bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain distribution characteristics of sensing fiber and influence on sensitivity of a fiber-optic disk accelerometer
Authors: Tian Shuaifei , Zhu Haibo , An Ran , Tang Yiping , Yuan Yonggui , Dang Fanyang , Zhu Yunlong , Wang Xiaozhang , Yang Jun , Wang Yuncai , Qin Yuwen 
Published: October 2021

In a fiber-optic disk accelerometer, the strain distribution of sensing fiber is crucial for the improvement of sensitivity. The distribution characteristics of axial and radial strain in the sensing fiber are analyzed by the finite-element method, and the influence of strain distribution on the sensitivity of accelerometer is studied. Sensors with different outer radii of sensing fiber coils are designed and manufactured, and their performance is tested. The resonant frequencies are greater than 200 Hz, and the sensitivity increases as the outer radius of the sensing fiber coil increases. The dynamic range of the sensor with maximum sensitivity is 145.8 dB@100 Hz, and the transverse cross talk is 32.5 dB. Among the sensing fiber strain calculation methods we tested to predict the value of sensitivity, using the strain of sensing fiber directly obtained by the finite-element analysis method shows the smallest error with experimental results (within 7%). It is concluded that in the optical fiber strain disk, the absolute values of axial strain and radial strain of sensing fiber decrease with the increase of disk radius, while the signs of axial strain and radial strain of the ipsilateral sensing fiber are opposite and remain unchanged. The sensitivity can be further improved by optimizing the inner and outer radius of the sensing fiber coils, which is very important for the research and design of high-sensitivity fiber-optic accelerometers.
Backscatter multiple wavelength digital holography for color micro-particle imaging
Authors: Giri Ramesh , Berg Matthew J. 
Published: October 2021

This work applies digital holography to image stationary
micro-particles in color. The approach involves a Michelson
interferometer to mix reference light with the weak intensity light
backscattered from a distribution of particles. To enable color
images, three wavelengths are used, 430, 532, and 633 nm, as primary
light sources. Three separate backscattered holograms are recorded
simultaneously, one for each wavelength, which are resolved without
spectral cross talk using a three-CMOS prism sensor. Fresnel
diffraction theory is used to render monochrome images from each
hologram. The images are then combined via additive color mixing with
red, green, and blue as the primary colors. The result is a color
image similar in appearance to that obtained with a conventional
microscope in white-light epi-illumination mode. A variety of colored
polyethylene micro-spheres and nonspherical dust particles demonstrate
the feasibility of the approach and illustrate the effect of simple
speckle-noise suppression and white balance methods. Finally, a
chromaticity analysis is applied that is capable of differentiating
particles of different colors in a quantitative and objective
manner.
Confocal fluorescence microscopy with high-NA diffractive lens arrays
Authors: Li Zheng , Taphanel Miro , Längle Thomas , Beyerer Jürgen 
Published: October 2021

Traditionally, there is a trade-off between the numerical aperture and
field of view for a microscope objective. Diffractive lens arrays
(DLAs) with overlapping apertures are used to overcome such a problem.
A spot array with an NA up to 0.83 and a pitch of 75 µm is produced by
the proposed DLA at a wavelength of 488 nm. By measurement of the
fluorescence beads, the DLA-based confocal setup shows the capability
of high-resolution measurement over an area of

3

m
m

×
3

m
m

with a

2.5
×
0.07

N
A

objective. Further, the proposed
fluorescence microscope is insensitive to optical aberrations, which
has been demonstrated by imaging with a simple doublet lens.
Single-shot chirped pulse BOTDA for static and dynamic strain sensing
Authors: Wang Yuan , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi 
Published: October 2021

Driven by the strong need for distributed high-frequency dynamic strain sensing, ultra-fast Brillouin optical time-domain analysis is rapidly becoming a vital technique. Thus, in this Letter, we propose and demonstrate a novel method by using a chirped pulse as a pump signal to extract the relative Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) changes through the real-time delays between adjacent Brillouin traces; this enables static and dynamic strain measurement without time-consuming frequency sweeping process. Benefiting from single-shot measurement based on Brillouin traces, the system has a high acquisition rate that is only limited by the sensor length without averaging, and is immune to the polarization fading problem, thanks to electrical delay time measurement. The pump source is a 1 MHz linewidth laser without a phase-locking loop; the laser frequency drifting noise could be compensated by the signal from the non-disturbed fiber section. In the experiments, BFS measurement resolution of 0.42 MHz with 4.5 m spatial resolution is demonstrated over a 5 km non-uniform fiber.
Cascade Er:YAG pulsed lasers at room temperature
Authors: Wang Sibo , Qu Bo , Tian Ye , Zhu Zhanda , Hui Yongling , Lei Hong , Li Qiang 
Published: October 2021

Cascaded mid-infrared (MIR) pulsed laser output in Er:YAG crystals at room temperature is achieved experimentally. The existence of a cascade at room temperature in Er:YAG crystals is confirmed. Furthermore, the effect of the cascade on MIR laser performance is studied. With the assistance of the cascade, the thresholds are reduced by 13.3% and 12.5%, and the slope efficiencies are increased by 3.2% and 12.3% compared to a non-cascade configuration in 10 and 15 at.% Er:YAG, respectively. The excited-state absorption is considered to be the mechanism responsible for the laser performance optimization. This Letter should be helpful for the improvement of erbium-doped 3 µm laser output energy.
Transient-mode photothermal optical coherence tomography
Authors: Salimi Mohammad Hossein , Villiger Martin , Tabatabaei Nima 
Published: October 2021

Photothermal optical coherence tomography (PT-OCT) is an emerging extension of OCT, which forms images based on both scattering and absorption of light. The speed of PT-OCT, however, has been limited by the necessity for lock-in detection with extensive temporal sampling of the sample’s PT response. Here, we demonstrate transient-mode PT-OCT (TM-PT-OCT), which increases the effective A-line rate by orders of magnitude from 10–100 Hz to 1.5–7.5 kHz, by interrogating the sample’s transient thermal response to a single diode laser pulse. Functional imaging of moving samples with TM-PT-OCT at video rate is also presented. This significant improvement in imaging speed is expected to open the door for downstream integration of PT-OCT in clinical systems for in vivo imaging.
Environmental factors and hygiene behaviors associated with facial cleanliness and trachoma in Kongwa, Tanzania
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Munoz Beatriz , Wolle Meraf A. , Woods Geordie , Odonkor Michelle , Naufal Fahd , Mkocha Harran , West Sheila K. 
Published: October 2021

Background
Having a clean face is protective against trachoma. In the past, long distances to water were associated with unclean faces and increased trachoma. Other environmental factors have not been extensively explored. We need improved clarity on the environmental factors associated with facial cleanliness and trachoma prevalence, especially when the disease burden is low.

Methodology/Principle findings
A cross-sectional survey focusing on household environments was conducted in all 92 villages in Kongwa, Tanzania, in a random selection of 1798 households. Children aged 0–5 years in these households were examined for facial cleanliness. In each of the 50 randomly-selected villages, 50 children aged 1–9 years were randomly selected and examined for trachoma. In a multivariate model adjusting for child age, we found that children were more likely to have clean faces if the house had a clean yard (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.37–1.91), an improved latrine (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22), and greater water storage capacity (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04), and if there were clothes washed and drying around the house (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09–1.54). However, measures of crowding, wealth, time spent on obtaining water, or the availability of piped water was not associated with clean faces. Using a cleanliness index (clean yard, improved latrine, washing clothes, ≥1 child in the household having a clean face), the community prevalence of trachoma decreased with an increase in the average value of the index (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.17–4.80).

Conclusions/Significance
Access to water is no longer a significant limiting factor in children’s facial cleanliness in Kongwa. Instead, water storage capacity and the way that water is utilized are more important in facial cleanliness. A household cleanliness index with a holistic measure of household environment is associated with reduced community prevalence of trachoma.
Leprosy in children in Cuba: Epidemiological and clinical description of 50 cases from 2012–2019
Authors: Rumbaut Castillo Raisa , Hurtado Gascón Laura C. , Ruiz-Fuentes Jenny Laura , Pastrana Fundora Fernanda M. , Ramírez Albajés César R. , Henao-Martínez Andres F. , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Escobedo Ángel Arturo 
Published: October 2021

Introduction
In 1993, Cuba achieved leprosy elimination according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) indicator of less than one case per 10,000 population. Despite this achievement, detection of new cases occurs every year among all age groups including children. Detection of new cases in children reveals persistent transmission of the infection.

Objective
To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of leprosy in individuals younger than 15 years (childhood leprosy) reported to the Cuban National Leprosy Control Program (NLCP) between 2012 and 2019.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective descriptive study between 2012 and 2019 to assess the clinical and epidemiologic features of individuals under the age of 15 years with a confirmed diagnosis of leprosy reported to the NLCP. We reviewed the NLCP database and collected data to better define the total number of cases of leprosy in adults, children (younger than 15 years). We assessed socio-demographic variables (age, gender, and province of residence) as well as variables of clinical interest including operational classification and staging at diagnosis, bacillary index, grade of disability by WHO staging. Additionally, we evaluated epidemiological variables including passive versus active surveillance of cases, contact investigation focusing specifically in household transmission, and the degree of kinship as well as standing of the child within the focus of transmission when there were additional cases.

Results
We identified fifty children during the study period corresponding to 3% of the overall cases of leprosy comprising all age groups in Cuba. In the age group younger than 15 years, the majorities of cases was from the Granma province and most were between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Clinically, multibacillary/lepromatous forms were the most common type identified with positive bacillary index. The majority of children diagnosed with leprosy during our study period had a history of a relative with a confirmed diagnosis of leprosy.

Conclusions
Detection of cases of leprosy in individuals younger than 15 years of age in Cuba demonstrates ongoing transmission of M. leprae in specific geographic hotspots. Its frequency in the early adolescence, the predominant clinical forms, and the mode of detection associated with sources of suspected familiar infection demonstrated that there is a need for further efforts by the NLCP to conduct active surveillance activities among affected communities to identify cases of leprosy earlier with the goal of preventing further household and community transmission.
The prognostic value of peripheral total and differential leukocyte count in renal progression: A community-based study
Authors: Yen Chiung-Hui , Wu I-Wen , Lee Chin-Chan , Hsu Kuang-Hung , Sun Chiao-Yin , Chen Chun-Yu , Pan Heng-Chih , Hsu Heng Jung 
Published: October 2021

Background
Systemic inflammation is related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Elevated peripheral leukocyte count may be a herald of increased systemic inflammation and subclinical disease. Inflammation plays an important role in renal progression. The pattern of total and differential leukocyte count in CKD is not well understood. Besides, the association between total and differential leukocyte count and renal progression is still uncertain.

Methods
We conducted a community-based cohort study with a follow-up period of two years to evaluate the total and differential leukocyte counts and renal progression association.

Results
In our study population from the community with a total number of 2128, we found 15.7% (335/2128) CKD patients with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) around 96 ± 26 ml/min/1.73 m2. The peripheral total leukocyte count and also differential leukocyte count were significantly negatively correlated with eGFR. A total of 56 patients (3%) experienced a rapid progression of the kidney with the definition of eGFR reduction changes of 30% or greater within two years. Univariate analysis indicated that rapid renal progression was significantly associated with male gender, co-morbidity of diabetes mellitus (DM), higher uric acid levels, higher peripheral neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. However, only the peripheral neutrophil count was positively and independently associated with rapid renal progression after multivariate analysis. The ROC curve analysis found that the optimal cutoff value of peripheral neutrophil count for rapid progression was 2760/ mm3, with an area under the curve of 0.813.

Conclusion
Hyperinflammation with higher peripheral total and differential leukocyte count was noted in CKD patients. The peripheral neutrophil count was the only independent factor significantly associated with rapid renal progression. The optimal cutoff point of the peripheral neutrophil count with 2760/mm3 is useful for determining the high-risk population for rapid renal progression with a satisfying sensitivity and specificity.
Public perceptions of non-adherence to pandemic protection measures by self and others: A study of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom
Authors: Williams Simon N. , Armitage Christopher J. , Tampe Tova , Dienes Kimberly A. 
Published: October 2021

Background
Novel viral pandemics present significant challenges to global public health. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. social distancing) are an important means through which to control the transmission of such viruses. One of the key factors determining the effectiveness of such measures is the level of public adherence to them. Research to date has focused on quantitative exploration of adherence and non-adherence, with a relative lack of qualitative exploration of the reasons for non-adherence.

Objective
To explore participants’ perceptions of non-adherence to COVID-19 policy measures by self and others in the UK, focusing on perceived reasons for non-adherence.

Methods
Qualitative study comprising 12 focus groups conducted via video-conferencing between 25th September and 13th November 2020. Participants were 51 UK residents aged 18 and above, reflecting a range of ages, genders and race/ethnicities. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results
Participants reported seeing an increase in non-adherence in others over the course of the pandemic. Reports of non-adherence in self were lower than reports of non-adherence in others. Analysis revealed six main themes related to participants’ reported reasons for non-adherence in self and others: (1) ‘Alert fatigue’ (where people find it difficult to follow, or switch off from, information about frequently changing rules or advice) (2) Inconsistent rules (3) Lack of trust in government (4) Learned Helplessness (5) Resistance and rebelliousness (6)The impact of vaccines on risk perception. Participants perceived a number of systemic failures (e.g. unclear policy, untrustworthy policymakers) to strongly contribute to two forms non-adherence—violations and errors.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that latent and systemic failures—in the form of policy decisions that are commonly experienced as too changeable, inconsistent and confusing, and policy makers that are commonly perceived as untrustworthy–may play a significant role in creating the conditions that enable or encourage non-adherence.
Proteomic identification of novel plasma biomarkers associated with spontaneous preterm birth in women with preterm labor without infection/inflammation
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Park Kyo Hoon , Kim Hyeon Ji , Kim Yu Mi , Choi Ji-Woong , Shin Sue , Lee Kyong-No 
Published: October 2021

Objective
We sought to identify plasma biomarkers associated with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB, delivery within 21 days of sampling) in women with preterm labor (PTL) without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) using label-free quantitative proteomic analysis, as well as to elucidate specific protein pathways involved in these cases.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study comprising 104 singleton pregnant women with PTL (24–32 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis and demonstrated no evidence of IAI. Analysis of pooled plasma samples collected from SPTB cases and term birth (TB) controls (n = 10 for each group) was performed using label-free quantitative mass spectrometry for proteome profiling in a nested case-control study design. Eight candidate proteins of interest were validated by ELISA-based assay and a clot-based assay in the total cohort.

Results
Ninety-one proteins were differentially expressed (P < 0.05) in plasma samples obtained from SPTB cases, of which 53 (58.2%) were upregulated and 38 (41.8%) were downregulated when compared to TD controls. A validation study confirmed that plasma from women who delivered spontaneously within 21 days of sampling contained significantly higher levels of coagulation factor Ⅴ and lower levels of S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), especially the former which was independent of baseline variables. The top-ranked pathways related to the 91 differentially expressed proteins were liver-X-receptor/retinoid X receptor (RXR) activation, acute phase response signaling, farnesoid X receptor/RXR activation, coagulation system, and complement system.

Conclusions
Proteomic analyses in this study identified potential novel biomarkers (i.e., coagulation factor V and S100A9) and potential protein pathways in plasma associated with SPTB in the absence of IAI in women with PTL. The present findings provide novel insights into the molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic targets specific for idiopathic SPTB.
Perceived e-learning stress as an independent predictor of e-learning readiness: Results from a nationwide survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Nasrullah Sarker Mohammad , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Ahmed Shakil , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Mitra Dipak Kumar 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundE-learning is a relatively trending system of education that has been placed over conventional campus-based learning worldwide, especially since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess e-learning readiness among university students of a developing country like Bangladesh and identify the independent predictors of e-learning readiness.MethodsFrom 26 December 2020 to 11 January 2021, a total of 1162 university students who had enrolled for e-learning completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected online via “Google Form” following the principles of snowball sampling through available social media platforms in Bangladesh. A multivariable linear regression model was fitted to investigate the association of e-learning readiness with perceived e-learning stress and other independent predictor variables.ResultsA total of 1162 university students participated in this study. The results indicated that with the increase of students’ perceived e-learning stress score, the average e-learning readiness score was significantly decreased (β = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.66, -0.20). The students did not seem ready, and none of the e-learning readiness scale items reached the highest mean score (5.0). The age, gender, divisional residence, preference of students and their parents, devices used, and having any eye problems were significantly associated with the students’ e-learning readiness.ConclusionDuring the prolonged period of the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning implication strategies are needed to be assessed systematically with the level of readiness and its’ impacts among students for the continuation of sound e-learning systems. The study findings recommend evaluating the e-learning readiness of university students and the mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 catastrophe in Bangladesh.
Health tracker: data acquisition and analysis for monitoring health trends and assessing disease risk
Authors: Alzaleq Du'a , Alkhushayni Suboh , FitzGerald Austin 
Published: October 2021

This paper describes HealthTracker, a mobile health application to record, store, display, and analyze personal health data. This application allows an individual to log several types of data encompassing their personal health. HealthTracker serves as a model for both a recording and a recommending system. Its goal is to serve as a bridge for future personal health systems to build from. A personâ€™s health information is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner but is also practical for medical professionals. Users should find the system useful and effective no matter if they use it simply or extensively. Currently, the system serves as a prototype for determining the practical applications for smart health systems running on mobile platforms.Â Â
Importance of spindle speed in ring frame
Authors: Redwanul Islam Md. , Chakrabortty Amit , Ghosh Joyjit , Iqbal Tareq , Tanvir Hossen Md. 
Published: October 2021

In textile industries, spinning sector plays a vital role because this sector produces the main raw material for the textile industries which is known as yarn. So for getting good qualities garments, it is needed to ensure the good qualities yarn. There are many things which are re-sponsible for producing good qualities yarn. Among these spindle speed is an important thing. One must have to change the spindle speed, when he changes the count. As every count has a particular spindle speed in which the production shows maximum production efficiency. Here we used five most commonly used yarn counts in the maximum factories. The counts are 15 Ne, 20 Ne, 25 Ne, 30 Ne and 40 Ne. We analyzed these counts with different speed and found that every count showed maximum efficiency at a particular spindle speed. The out-come of this paper is applicable in all types of ring frame machine , especially for producing single carded and combed yarn.Â Â