavy metal fraction transformation under the composite action of freeze-thaw and crude oil contamination. In this study, soil samples were collected from the Momoge Wetland in the Songnen Plain. Properties including pH, cation exchange capacity, calcium carbonate, free iron oxide, dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and cadmium (Cd) fractions under freeze-thaw, crude oil contamination, and the two combined (composite action) were analysed. The results show that under freeze-thaw, crude oil contamination, and composite action, soil properties changed significantly; soil water-soluble Cd content significantly increased by 54.17%, 62.50%, and 33.33% from control levels, respectively; soil ion-exchangeable Cd content decreased significantly by 10.90%, 23.73%, and 18.64% from control levels, respectively; soil residual Cd content significantly increased by 80.36%, 94.64%, and 132.14% from control levels, respectively; carbonate-bound, humic acid-bound, Fe-Mn oxide-bound, and strongly organic-bound Cd did not change significantly. Soil dissolved organic carbon, pH, CaCO3, and free iron oxide were significantly correlated with water-soluble, ion-exchangeable, carbonate-bound, and Fe-Mn oxide-bound Cd, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis for evaluating soil Cd behaves in crude oil contaminated wetlands in cold regions.
Settling History in Silwan: State Emblems and Public Secrets in Occupied East Jerusalem
Authors: Paz Alejandro I.
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This paper brings together two aspects of state formations that are rarely considered in unison, emblems and public secrets, and examines the semiotic processes that relate them. It considers these processes in tours given by a prominent organization, called El-Ad, that works to settle Jewish-Israelis in occupied East Jerusalem, and in particular in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan. El-Ad claims that it has returned the Israeli state to Silwan, and seeks to substantiate this through a variety of practices used on tours of the biblical archaeological site known as the City of David. While the City of David site is associated with the biblical narratives of King David and the first Jewish kingdom, I show how El-Ad selectively reveals the secret history of its settlement on tour as well. To do so, I describe the discursive marking of this secret history, and, in particular, I review how the director of El-Ad, David Be'eri, retold to tour guides the organization's foundational narrative in the genre of an intelligence operation. I end by discussing how El-Ad tours of the City of David archaeological site narrate this secret history of settlement, as a means to normalize the occupation. Drawing on theories of the state, secrets and entextualizing practices, I argue that state emblems are key to understanding the masking effects of statecraft.
By the Waters of Babylon: Ethiopian Orthodox Enculturation in a Rastafari Context, 1965–1980
Authors: Labat Sean J.
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: Postcolonial Jamaica provided a surprising new avenue for mission for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. A new religion, Rastafari, refocused its practitioners not only away from England but also sought to chart a cultural course independent of Cold War competitors. Many Rastafari sought connection with the 'Zion' they identified with Ethiopia. As Caribbean Rastafari interacted with the Ethiopian Church, Rastafari were challenged by finding an Ethiopian Church that did not accord with their expectations. The Ethiopian Church, especially through Archbishop Yesehaq (Mandefro) struggled to navigate a foreign context with little institutional or financial support. Yesehaq's interactions with Rastafari (and most curiously with his spiritual son, Reggae artist Bob Marley) demonstrates the complexities of mission in a specific context. The Orthodox-Rastafari interaction challenged the limits of what Orthodoxy could assimilate. It also challenged Orthodoxy's new Caribbean members who could not simply cast away the tight web of relationships and culture in which they lived. Thus, demonstrating that mission rarely implicates doctrine and institutional forms alone, but also involves a web of social and cultural contacts. Navigating this web often benefits from the presence of empathetic and energetic pastors such as Archbishop Yesehaq and suffers in their absence.
Low-power-consumption modulation of short-cavity DBR laser on SiO2/Si substrate
Authors: Kanno Erina , Takeda Koji , Fujii Takuro , Kakitsuka Takaaki , Matsuo Shinji
Published: March 2024

We developed short-active-length distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers to reduce the power consumption of chip-to-chip optical interconnects. These lasers have buried bulk InGaAsP waveguides to increase the coupling efficiency between the active region and DBR to 99.79% from the 98.14% of our previous DBR lasers that had InP channel waveguides. We achieved continuous wave operation of 5- to 80-µm active-length DBR lasers and the 5-µm-long laser consumed 24 fJ/bit with a 10-Gbps NRZ signal. The threshold current of the 5-µm laser was 51 µA, which compares favorably to our previous 10-µm DBR lasers with a threshold current of 170 µA.
Development of a large volume line scanning, high spectral range and resolution 3D hyperspectral photoluminescence imaging microscope for diamond and other high refractive index materials
Authors: Jones Daniel C. , Jollands Michael C. , D’Haenens-Johansson Ulrika F. S. , Muchnikov Anatoly B. , Tsai Tsung-Han
Published: March 2024

Hyperspectral photoluminescence (PL) imaging is a powerful technique that can be used to understand the spatial distribution of emitting species in many materials. Volumetric hyperspectral imaging of weakly emitting color centers often necessitates considerable data collection times when using commercial systems. We report the development of a line-scanning hyperspectral imaging microscope capable of measuring the luminescence emission spectra for diamond volumes up to 2.20 × 30.00 × 6.30 mm with a high lateral spatial resolution of 1–3 µm. In an single X-λ measurement, spectra covering a 711 nm range, in a band from 400–1100 nm, with a spectral resolution up to 0.25 nm can be acquired. Data sets can be acquired with 723 (X) × 643 (Y) × 1172 (λ) pixels at a rate of 6 minutes/planar image slice, allowing for volumetric hyperspectral imaging with high sampling. This instrument demonstrates the ability to detect emission from several different color centers in diamond both at the surface and internally, providing a non-destructive method to probe their 3D spatial distribution, and is currently not achievable with any other commonly used system or technique.
HoloSR: End-to-End 3D Hologram Super-Resolution with Deep Neural Network
Authors: Kim Duksu , No You chan , Lee Jaehong , Yeom Han-Ju , Kwon Sung Min
Published: March 2024

In holography, the resolution of the hologram significantly impacts both display size and angle-of-view, yet achieving high-resolution holograms presents formidable challenges, whether in capturing real-world holograms or in the computational demands of Computer-Generated Holography.
To overcome this challenge, we introduce HoloSR, an innovative hologram super-resolution network powered by deep learning.
Our encoder-decoder architecture, featuring a novel up-sampling block in the decoder, is adaptable to diverse backbone networks.
Employing two critical loss functions, data fidelity and perceptual loss, we guide HoloSR to attain pixel-wise accuracy and perceptual quality.
Rigorous evaluations, using the MIT-CGH-4K dataset, demonstrate HoloSR's consistent superiority over conventional interpolation methods and a prior GAN-based approach.
Particularly, in conjunction with the SwinIR encoder, HoloSR achieves a remarkable 8.46% PSNR enhancement and a 9.30% SSIM increase compared to the previous GAN-based method.
Also, we found that our HoloSR shows more stable reconstruction quality across varying focal distances.
These results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of our HoloSR in the context of hologram super-resolution.
Experts’ views on translating NHS support to stop smoking in pregnancy into a comprehensive digital intervention
Authors: McDaid Lisa , Belderson Pippa , Emery Joanne , Coleman Tim , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Naughton Felix
Published: March 2024

Many pregnant smokers need support to quit successfully. In the United Kingdom, trained smoking cessation advisors deliver structured behavioural counselling alongside access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); known as the ‘Standard Treatment Programme’ (STP). Pregnant smokers who access STP support are more likely to quit, but uptake is low. A digital intervention could be offered as an adjunct or alternative to existing STP support to increase cessation rates. However, there are few pregnancy-specific digital options routinely available and, among those that are, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness. This study investigated experts’ views on the feasibility of translating the STP into a comprehensive digital intervention. Virtual group and individual interviews were undertaken with 37 experts (11 focus groups, 3 interviews) with a real-time voting activity in the focus groups to prompt discussion. Framework Analysis was applied to the data to examine themes and patterns. Experts were supportive of a digital translation of the STP and considered most behavioural counselling content to be transferable. However, replicating human-to-human accountability, empathy and the ability to go ‘off-script’ was thought more challenging. Suggestions for how this might be achieved included tailoring and personalisation, use of artificial intelligence tools, peer support and the option to escalate contact to a human advisor. Experts had mixed views on the role that exhaled breath carbon monoxide monitoring might have in a digital cessation intervention for pregnancy. Electronic provision of free NRT, and potentially e-cigarettes, without interpersonal support was generally well received. However, experts had concerns about it exacerbating low NRT adherence, governance issues (e.g. being accountable for the suitability of recommended products), and people’s ability to misrepresent their eligibility. The STP was considered largely transferable to a digital intervention and potentially helpful for cessation in pregnancy, so merits further development and evaluation.
Health professionals’ experience on District Health Information System (DHIS2) and its utilization at local levels in Gandaki province, Nepal: A qualitative study
Authors: Bhatt Prakash Raj , Bhandari Rabindra , Adhikari Shiksha , Gahatraj Nand Ram
Published: March 2024

DHIS2 is a web-based platform primarily used in developing countries, ensuring reliable data and aiding decentralized decision-making. The Ministry of Health and Population has greatly emphasized using DHIS2 for data entry and reporting. However, studies regarding health workers’ experiences on DHIS2 and the utilization of data at the local level remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the usage and practical experience of DHIS2 at the local levels of Gandaki province, Nepal. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in the Gandaki province from February to August 2023. We conducted twenty in-depth interviews among the DHIS2 users at local levels, health posts, and provincial health directorate using in-depth interview guidelines. The study participants were selected purposively. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data, and NVivo was used to facilitate data analysis. Health professionals demonstrated dedication and commitment to use DHIS2 for reporting. DHIS2 has facilitated timely reporting, data storage, data analysis and visualization, feedback and communication mechanisms, and service delivery. Users’ self-motivation and support from the local and provincial levels and regular review and program-specific review meetings were major facilitators for DHIS2 use. Similarly, technical issues, poor internet connectivity, power outages, and inexperienced health professionals were the significant challenges to using DHIS2. The basic and refresher training needed improvement at all levels, and learning materials were unavailable in health facilities. In addition, the data utilization at the local level in various actions was unsatisfactory despite sufficient data. Health professionals have been facilitated by DHIS2 in various actions. Capacity building of health professionals on data analysis and interpretations, continued onsite coaching, reliable internet connectivity, availability of learning materials, and improved server capacity are needed to enhance the performance of DHIS2 at the local level.
Changes in SARS-CoV-2 viral load and titers over time in SARS-CoV-2-infected human corpses
Authors: Nagasawa Sayaka , Hirata Yuichiro , Miyamoto Sho , Ozono Seiya , Iida Shun , Katano Harutaka , Tsuneya Shigeki , Kira Kei , Kobayashi Susumu , Nakajima Makoto , Abe Hiroyuki , Ikemura Masako , Yamamoto Isao , Nakagawa Kimiko , Kubota Kazumi , Akitomi Shinji , Hasegawa Iwao , Ushiku Tetsuo , Suzuki Tadaki , Iwase Hirotaro , Makino Yohsuke , Saitoh Hisako
Published: March 2024

High viral titers of infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been detected in human corpses long after death. However, little is known about the kinetics of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in corpses. In this case series study, we investigated the postmortem kinetics of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in human corpses by collecting nasopharyngeal swab samples at multiple time points from six SARS-CoV-2-infected patients after their death. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from all six deceased patients. A viral culture showed the presence of infectious virus in one deceased patient up to 12 days after death. Notably, this patient had a shorter time from symptom onset to death than the other patients, and autopsy samples showed pathological findings consistent with viral replication in the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, this patient died during the viral shedding phase, and the amount of infectious virus in the corpse did not decrease over time up to the date of autopsy (12 days after death). The findings of this study indicate that the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in corpses can vary among individuals and may be associated with the stage of the disease at the time of death. These important results complement many previously reported findings on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 at postmortem.
Effects of primary health care and socioeconomic aspects on the dispersion of COVID-19 in the Brazilian Northeast: Ecological study of the first pandemic wave
Authors: Cangussú Luana Resende , Do Nascimento Jeisyane Acsa Santos , de Barros Igor Rafael Pereira , Cavalcanti Rafael Limeira , Dantas Fábio Galvão , Araujo Diego Neves , Silva José Felipe Costa da , Rodrigues Guedes Thais Sousa , Lopes Matheus Rodrigues , Lopes Johnnatas Mikael , Guedes Marcello Barbosa Otoni Gonçalves
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on socioeconomic and public health conditions of the population.

Aim

To measure the temporal evolution of COVID-19 cases in cities near the countryside outside metropolitan areas of northeastern Brazil and the impact of the primary care organization in its containment.

Methods

This is a time-series study, based on the first three months of COVID-19 incidence in northeastern Brazil. Secondary data were used, the outcome was number of COVID-19 cases. Independent variables were time, coverage and quality score of basic health services, and demographic, socioeconomic and social isolation variables. Generalizable Linear Models with first order autoregression were applied.

Results

COVID-19 spreads heterogeneously in cities near the countryside of Northeastern Brazilian cities, showing associations with the city size, socioeconomic and organizational indicators of services. The Family Health Strategy seems to mitigate the speed of progression and burden of the disease, in addition to measures such as social isolation and closure of commercial activities.

Conclusion

The spread of COVID-19 reveals multiple related factors, which require coordinated intersectoral actions in order to mitigate its problems, especially in biologically and socially vulnerable populations.
Work disability and employment status among advanced chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Bay Shing Shen , Kamaruzaman Lydia , Mohd Rozita , Azhar Shah Shamsul
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue with significant socioeconomic impacts. In Malaysia, the prevalence of CKD in 2018 was 15%. Complications of CKD such as anaemia, mineral bone disease, and infections led to frequent hospitalizations resulting in work disability and unemployment. To date, there is no data of employment status of CKD patients in Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of patients with advanced CKD (stage 4 and 5 non-dialysis) treated in our centre. We interviewed those aged 18 to 60 years old who were selected based on random sampling of their employment status and associated factors. Work disabilities and quality of life were assessed using work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI-GH) questionnaire and kidney disease and quality of life (KDQOL-36) questionnaire. These questionnaires were assisted by the main investigators to aid participants in facilitating their response process.

Result

A total of 318 patients recruited, 53.5% were males, with a mean age of 49.0 ± 9.0 years old. The main cause of CKD was diabetes (67.0%) followed by hypertension (11.3%). Majority of them were obese (55.3%) with a mean body mass index of 28.81 ± 6.3 kg/m2. The mean household income was RM 4669.50 ± 3034.75 (USD1006.27 ± 653.99). The employment rate was 50% (n = 159). 86% of the unemployed patients were in B40 income category. Multiple Logistic Regression was performed on the significant factors affecting employment status showed one year increase in age increased 6.5% odds to be unemployed. Female and dyslipidaemia had 2.24- and 2.58-times higher odds respectively to be unemployed. Meanwhile, patients with tertiary level of education were 81% less odds to be unemployed. Patients with advanced CKD had a mean percentage of 24.35 ± 15.23 work impairment and 13.36 ± 32.34 mean percentages of face absenteeism due to the disease burden. Furthermore, patients who were unemployed had significant perceived symptoms and problem lists, effects, and burden of kidney disease (p<0.01) and showed poor mental and physical composites (p<0.01) as compared with those who were employed.

Conclusion

The employment rate of advanced CKD patients was low with half of patients lost their jobs due to the disease burden and had poor mental and physical composites of quality of life. This raises the concern for financial support for long term renal replacement therapy.
Comparative study on differential expression analysis methods for single-cell RNA sequencing data with small biological replicates: Based on single-cell transcriptional data of PBMCs from COVID-19 severe patients
Authors: Xue Jie , Zhou Xinfan , Yang Jing , Niu Adan
Published: March 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a high-throughput experimental technique for studying gene expression at the single-cell level. As a key component of single-cell data analysis, differential expression analysis (DEA) serves as the foundation for all subsequent secondary studies. Despite the fact that biological replicates are of vital importance in DEA process, small biological replication is still common in sequencing experiment now, which may impose problems to current DEA methods. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a thorough comparison of various DEA approaches under small biological replications. Here, we compare 6 performance metrics on both simulated and real scRNA-seq datasets to assess the adaptability of 8 DEA approaches, with a particular emphasis on how well they function under small biological replications. Our findings suggest that DEA algorithms extended from bulk RNA-seq are still competitive under small biological replicate conditions, whereas the newly developed method DEF-scRNA-seq which is based on information entropy offers significant advantages. Our research not only provides appropriate suggestions for selecting DEA methods under different conditions, but also emphasizes the application value of machine learning algorithms in this field.
Prevalence of physical violence against people in insecure migration status: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Innes Alexandria , Carlisle Sophie , Manzur Hannah , Cook Elizabeth , Corsi Jessica , Lewis Natalia V.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study summarised evidence on the prevalence of interpersonal, community and state physical violence against people in insecure migration status.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies that estimated prevalence of physical violence against a population in insecure migration status. We searched Embase, Social Policy and Practice, Political Science Complete, SocINDEX and Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index for reports published from January 2000 until 31 May 2023. Study quality was assessed using an adapted version of the Joanna Briggs assessment tool for cross-sectional studies. Two reviewers carried out screening, data extraction, quality assessment and analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted in Stata 17, using a random effects model and several exploratory subgroup analyses.

Results

We retrieved 999 reports and included 31 retrospective cross-sectional studies with 25,997 migrants in insecure status. The prevalence estimate of physical violence was 31.16% (95% CI 25.62–36.70, p < .00). There was no statistically significant difference in the estimates for prevalence of violence for men (35.30%, 95% CI 18.45–52.15, p < .00) and for women (27.78%, 95% CI 21.42–34.15, p < .00). The highest point estimate of prevalence of violence was where insecure status was related to employment (44.40%, 95% CI 18.24–70.57, p < .00), although there were no statistically significant difference in the subgroup analysis. The prevalence of violence for people in undocumented status was not significantly different (29.13%, 95% CI 19.86–38.41, p < .00) than that for refugees and asylum seekers (33.29%, 95% CI 20.99–45.59, p < .00). The prevalence of violence in Asia was 56.01% (95% CI 22.47–89.55, p < .00). Europe had the lowest point prevalence estimate (17.98%, 95% CI 7.36–28.61, p < .00), although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence estimate during the migration journey was 32.93% (95% CI 24.98–40.88, p < .00). Intimate partner violence attached to insecure status was estimated at 29.10%, (95% CI 8.37–49.84, p = .01), and state violence at 9.19% (95% CI 6.71–11.68, p < .00).

Conclusions

The prevalence of physical violence is a concern among people in a range of insecure migration statuses. Prevalence of violence is not meaningfully higher for people in undocumented status than for people in other types of insecure status.

Review registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021268772).
Effects of cleft lip on visual scanning and neural processing of infant faces
Authors: Hahn Amanda C. , Riedelsheimer Juergen A. , Royer Zoë , Frederick Jeffrey , Kee Rachael , Crimmins Rhiannon , Huber Bernd , Harris David H. , Jantzen Kelly J.
Published: March 2024

Infant faces readily capture adult attention and elicit enhanced neural processing, likely due to their importance evolutionarily in facilitating bonds with caregivers. Facial malformations have been shown to impact early infant-caregiver interactions negatively. However, it remains unclear how such facial malformations may impact early visual processing. The current study used a combination of eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate adults’ early visual processing of infant faces with cleft lip/palate as compared to normal infant faces, as well as the impact cleft palate has on perceived cuteness. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in early visual attention to the eye region for infants with cleft palate, while increased visual attention is registered on the mouth region. Increased neural processing of the cleft palate was evident at the N170 and LPP, suggesting differences in configural processing and affective responses to the faces. Infants with cleft palate were also rated significantly less cute than their healthy counterparts (mean difference = .73, p < .001). These results suggest that infants’ faces with cleft lip/palate are processed differently at early visual perception. These processing differences may contribute to several important aspects of development (e.g., joint attention) and may play a vital role in the previously observed difficulties in mother-infant interactions.