Browse Articles

Accelerated dynamic magnetic resonance imaging from Spatial-Subspace Reconstructions (SPARS)

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ideally requires a high spatial and a high temporal resolution, but hardware limitations prevent acquisitions from achieving both simultaneously—either high temporal resolution is exchanged for spatial resolution, or vice versa. Even state-of-the-art image reconstruction techniques that infer missing data in a sparse acquisition space cannot recover the loss of spatial detail, especially at high temporal acceleration rates. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of spatial subspace reconstructions (SPARS) and demonstrate its ability to reconstruct high spatial resolution dynamic images from as few as one acquired k-space spoke per time frame in a dynamic series. Briefly, a low-temporal-high-spatial resolution organization of the acquired raw data is used to estimate the basis vectors of the spatial subspace in which the high-temporal-high-spatial ground truth data resides. This subspace is then used to estimate entire images from single k-space spokes. In both simulated and human in-vivo data, the proposed SPARS reconstruction method outperformed standard GRASP and GRASP-Pro reconstruction, providing a shorter reconstruction time and yielding higher accuracy from both a spatial and temporal perspective.

Chromosomal analysis and short-term outcome of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease

Inadequate toothbrushing practice and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from Global School Health Survey (GSHS) 2017

Introduction Inadequate toothbrushing practice is define as brushing teeth less than two times per day. Inadequate toothbrushing during adolescence can lead to oral health problems and disease burden in adults. Moreover, inadequate practice can lead to low quality of life and inadequate self-esteem. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequate toothbrushing practice among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years in Malaysia and its association with sociodemographic and other related risky lifestyles. Method This study was part of a national cross-sectional study, Global School Health Survey 2017. 27,497 students were agreed to participate in this study, with response of 89.2%. A validated self-administered bilingual, comprised of topics related to sociodemographic as well as adolescent health and risky lifestyles; substance use (alcohol, drug, smoking cigarettes), eating patterns, hygiene (inclusive of oral and hand hygiene), mental health status, lack of peer and parental/guardian support, truancy, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for Windows version 26.0 involving complex sampling analysis and logistic regression. Results A total of 12.7% (95% CI: 11.8–13.6) of in-school adolescents had inadequate toothbrushing practices. Higher prevalence of inadequate toothbrushing were found among male, Indian, had ever drug use, had three or more lack of protective factors and had inadequate hand hygiene practices. Adolescents who had inadequate toothbrushing were significantly higher odd among males, Indian ethnic, ever drug use, inadequate hand hygiene practices and adolescents who had three or more lack of peer and parental/guardian support. Conclusion Approximately 1 out of 10 adolescents had inadequate toothbrushing practices with several factors associated, such as male gender, Indian ethnicity, inadequate hand hygiene, ever drug use and lack of protective factors are identified to be associated. By emphasizing the significance of frequent brushing, we can encourage positive changes and reduce the burden of preventable dental problems on adolescents.

Molecular saturation determines distinct plasmonic enhancement scenarios for two-photon absorption signal

Abstract Two-photon absorption in molecules, of significance for high-resolution imaging applications, is typically characterised with low cross sections. To enhance the TPA signal, one effective approach exploits plasmonic enhancement. For this method to be efficient, it must meet several criteria, including broadband operational capability and a high fluorescence rate to ensure effective signal detection. In this context, we introduce a plus-shaped silver nanostructure designed to exploit the coupling of bright and dark plasmonic modes. This configuration considerably improves both the absorption and fluorescence of molecules across near-infrared and visible spectra. By fine-tuning the geometrical parameters of the nanostructure, we align the plasmonic resonances with the optical properties of specific TPA-active dyes, i.e., ATTO 700, Rhodamine 6G, and ATTO 610. The expected TPA signal enhancement is evaluated using classical estimations based on the assumption of independent enhancement of absorption and fluorescence. These results are then compared with outcomes obtained in a quantum-mechanical approach to evaluate the stationary photon emission rate. Our findings reveal the important role of molecular saturation determining the regimes where either absorption or fluorescence enhancement leads to an improved TPA signal intensity, considerably below the classical predictions. The proposed nanostructure design not only addresses these findings, but also might serve for their experimental verification, allowing for active polarization tuning of the plasmonic response targeting the absorption, fluorescence, or both. The insight into quantum-mechanical mechanisms of plasmonic signal enhancement provided in our work is a step forward in the more effective control of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.

The impact of future time perspective on academic achievement: Mediating roles of academic burnout and engagement

Future time perspective is closely related to students’ academic achievement, potentially affecting academic achievement through academic emotions. This study examines the relationship between future time perspective and academic achievement, exploring the mediating roles of academic burnout and academic engagement among 686 university students. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, we investigated both the direct relationship between future time perspective and academic achievement, and the indirect effects mediated by burnout and engagement. Structural equation modeling revealed that future time perspective predicts academic achievement directly, and also indirectly through increasing academic engagement and reducing academic burnout. Notably, the mediating effect of academic burnout was found to be more significant than that of academic engagement. Overall, the results highlight the crucial role of future time perspective and its mediating mechanisms in promoting academic success, suggesting potential interventions to enhance students’ future orientation and academic well-being.

The viscosity and processing of molten lunar regolith

Abstract Establishing a permanent, self-sufficient habitat for humans on planetary bodies is critical for successful space exploration. In-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of locally available resources offers the possibility of an energy-efficient and cost-effective approach. This paper considers the high-temperature processing of molten lunar regolith under conditions which represent the lunar environment, namely low gravity, low temperature, and negligible atmospheric pressure. The rheological properties of the low-titanium lunar mare regolith simulant JSC-1A are measured using concentric cylinder rheometry and these results are used to explore the influence of viscosity on processing operations involving the flow of molten regolith for fabricating construction components on the Moon surface. These include the delivery of molten regolith within an extrusion-based 3D printing technique and the ingress of molten regolith into porous structures. The energy and power required to establish and maintain sufficiently high temperatures for the regolith to remain in the liquid state are also considered and discussed in the context of lunar construction.

Classification and Regression Trees analysis identifies patients at high risk for kidney function decline following hospitalization

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline is associated with negative health outcomes, but the use of decision tree algorithms to predict eGFR decline is underreported. Among patients hospitalized during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains unclear which individuals are at the greatest risk of eGFR decline after discharge. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients hospitalized at Stony Brook University Hospital in 2020 who were followed for 36 months post discharge. Random Forest (RF) identified the top ten features associated with fast eGFR decline. Logistic regression (LR) and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) were then employed to uncover the relative importance of these top features and identify the highest risk patients. In the cohort of 1,747 hospital survivors, 61.6% experienced fast eGFR decline, which was associated with younger age, higher baseline eGFR, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Multivariate LR analysis showed that older age was associated with lower odds of fast eGFR decline whereas length of hospitalization and vasopressor use with greater odds. CART analysis identified length of hospitalization as the most important factor and that patients with AKI and hospitalization of 27 days or more were at highest risk. After grouping by ICU and COVID-19 status and propensity score matching for demographics, these risk factors of fast eGFR decline remained consistent. CART analysis can help identify patient subgroups with the highest risk of post-discharge eGFR decline. Clinicians should consider the length of hospitalization in post-discharge monitoring of kidney function.

Enhanced biocidal efficacy of alcohol based disinfectants with salt additives

Screening attendance of breast or cervical cancers and its associated factors among 30–49 year old women in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study

Introduction Breast and cervical cancers are the most frequent and fatal cancers among women. Thus, early detection is necessary to improve the prognosis of affected women. However, in Ethiopia, the rates of screening remain alarmingly low. Objective To assess the magnitude of screening attendance for breast or cervical cancer, as well as the factors that predict it, among women aged 30–49 years old in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia, in 2023. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested, structured questionnaires by trained interviewers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with screening attendance. Results A total of 554 women participated in the study. Of them, 132 (23.8%) were screened for breast or cervical cancer. Higher age of 40–44 versus 45–49 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.18 [95% CI 1.59, 10.9]), higher education status ([AOR] 5.49 [95% CI 2.01, 13.1]), having family or a friend with history of breast or cervical cancer ([AOR] 5.55 [95% CI 2.47, 12.5]), short anticipated time to seek help ([AOR] 4.66 [1.31, 11.7]), adequate health literacy ([AOR] 6.98 [95% CI 2.82,13.3]) and high self-efficacy ([AOR] 2.32 [95% CI 1.08, 4.96]) were positive factors with higher screening attendance. High response cost ([AOR] 0.19 95% CI [0.08, 0.50]) was a negative factor and associated with lower screening attendance. Conclusion and recommendation The study found that only one in four women attended breast or cervical cancer screening. Screening uptake was better in women with higher education, health literacy, self-efficacy, and older age–similar to factors associated with other health seeking behavior. Interestingly, history of breast or cervical cancer in a friend or relative was also associated with higher uptake. This indicates that in addition to awareness campaigns, personal testimonials of survivors could encourage women to visit screening facilities.

Eye tracking based clustering using the Korean version of the reading the mind in the eyes test

The combined impacts of toxic drug use and the 2021 Heat Dome in Canada: A thematic analysis of online news media articles

Introduction During the summer of 2021, western Canada experienced a historic and deadly extreme heat event. Simultaneously, toxic drug use and overdoses related to high-risk use of opioids and polysubstance use continued to rise across the country. However, the combined impacts of these intersecting public health crises remain poorly understood as relevant data sources are limited in Canada. Methods We explored news media articles (n = 86, 3%) discussing toxic drug use, overdose-related deaths and the 2021 Heat Dome which were identified in a systematic review of Canadian online news media (e.g., newspaper articles, radio broadcasts) from five subscription news databases and an extensive grey literature search (n = 2909). The analyzed articles were published before, during and after the 2021 Heat Dome, and were qualitatively coded and thematically analyzed in NVivo to identify patterns of meaning across the dataset. Results Four main themes were identified within our media-based analysis: (I) the reported impact of toxic drug use on human thermoregulation and behavioural adaptation; (II) the reported demand of intersecting crises on the health system; (III) barriers and stigma reported to influence an individual’s access to or use of heat mitigation behaviours and services; and (IV) the reported impact of extreme heat on the public health response to drug poisoning emergencies. Conclusion With increasing temperature extremes and a rising tide of toxic drug use and overdoses, our findings illustrate that there is a need for further research to better understand the combined impacts when toxic drug use, overdose-related deaths, and extreme heat coincide.

The impact mechanism of AES on improving English writing achievement

HIV viral load suppression rates among adults and children living with HIV in the North West Region of Cameroon: A call for action!

Introduction HIV continues to be a major public health problem in Cameroon where 2.7% of the population aged 15 to 49 are living with HIV. The prevalence remains higher in females, 3.4% versus 1.9% in males. The North West region of Cameroon has a higher prevalence than the national average; 4% in the general population, 5.8% in females and 1.6% in males. Despite the availability of pediatric HIV treatment, gaps in outcomes of children living with HIV (CLHIV) persists. This study aimed to compare the HIV viral suppression rates among adults and children living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the North West Region of Cameroon. In this study we hypothesized that the virologic outcome of children living with HIV is unfavorable compared to adults. Methodology This study was a comparative cross-sectional analytical study with secondary analysis of Viral load laboratory database. Data was collected in June 2023. We systematically collected deidentified data on viral load test of all PLHIV with HIV viral load results in the Bamenda TB reference laboratory database for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Data was analyzed using Stata SE 14.2. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies. These were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Quantitative variables were described using mean as a characteristic of central tendency and standard deviation (SD) as a characteristic of dispersion. Results Analysis revealed that of the 23,814 PLHIV whose viral load test was done at the Bamenda TB reference laboratory during the year 2022, 17,364(73%) were female and 1436 (6%) were children. The level of HIV viral suppression (viral load<1000 copies/ml) in children was lower compared to that of adults (80% vs. 95%; p<0.001). Females had lower viral suppression than males (94% vs. 91%; p<0.001). Conclusion The results revealed a significant lower HIV viral suppression rate in children than in adults. Women also had a significantly higher HIV viral suppression than males. Findings indicated that HIV viral suppression rate is significantly higher for routine viral load testing than for targeted testing after enhanced adherence counselling, thus the need to systematically offer enhanced adherence counselling and other evidence-based support interventions in routine care to all PLHIV to avoid persistent high viral non-suppression. Action is needed to tackle all known factors contributing to high viral non-suppression in children living with HIV and to help achieve 95% viral suppression rate in CLHIV in the North West region of Cameron.

Tracking over 30 years of coral reef infrastructure degradation in Barbados

Overlap or breakthrough? exploration of the academic buoyancy structure in Chinese EFL learners

Academic buoyancy, recognized as a key component of positive personality traits in learning, has garnered significant attention. However, most research on buoyancy is limited to general educational contexts, lacking a comprehensive theoretical framework that poses challenges in evaluating buoyancy’s impact on learners within the domain of second language acquisition (SLA). This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating academic buoyancy within the realm of foreign language learning, specifically among university students in mainland China studying English as a foreign language (EFL). The study comprises two phases, with a total of 632 EFL participants. In the initial phase, a 32-item scale was tailored to the present study, drawing on scales from previous buoyancy-related research. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were subsequently conducted with a sample of 209 students. The phase retained 21 measurements and identified three main components of buoyancy: sustainability (the ability to persist despite difficulties), goal-orientedness (the focus on achieving specific learning objectives), and controllability (the perception of managing learning challenges). In the second phase, the refined questionnaire was administered to an additional 423 students, and the data underwent confirmatory factor analysis. A reliable 12-item scale was obtained that accurately reflects the identified components of academic buoyancy. By elucidating the structure of buoyancy, this study offers valuable empirical insights that can guide pedagogical strategies and strengthen learner buoyancy in language learning contexts. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on positive personality traits in education, highlighting the importance of fostering buoyancy in language learners to support their academic success.

Chaotic gradient based optimization with fuzzy temporal optimized CNN for heart failure prediction

Evolutionary game on mutually influenceing double-layer network

In recent years, coupled double-layer networks have played an increasingly critical role in evolutionary game theory. Research indicates that these networks more accurately reflect real-world relationships between individuals. However, current studies mainly focus on unidirectional influence within double-layer networks. Based on this, we propose a strongly coupled double-layer network cooperation evolution model. Strength individuals are located in the upper network layer, influencing the strategy choices of ordinary individuals in the lower layer, and vice versa. Monte Carlo simulations show that strength individuals can effectively enhance overall group cooperation. Under low temptation to defect, the group maintains a high cooperation rate; under high temptation, the presence of strength individuals prevents the group from falling into total defection, helping ordinary individuals escape the defection dilemma and improve cooperation levels.

Predicting accrual success for better clinical trial resource allocation

Social contexts and black families’ engagement in early childhood programs

In the U.S., the federal government and dozens of cities have invested in home visiting programs intended to be universally available at scale to support caregivers of young children. Evaluations find that participation in these programs reduces maternal mortality, improves maternal mental health, and supports children’s healthy development. Yet, many parents of young children who are invited to participate in home visiting programs do not enroll. This study fills gaps in the literature by examining how the broader social context affects Black families’ engagement in home visiting programs. Via focus groups, survey data from a socioeconomically diverse sample of Black parents across the U.S., and a pre-registered field experiment, we capture views of and experiences with early childhood home visiting programs. We assess the responsiveness of these views to the broader social context and examine implications for interest and participation in home visiting programs. Focus group participants described benefits of home visiting while also expressing concerns about being unfairly judged about their parenting practices and the risk of a home visit resulting in child welfare system involvement. One out of four Black parents surveyed associated the term “home visit” with surveillance (i.e., government scrutiny of parenting), and associating “home visit” with surveillance was empirically correlated with lower participation in home visiting programs. Further, our pre-registered survey experiment showed a causal link between surveillance fears and home visit engagement. Reading a news article about a family’s experience with the child welfare system decreased interest in home visiting among Black parents, while labeling a program as “new baby wellness” rather than “home visit” increased interest. Collectively, the findings point to ways in which the broader social context of parenting/parental surveillance negatively affects Black parents’ participation in early childhood home visiting programs despite their interest.

Mathematical modeling of water sorption isotherms in specialty coffee beans processed by wet and semidry postharvest methods

Abstract This study investigates the experimental assessment and mathematical modeling of the water sorption isotherms in dried specialty coffee beans processed by wet and semidry postharvest methods. The wet and semidry sorption isotherms were experimentally obtained over a range of water activities between 0.1 and 0.85 at temperatures of 25, 35, and 45 °C using the dynamic dew point method (DDI). Mathematical modeling was conducted to describe the influence of water activity, temperature, and postharvest method on the equilibrium moisture content. Twelve conventional sorption equations and four machine learning techniques were employed for modeling, using 75% of the experimental data for training and 25% for validation. The selection of the best model was carried out via multifactor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Experimental results showed that wet and semidry coffee beans exhibited a type II S-shaped isotherm (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller classification) and a significant ( p  < 0.05) influence of temperature on sorption curves. Additionally, the mucilaginous coating found in semidry coffee beans provided a protective role against water sorption. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) model provided the best fit for describing the sorption isotherms (mean relative error, MRE < 1% and adjusted coefficient of determination, R 2 adj  > 99%), demonstrating its robustness in predicting the equilibrium moisture content as a function of water activity, temperature, and postharvest processing method. This mathematical model could serve as a virtual representation of the storage process, facilitating real-time decision-making to enhance coffee quality management during storage.