bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of Eating Traits Scale for Adult in Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Youngwon , Park Eunok
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop eating traits scale for Korean adults and verify its validity and reliability. Methods: The initial items were developed based on the literature reviews. The first preliminary scale has consisted of 78 items and the second preliminary scale consisted of 50 items selected by 13 experts who were formed to evaluate the content validity. To review whether they could understand the questionnaires at their reading level, 27 sixth-grade elementary school students were asked to be involved in this study. The questionnaire was revised through the consultation of Korean language teachers, and the final preliminary scale was composed of 50 items. Data were collected from 329 adults aged 19 to 65 years to test validity and reliability of the scale The item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were applied. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed 5 factors of 35 items. The factors (No. of items) were ‘Mood states (6)’, ‘Pursuit of health (6)’, ‘Stimulation of food (9)’, ‘Social situations (5)’, ‘Desire satisfaction (9)’. These 5 factors explained 55.04% of the total variance. Eating traits scale developed in this study was established construct validity. The reliability of the scale, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .92 and the factor’s ranged from .77 to .87. Conclusions: Eating traits scale developed in this study was verified by content validity, construct validity and reliability. It is expected to be useful measuring eating traits of Korean adults in clinical practice and research.
Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of 8-item Health Literacy Assessment Tool (K-HLAT-8)
Authors: Jo Mirae , Kwak Eun-mi
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Health Literacy Assessment Tool (K-HLAT-8) for Korean adults. Methods: The survey was conducted from April 1, 2020 to May 30, 2020 at a university hospital, a university, and one community picnic area with adults who understood the purpose of the study and voluntarily agreed to participate. A total of 220 adults participated in this study. After forward and backward translation of the original version of the Health Literacy Assessment Tool 8 (HLAT-8) into Korean, construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis), convergent validity, and reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was confirmed through the correlation between the K-HLAT-8 and the Self-As Carer Inventory (SCI). Results: Construct validity, evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, showed good fit. The K-HLAT-8 showed a positive correlation with the SCI score. In terms of internal consistency, Cronbach’s α of the K-HLAT-8 was 0.85. For test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was .99 (95% CI: 0.97~0.99). Conclusion: The reliability and validity were confirmed, so K-HLAT-8 can be applied to evaluate the health literacy of Korean adults. Furthermore, these assessment results should be used as basic data to implement programs that can improve health literacy.
Effects of Virtual Reality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Practice on the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Nursing Students: A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Authors: Kim Jui , Song Jung-Hee , Ha Young-Ok
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effects of virtual reality (VR) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—as compared to those of face-to-face Basic Life Support (BLS) education—on nursing students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Methods: Forty-four participants were recruited from nursing schools in Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, and randomized into two groups: VR CPR (experimental group) and BLS (control group). The participants’ CPR knowledge, cardiac compression quality, self-efficacy, confidence, and attitudes toward education were evaluated. Results: At enrollment, the control and experimental groups showed similar results for all the variables. After the intervention, results showed that the cardiac compression score and the hand position accuracy in the experimental group were significantly higher than in the control group. Meanwhile, knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence were improved in both groups, though there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The study results showed that VR CPR education is just as effective as face-to-face BLS training for nursing students. Therefore, developing high-quality VR educational content in the future is necessary.
Social Network Analysis of Adults’ Obesity-Related Health Behaviors According to Life Cycle Stage
Authors: Park Seung-bin , Kang Insoon
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This secondary data analysis study examined adults’ levels and networks of obesity-related health behaviors according to the life cycle stage. Methods: Participants included 5,203 adults aged 19–79 years who participated in the third year of the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021). Life cycle stages were divided into young, middle-aged, and older adult groups. Obesity status was classified based on a body mass index of 25 kg/m2. Selected obesity-related health behaviors included alcohol abstinence, not smoking, proper sleep, eating breakfast, fruit intake, vegetable intake, not eating out, aerobic physical activity, walking, and weight training. Obesity-related health behavior networks were analyzed for density, inclusiveness, degree, and degree/closeness/betweenness centrality using social network analysis. Results: Participants’ obesity rate was 37.6%, with the highest rate observed in the older adult group (39.2%). In all life cycle stages, the non-obese group had a higher density and average degree in the obesity-related health behavior network than the obese group. The young adult group showed higher centrality for vegetable intake, not smoking, alcohol abstinence, and proper sleep. The middle-aged group generally had higher centrality for health behaviors, whereas the older adult group had lower overall centrality for health behaviors, especially proper sleep and physical activity-related behaviors. Conclusion: There were differences in the levels and network structures of obesity-related health behaviors according to the life cycle stage, indicating a need for differentiated obesity-management strategies according to the life cycle stage.
IDENTIFIKASI ZONA SESAR BERDASARKAN DATA GRAVITASI DAERAH PASAMAN BARAT, SUMATERA BARAT
Authors: Nur Faiza Nida , Wiryawan Muhammad Fikri Al Rasyid Harya , Syirojudin Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Sumatera Barat dikenal sebagai wilayah di Indonesia yang memiliki tingkat seismisitas tinggi. Pada tanggal 25 Februari 2022, telah terjadi gempa bumi merusak di Sumatera Barat tepatnya pada daerah Pasaman Barat. Berdasarkan laporan Badan Meteorologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika, belum pernah dilakukan pemetaan zona patahan pada episenter gempa tersebut. Penelitian terbaru di wilayah tersebut menemukan bahwa segmen patahan Kajai di wilayah episenter gempa Pasaman baru saja teridentifikasi sehingga menunjukkan bahwa pemetaan zona patahan di wilayah ini masih berkembang dan memerlukan kajian lebih lanjut. Penelitian ini dibuat dengan tujuan untuk memetakan zona dan jenis patahan atau sesar di Pasaman Barat dengan memanfaatkan data gravitasi serta metode Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) dan First Horizontal Derivative (FHD). Berdasarkan hasil pengolahan data, densitas rata-rata wilayah Pasaman Barat berada pada angka 2-2,3 gr/cm3. Analisis peta Simple Bouguer Anomaly menunjukkan nilai pada wilayah ini berada pada range -55 hingga 15 mGal dan menunjukkan adanya indikasi keberadaan sesar yang berorientasi arah Barat Laut-Tenggara dengan jenis sesar geser.
IDENTIFICATION OF LOCAL ACTIVE FAULTS IN MAINLAND GORONTALO REGION BASED ON FOCAL MECHANISM ANALYSIS
Authors: Pertiwi Imanuela Indah , Rifai Listya Dewi
Published: December 2024

One of the nations that experiences devastating earthquakes frequently is Indonesia. Local active faults on land are one of the causes of these earthquakes. New information on the purported presence of local active faults can be obtained from the quantity of small-magnitude earthquake occurrences. By analyzing the focal sphere mechanism, small-scale earthquake data are used to identify local active faults in the Gorontalo area. The minor magnitude earthquakes (M<5) that struck the Gorontalo region in February 2023 and were recorded eleven events at the BMKG- Gorontalo Geophysical Station that were used in this investigation. he resulting focus sphere diagram can be used to ascertain the faults or strike direction propensity. The focal mechanism of the earthquake in the Pohuwato region demonstrates the Oblique Thrust Fault's inclination toward a northeastern-southern strike orientation. The tendency of the strike orientation of the east-west-oriented Oblique Thrust Fault, which is the focal mechanism of the earthquake that happened in Buol, also demonstrates the same thing. According to the Gorontalo Fault diagram provided by the National Earthquake Study Center, the focal mechanism of the earthquake in Cluster A (earthquake numbers 1,6,9), the Gorontalo region, also demonstrates the strike direction of the Northwest-Southeast-oriented Oblique Thrust Fault. The earthquake occurrences in cluster B (Pohuwato area), earthquake numbers 2,3,8, and cluster C (Buol area), earthquake numbers 4, 5,7, raise the possibility of a new local active fault on the Gorontalo region's mainland. The Gorontalo region's suspicion of the existence of local active faults is strengthened by the monitoring of earthquake intensity based on occurrences that occurred between March 2023 and March 2024. Over the course of a year, there are nine to twenty-seven earthquakes with a magnitude of less than five (M<5). These seismic occurrences provide credence to the theory that Pohuwato and Buol, Gorontalo, have local active faults.
Finding strength through connection
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees
Published: December 2024

Clementine Rees Brown speaks with Brittany Pittham about her fertility journey.
Equipping the team
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees
Published: December 2024

Claire Wassall and Steph Charles discuss normalising mental health conversations in the workplace.
A compassionate approach
Authors: Allen Kirstie
Published: December 2024

Kirstie Allen details what compassionate leadership entails, and how to develop it within the dental team.

Aim

To present compassionate leadership as an approach to improving workplace culture and service user experience of dental care for all levels of practitioners.

Objective

Define compassionate leadership as a concept within healthcare and dentistry. Discuss the benefits for staff and service users of a compassionate approach to leadership. Understand how to embody compassionate leadership within practice. Identify how compassionate approaches can support safeguarding and emotional labour.
The index of Nâyî Ali Dede’s notebook as Rauf Yekta’s reference source
Authors: Doğrusöz Dişiaçık Nilgün , Pelen Semih
Published: December 2024

In recent years, thanks to the state and private archives being opened to the public, a lot of new information has started to emerge. When sources are subjected to in-depth analyses, much existing information can be reinterpreted. The ITU Ottoman Turkish Music Research Group, which has worked on three archives to date, has brought a selection from Rauf Yekta Bey›s archive, which was inaccessible for 80 years, to interested readers through the book Rauf Yekta Bey’in Musiki Antikaları. The index numbered N-153/2, which is included in this book and written in Yekta Bey›s handwriting, is at the centre of our article. As a matter of fact, it is understood that this index was copied by Rauf Yekta Bey from a Hampartsum notebook believed to have been written by Nâyi Ali Dede, and that it was an important reference source for him. Based on its relations with other notebooks in the Yekta archive, the index also provides important clues about Nâyî Ali Dede›s notebook and helps to reveal new information about other sheet music collections. Some studies on the subject are sceptical about Nâyî Ali Dede›s authorship of the notebook due to his living dates and emphasise that he could only have been a collector. To examine Nâyî Ali Dede›s relationship with Hampartsum notation, the index was also compared with the notebooks believed to be Hampartsum autographs in terms of repertoire and notational practices. Before that, the notebooks believed to be Hampartsum autographs were examined, and it was discussed whether they could have been written by Hampartsum Limonciyan and various conclusions were drawn about the subject.
Perceptual differences between AI and human compositions: the impact of musical factors and cultural background
Authors: Canyakan Seyhan
Published: December 2024

The issues of what Artificial Intelligence (AI) can and cannot do in the field of music are among the important topics that both music researchers and AI experts are curious about. This study offers a significant analysis within the context of the growing role of AI technologies in music composition and their impact on creative processes. It contributes to the literature by positioning AI as a complementary tool to the composer’s creativity and by enhancing the understanding of cultural adaptation processes. The study aims to identify the perceptual differences between AI and composer compositions, examine the musical and cultural foundations of these differences, and uncover the factors that influence the listener’s experience. In the research design, a mixed-method approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. In the quantitative phase, a double-blind experimental design was employed to ensure that participants evaluated composer and AI works impartially. In the qualitative phase, participants’ opinions were gathered. The participants were 10 individuals aged between 19 and 25, with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds; 6 had received formal music education, while 4 were casual listeners. The data collection instruments included a structured interview form and the Assessment Scale for Perceptual Factors in Musical Works. During the research process, each participant evaluated two AI and two composer works in 20-minute standardized listening sessions. All listening sessions were conducted using professional audio equipment. The analysis revealed that composer works scored significantly higher than AI works across all categories (p<.05). Notable differences were observed, particularly in the categories of emotional depth (X composer = 4.6, X AI = 3.1) and memorability (Xcomposer = 4.4, XAI = 3.2). The study concluded that composer works were more effective than AI compositions in terms of emotional depth, structural coherence, and cultural resonance. Additionally, cultural background and music education emerged as significant factors shaping perceptual differences. Future research should broaden the participant pool and incorporate neurocognitive data to facilitate a deeper understanding of perceptual mechanisms. Furthermore, the development of AI systems for use in music should include the integration of Transformer and RNN-based advanced learning models, the implementation of traditional music theory principles, the enhancement of emotional expressiveness, the improvement of cultural adaptation capacities, and the refinement of real-time interaction mechanisms.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA ASSISTÊNCIA ESTUDANTIL NO COMBATE À EVASÃO NO ENSINO MÉDIO INTEGRADO DO IFSP – CAMPUS REGISTRO
Authors: Vasconcelos de Lima Kanashiro Fernanda , Martins Angela Maria , Ferreira Sehnem Edmar Lucas , Viebrantz Oster Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Este artigo consiste em um desdobramento de estudo, de natureza exploratória e descritiva, ancorado em uma pesquisa que analisou fontes documentais e elementos da evasão escolar no ensino médio integrado do Instituto Federal de São Paulo – IFSP – Campus Registro, por meio de abordagem qualitativa. Foram tratados, especificamente, dados referentes a evasão de alunos/as do ensino médio integrado dos cursos de Logística, Edificações e Mecatrônica, no interstício de 2017 a 2021, disponíveis na Plataforma Nilo Peçanha. A pesquisa identificou que a assistência estudantil é um fator determinante para a permanência dos/as estudantes nesses cursos, visto que o maior número dos/as alunos/as evadidos/as se concentra na faixa mais baixa de renda. Destaca-se que a assistência estudantil, pode viabilizar a inclusão social, a partir de auxílio financeiro para a alimentação, moradia, transporte entre outros itens básicos e é um dos mecanismos para assegurar a educação de qualidade para todos/as os/as estudantes.
A EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL NO DF E A INTERSECCIONALIDADE EM GÊNERO E RAÇA: UM OLHAR PARA O CADERNO "O BRINCAR COMO DIREITO DOS BEBÊS E DAS CRIANÇAS"
Authors: Lima Serpa Thamara Maria , Baldez Etienne
Published: December 2024

O artigo tem como objetivo investigar como o debate sobre as questões étnicos-raciais e de gênero, com base em uma abordagem interseccional, tem sido proposto na Educação Infantil do Distrito Federal, a partir do caderno guia O brincar como direito dos bebês e das crianças, elaborado pela Secretária de Estado de Educação do Distrito Federal (SEEDF). A pesquisa toma como base Estudos Sociais da Infância e autores decoloniais. Para a investigação do material, foi utilizado a análise documental dentro de uma abordagem qualitativa (Lüdke; André, 2018), procurando identificar elementos sobre o debate de gênero e raça, nas ações propostas no caderno. A análise dos dados seguiu a proposta de análise de conteúdo descrita pela Bardin (2011). Os resultados indicaram que o caderno aborda e propõe atividades de valorização à diversidade racial e de gênero, tornando-se instrumento de formação continuada importante para os professores da SEEDF.
PROFESSORES HOMENS NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: UM ESTUDO SOBRE A PRESENÇA MASCULINA NAS ESCOLAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE SANTO ANDRÉ
Authors: Alves Martusewicz Raquel , Trujillo Mendes Gustavo , Souza Virgínia Lais
Published: December 2024

A Educação Infantil é fortemente marcada pela distinção de gênero, concentrando as professoras mulheres em funções como educar e cuidar, ações diretamente realizadas com as crianças, enquanto os professores homens assumem atividades administrativas ou são professores especialistas. Assim, este artigo busca discutir as consequências da manutenção desse padrão a partir da realidade da cidade de Santo André/SP. A pesquisa contou com entrevistas de cinco pedagogos atuantes na Educação Infantil do município e teve como principal objetivo identificar os dificultadores para o trabalho com as crianças pequenas. Como conclusão, podemos citar que o senso comum insiste em relacionar a figura do professor homem a um abusador em potencial, o que inibe as contratações desses profissionais ou, uma vez atuando em sala de aula, tenta delimitar suas tarefas ao que, supostamente, seria adequado ao gênero masculino. Para embasar o estudo utilizamos autoras como Guacira Lopes Louro, Jane Felipe e Lea Tiriba.
Influencia entre la contaminación química del aire y las capacidades cognitivas de los niños en edad escolar a nivel de Lima Metropolitana
Authors: Bravo-Orellana Miriam , Bravo-Orellana César-Augusto , Velázquez Fernández Ángel Ramón , Pérez-Núñez Jhelly-Reynaluz
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. La contaminación del aire de naturaleza química es un problema que se presenta diariamente por la constante exposición crónica y prolongada a factores externos, como la congestión vehicular y la existencia de zonas industriales, superando en muchas ocasiones el índice de contaminación permitida, normada por los estándares de calidad ambiental. El estudio tuvo como fin mostrar la influencia del nivel de contaminación química del aire en las capacidades cognitivas de los escolares. Se evaluaron los contaminantes del aire más importantes, a través de las ocho estaciones de monitoreo, a nivel de Lima Metropolitana. Entre estos contaminantes figuran el monóxido de carbono (CO), dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2), dióxido de azufre (SO2) y material particulado (PM2,5 y PM10). MÉTODO. La investigación es de tipo cuantitativa, no experimental y es ex post facto. La muestra fue de 350 estudiantes de ambos sexos, de 10 a 12 años de edad, en niñas había un 47% y en niños un 53%. La edad promedio era de 10,88 años y una desviación estándar típica de 0,824, del 6.º grado de primaria de colegios privados, distribuidos en ocho puntos de monitoreo a nivel de Lima Metropolitana. Se aplicó un test neuropsicológico conocido como test de percepción de diferencias: CARAS-R, donde se evaluaron las capacidades perceptivas y atencionales, validados por baremos nacionales e internacionales. RESULTADOS. La concentración PM10 presentó una correlación negativa y significativamente fuerte con R = - 0,98, con un IC: 95% para las capacidades perceptivas y atencionales. El CO y el PM2,5 tuvieron una relación negativa moderada con un valor promedio de R = - 0,72 (IC: 95%). El NO2 presentó una correlación débil y poco significativa, para la percepción y atención, con un factor de correlación R = 0,44. DISCUSIÓN. Los niños en edad escolar de 10 a 12 años que cursan el 6.º grado de primaria, expuestos de manera crónica y prolongada a la contaminación química del aire, experimentan menor capacidad cognitiva tanto perceptivas como atencionales.
La detección temprana de alumnado con trastornos evolutivos del lenguaje. Una propuesta de intervención para un apoyo educativo diferenciado
Authors: Axpe-Caballero María Ángeles , Acosta Rodríguez Víctor M. , Alonso Méndez Isabel , Delgado Cruz Atteneri
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. En el presente trabajo se aborda el diagnóstico de las distintas manifestaciones de los trastornos evolutivos en el desarrollo del lenguaje, con el propósito de ofrecer una respuesta educativa diferenciada. Con ello, se persigue lograr la inclusión del alumnado con dificultades del lenguaje basada en la equidad, es decir, la asignación dinámica y la combinación de recursos de enseñanza para medir las necesidades de todos los estudiantes, no solo para aquellos identificados categóricamente. MÉTODO. En la muestra participaron 113 alumnos de Educación Infantil, procedentes de un total de 52 centros educativos públicos. Se empleó como instrumento la prueba diagnóstica CELF. RESULTADOS. Los resultados evidencian que existen diferencias entre los perfiles de Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL), Retraso Específico del Lenguaje Homogéneo (REL Homogéneo) y Retraso Específico del Lenguaje Heterogéneo (REL Heterogéneo). Tanto en las subescalas como en las subpruebas, el grupo TEL manifiesta puntuaciones más bajas que el resto de los grupos, diferenciándose en mayor medida con el grupo REL Homogéneo, quien obtiene los resultados más altos en cada una. DISCUSIÓN. La respuesta educativa se organiza desde un Sistema de Apoyo de Múltiples Niveles cimentada en el trabajo colaborativo entre profesionales en el contexto del aula ordinaria y el apoyo intenso en un contexto más específico. En conclusión, se destaca la importancia del diseño de intervenciones educativas diferenciadas para los tres perfiles lingüísticos y, por consiguiente, se aporta una serie de aplicaciones prácticas para llevar a cabo dichas intervenciones. Esta práctica permite que todos los estudiantes sean enseñados adecuadamente con una distribución equitativa de apoyos y servicios para satisfacer las necesidades educativas individuales de cada uno.
El estado de la música y la danza en el territorio nacional: un estudio comparado sobre la aplicación de la LOMLOE
Authors: Montaraz Moral Isabel María
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. La Ley Orgánica 3/2020, de 29 de diciembre (LOMLOE, 2020), por la que se modifica la Ley Orgánica de Educación 2/2006, de 3 de mayo (LOE, 2006), el Real Decreto 157/2022 de enseñanzas mínimas para la educación primaria, así como los decretos y órdenes autonómicas esbozan el marco legal que servirá de referencia para la práctica educativa en el aula de música. El aprendizaje de la escucha, de la expresión, del lenguaje de la música y de la producción musical viene, o debería venir, definido en la legislación educativa nacional y autonómica y concretado en última instancia mediante la autonomía pedagógica y organizativa de los centros educativos. MÉTODO. La presente investigación persigue, mediante una metodología comparada y descriptiva, identificar y comparar los elementos curriculares y los componentes de la educación musical presentes en los currículos nacional y autonómicos. RESULTADOS. Los resultados manifiestan una notable diversidad en la implementación de la enseñanza musical en las comunidades autónomas, optando el 65% por integrarla en el currículo de Educación Artística, frente al 35% que la desglosa en Música y Danza. Esta diversidad también queda patente en la concreción y secuenciación de los saberes básicos, cuya ausencia o complejidad en la redacción de los enunciados dificulta su comprensión y, por lo tanto, la labor docente. Observamos que existe una coherencia a nivel nacional en cuanto a la estructura de los currículos y de los elementos que los conforman. DISCUSIÓN. En definitiva, este estudio subraya la necesidad de un marco legal clarificador que evite la dificultad de los docentes para llevarlo a la práctica e impida caer en el error de generar desigualdades entre los estudiantes en función de la comunidad autónoma en la que estudien.
Quantitative investigation of photobleaching-based autofluorescence suppression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human tissue
Authors: Hwang Wonsang , McPartland Tyler , Raymond Tucker , Han Martin , Jeong Sinyoung , Evans Conor L.
Published: December 2024

Immunofluorescence (IF) is a crucial technique in histopathology, enabling the visualization of multiple antibody distributions within single tissue specimens. However, autofluorescence (AF), which originates from endogenous molecules in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, poses a persistent challenge by interfering with the fluorescence signal of interest in IF analysis. While photo-irradiative bleaching has emerged as a protocol to suppress the AF signal, there have been minimal quantitative investigations into this method across various experimental conditions. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a bleaching-based method for reducing AF in FFPE human tissues. This research analyzed AF intensity as a function of exposure time, deparaffinization, emission range, and tissue types. Furthermore, by employing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we isolated the IF signal from AF to facilitate accurate quantification. This study provides valuable insights into AF reduction methodology to improve the reliability of IF-based histopathological analyses and advance our understanding of tissue biology and pathology.
Soft elastomeric optical fibers for oxygen change measurements of blood and living tissues: a thermoplastic polyurethane assessment
Authors: Llera Miguel , Laux Edith , Flahaut Frédéric , Jeandupeux Laure , Alvarez Seoane Esteban , Zerbib Maxime , Beugnot Jean-Charles , Potty Philippe
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and use of thermoplastic polyurethane optical fibers intended for oxygen saturation measurements. It includes an evaluation of the fiber attenuation and the creation of two probes for the measurement assessment. For comparison, a third probe is made using conventional glass optical fibers. The assessment is conducted in two stages: first, absorption measurements are performed using a mixture of methylene blue and intralipid diluted in deionized water; second, a measurement with human blood is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of such fibers in measuring blood oxygen saturation. Additionally, a comprehensive study of measurement stability is provided.
Growth, structure, spectroscopic, and laser properties of Ho-doped yttrium gallium garnet crystal
Authors: Slimi Sami , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin , Kränkel Christian , Loiko Pavel , Solé Rosa Maria , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Chen Weidong , Griebner Uwe , Petrov Valentin , Mateos Xavier
Published: December 2024

We report on the growth of a 2.86 at.% Ho:YGG crystal using the optical floating zone technique in an oxygen-rich environment, followed by the study of its structure, optical spectroscopy and first demonstration of continuous-wave laser operation at 2.1 µm. The crystal structure refined through the Rietveld method reaffirms the cubic symmetry (sp. gr. Ia3¯d, a = 12.2796(9) Å). The absorption, stimulated-emission (SE), and gain cross-sections for the 5I8 ↔ 5I7 Ho3+ transition were determined from the spectroscopic studies. The SE cross-section, σSE, amounts to 9.5 × 10−21 cm2 at 2084 nm, and the luminescence lifetime of the 5I7 state is 8.94 ms. Among the Ho-doped garnets, Ho:YGG is characterized by smoother gain cross sections and a long luminescence lifetime. Laser operation of the Ho:YGG crystal is showcased using a 1908 nm Tm-fiber laser as a pump source. The in-band pumped Ho:YGG laser delivers 976 mW at 2085 and 2109 nm with a slope efficiency of 50.1%.
Interfacial diffusion enabled broadband response in photodetector based on In2Se3/GaAs heterojunction
Authors: Li Wen , Sun Dingyue , Shan Yufeng , Zhu Jiaqi , Lu Xinwu , Guo Jing , Shi Jichao , Fang Yongzheng , Dai Ning , Liu Yufeng
Published: December 2024

Infrared (IR) photodetectors play a crucial role in modern technologies due to their ability to operate in various environmental conditions. This study developed high-performance In2Se3/GaAs interdiffusion heterostructure photodetectors with broadband response using liquid-phase method. It is believed that an InGaAs layer and In2Se3 have been formed at the interface through the mutual diffusion of elements, resulting in a detection spectral range spanning from 0.45 to 2.7 µm. Consequently, the In2Se3/GaAs photodetector exhibits notably low noise equivalent power of 6.21 × 10−15 WHz-1/2 at 1000 Hz, high photoresponsivity (R) and detectivity (D*) of 16.22 mA/W and 4.01 × 1011 Jones under 0 V with 630 nm wavelength, respectively. At 1550 nm, it achieves a R of 0.43 µAW-1 and D*of 1.07 × 108 Jones under 0 V. This strongly suggests that the interdiffused In2Se3/GaAs heterostructure is a high performance and low-cost material for broadband responsive photodetectors.
Bricks-on-pedestals silicon optomechanical cavity: a mass sensor for nanoparticles detection
Authors: Grau Alberto , Mercadé Laura , Ortiz Raúl , Martínez Alejandro
Published: December 2024

Optomechanical cavities can be used as highly sensitive mass sensors actuated by an optical field. In this work, we introduce and numerically demonstrate a new design for an optomechanical cavity consisting of a series of asymmetrically distributed rectangular silicon nanobricks, with each brick acting as an independent mechanical resonator but all coupled to the same optical field. Each silicon brick is placed on top of a thin silica pillar that ensures mechanical support whilst providing enough acoustic isolation between the individual mechanical resonances - at GHz frequencies - of each brick. The mass sensing capabilities of this cavity are studied through numerical simulations, proving that a point mass approximation can be used for silica nanoparticles with a radius smaller than 100 nm and that different nanoparticles can be measured independently but simultaneously and in real-time.
Orbital angular momentum multiplexing holography based on multi-plane light conversion
Authors: Pan Rui , Zhang Yuquan , Fang Juncheng , Lei Ting , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: December 2024

Orbital angular momentum (OAM), with its unique orthogonality, is widely applied in optical holographic encryption and information storage. Theoretically, the topological charge of OAM holography is infinite. However, in practice, it is restricted by the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem and experimental equipment, resulting in a relatively small number of practically usable channels. We propose an OAM holography technique based on multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) to increase the number of multiplexed channels in OAM holography. In contrast to conventional OAM holographic designs, the present design employs a limited number of phase planes to achieve multi-channel coaxial OAM multiplexing holograms. In the experiment, we using four MPLC phase planes to reconstruct six coaxial OAM holograms, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) value of the reconstructed holograms exceeds 20 dB, and the crosstalk between multiple modes is less than -19 dB. This mitigates the crosstalk problem of multiple images and provides what we believe to be a new way to realize large-capacity and high-quality optical holography encryption and information storage.
High-power high-performance radio-over-fiber link for minimalist wireless base station
Authors: Chen Shengkun , Zhang Zhiyao , Tian Huan , Zhang Yaowen , Lyu Weiqiang , Zou Xinhai , Zhang Lingjie , Zeng Zhen , Li Heping , Liu Yong
Published: December 2024

Broadband minimalist wireless base stations without energy-consuming electrical power amplifiers are the rosy scenario of the next-generation wireless communication systems. High-power radio-over-fiber (RoF) links, which are featured by large operation bandwidths, are regarded as the supporting technology for realizing such a vision. Nevertheless, the severe signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) deterioration induced by the second Brillouin scattering in high-power and long-distance RoF links must be first solved. Here, an approach to suppressing the secondary Brillouin scattering-induced SNR deterioration in high-power long-distance RoF links is proposed and demonstrated based on phase modulation driven by a sinusoidal signal. In the proof-of-concept experiment, the Brillouin threshold in a high-power RoF link involving a spool of single-mode fiber (SMF) with a length of 10 km is increased by more than 5 dB with the assistance of phase modulation. The SNR is improved by 31 dB when the optical power injected into the SMF is 22 dBm. In addition, the error vector magnitude (EVM) is optimized from 31.71% to 0.62% for transmitting a 256-QAM wireless communication signal with a center frequency of 5 GHz and a bandwidth of 6.75 MHz in this RoF link under the injected optical power of 22 dBm. Based on this high-power RoF link, a minimalist wireless base station utilizing a photodetector-direct-drive antenna is realized. This scheme is feasible for transmitting broadband wireless communication signals, where a 64-QAM orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless communication signal with a center frequency of 10 GHz and a bandwidth of 400 MHz has achieved high-quality transmission in this high-power RoF link under an injected optical power of 22 dBm.
Ultrawideband microwave metamaterial absorber with excellent absorption performance and high optical transparency based on double-layer mesh structures
Authors: Wang Kaitao , Li Jie , Han Xu , Qu Liyong , Jin Xin , Ran Yuzhou , Geng Yichao , Chen Hanlin , Yi Yun , Zhang Qi , Fu Shangchen , Zhou Wenke , Zhou Kan , Song Ping , Wang Jinbao
Published: December 2024

Achieving microwave absorbers that combine wideband and excellent absorption performance with high optical transparency remains a significant challenge in the field of radar stealth. In this paper, an ultrawideband metamaterial absorber consisting of double-layer mesh structures and two transparent dielectric layers is proposed. In the absorption layer, an indium tin oxide (ITO) mesh pattern, equivalent to an RL circuit (series connection of resistance R and inductance L) to reduce design complexity, enhances the optical transparency of the absorber when combined with a mesh structure in the shielding layer. The polycarbonate (PC) cover plate is innovatively introduced to adjust the impedance matching, improving the absorbing bandwidth and angular stability. Based on the equivalent circuit model (ECM), optimization of the circuit parameters for the designed unit cell is conducted with the genetic algorithm (GA) and exhibits excellent absorption performance. Simulation and experiment results show that the reflection coefficient of the sample fabricated by the laser etching process is below -20 dB from 7.78 GHz to 12.58 GHz, covering the whole X band and reaching a relative bandwidth of 47.2%. Moreover, the average optical transmittance of the designed absorber is fixed at 81% in the visible region of 400–700 nm. The proposed metamaterial absorber with excellent absorption performance and high optical transparency provides a new avenue for the research and development of stealth and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Tamm-plasmon exciton-polaritons in monolayer WS2 at room temperature
Authors: Yang Jinlong , Ding Huaiyi , Zhao Yilong , She Yongzhi , Chen Qiang , Dai Xiaotian , Pan Nan , Wang Xiaoping
Published: December 2024

Exciton polaritons are bosonic quasi-particles that arise from the quantum superposition of photons and excitons. It can be utilized in the design of polaritonic devices such as low-threshold lasers and optical switches. However, exciton-polaritons are typically observed at low temperatures due to the small binding energy of excitons in traditional inorganic semiconductors. Here, using Tamm microcavities, demonstrate a sandwich-structured WS2-based device that realizes exciton polaritons at room-temperature. A clear anti-crossing is observed in both angular-resolved reflectivity and photoluminescence (PL) spectra with a pronounced Rabi splitting of 39.2 meV. The realization of room temperature exciton polaritons is conducive to the practical device applications of exciton-polaritons.
Orchard: Building large cancer phylogenies using stochastic combinatorial search
Authors: Kulman Ethan , Kuang Rui , Morris Quaid
Published: December 2024

Phylogenies depicting the evolutionary history of genetically heterogeneous subpopulations of cells from the same cancer, i.e., cancer phylogenies, offer valuable insights about cancer development and guide treatment strategies. Many methods exist that reconstruct cancer phylogenies using point mutations detected with bulk DNA sequencing. However, these methods become inaccurate when reconstructing phylogenies with more than 30 mutations, or, in some cases, fail to recover a phylogeny altogether. Here, we introduce Orchard, a cancer phylogeny reconstruction algorithm that is fast and accurate using up to 1000 mutations. Orchard samples without replacement from a factorized approximation of the posterior distribution over phylogenies, a novel result derived in this paper. Each factor in this approximate posterior corresponds to a conditional distribution for adding a new mutation to a partially built phylogeny. Orchard optimizes each factor sequentially, generating a sequence of incrementally larger phylogenies that ultimately culminate in a complete tree containing all mutations. Our evaluations demonstrate that Orchard outperforms state-of-the-art cancer phylogeny reconstruction methods in reconstructing more plausible phylogenies across 90 simulated cancers and 14 B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemias (B-ALLs). Remarkably, Orchard accurately reconstructs cancer phylogenies using up to 1,000 mutations. Additionally, we demonstrate that the large and accurate phylogenies reconstructed by Orchard are useful for identifying patterns of somatic mutations and genetic variations among distinct cancer cell subpopulations.
Systematic benchmarking of deep-learning methods for tertiary RNA structure prediction
Authors: Bahai Akash , Kwoh Chee Keong , Mu Yuguang , Li Yinghui
Published: December 2024

The 3D structure of RNA critically influences its functionality, and understanding this structure is vital for deciphering RNA biology. Experimental methods for determining RNA structures are labour-intensive, expensive, and time-consuming. Computational approaches have emerged as valuable tools, leveraging physics-based-principles and machine learning to predict RNA structures rapidly. Despite advancements, the accuracy of computational methods remains modest, especially when compared to protein structure prediction. Deep learning methods, while successful in protein structure prediction, have shown some promise for RNA structure prediction as well, but face unique challenges. This study systematically benchmarks state-of-the-art deep learning methods for RNA structure prediction across diverse datasets. Our aim is to identify factors influencing performance variation, such as RNA family diversity, sequence length, RNA type, multiple sequence alignment (MSA) quality, and deep learning model architecture. We show that generally ML-based methods perform much better than non-ML methods on most RNA targets, although the performance difference isn’t substantial when working with unseen novel or synthetic RNAs. The quality of the MSA and secondary structure prediction both play an important role and most methods aren’t able to predict non-Watson-Crick pairs in the RNAs. Overall among the automated 3D RNA structure prediction methods, DeepFoldRNA has the best prediction results followed by DRFold as the second best method. Finally, we also suggest possible mitigations to improve the quality of the prediction for future method development.
Challenges and motivating factors for integrating geostatistical models in targeted schistosomiasis control: A qualitative case study in Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Mathewson Jake D. , van der Spek Linda , Matungwa Dunstan J. , Samson Anna , Coleman Harry L. S. , Rood Ente J. J.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

To address problems of over- and under-treatment with preventive chemotherapy resulting in ongoing transmission of schistosomiasis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends targeted mass drug administration (MDA) interventions at a sub-district level. In Tanzania, the lack of sub-district (ward) prevalence data has inhibited a transition to targeted treatment. Model-based prevalence estimation combined with routine surveillance data can be used to overcome this gap. We created a geostatistical model to estimate parasitological prevalence in the wards of the Lake Zone regions of Tanzania to investigate opportunities for enabling targeted MDA for schistosomiasis. With no precedent on how outputs from a geostatistical model could be used to inform decision-making in Tanzania, this qualitative study explores perceptions on what may challenge and motivate program staff in Tanzania’s national schistosomiasis control program to integrate the models into routine planning to guide disease control interventions.

Methods

Seven semi-structured, key informant interviews were conducted in 2022 examining perceived programmatic challenges and motivations of integrating the geostatistical model into current programming through various thematic areas: information systems, financing, services and operational capacity, policy and planning, and coordination. Key informants included decision-making staff in the Ministry of Health’s neglected tropical diseases (NTD) control program, WHO NTD staff, schistosomiasis MDA implementing partners, academic experts studying the control of schistosomiasis, and central-level NTD coordinators.

Results

Informants unanimously acknowledged that the geostatistical model could be useful in guiding targeted interventions, and found several factors that may motivate programmatic uptake including providing a financially feasible method to comprehensive prevalence estimates, facilitation of essential implementation tasks like site selection for MDA and screening, as well as annual calculation of treatments required for requesting medicine. Key challenges to integration were seen in limitation of existing modeling expertise, sensitization, and most importantly in the lack of WHO recommendations surrounding model use, as national disease control strategies and policies are built around WHO guidelines.

Conclusions

Geostatistical models like the one presented can feasibly be integrated in decision-making for targeted interventions based on domestic capacity, financial availability and readiness. However, the lack of WHO guidance on the use of these tools calls for action to translate the potential of such models into recommendations that encourage routine integration from national programs. Overcoming this key inhibiting factor will be a crucial first step toward the integration of such models.
Phlebotomus perniciosus response to volatile organic compounds of dogs and humans
Authors: Bezerra-Santos Marcos Antonio , Zeni Valeria , Pistillo Onofrio Marco , Bedini Stefano , D’Isita Ilaria , Benelli Giovanni , Germinara Giacinto Salvatore , Volf Petr , Otranto Domenico
Published: December 2024

The olfactory response of insect vectors such as phlebotomine sand flies is a key facet for investigating their interactions with vertebrate hosts and associated vector-borne pathogens. Such studies are mainly performed by assessing the electrophysiological response and the olfactory behaviour of these arthropods towards volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by hosts. Nonetheless, few studies are available for species of the subgenera Lutzomyia and Nyssomyia in South America, leaving a void for Old World sand fly species of the genus Phlebotomus. In this study, we evaluated the olfactory responses of Phlebotomus perniciosus, one of the most important vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Old World. To test the P. perniciosus behavioural response to VOCs, 28 compounds isolated from humans and dogs were assessed using electrophysiological (i.e., electroantennogram, EAG) and behavioural assays (i.e., Y-tube olfactometer). In the EAG trials, 14 compounds (i.e., acetic acid, nonanoic acid, 2-propanol, 2-butanol, pentanal, hexanal, nonanal, trans-2-nonenal, decanal, myrcene, p-cymene, verbenone, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, and acetonitrile) elicited high antennal responses (i.e., ≥ 0.30 mV) in female sand flies, being those VOCs selected for the behavioural assays. From the 14 compounds tested in the Y-tube olfactometer, nonanal was significantly attractive for P. perniciosus females, whereas myrcene and p-cymene were significantly repellents (p < 0.05). The attraction indexes varied from 0.53 for nonanal (i.e., most attractive) to -0.47 to p-cymene (i.e., most repellent). Overall, our results shed light on the role of olfactory cues routing host seeking behaviour in P. perniciosus, with implications to develop sustainable sand fly monitoring as well as control in leishmaniasis endemic areas.