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Nonlocal metasurfaces and thin film devices for all-optical image processing and phase contrast imaging
No full textMetasurfaces and tailored thin film devices can manipulate images and extract information from optical fields in the object plane, leading to a significant reduction in size compared to other optical approaches. Here recent progress in extending and utilizing the range of information obtainable using these devices will be presented
Classical weight-four L-value ratios as sums of Calabi-Yau invariants
No full textWe revisit the series solutions of the attractor equations of 4d
\mathcal{N}=2
=
2
supergravities obtained by Calabi–Yau compactifications previously studied in [P. Candelas et al., J. High Energy Phys. 11, 032 (2021)]. While only convergent for a restricted set of black hole charges, we find that they are summable with Padé resummation providing a suitable method. By specialising these solutions to rank-two attractors, we obtain many conjectural identities of the type discovered in [P. Candelas et al., J. High Energy Phys. 11, 032 (2021)]. These equate ratios of weight-four special L-values with an infinite series whose summands are formed out of genus-0 Gromov–Witten invariants. We also present two new rank-two attractors which belong to moduli spaces each interesting in their own right. Each of these moduli spaces possess two points of maximal unipotent monodromy. One has already been studied by Hosono and Takagi, and we discuss issues stemming from the associated L-function having nonzero rank
Women in Surgery: An Analysis of Mental Health, Stress Perception and Resilience
No full textPURPOSE: Although the representation of women in surgical fields is increasing, challenges such as gender bias, demanding work conditions, and balancing career with personal responsibilities persist. This study aims to investigate the stressors affecting female surgeons, assess their impact, and explore the resilience strategies employed to mitigate these effects. METHODOLOGY: A literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles on mental health, stress perception, and coping among female surgeons. From the initial search, 49 articles were identified, with additional studies manually added from the references of reviewed literature. RESULTS: The review highlighted key stressors for female surgeons, including workplace culture, gender bias, and sexual harassment. Resilience-building strategies, such as mindfulness and institutional support, were found to positively impact mental health and stress management. Female surgeons face unique stressors stemming from the demands of the profession, systemic gender biases, and entrenched cultural norms, leading to significant mental health challenges such as burnout and anxiety. While personal coping mechanisms, like mindfulness, show some efficacy in mitigating these issues, institutional-level challenges remain largely unaddressed. Gendered expectations and exclusionary workplace cultures continue to hinder progress, underscoring the need for structural reforms to improve the professional environment and promote the well-being of female surgeons. CONCLUSION: While resilience strategies offer some relief, substantial policy reform and a shift in workplace culture are crucial to creating a more supportive and equitable environment for women in surgery
Influence of zirconia thickness and background color on color matching accuracy of monolithic zirconia restorations
No full textOBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of monolithic zirconia brand, thickness, and substrate color on color matching accuracy when optically coupled to abutment substrates. METHODS: A total of 180 samples of two brands of monolithic zirconia [Prettau Anterior (PA), Ceramill Zolid FX Multicolor (CZ)] were prepared in three different thicknesses (0.8 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm) with a standardized 10 mm diameter. Color properties of the samples were assessed using spectrophotometry at baseline and after coupling to three substrate types: standard dentin, discolored dentin, and titanium. Color differences (ΔE) were calculated and statistically analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and pairwise comparison (α=0.05). RESULTS: The brand and material thickness, at baseline and after coupling to different substrate colors, had significant effect on color variations (P < 0.001). CZ consistently exhibited higher color differences than PA across all conditions. Thinner specimens (0.8 mm) demonstrated greater sensitivity to substrate color, and increasing the thickness to 1.5 mm resulted in a reduction in color differences, particularly for CZ formulations. Thinner zirconia restorations (0.8 mm) require careful material selection and substrate matching to mitigate perceptible color shifts. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of color matching of monolithic zirconia restorations is significantly influenced by material composition, thickness, and underlying substrate color. CZ demonstrated greater substrate transparency effects compared to PA, emphasizing the critical role of material selection in clinical outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should carefully consider the potential change of the color properties of monolithic zirconia restorations, especially in thin sections and with dark tooth substrate, when color masking is needed
Analysis of mechanisms of the rabies virus P protein-nucleocapsid interaction using engineered N-protein peptides and potential applications in antivirals design
No full textThe Phosphoprotein (P protein) of the rabies virus has multiple roles in virus replication. A critical function is to act as a cofactor in genome replication and mRNA production through binding via its N-terminal region to the L protein, the essential enzyme for mRNA and genome synthesis/processing, and via its C-terminal domain (PCTD) to the N protein and viral RNA (N-RNA) ribonucleoprotein complex. The binding site of the PCTD on the N protein is a disordered loop that is expected to be phosphorylated at Ser389. This interface may provide novel targets for antiviral approaches. Following an alanine scan of the peptide we selected two single site mutations that showed improved affinity and combined these mutations with a phosphomimetic (S389E) to produce double and triple mutants in the context of linear and cyclic peptides of the disordered loop, with the goal of generating a competitive peptide against the N-RNA complex. To assess the binding properties of the peptides we characterized their thermodynamics identifying complex properties of improved enthalpy but with compensating entropy for mutants and cyclized peptides. Nevertheless, a triple mutant shows 3.5-fold stronger affinity for PCTD than the full-length S389E N protein. Structural characterization of the triple mutant suggests the improved affinity may be due to trapping a favoured β-strand structure for binding to the PCTD. This novel peptide may serve as a template for the future design of antivirals
Desalting of dairy product streams using countercurrent dialysis
No full textThe desalting of protein solutions using membrane-based diafiltration is a well-established technology within the dairy industry. These processes, however, consume a significant volume of water and generate a large volume of waste. In this study, the use of continuous countercurrent dialysis for the desalting of bovine lactoferrin downstream of chromatographic purification was compared with conventional batch diafiltration. Experimental results showed that a dialysate to feed ratio of 2.1 allowed for a 200-fold reduction in salt concentration, corresponding to 99.5 % salt removal for a 6 %wt. salt solution. As a comparison, between 5.3 and 6 diavolumes were needed to achieve a similar result with dialysis. Performance could be maintained for over 8 h in the presence of either 3 %wt. or 6 %wt. lactoferrin. The NaCl concentration in the dialysate outlet was also high, allowing potential reuse for the upstream chromatographic elution step. Detailed mass balance calculations suggested a saving of up to 77 % in fresh water and 46 % in NaCl consumption when an integrated process was used, compared to the process where batch diafiltration was employed. The outcomes suggest that the use of continuous countercurrent diafiltration could assist dairy manufacturers to reduce cost and increase sustainability
Developing a telehealth model for infant diagnostic audiology assessments in Victoria, Australia
No full text© 2025 Jocelyn Maree PhillipsBackground
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening programs have significantly lowered age of diagnosis and improved outcomes for young children with hearing loss. However, access to timely and accurate diagnostic audiology services remains challenging for some families, particularly those in regional areas. Tele-audiology is a potential solution to address access barriers, however its implementation needs specific investigation to ensure services address the needs of both patients and service providers.
Aims
This PhD aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a tele-audiology model for infant diagnostic audiology appointments in Victoria, Australia. To address this aim, three main studies were conducted. The first study aim was to investigate family experiences of both in-person and tele-audiology infant diagnostic services in the state of Victoria, Australia and explore their opinions of a tele-audiology service in the state. The second study aim was to explore Victorian audiologists’ perspectives on implementing a tele-audiology infant diagnostic appointment program, including perceived barriers and facilitators, and to obtain expert opinions on how to practically implement such a service if deemed feasible. The final study aim was to pilot and evaluate a model of tele-audiology infant diagnostic appointments in Victoria developed using the outcomes of the first two studies.
Methods
Study 1
Questionnaires were distributed to families who had attended infant diagnostic audiology appointments at one of two audiology centres in the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP). These explored parental experiences, satisfaction with appointments, and opinions on a proposed tele-audiology service. An amended questionnaire was also distributed to families whose appointments occurred throughout 2020, when social distancing limitations due to COVID-19 necessitated testing to use aspects of tele-audiology to ensure continuity of services.
Study 2
Following the completion of Study 1, a total of nine experienced audiologists attended one of three focus groups to explore clinician-identified barriers and facilitators to implementing a tele-audiology service in Victoria. The COM-B model of behaviour change was used to develop the focus-group prompt questions, aiming to explore clinicians’ perceived capability, opportunity and motivation for behaviour change.
Study 3
The methodology of Study 3 was heavily influenced by the results of studies 1 and 2 by implementing a synchronous tele-audiology service that also allowed for increased exposure of facilitators to infant diagnostic audiology to improve training in the field. Study 3 piloted a student-facilitated model of infant diagnostic tele-audiology appointments with eight infants and their caregivers. A student-facilitated model was trialled to address both the training model proposed by audiologists in Study 2 and the associated concerns regarding a dual-clinician service. A caregiver of each infant then participated in individual interviews to explore their opinions of the trial service, with a particular focus on the communication via the remote method within the appointments, as well as on their perceptions of student involvement as facilitators in the trial method.
Results
Study 1
Of the 48 parents with experience of attending in-person infant diagnostic audiology appointments who completed questionnaires, 27.7% reported difficulties accessing these services. Parents reported generally positive attitudes towards a tele-audiology option for infant diagnostic appointments, with the majority (93.5%) reporting perceived advantages to offering a tele-audiology option. Despite overall positive opinions, 32.7% of families expressed concerns with a tele-audiology service, largely related to perceived family support and communication difficulties via tele-audiology platforms. There were no significant differences in reported appointment duration, number, or in how well parents reported understanding results between families who experienced in-person and onsite tele-audiology appointments.
Study 2
Audiologists who participated in this study identified a perceived barrier-trade-off of a tele-audiology infant diagnostic service; while tele-audiology could improve access to services for many families, it may also introduce new challenges for both families and audiologists. Audiologists’ concerns centred around communication and family support, the risk of errors in results, and perceived financial and motivational barriers to introducing the service. Audiologists further proposed a training model of tele-audiology infant diagnostic appointments in Victoria, in which experienced audiologists could use tele-audiology platforms to assist less experienced clinicians acting as in-person facilitators throughout the appointment.
Study 3
Caregivers in this study reported overall positive opinions of their experience of the trial student-facilitated tele-audiology model of infant diagnostic audiology appointments, and reported valuing the convenience of telehealth services specifically for newborn assessments. There were, however, concerns from a small number of caregivers surrounding the perceived technical capability of the student facilitators involved. This could have been attributable to insufficient training prior to conducting the appointments.
Conclusions
This research demonstrates the potential of a student-facilitated tele-audiology model of infant diagnostic services to maintain quality of service, while also improving training of future clinicians and access to services for families. Further work is needed to ensure adequate training of student facilitators, to measure the benefits of facilitation on student learning and skill acquisition, and to expand the pilot work to include more families of infants with variable hearing levels to investigate the model’s suitability to meet the needs of families and babies with hearing loss
CGM outcomes in hospitalised patients with type 1 diabetes receiving proactive specialist diabetes care: subgroup analysis of the STOIC-T1D randomised controlled trial
No full textAim: For people with type 1 diabetes, hospital admission can be a challenging experience and can lead to glycaemic instability. We investigated whether proactive care by an inpatient diabetes team improved glycaemia based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics in a subgroup of participants in the Specialist Treatment of Inpatients: Caring for Type 1 Diabetes (STOIC-T1D) randomised controlled trial.
Methods: In the STOIC-T1D trial, adults with type 1 diabetes admitted under a nonendocrinology team were randomised to receive proactive care (bedside consultation by the diabetes team without referral) versus usual care (consultation by the diabetes team upon request by the treating team). Inpatient care was delivered based on point-of-care (POC) glucose measures per standard practice. This analysis included patients treated with multidose insulin who wore their usual CGM devices, linked to our hospital CGM accounts, with data available. CGM metrics from admission until discharge (censored at 14 days) were compared between proactive vs. usual care using Mann-Whitney U test. Participants treated with automated insulin pumps were excluded.
Results: STOIC-T1D randomised 190 individuals with type 1 diabetes and 133 completed the primary outcome measure demonstrating increased satisfaction, and improved POC glycaemic metrics (reported in separate abstract). In 31 participants with CGM linked data available, there was a trend of improved glycaemia. In the proactive vs usual care groups, median [IQR] time in range was 44.0% [36.1, 49.3] vs 31.5% [18.0, 41.8], p=0.06, and time above range (>10 mmol/L) was 55.9% [47.7, 63.6] vs 66.7% [56.9, 80.0], p=0.08. Time below range (<3.9 mmol/L) was 0.2% [0, 1.2] vs 0.1% [0, 1.3], p=1.0.
Conclusion: In the subgroup with CGM linked data conveniently available, CGM metrics support POC glycaemic outcomes of the STOIC-T1D trial. Early proactive care of people with type 1 diabetes admitted to hospital may lead to greater CGM time in range
Towards creative and smart urban sustainability: Understanding smart cultural data intelligence (the case of Singapore)
No full textThis article introduces Smart Cultural Data Intelligence, a framework integrating cultural data into smart city ecosystems for sustainable urban development. Addressing the gap in research on creative sector data's role and place in urban data ecology, it applies de Kerckhove's (1998) “Connected Intelligence” theoretical model to propose a three-pillar assessment framework for Smart Cultural Data Intelligence across urban policies, data infrastructure and governance. A Singapore case study, chosen for its dual smart and creative city agendas, employs triangulation methodology: policy analysis, governance mapping, and data infrastructure assessment. Findings reveal a policy disjuncture between Singapore's creative and smart city initiatives, limitations in public participation, and the need for robust, integrative data systems to enable cross-sector data sharing for sustainable urban planning. The Singapore case highlights challenges and opportunities in strategically positioning cultural data within a smart city context to recommend a unified policy framework with inclusive data governance and enhanced infrastructure to facilitate cross-sector collaboration. These recommendations emphasize a holistic approach balancing technology, people, and policies. The proposed intelligence evaluation framework is well placed to identify the best practices and challenges in cultural data integration to foster sustainable urban development across cities. The article contributes to the discourse on creative smart city nexus, advocating for nuanced investigation of collaboration barriers existing in urban data ecosystems on the policy, data infrastructure and governance levels
Teachers' engagement and occupational commitment in a centralised education system
No full textThis study examined the relationship between teachers’ personal and collective resources and their occupational commitment and engagement in a centralised system. Guided by the Job Demands-Resources theory, we distributed an online survey through our networks. Structural equation modelling using responses from 779 Filipino teachers revealed that collective efficacy was positively linked to personal resources, while adaptability was associated with self-efficacy and resilience. These personal resources, in turn, predicted higher levels of teacher commitment and engagement. The findings highlight the importance of developing both personal and collective capacities to promote teacher commitment and engagement in the profession