bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized wideband and compact multifunctional photonic device based on Sb2S3 phase change material
Authors: Zhou Shengru , Wang Zhicheng , Nong Jie , Li Haitang , Du Te , Ma Hansi , Li Shaoqi , Deng Yuehua , Zhao Fen , Zhang Zhaojian , Chen Huan , Yu Yang , Zhang Zhenfu , Yang Junbo
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a 1 × 2 photonic switch is designed based on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform combined with the phase change material (PCM), Sb2S3, assisted by the direct binary search (DBS) algorithm. The designed photonic switch exhibits an impressive operating bandwidth ranging from 1450 to 1650 nm. The device has an insertion loss (IL) from 0.44 dB to 0.70 dB (of less than 0.7 dB) and cross talk (CT) from -26 dB to -20 dB (of less than -20 dB) over an operating bandwidth of 200 nm, especially an IL of 0.52 dB and CT of -24 dB at 1550 nm. Notably, the device is highly compact, with footprints of merely 3 × 4 µm2. Furthermore, we have extended the device's functionality for multifunctional operation in the C-band that can serve as both a 1 × 2 photonic switch and a 3 dB photonic power splitter. In the photonic switch mode, the device demonstrates an IL of 0.7 dB and a CT of -13.5 dB. In addition, when operating as a 3 dB photonic power splitter, the IL is less than 0.5 dB.
Framework to optimize fixed-length micro-CT systems for propagation-based phase-contrast imaging
Authors: Lioliou G. , Buchanan I. , Astolfo A. , Endrizzi M. , Bate D. , Hagen C. K. , Olivo A.
Published: January 2024

A laboratory X-ray imaging system with a setup that closely resembles commercial micro-CT systems with a fixed source-to-detector distance of ∼90 cm is investigated for single distance propagation-based phase-contrast imaging and computed tomography (CT). The system had a constant source-to-detector distance, and the sample positions were optimized. Initially, a PTFE wire was imaged, both in 2D and 3D, to characterize fringe contrast and spatial resolution for different X-ray source settings and source-to-sample distances. The results were compared to calculated values based on theoretical models and to simulated (wave-optics based) results, with good agreement being found. The optimization of the imaging system is discussed. CT scans of two biological samples, a tissue-engineered esophageal scaffold and a rat heart, were then acquired at the optimum parameters, demonstrating that significant image quality improvements can be obtained with widely available components placed inside fixed-length cabinets through proper optimization of propagation-based phase-contrast.
Visible and NIR microscopic hyperspectrum reconstruction from RGB images with deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Feng Kunshen , Li Junfeng , Li Ming , Gao Shilong , Deng Weiqi , Xu Haitao , Zhao Jing , Lan Yubin , Long Yongbing , Deng Haidong
Published: January 2024

We investigate the microscopic hyperspectral reconstruction from RGB images with a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) in this paper. Based on the microscopic hyperspectral imaging system, a homemade dataset consisted of microscopic hyperspectral and RGB image pairs is constructed. For considering the importance of spectral correlation between neighbor spectral bands in microscopic hyperspectrum reconstruction, the 2D convolution is replaced by 3D convolution in the DCNN framework, and a metric (weight factor) used to evaluate the performance reconstructed hyperspectrum is also introduced into the loss function used in training. The effects of the dimension of convolution kernel and the weight factor in the loss function on the performance of the reconstruction model are studied. The overall results indicate that our model can show better performance than the traditional models applied to reconstruct the hyperspectral images based on DCNN for the public and the homemade microscopic datasets. In addition, we furthermore explore the microscopic hyperspectrum reconstruction from RGB images in infrared region, and the results show that the model proposed in this paper has great potential to expand the reconstructed hyperspectrum wavelength range from the visible to near infrared bands.
Theoretical analysis of graded-index topological resonator for improved sensing performance
Authors: Goyal Amit Kumar , Dash Diptimayee , Saini Jasmine , Massoud Yehia
Published: January 2024

In this manuscript, what we believe to be a novel hyperbolic-graded topological nano-photonic resonator structure is proposed to excite robust topological edge states. The graded refractive index is realized by considering a porous silicon material having a deliberately modulated local refractive index. The introduction of grading effectively modifies its dispersion characteristics leading to distinctive topological properties. This results in excitation of a topologically protected edge state (TES) having significantly higher interface electric field intensity at an operational wavelength of 1521 nm. Additionally, the impact of interface layer thicknesses on the excitation of these TES is thoroughly investigated. Finally, the structure’s capability to be used as a refractive index sensor is also demonstrated. The analytical results demonstrate an average sensitivity of 852.14 nm/RIU, coupled with a quality factor of 4019.23 and a figure of merit (FOM) of 1277.13 RIU−1. With its remarkable performance metrics, the proposed device holds significant promise for accurately detecting and sensing biochemical samples with very high efficiency.
Ultrahigh-speed phase demodulation of a Fabry–Perot sensor based on fiber array parallel spectral detection
Authors: Li Chenxi , Qi Hongchao , Han Xiao , Zhao Xinyu , Zhang Yajie , Huang Jiayu , Peng Wei , Chen Ke
Published: January 2024

An ultrahigh-speed phase demodulation system was designed for the Fabry–Perot (F–P) interferometric sensor based on fiber array parallel spectral detection. A high-power amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source served as the broadband detection light. The spectrum generated by the dispersion of the F–P interference light through an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) was incident into the fiber array and was detected in parallel by 48 photodiodes. The 48-channel signals were acquired synchronously and processed in real time to achieve a phase demodulation for the F–P cavity at 200 kHz. As a result, a low-resolution spectral detection and demodulation system was constructed with high speed. The length demodulation range of the F–P cavity was 60–700 µm, and the demodulation resolution was as high as 0.22 nm. The designed high-sensitivity demodulator is expected to be used for ultrasonic and high-frequency vibration detection.
Tomographic FLEET with a wedge array for multi-point three-component
velocimetry
Authors: Richardson Daniel , Zhang Yibin , Beresh Steven J.
Published: January 2024

Femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (FLEET) velocimetry is an important diagnostic technique for seedless velocimetry measurements particularly in supersonic and hypersonic flows. Typical FLEET measurements feature a single laser line and camera system to achieve one-component velocimetry along a line, although some multiple-spot and multiple-component configurations have been demonstrated. In this work, tomographic imaging is used to track the three-dimensional location of many FLEET spots. A quadscope is used to combine four unique views onto a single high-speed image intensifier and camera. Tomographic reconstructions of the FLEET emission are analyzed for three-component velocimetry from multiple FLEET spots. Glass wedges are used to create many (nine) closely spaced FLEET spots with less than 10% transmission losses. These developments lead to a significant improvement in the dimensionality and spatial coverage of a FLEET instrument with some increases in experimental complexity and data processing. Multiple-point three-component FLEET velocimetry is demonstrated in an underexpanded jet.
Spectral origami: an angle-variable, wavelength-selective concept with a highly efficient filter-based sensing
Authors: Kobylinskiy Aliaksei , Werner Lukas , Kraus Matthias , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert
Published: January 2024

This study demonstrates the concept of an angle-variable compact spectral module. As a key feature, the filter-based module enables highly efficient wavelength-selective light detection by applying the reflective beam path according to the origami example. It was accomplished through inclined mirrors, which allow for different incident angles on the wavelength separating interference filters used in a robust assembly with no moving parts. To experimentally verify the concept, a wavelength range between 550 and 700 nm was detected by 11 spectral channels. These initial results showed the potential to develop easily scalable and application-tailored sensors, which can overcome conventional filter-based sensor approaches that use upright or fixed-angle illumination.
Unsupervised learning-based wavefront sensing method for Hartmanns with insufficient sub-apertures
Authors: Ning Yu , He Yulong , Li Jun , Sun Quan , Xi Fengjie , Su Ang , Yi Yang , Xu Xiaojun
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes an unsupervised learning-based wavefront sensing method for SHWFS with insufficient sub-apertures. By modeling the light propagation of SHWFS in the neural network, the proposed method can train the model using unlabeled datasets. Therefore, it is convenient for the proposed method to be deployed in AO systems. The performance of the method is investigated through numerical simulations. Results show that the wavefront estimation accuracy of the proposed method is comparable to the existing methods based on supervised learning. This paper proposes a novel wavefront detection approach for SHWFS, the first application of unsupervised learning in wavefront detection.
Digitale Transformation im Handwerk – Motivatoren, Wünsche und Ängste von Mitarbeiter*innen im Change Prozess
Authors: Bosbach Julia , Helms Maximilian , Umel Audris , Lattemann Christoph
Published: January 2024

Das Handwerk liegt in der Nutzung neuer Technologien weit hinter anderen Wirtschaftssektoren in Deutschland. Jedoch zeigt sich auch, dass durch und nach Corona die digitale Transformation in diesem Wirtschaftszweig zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnt. Da Transformationsprozesse in Organisationen durch strukturierte Herangehensweise, zielgerichtete Modelle und digitale Kompetenzen erfolgreich unterstützt werden können, stellt sich die Frage, ob das Handwerk von den Erfahrungen anderer Wirtschaftssektoren lernt und Best Practices und Change-Modelle aufgreift.

Studien zeigen, dass für den Erfolg von Transformationsprozessen insbesondere die Berücksichtigung von Motivatoren, Wünschen und Ängsten von Mitarbeitenden von zentraler Bedeutung ist. In diesem Kontext untersucht die vorliegende Studie, ob Handwerksunternehmen Mitarbeitende einbinden und Bedürfnisse und Kompetenzen der Mitarbeitenden in der digitalen Transformation sowie etablierte Veränderungsmodelle (Change-Modelle) nutzen. Ebenso wird analysiert, ob im Kontext der digitalen Transformation die Bedürfnisse von Mitarbeitenden im Handwerk von denen in anderen Industrien abweichen, weil z. B. das Handwerk primär durch physische Tätigkeiten geprägt ist.

Hierzu wurden semi-strukturierte Interviews mit sechs Handwerkern aus verschiedenen Gewerken durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in Handwerksunternehmen, die sich in einem Transformationsprozess befinden, die Bedürfnisse von Mitarbeitenden, vor allem individuelle Bedürfnisse, gesehen werden. Jedoch werden etablierte Change-Modelle nicht genutzt. Entsprechend werden die psychologischen Motivationen, Wünsche und Ängste der Mitarbeiter nicht systematisch in der digitalen Transformation reflektiert.

Diese Studie zeigt Forschungsbedarf in der Analyse handwerksspezifischer psychologischer Motivationen, Wünsche und Ängste sowie in der Spezifikation von Change-Modellen im Kontext der digitalen Transformation. Für die Praxis leitet sich ab, dass Praktiken und Modelle zum strukturierten Wandel verstärkt eingesetzt werden sollten.
Less-advanced regions in EU innovation networks: Could nanotechnology represent a possible trigger for path upgrading?
Authors: Calignano Giuseppe , Jørgensen Nordli Anne
Published: January 2024

This paper examines whether nanotechnology projects funded under the European Union (EU) Framework Programmes (FPs) are a possible trigger for path upgrading (i.e., infusion of new technologies in existing traditional sectors) in less-advanced regions. First, the adoption of cluster analysis and a set of key indicators (i.e., technological intensity, scientific excellence, human capital, and research and development expenditure) allowed us to distinguish between 79 more-advanced and 127 less-advanced EU regions. Subsequently, through social network analysis and nonparametric testing we were able to demonstrate how the less-advanced EU regions (average degree centrality: 40.5) play a marginal role compared with the more-advanced ones (average degree centrality: 98.5) in the nanotechnology network created within Horizon 2020—i.e., the EU programming cycle implemented in the 2014–2020 period. Despite this, we observed that a few less-advanced regions (33 out of 127) were able to score higher than the EU median in terms of participation in the targeted nanotechnology network, thus benefiting from relevant knowledge flows potentially leading to re-industrialization processes. The adoption of qualitative comparative analysis allowed us to determine which combinations of key innovation, scientific and socioeconomic factors could facilitate such beneficial interregional interactions and related knowledge exchange in these types of regions (i.e., primarily what we defined as “relative innovativeness,” excellence in nanotechnology research and a comparatively high level of gross domestic product per capita). Our empirical results provided some clear policy implications. For instance, the necessity to I) remove the barriers impeding a more balanced participation to promote a widespread renewal of traditional industries in less-advanced regions and II) implement coordinated EU and domestic actions designed to encourage the involvement of the great majority of the less-advanced regions, which remain marginal in the periodically launched FPs.
Compensation for coarticulation despite a midway speaker change: Reassessing effects and implications
Authors: Viswanathan Navin , Rinzler Ana , Kelty-Stephen Damian G.
Published: January 2024

Accounts of speech perception disagree on how listeners demonstrate perceptual constancy despite considerable variation in the speech signal due to speakers’ coarticulation. According to the spectral contrast account, listeners’ compensation for coarticulation (CfC) results from listeners perceiving the target-segment frequencies differently depending on the contrastive effects exerted by the preceding sound’s frequencies. In this study, we reexamine a notable finding that listeners apparently demonstrate perceptual adjustments to coarticulation even when the identity of the speaker (i.e., the “source”) changes midway between speech segments. We evaluated these apparent across-talker CfC effects on the rationale that such adjustments to coarticulation would likely be maladaptive for perceiving speech in multi-talker settings. In addition, we evaluated whether such cross-talker adaptations, if detected, were modulated by prior experience. We did so by manipulating the exposure phase of three groups of listeners by (a) merely exposing them to our stimuli (b) explicitly alerting them to talker change or (c) implicitly alerting them to this change. All groups then completed identical test blocks in which we assessed their CfC patterns in within- and across-talker conditions. Our results uniformly demonstrated that, while all three groups showed robust CfC shifts in the within-talker conditions, no such shifts were detected in the across-talker condition. Our results call into question a speaker-neutral explanation for CfC. Broadly, this demonstrates the need to carefully examine the perceptual demands placed on listeners in constrained experimental tasks and to evaluate whether the accounts that derive from such settings scale up to the demands of real-world listening.
Consumption of ultra-processed foods and low dietary diversity are associated with sedentary and unhealthy eating behaviors: A nationwide study with Brazilian Schoolchildren
Authors: Oliveira Giovanna Angela Leonel , Santos Gonçalves Vivian Siqueira , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , Toral Natacha
Published: January 2024

Background

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and low dietary diversity are risk factors for chronic diseases.

Aim

To evaluate the association between food consumption and sedentary and unhealthy eating behaviors of Brazilian schoolchildren between 6 and 11 years old.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. A prevalence sample was calculated considering the number of children enrolled in elementary school. This sample was distributed proportionally to Brazil’s macro-regions and the type of school (public or private). The questionnaire was developed in Google Forms and disseminated through the snowball technique. The questionnaire was filled in by the children’s parents, with information about the child’s identification and health. Afterward, the child completed a questionnaire by her/himself. We used the previously validated Illustrated Questionnaire on Food Consumption for Brazilian Schoolchildren and the Illustrated Questionnaire on Eating and Sedentary Behaviors. Food consumption was analyzed using the NOVA score and the dietary diversity score. Poisson’s regression with robust variance was performed (p<0.05).

Results

The study included 2,021 dyads. Of these, 27.6% of children reported eating five or more ultra-processed foods and 39.0% four or fewer natural or staple foods the previous day. Using screens, proxy of sedentary behavior (Prevalence Ratio–PR = 1.8, Confidence Interval–CI95%1.2–2.8) and eating at irregular hours (PR = 1.6, CI95%1.2–2.2) were risk factors for high consumption of ultra-processed foods and low dietary diversity in schoolchildren. In addition, eating the three main meals on the previous day (PR = 0.6, CI95%0.4–0.8) was identified as protective factors against the consumption of ultra-processed foods and in favor of dietary diversity among schoolchildren.

Conclusion

Sedentary and unhealthy eating behaviors were associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and low dietary diversity in Brazilian schoolchildren.
The distribution of insect pests and the associated loss of stored sorghum in the Kena district of Konso Zone, South-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Ararso Gognsha , Yeshitila Berhanu Hiruy
Published: January 2024

Sorghum is a staple crop grown in the poorest and most food-insecure regions of Ethiopia. But storage insect pests are its key constraints that have been causing considerable loss. Accordingly, an assessment of the prevalence of insect pests and the associated loss of sorghum stored under farmers’ traditional storages was done in randomly selected major sorghum-growing kebeles of Kena District using a nested design between November 1, 2019 and December 30, 2020. It was conducted through the sampling of one kg of grain from a total of 360 randomly selected farmers’ storages. Pests’ abundance was determined by dividing the total number of individual species by the total number of samples. A count and weight method was used to estimate percent grain damage and weight loss by pests. Sitophilus zeamais, Sitophilus oryzae, Sitotroga cereallella, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Cryptolestes pusillus, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Plodia interpunctella were the pests identified from grain samples. When compared to mid-latitude, where they were found in the range between 2.36± 0.21 and 17.50±0.98 mean number of species, all of these pests had a considerably (p < 0.05) larger distribution in low-land kebeles, where they predominated in the range between 5.44±2.00 and 23.61±1.75 amean number. During the nine-month storage period, the degree of pest infestation, percentage of grain damage, and weight loss were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the bamboo bins when no management measures were implemented in the mid-land and low-land kebeles, respectively, than in the barn. Consequently, bamboo bin storage was considered ineffective for sufficient sorghum grain protection against pests and the associated loss over a longer storage period. But barn storage and the use of cultural pest management practices performed better in protecting stored sorghum from pests. Therefore, improving the bamboo bin storage method is needed to improve its grain protection efficacy.
Assessment of linear regression of peripapillary optical coherence tomography retinal nerve fiber layer measurements to forecast glacuoma trajectory
Authors: Bradley Chris , Hou Kaihua , Herbert Patrick , Unberath Mathias , Hager Greg , Boland Michael V. , Ramulu Pradeep , Yohannan Jithin
Published: January 2024

Linear regression of optical coherence tomography measurements of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness is often used to detect glaucoma progression and forecast future disease course. However, current measurement frequencies suggest that clinicians often apply linear regression to a relatively small number of measurements (e.g., less than a handful). In this study, we estimate the accuracy of linear regression in predicting the next reliable measurement of average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness using Zeiss Cirrus optical coherence tomography measurements of average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness from a sample of 6,471 eyes with glaucoma or glaucoma-suspect status. Linear regression is compared to two null models: no glaucoma worsening, and worsening due to aging. Linear regression on the first M ≥ 2 measurements was significantly worse at predicting a reliable M+1st measurement for 2 ≤ M ≤ 6. This range was reduced to 2 ≤ M ≤ 5 when retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements were first “corrected” for scan quality. Simulations based on measurement frequencies in our sample—on average 393 ± 190 days between consecutive measurements—show that linear regression outperforms both null models when M ≥ 5 and the goal is to forecast moderate (75th percentile) worsening, and when M ≥ 3 for rapid (90th percentile) worsening. If linear regression is used to assess disease trajectory with a small number of measurements over short time periods (e.g., 1–2 years), as is often the case in clinical practice, the number of optical coherence tomography examinations needs to be increased.
Predicting radiographic outcomes of vertebral body tethering in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients using machine learning
Authors: Alfraihat Ausilah , Samdani Amer F. , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: January 2024

Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering (AVBT) is a growing alternative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), offering an option besides spinal fusion. While AVBT aims to correct spinal deformity through growth correction, its outcomes have been mixed. To improve surgical outcomes, this study aimed to develop a machine learning-based tool to predict short- and midterm spinal curve correction in AIS patients who underwent AVBT surgery, using the most predictive clinical, radiographic, and surgical parameters. After institutional review board approval and based on inclusion criteria, 91 AIS patients who underwent AVBT surgery were selected from the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia. For all patients, longitudinal standing (PA or AP, and lateral) and side bending spinal Radiographs were retrospectively obtained at six visits: preop and first standing, one year, two years, five years postop, and at the most recent follow-up. Demographic, radiographic, and surgical features associated with curve correction were collected. The sequential backward feature selection method was used to eliminate correlated features and to provide a rank-ordered list of the most predictive features of the AVBT correction. A Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) model was trained and tested using the selected features to predict the final correction of the curve in AIS patients. Eleven most predictive features were identified. The GBR model predicted the final Cobb angle with an average error of 6.3 ± 5.6 degrees. The model also provided a prediction interval, where 84% of the actual values were within the 90% prediction interval. A list of the most predictive features for AVBT curve correction was provided. The GBR model, trained on these features, predicted the final curve magnitude with a clinically acceptable margin of error. This model can be used as a clinical tool to plan AVBT surgical parameters and improve outcomes.
Load balance -aware dynamic cloud-edge-end collaborative offloading strategy
Authors: Fan Yueqi
Published: January 2024

Cloud-edge-end (CEE) computing is a hybrid computing paradigm that converges the principles of edge and cloud computing. In the design of CEE systems, a crucial challenge is to develop efficient offloading strategies to achieve the collaboration of edge and cloud offloading. Although CEE offloading problems have been widely studied under various backgrounds and methodologies, load balance, which is an indispensable scheme in CEE systems to ensure the full utilization of edge resources, is still a factor that has not yet been accounted for. To fill this research gap, we are devoted to developing a dynamic load balance -aware CEE offloading strategy. First, we propose a load evolution model to characterize the influences of offloading strategies on the system load dynamics and, on this basis, establish a latency model as a performance metric of different offloading strategies. Then, we formulate an optimal control model to seek the optimal offloading strategy that minimizes the latency. Second, we analyze the feasibility of typical optimal control numerical methods in solving our proposed model, and develop a numerical method based on the framework of genetic algorithm. Third, through a series of numerical experiments, we verify our proposed method. Results show that our method is effective.
γδ T cells respond directly and selectively to the skin commensal yeast Malassezia for IL-17-dependent fungal control
Authors: Ruchti Fiorella , Tuor Meret , Mathew Liya , McCarthy Neil E , LeibundGut-Landmann Salomé
Published: January 2024

Stable microbial colonization of the skin depends on tight control by the host immune system. The lipid-dependent yeast Malassezia typically colonizes skin as a harmless commensal and is subject to host type 17 immunosurveillance, but this fungus has also been associated with diverse skin pathologies in both humans and animals. Using a murine model of Malassezia exposure, we show that Vγ4+ dermal γδ T cells expand rapidly and are the major source of IL-17A mediating fungal control in colonized skin. A pool of memory-like Malassezia-responsive Vγ4+ T cells persisted in the skin, were enriched in draining lymph nodes even after fungal clearance, and were protective upon fungal re-exposure up to several weeks later. Induction of γδT17 immunity depended on IL-23 and IL-1 family cytokine signalling, whereas Toll-like and C-type lectin receptors were dispensable. Furthermore, Vγ4+ T cells from Malassezia-exposed hosts were able to respond directly and selectively to Malassezia-derived ligands, independently of antigen-presenting host cells. The fungal moieties detected were shared across diverse species of the Malassezia genus, but not conserved in other Basidiomycota or Ascomycota. These data provide novel mechanistic insight into the induction and maintenance of type 17 immunosurveillance of skin commensal colonization that has significant implications for cutaneous health.
Lessons in Failure: Mavoch (1967) and the Labyrinth-Based Exhibition in Israel
Authors: Raz Meital
Published: January 2024

In 1967, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem launched Mavoch with great fanfare. Despite its innovative vision, critics swiftly dismissed the exhibition, and both the curator and the artists labelled it a failed experiment. This article revisits Mavoch to consider it as a watershed event in Israeli exhibitionary practice. The show is examined in a broader discussion on the genre of labyrinth-based exhibitions on which Mavoch was based. This genre, stemming from the surrealists’ shows in the 1930s and reaching its apex in Europe in the 1960s, heralded a shift in the concept of the museum from an object-oriented space to a dynamic venue of social participation. This article unravels the reasons behind the perceived failure of Mavoch and offers insights on the implementation of western display models in geographical and cultural peripheries.
Radical Curating, Black Community Archives and the Sir George Williams Affair
Authors: Abraham Christiana
Published: January 2024

This article explores strategies employed in the 2019 archival exhibition Protests and Pedagogy: Representations Meanings and Memories. The exhibition was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sir George Williams Affair, when Canadian students protested racism in the classroom at Concordia University. Using the curatorial process as a case study in radical pedagogy allows a rare glimpse into the archival records of the 1969 event. The case demonstrates ways in which an engaged approach to curating connects with the building of a community archive that enables a rereading of these events. The exhibition’s pedagogical practices allow reflection on alternative methodologies that challenge teaching-learning through community dialogue.
Affidamento as Curatorial Methodology: Feminist Approaches to Pedagogy and Curating in the Work of EMILIA-AMALIA
Authors: Moser Gabrielle
Published: January 2024

This article examines the possibilities of using the Italian feminist praxis of affidamento, or entrustment, as a curatorial methodology, arguing that it has the capacity to transform galleries into spaces where the generative potential of social differences is foregrounded – rather than repressed – and where intergenerational knowledge, and its attendant affects, can be shared. Reflecting on my role as a founding member of the feminist working group EMILIA-AMALIA, which, since 2016, has organized free film screenings, public talks, collective meals and writing workshops, I chart the ways Italian feminist philosophy has informed the group’s curatorial work and ask whether affidamento offers a model for pedagogical participation within the gallery that recognizes and validates the varied, and often conflicting, needs and desires of generations of feminist practitioners.
Investigation of efficacy of asenapine on passive avoidance learning and memory and oxidative stress in animal model of seizure-induced with pentylenetetrazole
Authors: Farhadi Elham , Mirazi Naser , Hosseini Abdolkarim
Published: January 2024

Asenapine (ASE) has been used for treatment of bipolar disorder. There is also evidence that it may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, the efficacy of ASE in an experimental model of seizure and memory impairment caused by seizures in rats has been investigated in the present study. Seizures in male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)), and the anticonvulsant effect of ASE (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated. The effect on memory was assessed using passive avoidance (PA) test in a shuttle box apparatus. After behavioral tests, the animals underwent deep anesthesia and were euthanized painlessly. Serum was isolated for oxidative stress assays (nitric oxide (NO), and glutathione (GSH)). Intraperitoneal injection of ASE decreased the mean number of myoclonic jerks and duration of generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) and increased the mean latency of myoclonic jerk and GTCS compared to the PTZ group. Moreover, in the PA test, ASE caused a significant increase in retention latency (RL) and total time spent in the light compartment (TLC) compared to the PTZ group. Biochemical tests showed that ASE was able to significantly increase GSH serum levels and significantly reduce NO serum levels compared to the PTZ group. Overall, this study suggests the potential neuroprotective effects of ASE in a model of memory impairment caused by seizures via the mechanism of inhibition of the oxidative stress pathway.
Inflammatory and bone biomarkers/composites as a predictive tool for clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ali Hameed Hussein , Yaseen Muna Mohammed , AL-Rawi Khalid F. , Alaaraji Shakir F. T. , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is related to alterations in different inflammatory and connective tissue biomarkers. The diagnostic values and the factors affecting these biomarkers are conflicting. In the present study, a bone-related composite (B-composite), made from the z-score of stromelysin-1 (MMP3), colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and osteopontin (OPN), and I-composite, reflecting immune activation, made from the z-score of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (INFγ), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) were examined in RA patients. The biomarkers were measured by ELISA technique in 102 RA patients and 58 age-matched healthy control subjects. Serum MMP3, TNFα, IFNγ, and CSF2 showed significant elevation in RA patients. Multivariate general linear model (GLM) analysis revealed a significant high effect of diagnosis on biomarkers' level (partial η2 = 0.415). Duration of disease is significantly associated with VEGF, OPN, and B-composite and negatively correlated with TNFα. B-composite is significantly associated with CRP. A significant fraction of the DAS28 score variance can be explained by the regression on zlnINFγ. The variance in the CRP was explained by zlnOPN and B-composite. More than half of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) variation can be explained by the regression on serum MMP3 and I-composite. The top 3 sensitive predictors for RA disease are INFγ, MMP3, and TNFα. B-composite is associated with the duration of disease and CRP. At the same time, I-composite is negatively associated with the ACPA level. The biomarker composites have potential use as RA disease characteristic biomarkers.
Beneficial Impacts of Solanum aethiopicum L. in Diabetes Control
Authors: Anyakudo Magnus Michael Chukwudike , Omogbehin Naomi Tinuola. , Adeyomoye Olorunsola Israel.
Published: January 2024

Garden egg nutritional values are numerous. However, few nutritional and epidemiological data exist on the impacts of garden egg consumption on diabetes control. In this experimentally-control designed nutritional study, the effects of scarlet garden egg species (Solanum aethiopicum L.) on lipoglycemic profile, weight control and, pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic male Wistar rats were examined. Twenty-One adult male Wistar rats inducted with diabetes were randomly categorized into three groups (n = 7, each): Diabetic control (DC); Diabetic treated with aqueous extract of garden egg (DEE) and Diabetic fed with garden egg-supplemented diet (DSE). Animals were fed for six weeks according to the experimental design. Glycemic status and body weights were assessed twice weekly while lipid analysis was conducted at the entry and 6th week of the study. Oral glucose tolerance (OGT) test was conducted. Gross analysis and tissue histology of the pancreas were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining technique. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance, and the results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M. at P < 0.05. Garden egg reduced mean body weight gain (DSE: 14.53%; DEE: 10.58%; P value = 0.04) and decreased blood glucose concentrations (DEE: 37.33%; DSE: 18.68%; P = 0.03) with corresponding improved lipid profile, glycemic tolerance and control (DEE > DSE) and, preserved pancreas histoarchitecture in diabetic Wistar rats. Solanum aethiopicum (garden egg) consumption (as fresh fruit or supplemented diet) preserves pancreatic tissue histoarchitecture and improves lipoglycemic profile and weight control in diabetic Wistar rats.
Clinical application of Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) for reducing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dahlquist Ashley , Jandali Dana , Nauman Mirielle C. , Johnson Jeremy J.
Published: January 2024

Bitter melon is a popular fruit cultivated in Southeast Asia and other tropical climate regions. Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine because of its numerous medicinal benefits, including having hypoglycemic effects. This has an indication for diabetic patients, and several clinical trials have provided evidence that orally administered bitter melon extract can reduce A1C and blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies suggest that bitter melon’s anti-diabetic actions work through intra- and extra-pancreatic mechanisms. Herein we summarize and highlight these mechanistic and clinical studies that have demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of bitter melon in type 2 diabetes patients.
Aging And The Pandemic Care Triangle: A View From A Barcelona
Authors: Ribas-Mateos Natalia , Herrera-Martínez Encarna
Published: January 2024

This triangle of care is the result of an ethnographic research conducted with hard pandemic restrictions in Barcelona during 2020. Even if it is based in a bibliography on gender and migration, care and aging, the article is basically empirical. For the interpretation of the debates and discussion groups carried out, we identify here: the elderly person (as we have seen in the interviews in the previous article, 15 and Herrera 2023,“The care debate during the first covid lockout in Barcelona); the caregivers - from family members to hired workers, especially immigrant women- and thirdly, as the third aspect of the triangle, and which remains in this article more blurred, from municipal and health public services. The pandemic highlights the existing systemic inequalities, particularly affecting the elderly, but also migrants and ethnic minorities, people who work in the care sector, and health personnel.
Evaluating St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum Secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) Cultivars to Reduced Light Environments
Authors: McCarty Lambert B. , Gambrell Nathaniel J.
Published: January 2024

St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) generally has poor cold tolerance yet good to excellent shade tolerance. As mostly hot summers follow cold winters in USDA Hardiness Zone 7, severely damaging tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.) and centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.), a St. Augustinegrass cultivar cold tolerant enough to be grown for shady lawns would greatly benefit home owners, recreational sites, and sod growers in the “transition zone.” Eight St. Augustinegrass samples were selected, including industry standards ‘Raleigh’ and ‘Palmetto’, plus ‘Palisades’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) for further testing from an established germplasm collection of material collected from lawns grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 7. Overall, based on 8-week greenhouse studies, the experimental lines had similar shade tolerance compared to commercial standards ‘Raleigh’ ‘Palmetto’ and ‘Palisades’ zoysiagrass. Field studies may be warranted to validate greenhouse studies to help further evaluate shade tolerance of experimental and commercial lines. Information generated supports the use of certain St. Augustinegrass selection in a wider environmental conditions such as reduced light environments (RLE).
Soluble Biobased Substances in soil or Salicylic Acid on leaves affect the foliar pH and soil biovariability of Grapes-as explained by the NIR Spectroscopy of Litterbags and Teabags
Authors: Masoero Giorgio , Sarasso Giuseppe , Delmastro Marco , Delmastro Renato , Antonini Massimiliano , Solaro Simone , Scapin Ivano , Cugnetto Alberto
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the trial was to check the effects of two grapevine treatments on the plant activity and on the bioactivity and biovariability of the soil. An alkaline complex of Soluble Biobased Substances (SBS) was used in soil at 30 g per plant in a single solution. Salicylic Acid (SA) was used on leaves at 150 mg l-1 every two weeks at 50 ml plant. The plants were examined for their foliar pH and NIR spectra. The soil bioactivity was monitored by means of hay-Litterbag-NIRS (LBN) in combination with the Teabag Index (TBI), using rooibos and green tea that had been buried for 60 days. The evolution of the TBI presented here concerns the TBI-NIRS spectroscopic method used for discriminant analysis. A new algorithm was used to estimate the soil microbiome from the green Teabag spectra. The obtained results showed that the plants and the soil responded to the treatments. In fact, SBS, but not SA, lowered the leaf pH by 5%, an unexpected and original result. Both treatments increased the variability of the leaf composition, with a lower discrimination, based on the NIR spectra, from the Control (75%) to 44% (SA) and 38% (SBS). The TBI method, which is based on weights, was less efficient (67%) than the TBI-NIRS of rooibos (96%) or the LBN of hay (80%), but it was like the TBI-NIRS of green tea (74%). The LBN analyses indicated that the mycorrhizal index had increased by 8% in SA but had reduced by 7% in SBS, while both treatments reduced the activity of the microbes, which did not affect the soil respiration rate. The mineral N in the soil was substantially raised by about 11÷69%. The Taxa profiles showed marked deviations from the Control. Moreover, the SBS treatment reduced the Glomeromycota by 35%, which matched to the reduction in the mycorrhizal index. The most favored Bacteria from the treatments were Proteobateriaand Actinobacteria, with Mortierellomycota being the most penalized. Neither treatment affected the production, but both delayed the technological maturity by 9-11%, while the SBS retarded the phenolic maturity by about 18%. It has been concluded that a simple treatment of vines can affect the bioactivity in the leaves and berries as well as the biovariability of the soil.
An Investigation of Mathematics Education Studies Conducted with Turkish Primary Teachers
Authors: Ören Vural Duygu , Sevgi Sevim
Published: January 2024

The studies conducted with in-service and preservice primary teachers in the field of mathematics teaching are among the research areas that are important and will not lose their importance soon as the outcomes of these research areas are critical for teaching mathematics in primary education and restructuring teacher education programs. As the number of studies in this field conducted in recent years increases, the necessity of reference research that will guide future studies and evaluate the status of current ones comes to the front. Using the method of systematic reviewing, research studies on mathematics education, which are published in the journals indexed in ULAKBİM, conducted between 2010-2021 years, and conducted with in-service and preservice primary teachers in Turkey, were examined. A total of 100 research studies were analyzed by using content analysis. All the studies were examined focusing on their research area, learning area, research method, data collection tools, sample and sample size, and data analysis methods. This study aimed to reveal the research trends in Turkey first. The secondary goal of the study is to guide future research studies by revealing what is highlighted and missing in the field. Considering research results, researchers can expand and improve research in primary mathematics education.
Čo pre Slovákov znamenal a v súčasnosti znamená štátny sviatok Slovenského národného povstania?
Authors: Letková Alexandra , Sombati Ján
Published: January 2024

Intention of the authors is to analyse the importance of national holiday of the Slovak National Uprising in a context of collective and historical memory of the Slovak nation. The aim of submitted paper is therefore to analyse various lines of opinion on the Slovak National Uprising, especially from the perspective of two totalitarian ideologies, as well as from the perspective of contemporary historiography after 1989. In the context of aforementioned analyses, authors deal with recent and historical interpretations from the historical and collective memory point of view, with an emphasis on legal consequences. The first years of independence and democracy brought to Slovakia re-increase of pro-fascist (ľudák’s) interpretation of history, which, however, did not succeeded in settling down in the collective memory of the Slovak nation. Nevertheless, the last years once again brought relativisation and misinterpretation of historical context of the Slovak National Uprising and its specific standing in society as a national holiday in particular. Reflecting these negative trends, the authors also consider possibilities of effective protection of national holidays, not only with the use of law.
Pojetí výprosy podle ABGB
Authors: Kabát Jan
Published: January 2024

This contribution focuses on the development of the concept of the precarium from the beginning of its codification in the ABGB to the present day, focusing more closely on two historically established interpretations: the first adopted by Antonín Randa and developed by his student Josef Stupecký and the second adopted by the Austrian civilian Josef von Schey. Historically, these conceptions came into conflict in our territory during the recodification of the ABGB in interwar Czechoslovakia which is why the contribution discusses the development of the precarium also within the framework of the so-called Draft Civil Codes, all considering contemporary Austrian and Czechoslovak case-law. Finally, the contribution provides a concept in the form of contemporary Austrian law and its concept of precarium which is also relevant in the light of the fact that the ABGB provision on precarium has remained unchanged since 1811.
O potrzebie badań ukrainoznawczych w Niemczech w kontekście powstania Centrum Studiów Polskich i Ukraińskich na Europejskim Uniwersytecie Viadrina (VCPU)
Authors: Jędraszczyk Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

Sprawozdanie:O potrzebie badań ukrainoznawczych w Niemczech w kontekście powstania Centrum Studiów Polskich i Ukraińskich na Europejskim Uniwersytecie Viadrina (VCPU)
Optimization of resting tension for wire myography in male rat pulmonary arteries
Authors: Choi Rira , Narayanan Roshini , Jandu Sandeep , Savage William , Kang Sara , Wodu Bulouere , Nandakumar Kavitha , Santhanam Lakshmi , Steppan Jochen
Published: January 2024

Wire myography to test vasomotor functions of blood vessels ex‐vivo are well‐established for the systemic circulation, however, there is no consensus on protocols for pulmonary arteries. We created a standardized wire myography protocol for healthy rat PAs and validated this in a pulmonary hypertension (PH) model. Vessels stretched to higher initial tensions (5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mN) exhibited a uniform response to phenylephrine, a larger dynamic range, and lower EC50 values. The endothelium‐mediated relaxation showed that moderate tensions (7.5 and 10.0 mN) produced robust responses with higher maximum relaxation and lower EC50 values. For endothelium independent responses, the higher initial tension groups had lower and more consistent EC50 values than the lower initial tension groups. Pulmonary arteries from rats with PH were more responsive to vasoactive drugs when subjected to a higher initial tension. Notably, vessels in the PH group subjected to 15.0 mN exhibited high dynamic ranges in contractile and relaxation responses without tearing. Lastly, we observed attenuated cholinergic responses in these vessels—consistent with endothelial dysfunction in PH. Therefore, a moderate initial tension of 7.5–10.0 mN is optimal for healthy rat pulmonary arteries and a higher initial tension of 15.0 mN is optimal for pulmonary arteries from animals with PH.