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On-chip Integration of ZnO Nanowires on Foundry Produced CMOS for Force Sensing
Get PDFThis work introduces a novel force sensor incorporating zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) synthesized via low temperature hydrothermal methods and integrated with foundry-produced CMOS at chip-scale. A floating gate transistor design has been fabricated with a titanium nitride (TiN) seed layer that enables the growth of the NWs. Encapsulated in Parylene-C, the ZnO NWs serve as the force-sensing material. Application of an external force induces achange in the polarization of these piezoelectric nanowires, resulting in a decrease in the FET channel current. This effect is attributed to the piezoelectric properties of the ZnO NWs and the Schottky contact with TiN. The device was characterized under a dynamic contact force range of 0.1–0.8 N, with drain and gate bias voltages of 0.5 V and 0.9 V, respectively. Within the linear region (0–0.4 N), it exhibits a sensitivity of 7.26 μA/N
Evaluation of Data Processing Strategies for Methane Isotopic Signatures Determined During Near-Source Measurements
Get PDFMobile, near-source measurements are broadly used for determining δ13CH4 of individual methane (CH4) emissions sources. To answer the need for robust and comparable measurement methods, we aim to define the best practices to determine isotopic signatures of CH4 sources from atmospheric measurements, considering instrument accuracy and precision. Using the Keeling and Miller-Tans methods, we verify the impact of linear fitting methods, averaging approaches, and for the Miller-Tans method, different background composition. Measurement techniques include Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS). The use of the active AirCore system for sampling, coupled to CRDS for measurement, is examined. Due to their higher precision and accuracy, the chosen data processing strategy does not significantly influence IRMS results. Comparatively lower-precision CRDS measurements are more sensitive to methodological choices. Fitting methods with forced symmetry like Major Axis or Bivariate Correlated Errors and Intrinsic Scatter (BCES) with orthogonal sub-method introduce significant bias in the determined δ13CH4 signatures using measurements from the lower-precision CRDS. The most reliable results are obtained for non-averaged data using fitting methods, which include uncertainties of x- and y-axis values, like York fitting or BCES (Y|X) sub-method, where x is treated as an independent variable. The Ordinary Least Squares method provides sufficiently robust results and can be used to determine δ13CH4 in near-source conditions. The present recommendations are aimed at laboratories measuring δ13CH4 source signatures to encourage consistency in the required methods for data analysis
Exploring the Limitations of Detecting Machine-Generated Text
Get PDFRecent improvements in the quality of the generations by large language models have spurred research into identifying machine-generated text. Such work often presents high-performing detectors. However, humans and machines can produce text in different styles and domains, yet the the performance impact of such on machine generated text detection systems remains unclear. In this paper, we audit the classification performance for detecting machine-generated text by evaluating on texts with varying writing styles. We find that classifiers are highly sensitive to stylistic changes and differences in text complexity, and in some cases degrade entirely to random classifiers. We further find that detection systems are particularly susceptible to misclassify easy-to-read texts while they have high performance for complex texts, leading to concerns about the reliability of detection systems. We recommend that future work attends to stylistic factors and reading difficulty levels of human-written and machine-generated text.</p
Vicarious post-traumatic growth research:Methodological limitations and future research directions
Get PDFVicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG) is an emerging area of study that explores how professionals, exposed to trauma indirectly through their work with survivors and traumatogenic material, can experience significant personal and professional growth. This article critically evaluates the methodological challenges and conceptual issues associated with measuring VPTG, particularly in the widespread use of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Key concerns include the instrument’s limited scope in capturing vicarious experiences, biases inherent in self-report measures, confounding factors, such as personality traits and coping mechanisms that remain widely unaccounted for in current studies, as well as the challenge of distinguishing perceived from genuine growth. Recommendations for future research include the development of specialized tools tailored to vicarious exposure, addressing biases and accounting for individual and contextual factors, while also employing longitudinal designs and qualitative approaches. These aim to enhance the understanding and assessment of VPTG, ultimately contributing to implications for clinical practice and professional wellbeing in those working with traumatogenic material.</p
Analysis insights to support the use of wastewater and environmental surveillance data for infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness
Get PDFWastewater-based epidemiology is the detection of pathogens from sewage systems and the interpretation of these data to improve public health. Its use has increased in scope since 2020, when it was demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be successfully extracted from the wastewater of affected populations. In this Perspective we provide an overview of recent advances in pathogen detection within wastewater, propose a framework for identifying the utility of wastewater sampling for pathogen detection and suggest areas where analytics require development. Ensuring that both data collection and analysis are tailored towards key questions at different stages of an epidemic will improve the inference made. For analyses to be useful we require methods to determine the absence of infection, early detection of infection, reliably estimate epidemic trajectories and prevalence, and detect novel variants without reliance on consensus sequences. This research area has included many innovations that have improved the interpretation of collected data and we are optimistic that innovation will continue in the future.</p
Development of a cost-effective high-throughput mid-density 5K genotyping assay for germplasm characterization and breeding in groundnut
Get PDFGroundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), also known as peanut, is an allotetraploid legume crop composed of two different progenitor sub-genomes. This crop is an important source for food, feed, and confectioneries. Leveraging translational genomics research has expedited the precision and speed in making selections of progenies in several crops through either marker-assisted selection or genomic selection, including groundnut. The availability of foundational genomic resources such as reference genomes for diploid progenitors and cultivated tetraploids, offered substantial opportunities for genomic interventions, including the development of genotyping assays. Here, a cost-effective and high-throughput genotyping assay has been developed with 5,081 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) referred to as "mid-density assay." This multi-purpose assay includes 5,000 highly informative SNPs selected based on higher polymorphism information content (PIC) from our previously developed high-density "Axiom_Arachis" array containing 58,233 SNPs. Additionally 82 SNPs associated with five resilience and quality traits were included for marker-assisted selection. To test the utility of the mid-density genotyping (MDG) assay, 2,573 genotypes from distinct sets of breeding populations were genotyped with the 5,081 SNPs. PIC of the SNPs in the MDG ranged from 0.34 to 0.37 among diverse sets. The first three principal components collectively explained 82.08% of the variance among these genotypes. The mid-density assay demonstrated a proficient ability to distinguish between the genotypes, offering a high level of genome-wide nucleotide diversity. This assay holds promise for possible deployment in the identification of varietal seed mixtures, genetic purity within gene bank germplasms and seed systems, foreground and background selection in backcross breeding programs, genomic selection, and sparse trait mapping studies in groundnut.</p
Enhanced Bone Regeneration Using Demineralized Dentin Matrix: A Comparative Study in Alveolar Bone Repair
Get PDFObjectives: Alveolar bone resorption following tooth extraction presents significant challenges for implant-supported rehabilitations. Demineralised dentin matrix (DDM) has emerged as a promising scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. This study evaluates the bone-regenerating potential of varying degrees of dentin demineralisation. Materials and methods: Thirty-two male white New Zealand rabbits underwent extraction of the left mandibular anterior tooth and were assigned to 4 groups: undemineralised dentin matrix (UDDM), partially demineralised dentin matrix (PDDM), completely demineralised dentin matrix (CDDM), and a control group with no treatment. At 4 and 8 weeks post extraction, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess alveolar bone height and width. Histological analyses using H&E and Masson trichrome stains evaluated new bone formation, and immunohistochemistry detected osteopontin expression. Results: CBCT imaging revealed progressive increases in alveolar bone height and width across all groups over time. Histological analysis showed new bone formation in all groups, with the PDDM group demonstrating closer integration of newly formed bone trabeculae compared with the others. IHC results showed higher osteopontin expression in the PDDM group, highlighting its superior bone-inductive potential. Conclusion: Among the tested materials, PDDM exhibited the most effective bone induction and tissue regeneration capabilities, outperforming CDDM and UDDM in promoting alveolar bone repair. These findings position PDDM as a valuable scaffold for enhancing bone tissue regeneration in clinical applications. Clinical relevance: The use of PDDM in tooth extraction sockets significantly promotes efficient and reliable bone regeneration, making it a valuable option for clinical applications in implant dentistry.</p
A matrix of educational policies to support migrant students across Europe
Get PDFIncrease in immigration in Europe, including many migrants of school age, has highlighted the need to understand how best to support migrant students’ integration. Integration strategies vary significantly between countries, resulting in a complex mosaic of approaches that is difficult to analyze. Educational policies are shaped by a range of policy choices made by local and national governments regarding the economy, welfare, and foreign policy. Rather than examining education policies in isolation, this study adopts an integrated approach considering a broader policy landscape. We develop a matrix that considers migrant integration in schools within the wider education welfare regimes and approaches to inclusion and diversity. To validate the matrix’s relevance, we compare migrant inclusion strategies in 29 European countries, revealing a patchwork of policy choices within those three domains. The findings highlight the complexity of interaction between education policies and the broader integration environment and demonstrate how policy choices are deeply rooted in each country’s unique cultural, social, and historical contexts. We conclude by discussing how the proposed matrix can serve as a tool for comparative research on migrant students’ education and suggest directions for its further development.</p
Paper-based death record-keeping in Bangladeshi cemeteries:A qualitative exploration of practices and expectations
No full textBackground Countries like Bangladesh face significant challenges in effectively registering and tracking deaths within their civil registration systems, which are essential for public health. To improve data collection for public health policy, death record-keeping at burial sites should be enhanced, particularly in areas where burial certificates are issued. With this in mind, we examined the traditional paper-based practices for recording deaths, the perceived significance of these practices, and the associated challenges, expectations, and concerns related to death record-keeping in Bangladeshi cemeteries. Methods In 2021, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study involving 25 in-depth interviews with individuals who had lost relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and key informant interviews with service providers at cemeteries. We complemented these interviews with non-participant observations of burial registration practices in seven cemeteries across urban, peri-urban, and rural settings. We used thematic analysis to interpret the data. Results Our findings reveal diverse death record-keeping practices influenced by sociocultural and administrative dynamics, emphasising the necessity of accurate documentation for securing legal rights and social benefits, such as inheritance and welfare. Notable tensions exist between bureaucratic demands and the emotional realities of grieving families, particularly in non-standardised cemeteries, where acquiring death certificates poses challenges. Stakeholders view the anticipated digitalisation of death record-keeping as a transformative opportunity to streamline processes and improve access to information. However, this transition also highlights existing generational and educational disparities in technological skills, alongside ethical concerns regarding data security and user confidentiality.Conclusions Our findings showcase the complex interaction between cultural practices, bureaucratic frameworks, and emerging digital technologies in managing death records in Bangladesh. They also emphasise the challenges of modernising traditional documentation methods, as well as the importance of maintaining death records for enhancing civil registration and vital statistics, asserting property rights, and monitoring mortality. A digital system could provide innovative and reliable mortality surveillance from cemeteries
Radiomic Feature characteristics of Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma
No full textRadiomic feature (RF) analysis of computed tomography (CT) images may aid the diagnosis and staging of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). We assessed the RF characteristics of OPA tumours in JSRV-infected sheep compared to non-tumour lung tissues, examined their stability over time, and analysed RF variations in the nascent tumour field (NTF) and nascent tumour margin field (NTmF). In monthly CT scans, lung tissues were automatically segmented by density, and lung tumours were manually segmented. RFs were calculated for each imaging session, selected according to stability and reproducibility, and adjusted for volume dependence where appropriate. Comparisons between scans within sheep were facilitated through fiducial registration and spatial transformations. Initially, 9/36 RFs differed significantly from non-tumour lung tissue of similar density. Predominant RF changes included ngtdm_Complexity, glrlm_RunLNUnif_VN, and gldm_SmDHGLE. RFs in lung tumour segments showed time-dependent changes, whereas non-tumour lung tissue of similar density remained consistent. OPA lung tumour RF characteristics are distinct from those of other lung tissues of similar density and evolve as the tumour develops. Such characteristics suggest that radiomic analysis offers potential for the early detection and management of JSRV-related lung tumours. This research enhances the understanding of OPA imaging, potentially informing better diagnosis and control measures for naturally occurring infections.</p
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