bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo investigations of the therapeutic potential of Jeju lava seawater salt in osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Mangeun , Kim Min Hye , Kim Jinho , Kang Kyungpil , Lee Junsu , Ghosh Mrinmoy , Son Young-Ok
Published: February 2024

Salts play a crucial role in maintaining human health by regulating fluid levels and supporting various physiological processes. However, conventional seawater-derived salts are associated with microplastic pollution and pose potential health risks. Jeju lava seawater (JLS), sourced exclusively from Jeju Island, has emerged as a unique alternative, free of microplastics and enriched with essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. In this study, we investigated the effects of JLS on osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, focusing on chondrocyte metabolism and OA development. We performed surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus to establish a murine model of OA. We examined the expression of catabolic and anabolic factors in JLS-treated chondrocytes. Our cell viability assay revealed that JLS treatment was not cytotoxic to chondrocytes at concentrations ≤ 0.5%. Additionally, JLS treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in the expression of anabolic factors like aggrecan, SOX9, and COL2A1 while decreasing the expression of catabolic factors such as MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS5 in the chondrocytes stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although not statistically significant compared to the control group, JLS intake slightly attenuated the OARSI score, osteophyte score, synovitis score, subchondral bone thickness, and osteophyte size in the  mouse model of OA. Conclusively, these results suggest that JLS ameliorates OA by positively influencing chondrocyte metabolism, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for OA management.
Prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence as factors associated with healthy lifestyles and violence in adolescents
Authors: González Moreno Alba , Molero Jurado María del Mar
Published: February 2024

Adolescence is a stage of life characterised by vulnerability, which shapes young people’s trajectories and potentially influences their behaviour. In this crucial period, the promotion of prosocial behaviours and the development of emotional intelligence are understood as key factors influencing adolescents’ psychological and personal well-being. The general objective of this study was to find out the relationship between these two variables - prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence - and their correlation with the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and another fundamental aspect such as violence among young people in the academic context. A total of 743 secondary school students participated in this research with a descriptive-cross-sectional design. This study used several instruments, including an ad hoc questionnaire to assess socio-demographic aspects and school violence, the Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire (PBQ), the TMMS-24 for the assessment of Emotional Intelligence, the Healthy Lifestyles Questionnaire (HLQ-II) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS). The results highlighted a convincing link between the display of prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence with various dimensions of healthy living such as healthy diet or respect for mealtimes. In particular, the research revealed a pronounced correlation between adolescents who showed greater emotional repair and respect and their lower involvement in school violence and substance use. In addition, the likelihood of having a healthy life was found to be linked to variables such as being male, respect, social relationships and emotional repair. In contrast, the likelihood of having an excessive consumption of certain harmful substances such as alcohol or tobacco was found to be linked to age, empathy and emotional clarity. These results highlight the crucial role that prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence play in shaping adolescents’ lives. In conclusion, the need to promote such variables as prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence in adolescent students in order to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce school violence and substance use in this age group is discussed.
Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring team cohesion: the Erlangen Team Cohesion at Work Scale (ETC)
Authors: Lieb Marietta , Erim Yesim , Morawa Eva
Published: February 2024

Background

Team cohesion is a crucial factor when it comes to job satisfaction and turnovers. However, in Germany, economic measures for team cohesion are scarce. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an economic self-report questionnaire for measuring team cohesion in a work setting in health care.

Methods

The questionnaire was developed in a stepwise procedure. After item analysis, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess factor structure. Reliability was tested via internal consistency. To assess convergent and divergent validity, we applied the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), the Perceived Cohesion Scale (PCS), the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI), the Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale (ERI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), respectively.

Results

The pilot version was tested in a sample of n = 126 adult nurses. Item analysis resulted in a total of 13 items for the final version. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure. Internal consistency for the two subscales was good, with α = 0.88 and α = 0.84, respectively. Convergent validity with the subscales of COPSOQ and PCS was moderate to high (r =.26– r =.64). For divergent validity, correlations with the ESSI were low (r =.01– r = -.09). We further found significant correlations with depression symptoms (r=-.22– r=-.37), as well as reward (ERI) (r =.41 -r =.47) and effort (ERI) (r=-.20 - r = -.24).

Conclusions

We developed and validated the Erlangen Team Cohesion at Work Scale (ETC), a self-report measure for team cohesion with very good psychometric properties. Due to its economic deployment, it is suitable for measuring team cohesion in work settings, especially in health care.
Shifting domesticities: recent social housing practices and policies in Spain
Authors: Martín Blas Sergio , Martín Domínguez Guiomar , D’Oria Mariacristina
Published: February 2024

Instances of crisis have always marked pivotal moments in housing design, acting as catalysts for re-evaluating models and practices and bringing forth systemic changes already latent in the discipline. Such revelation of hidden latencies is a characteristic phenomenon of today's housing panorama, influenced by factors such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the imperative shift toward ecological sustainability, and a growing discourse prompting the reconsideration of the human body at both individual and social levels. This article delves into such a system of adjustments within the contextualised case of Spanish social housing. It does so by focusing on two complementary sources. Firstly, recent shifts in housing policies, encompassing new regulations, programs, legal frameworks, and urban strategies; and secondly, a selection of projects emerging from competitions and new developments that either anticipate or result from these policy changes, introducing innovative design devices working on the following fronts: (1) the presence of nature and open space, interpreted as a fundamental element for social comfort related with broader ecological concerns, (2) a heterogeneous and complex articulation of in-between collective spaces, responding to emerging trends around the concept of sharing, and (3) the reconceptualization of the traditional core of interior private space, namely the kitchen, which in turn raises important questions on gender equality and care. Analysing the ever-evolving interplay between policies and practices, theories and projects, will reveal that the multifaceted crises of recent decades have played a pivotal role in shaping a redefined understanding of domestic spaces. Most significantly, this reinterpretation goes beyond addressing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, placing a great emphasis on social innovation within and beyond the home, inside and outside the building.
Would ChatGPT-facilitated programming mode impact college students’ programming behaviors, performances, and perceptions? An empirical study
Authors: Sun Dan , Boudouaia Azzeddine , Zhu Chengcong , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

ChatGPT, an AI-based chatbot with automatic code generation abilities, has shown its promise in improving the quality of programming education by providing learners with opportunities to better understand the principles of programming. However, limited empirical studies have explored the impact of ChatGPT on learners’ programming processes. This study employed a quasi-experimental design to explore the possible impact of ChatGPT-facilitated programming mode on college students’ programming behaviors, performances, and perceptions. 82 college students were randomly divided into two classes. One class employed ChatGPT-facilitated programming (CFP) practice and the other class utilized self-directed programming (SDP) mode. Mixed methods were utilized to collect multidimensional data. Data analysis uncovered some intriguing results. Firstly, students in the CFP mode had more frequent behaviors of debugging and receiving error messages, as well as pasting console messages on the website and reading feedback. At the same time, students in the CFP mode had more frequent behaviors of copying and pasting codes from ChatGPT and debugging, as well as pasting codes to ChatGPT and reading feedback from ChatGPT. Secondly, CFP practice would improve college students’ programming performance, while the results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the students in CFP mode and the SDP mode. Thirdly, student interviews revealed three highly concerned themes from students' user experience about ChatGPT: the services offered by ChatGPT, the stages of ChatGPT usage, and experience with ChatGPT. Finally, college students’ perceptions toward ChatGPT significantly changed after CFP practice, including its perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use. Based on these findings, the study proposes implications for future instructional design and the development of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT.
Flipover outperforms dropout in deep learning
Authors: Liang Yuxuan , Niu Chuang , Yan Pingkun , Wang Ge
Published: February 2024

Flipover, an enhanced dropout technique, is introduced to improve the robustness of artificial neural networks. In contrast to dropout, which involves randomly removing certain neurons and their connections, flipover randomly selects neurons and reverts their outputs using a negative multiplier during training. This approach offers stronger regularization than conventional dropout, refining model performance by (1) mitigating overfitting, matching or even exceeding the efficacy of dropout; (2) amplifying robustness to noise; and (3) enhancing resilience against adversarial attacks. Extensive experiments across various neural networks affirm the effectiveness of flipover in deep learning.
Targeted Enrollment in Pediatric Oncology Trials: A Vision for Just-in-Time Matching
Authors: Wyatt Kirk D. , Volchenboum Samuel L.
Published: February 2024

@PedsDataCommons shares vision for automated clinical trials matching in pediatric oncology
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE PREVENÇÃO E COMBATE ÀS DESIGUALDADES INJUSTAS
Authors: Zambam Neuro José , Séllos-Knoerr Viviane Coêlho de , Portela Irene Maria
Published: February 2024

Objetivos: Apresentar um roteiro de temas e comentários para a leitura dessa obra, destacando a compreensão de políticas públicas de Sen, a alguns temas estratégicos para a sua compreensão simplificada e mais abrangente e, por vezes, bem delimitada, priorizando temas que contribuam para a prevenção e superação das desigualdades injustas e, dada sua interdependência, aprimorem a democracia e os processos de participação e decisão. Avaliar as políticas públicas em contextos complexos, desiguais e necessitados de soluções que humanizem as relações humanas, sociais e ambientais democraticamente construídas.
Metodologia: A metodologia usada no trabalho foi feita pelo método dedutivo com base em revisão bibliográfica.
Resultados: A legitimidade das políticas públicas está relacionada a diversas referências que atestam desde a sua necessidade, as condições de implementação até o seu resultado final. “Glória incerta: a Índia e suas contradições” é uma importante análise de referência para esta abordagem, que visa à apresentação da obra com seus temas estratégicos (simbólicos) que contribuem para a solução das desigualdades injustas.
Contribuições: A compreensão atualizada de políticas públicas orienta para a superação de graves problemas sociais em vista da equidade social. A missão do Estado e o papel dos demais atores sociais é de cooperação, em que a transparência e o debate público são essenciais para uma efetiva participação de todos nas decisões.
Brachytherapy in Breast Cancer Treatment: Physical and Biological Aspects
Authors: Maj-Dziedzic Monika , Brzozowska Anna , Sikora Marcelina , Zarzycka Marta , Plewniok Ines , Dubiel Jeremiasz , Maj Adrian , Śmietana Greta , Warno Martyna , Kozik Wiktor
Published: February 2024

This scientific paper focuses on the treatment of breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among women. Despite increased awareness and the popularity of screening tests, statistics indicate a significant rise in incidence. The paper presents breast-conserving treatment methods, including brachytherapy, as a modern technique with promising outcomes. It describes the physical properties of ionizing radiation used in brachytherapy, discussing the photoelectric effect, Compton effect, and the phenomenon of pair production.

The paper then delves into the biological effects of ionizing radiation, emphasizing the dependence on the cell cycle phase. It highlights lethal, sublethal, and potentially lethal cellular damage, categorizing the effects of radiation interaction into early and late responses.

The discussion transitions to the application of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment, focusing on various techniques such as LDR, PDR, and HDR. The paper provides a detailed description of brachytherapy's use in breast-conserving treatment, considering contraindications, treatment planning, and Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) techniques.

The radioisotopes used in brachytherapy are also presented, with special attention to Iridium-192. The physical and practical aspects related to this isotope are discussed, along with other commonly used radioisotopes such as Cesium-137, Cobalt-60, and Strontium-90.

The paper concludes with a summary, emphasizing the significance of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment and outlining its prospects for development. The authors highlight precision and shortened therapy duration.
Connecting the Dots: Heart Failure and Insomnia
Authors: Kapica Marcin , Momot Karol , Żmijewska Aleksandra , Sztybór Mateus , Krzyżanowska Maria , Maleszewska Monika , Piątkiewicz Julia , Nowak Gabriela , Wojtas Mikołaj , Głogowska Karen
Published: February 2024

Introduction and aim. This study investigates the relationship between heart failure (HF) and insomnia, focusing on this two-way association’s clinical significance, epidemiology, and management.

Material and methods. Literature available in November 2023 was searched using Pubmed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Europe PMC with keywords associated with Heart Failure, Insomnia, and related pharmaceuticals. 69 articles were included.

Analysis of the literature. Insomnia is associated with higher mortality and a potential risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly in individuals with HF. Treatment is challenging and side effects can worsen the symptoms of HF. The use of benzodiazepines in HF patients raises concerns about cardiovascular risks, prompting the exploration of other medications like nonbenzodiazepines, antidepressants with sedative effects, and histamine receptor antagonists. On the other hand, HF is also a condition that affects sleep quality. Drugs including ACE-I, beta-blockers, MRA, and SGLT2i are essential for its treatment. Some of them may have an impact on the intensity of insomnia.

Conclusion. Considering the impact of insomnia medications on heart failure outcomes and vice versa is necessary. It is important to consider all aspects when treating these two conditions simultaneously.
Criterios de aceptación del vehículo eléctrico por parte de millennials y centennials españoles.
Authors: Gutiérrez-Aragón Óscar , Fondevila-Gascón Joan-Francesc , Roca-Martínez Blai , Segura-Rodríguez Marc
Published: February 2024

El objetivo de este estudio es el análisis del posicionamiento general de la población española menor de 45 años (adultos jóvenes) en cuanto a la aceptación de los vehículos eléctricos. Se ha utilizado metodología cuantitativa (a partir de datos de una encuesta) y cualitativa (entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales del sector). A pesar de que la mayor parte de los participantes manifiesta estar concienciado con el medio ambiente, sólo un 29,4% estaría interesado en adquirir un vehículo eléctrico, siendo su alto precio la mayor barrera. Se concluye que los vehículos eléctricos serán la opción de movilidad predominante en el futuro, aunque actualmente no lo son, principalmente entre la población más joven. En todo caso, el interés por el vehículo eléctrico es diferente en función del género, nivel de estudios y frecuencia de cambio de vehículo.
Confirmation of the viability of a metaverse yoga class and investigation into the impact on pain, anxiety, and depression associated with low back pain after engaging in virtual yoga sessions
Authors: Yu Ji-Eun
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to explore the influence of metaverse technology (MT) factors like presence, usability, and enjoyment on patients’ satisfaction, with a focus on examining potential mediating effects. In addition, it sought to assess whether the yoga practice as an intervention therapy in MT induces changes in the pain, anxiety, and depression levels of patients experiencing back pain. From the pool of 202 participants, this study chose participants who had reported enduring low back pain over 12 weeks, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) rating of 4 or higher. After completing the questionnaire, patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (COG, n = 100) or the yoga exercise group (YEG, n = 99). Results showed that the construct validity for questionnaires and a reasonable model fit were confirmed, and that presence showed a statistically significant effect on psychological satisfaction via the mediating path of enjoyment (β = 0.592, P = 0.001). Following 8 weeks of the yoga practice, the VAS increased for the COG, while it decreased significantly by ~29% for the YEG (P = 0.001). YEG also exhibited a decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index by ~17%, anxiety by ~7%, and depression by ~10% (P = 0.001). In conclusion, psychological satisfaction in a yoga practice using a metaverse cannot be achieved solely through the sense of presence; enjoyment is necessary for patients’ satisfaction. Moreover, it was verified that virtual yoga practice is effective in ameliorating psychological factors resulting from back pain.
The relationship between blood pressure and functional fitness of older adults in Korea
Authors: Jeoung Bogja
Published: February 2024

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP), is a critical health issue that can cause cardiovascular disease. It is observed more frequently in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to identify the functional fitness and body composition factors that significantly influence both systolic and diastolic BPs in older adults. Data from 155,266 older adults (51,751 men [33.3%] and 103,505 women [66.7%]) who underwent functional fitness tests between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. The following seven functional fitness tests were conducted: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (chair sit-and-stand), (d) flexibility (sit- and-reach), (e) agility (Timed Up and Go), and (f) body composition (body mass index [BMI] and body fat percentage). Systolic and diastolic BPs were used as outcome variables. In examining the proposed relationships, the regression analysis re-vealed that BMI, body fat percentage, sit-and-reach, 2-min step, hand grip, chair sit-and-stand, and Timed Up and Go were significantly associated with reduced systolic and diastolic body pressures.
Advancing and Expecting Inclusive Research
Authors: Forber-Pratt Anjali J.
Published: February 2024

This conceptual methods article parallels remarks given at the 2022 American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities conference highlighting the importance of including the voices of people with intellectual disability in research processes. The purpose of this article was to put forth a call to action to disability researchers to advance, expect, and model inclusive research practices and consider this action as a form of scholarly activism and allyship toward the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. This conceptual article is organized to engage existing inclusive research literature and offers a method of inclusive research team design with practical suggestions for consideration. Finally, implications for research policy are also presented.
Rosalía's Butterflies: Self-Reflective Celebrity and the Confessional Text
Authors: Pérez Jorge
Published: February 2024

Abstract: In this essay, I examine Rosalía's Motomami (2022) as a confessional text in which the artist speaks openly about her feelings and reflects on being a celebrity and her relationship with audiences. Music critics immediately noted that it departs from the formula of her previous flamenco-based albums and praised its experimentation and combination of multiple genres. The symbol of the butterfly that appears on the album cover, in the lyrics of the first track ("Saoko"), and on Rosalía's dental grills represents this transformation. But perhaps the biggest change has to do with the intimate tone of the entire album, as Rosalía confesses her struggles, fears, and desires. As Foucault shows in the History of Sexuality , confession has been a central ritual in the discursive production of truth in Western societies. Prominent celebrity studies scholars such as Sean Redmond have noted that the confessional address has become pervasive in contemporary celebrity culture, since it is almost mandatory as a promotional strategy to brand the celebrity persona and do damage control in the case of waning stars. Rosalía's confession is striking because it is played out not only in the lyrics of Motomami but also through the musical features. Most songs have a minimalist composition, with few instrumentals that are filtered and devoid of high frequencies to allow for Rosalía's vocal delivery to stand out. And it is often a bare voice that appears in contrast to aggressive drums to convey the hostile environment Rosalía has faced in the last few years.
Digitizing Divas: Pedagogical Approaches to Contemporary Spanish Visual Culture
Authors: Anthony Tyler
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The ubiquity of multimodal advertisements, digital platforms, and social media has increasingly exposed twenty-first-century students to different elements of visual culture, thus facilitating their familiarity with interpretations of visual signs and iconography. It is my contention that instructors of Spanish can utilize elements of Spanish visual culture in their classroom to provide increased opportunities for deep cultural analysis and the development of students' overall communicative competence. Engaging with authentic materials relating to the popular Spanish singer Rosalía Vila Tobella is one way to achieve such competencies. The artist's global popularity and visual embodiment of Spanish culture in her music videos and social media posts offers students useful opportunities to reflect on issues of visuality relating to gender, race, and Spain's unique geographic and symbolic position as a southern European nation with linkages to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Drawing on the work of visual theorists such as Roland Barthes and Stuart Hall, I suggest students can reflect on Rosalía's visual oeuvre both through the identity-based tensions and within a larger genealogy of Spanish iconography. By creating their own multimodal publications about the artist through digital platforms such as Flipsnack, Google Sites, or Canva, students can study the politics of representation within the context of Spanish culture in a manner that facilitates visual learning beyond the confines of the traditional written assignment. Analyzing the visuality of Rosalía and her representation of Spanish culture teaches students practical linguistic skills related to their established online presence as "digital natives."
Memórias autobiográficas: De Os Cus de Judas a Caderno de memórias coloniais
Authors: Sousa Sandra
Published: February 2024

Resumo: Tendo em conta o papel proeminente do campo teórico de estudos sobre memória que nos tem proporcionado relevantes lentes para examinar não apenas autobiografias, mas narrativas de ficção que enfatizam as memórias autobiográficas dos personagens-narradores, este artigo pretende explorar o poder da resistência contido em narrativas de cunho pessoal. Para tal, analisarse-á em comparação os livros Os Cus de Judas (1979) de António Lobo Antunes e Caderno de Memórias Coloniais (2009) de Isabela Figueiredo, tendo-se igualmente em conta o elemento "tempo" na construção de uma memória sobre o império colonial português. Por outras palavras, será que o distanciamento temporal implica uma memória menos comprometida emocionalmente e mais pragmática sobre os eventos do passado?
Multifunctional metamaterial device based on VO2 and the equivalent diode
Authors: Wang Zelong , Wang Xin , Wang Junlin , Sun Shengjie , Pang Huizhong , Shi Kaixuan , Pei Xingyu
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a switchable multifunctional metamaterial device operating in the terahertz (THz) band. The device is loaded with an equivalent diode and utilizes vanadium dioxide (VO2). The middle layer of the whole device, a metal layer, divides the device into the I side and the II side. When the diode is ON, the I side can achieve dual-band absorption at 1.975 and 4.345 THz. When the diode is OFF, the I side can achieve single-band absorption at 4.28 THz. In the case of VO2 being insulating, the II side can achieve linear-to-linear (LTL) polarization conversion at 2.342–4.18 THz. In the case of VO2 being conductive, the II side can realize linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion at 2.105–3.283 THz. The device provides a new strategy for the subsequent combination of multiple functions. The device can be used in electromagnetic stealth, intelligent applications, radiometers, and sensors and has relatively large application potential in miniaturized multifunctional metamaterials and THz band research.
Viewing zone enlargement method for holographic displays based on the slanted pixel arrangement on a spatial light modulator
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuta , Miura Masato , Higashida Ryo , Aoshima Ken-ichi , Machida Kenji
Published: February 2024

This study proposes a method for enlarging the viewing zone of holographic displays using the slanted arrangement of pixels on a spatial light modulator (SLM). The pixel arrangement equivalently reduces the horizontal pixel pitch, which enlarges the horizontal viewing zone of displays. Computer-generated holograms (CGHs) were calculated using an asymmetric band-limit filter corresponding to the asymmetric bandwidth of the SLM with slanted pixels. The proposed methods were evaluated through an optical reconstruction experiment using static holograms with a pixel size of 1×1µm, fabricated via electron-beam lithography. The enlarged horizontal viewing zone angle was found to be 41.6°.
Diopter detection method based on optical imaging
Authors: Ren Kaitong , Liu Yong , Xu Mingming , Xing Wangmeiyu , Ni Jingshu , Zhang Yuanzhi , Dong Meili , Zhang Yang , Wang Yikun , Huang Yao
Published: February 2024

The peripheral retinal refractive state plays an important role in eye growth and development and is closely related to the development of myopia. Existing methods for measuring the peripheral retinal refractive state are cumbersome and can only detect in a limited range. To address the above shortcomings, this paper proposes a retinal refractive state detection method using optical refractive compensation imaging. First, a series of defocus images is captured using an optical system, and then the images are enhanced and filtered. Subsequently, the Sobel function is applied to calculate sharpness, and the asymmetric Gaussian (AG) model is employed for peak fitting, allowing for the determination of the fundus retina’s overall refractive compensation value. We performed consistency analysis on the central and peripheral diopters with autorefractor KR-8900 (Topcon, Japan) and WAM-5500 (Grand Seiko, Japan), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) are all greater than 0.9, showing good consistency. This is a promising alternative to the current techniques for assessing the refraction of the peripheral retina.
Focal length switchable metalens based on vanadium dioxide
Authors: Niu Junhao , Tian Renfang , Mo Wei , Li Chunhui , Yao Qianyu , Zhu Aijun
Published: February 2024

A metalens is a flat lens that can control the phase of light so that dispersed light can be reconcentrated. This study devised a tunable metalens with a switchable focal length based on the phase transition properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2). The unit structure comprises three layers from bottom to top: gold, polyimide, and two square resonant rings. The metalens can not only transform incident x-polarized waves into y-polarized waves but also achieve beam focusing simultaneously. The designed metalens achieves polarization conversion efficiency at an operating frequency of 0.8 THz. In the insulating state of VO2, the beam focal point is at L=1914µm; in the metallic state, the wave converges at L=982µm, closely aligning with the predetermined focal length. By controlling external temperature, focal point switching can be achieved, making it highly versatile in practical applications.
Low-loss and compact, dual-mode, 3-dB power splitter combining a directional coupler, a multimode interferometer, and a Y-junction
Authors: Long Jing , Jia Haitao , Zhang Jialiang , Chen Changshui
Published: February 2024

Multimode power splitters are the fundamental building blocks in mode division
multiplexing systems. In this paper, we propose a low-loss and
compact, dual-mode, 3-dB power splitter for the two lowest TE modes
combining three different structures, including a directional coupler,
a multimode interferometer, and a Y-junction. The coupling length of
the proposed device is only 7.2 µm. For both TE0 and TE1 modes, the numerical simulation shows
that the insertion loss is only less than 0.1 dB and crosstalk
is less than −20dB at the wavelength range of
1520–1580 nm. The working bandwidth can cover the entire
C-band. It offers a potential solution for a 3-dB power splitter of
the two lowest TE modes.
Photonic integrated coherent beam combiner based on MMI and the SPGD algorithm
Authors: Jiao Suping , Qiu Jifang , Zhao Guojun , Wu Jian
Published: February 2024

Atmospheric turbulence severely degrades the optical wavefront of a propagating beam,
which greatly reduces the coupling efficiency of free-space optical
(FSO) receivers. Among the various methods to mitigate the effects,
the use of a multi-channel receiver is more convenient and economical.
After passing through the multi-channel receiver, multiple single-mode
fibers (SMFs) are output and need to be combined. In this paper, we
propose photonic integrated coherent beam combiners based on multimode
interference (MMI) and the stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD)
algorithm, which avoids detecting the light out of each channel and
adding the data signal in the electrical domain. First, we propose a
4-channel coherent beam combiner based on a 4×1 MM, and about 21 iterations of the
SPGD algorithm are required to enhance the combined optical power to a
maximum of 96%. Furthermore, we demonstrate a combination of 16 beams
using five 4×1 MMIs, which requires 140 iterations
to enhance the combined power to 89%. This study offers theoretical
insights to enhance the integration of FSO communication systems.
Ultrafast random polarization beam smoothing driven by counter-rotating wavefronts via the optical Kerr effect
Authors: Xiong Hao , Zhong Zheqiang , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2024

We propose an ultrafast random polarization smoothing scheme to achieve ultrafast speckle movement and polarization randomization of the focal spot. In the scheme, each beamlet in a laser quad is driven by a rotating petal-like wavefront, giving rise to the ultrafast redistribution of the speckles within the focal spot. The rotating wavefront is induced by an optical Kerr medium pumped by a laser beam with rotating intensity distribution that is generated by the superposition of two Laguerre–Gaussian beams carrying conjugate vortex phase and frequency shift. In addition, by properly selecting the topological charges of the pump beams and polarization states of the beamlets, the beamlets in a quad can be divided into two sets with counter-rotating wavefronts and orthogonal polarizations, which further randomizes the polarization of the focal spot. Results indicate that the proposed scheme can reduce the contrast by more than 70% and the degree of polarization by more than 75% within several picoseconds, by utilizing the rotating phase pumped by two Laguerre-Gaussian beams with a peak intensity of 0.18GW/cm2 and a frequency shift of 1 THz. The ultrafast random polarization smoothing scheme is expected to suppress the growth of Laser Plasma Instabilities (LPIs) including the filamentation and backscatter in indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) facilities.
Bifurcation of bound states in the continuum in periodic structures
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yan Lu Ya
Published: February 2024

In lossless dielectric structures with a single periodic direction, a bound state in the continuum (BIC) is a special resonant mode with an infinite quality factor (Q factor). The Q factor of a resonant mode near a typical BIC satisfies Q∼1/(β−β∗)2, where β and β∗ are the Bloch wavenumbers of the resonant mode and the BIC, respectively. However, for some special BICs with β∗=0 (referred to as super-BICs by some authors), the Q factor satisfies Q ∼ 1/β6. Although super-BICs are usually obtained by merging a few BICs through tuning a structural parameter, they can be precisely characterized by a mathematical condition. In this Letter, we consider arbitrary perturbations to structures supporting a super-BIC. The perturbation is given by δF(r), where δ is the amplitude and F(r) is the perturbation profile. We show that for a typical F(r), the BICs in the perturbed structure exhibit a pitchfork bifurcation around the super-BIC. The number of BICs changes from one to three as δ passes through zero. However, for some special profiles F(r), there is no bifurcation, i.e., there is only a single BIC for δ around zero. In that case, the super-BIC is not associated with a merging process for which δ is the parameter.
Expressway traffic flow prediction based on MF-TAN and STSA
Authors: Zhang Xi , Ren Qiang , Zhang Ying , Quan Chunlian , Guo Shuang , Li Fangwei
Published: February 2024

Highly accurate traffic flow prediction is essential for effectively managing traffic congestion, providing real-time travel advice, and reducing travel costs. However, traditional traffic flow prediction models often fail to fully consider the correlation and periodicity among traffic state data and rely on static network topology graphs. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a expressway traffic flow prediction model based on multi-feature spatial-temporal adaptive periodic fused graph convolutional network (MFSTAPFGCN). First, we make fine preprocessing of the raw data to construct a complete and accurate dataset. Second, by deeply investigating the correlation properties among section speed, traffic flow, and section saturation rate, we incorporate these features into a multi-feature temporal attention mechanism in order to dynamically model the correlation of traffic flow in different time periods. Next, we adopt a spatial-temporal adaptive fusion graph convolutional network to capture the daily cycle similarity and potential spatial-temporal dependence of traffic flow data. Finally, the superiority of the proposed MFSTAPFGCN model over the traditional baseline model is verified through comparative experiments on real Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) gantry transaction data, and the effectiveness of each module is demonstrated through ablation experiments.
Determinants of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in young people: Maternal, neonatal, and adolescent factors
Authors: Nairz Johannes , Messner Alex , Kiechl Sophia J. , Winder Bernhard , Hochmayr Christoph , Egger Alexander E. , Griesmacher Andrea , Geiger Ralf , Griesmaier Elke , Pechlaner Raimund , Knoflach Michael , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula ,   the Early Vascular Ageing in the YOUth (EVA4YOU) Study Group
Published: February 2024

Aim

To assess the impact of maternal, neonatal, and adolescent factors on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a cohort of 14- to 19-year-old adolescents.

Methods

This study is part of the Early Vascular Ageing in the YOUth study, a single-center cross-sectional study conducted in western Austria. Maternal and neonatal factors were extracted from the mother-child booklet, adolescent factors were evaluated by a face-to-face interview, physical examination, and fasting blood analyses. Liver fat content was assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using signals acquired by FibroScan® (Echosense, Paris, France). The association of maternal, neonatal, and adolescent factors with CAP values was analyzed using linear regression models.

Results

In total, 595 adolescents (27.2% male) aged 17.0 ± 1.3 years were included. 4.9% (n = 29) showed manifest NAFLD with CAP values above the 90th percentile. Male sex (p < 0.001), adolescent triglyceride levels (p = 0.021), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance index and BMI z-score (p < 0.001, each) showed a significant association with liver fat content in the multivariable analysis. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with CAP values after adjustment for sex, age, and birth weight for gestational age (p < 0.001), but this association was predominantly mediated by adolescent BMI (indirect effect b = 1.18, 95% CI [0.69, 1.77]).

Conclusion

Components of the metabolic syndrome were the most important predictors of adolescent liver fat content. Therefore, prevention of NAFLD should focus on lifestyle modification in childhood and adolescence.
Reporting mental disorders in a multi-ethnic country: A framing analysis of Malaysian newspapers
Authors: Yang Lai Fong , Veeraiah Chandrasekaran
Published: February 2024

Sociocultural background influences mental disorders in terms of conception, perception, experience of symptoms, recognition and labelling, classification as well as treatment. Malaysia provides a unique context to study the reporting of mental disorders because the concept of mental health is greatly influenced by the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural beliefs of the people in the country. Significantly, media contribute to the framing of mental health problems, with various aspects of the public health issue as well as the stakeholders being depicted differently in the coverage. The current study employed a qualitative content analysis to examine the coverage of mental disorders by Malaysian legacy and online-only newspapers. It was found that the newspapers coverage on mental illnesses could be influenced by their ethnic, cultural or ownership background. The findings also showed that the newspapers reported mental disorders with different prominence and news sources. Mental disorders were most commonly associated with the problems of stress and suicide. Additionally, depression and anxiety were the most frequently reported mental disorders. The individual and societal levels of causal attribution and treatment for mental health conditions were reported, while care/harm was the leading moral evaluation. The practical implications of the findings were discussed with regard to the role of media in promoting mental health literacy, destigmatization and prevention.
controle de constitucionalidade no orçamento público
Authors: Morais Ana Roberta da Silva
Published: February 2024

Este artigo objetiva estudar como se dá o controle de constitucionalidade sobre a lei orçamentária anual, com o contexto histórico e a posição jurídica atual. Com este intento, utilizou-se o método dedutivo, com as técnicas de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica, numa uma análise exploratória e qualitativa, por meio da observação da evolução jurisprudencial e do entendimento doutrinário sobre o orçamento e a possibilidade de controle constitucional. Realizada uma pesquisa exploratória qualitativa, tem-se como resultado a possibilidade de amplo controle judicial do orçamento através da aplicação do texto constitucional. A pesquisa possibilitou entender a evolução do entendimento do controle de constitucionalidade sobre o orçamento para atingir o atual cenário de possibilitar analisar o texto orçamentário frente às diretrizes estabelecidas na Constituição da República de 1988.
A Lei Nº 14.022/2020 como medida de enfrentamento de violência doméstica e familiar durante a pandemia e sua contribuição na ODS – 16 da agenda 2030 da ONU
Authors: Hening Anderson , Kelner Lenice
Published: February 2024

A pandemia causada pelo Covid-19 trouxe muitos impactos na vida das pessoas no mundo inteiro. Dentre essas mudanças, a que mais se pode vivenciar foram as medidas de isolamento social, com a finalidade de dificultar a propagação do vírus. Diante da situação e das reações sociais, pode se observar o crescente número de casos de violência doméstica e familiar, contra mulheres, crianças ou adolescentes, idosos ou pessoas com deficiências. Como objetivo geral a pesquisa busca avaliar a Lei nº 14.022/2020 que estipula alguns atendimentos como essenciais para prestar apoio e facilitar o acesso à estas vítimas. Portanto se buscou analisar de que forma essas medidas contribuíram para o desenvolvimento sustentável global, a partir da Meta 16.1 do ODS-16 da agenda 2030 da ONU. O método de pesquisa empregado foi o hipotético-dedutivo, mediante o emprego de técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental.
Matriz de análise das decisões judiciais: o discurso dos magistrados no Brasil e Alemanha
Authors: Souto Brandao Pereira Rebeka , Martins Leonardo
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo objetiva descrever e analisar os conteúdos dos discursos jurídicos dos magistrados no Brasil e na Alemanha à luz da teoria do subjetivismo hermenêutico de José Rodrigo Rodriguez. Partindo-se de um estudo descritivo dos dispositivos constitucionais vigentes no Brasil e na Alemanha, a fim de se explicitar as respectivas estruturas constitucionais e suas implicações na construção da argumentação jurídica da decisão de modo a debater a decisão “à moda brasileira” e “à moda germânica”. Para tanto, aplicou-se a metodologia do tipo exploratória e elegeu-se a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental como instrumento de estudos de trabalhos científicos interdisciplinares, valendo-se especialmente da análise das decisões proferidas no Brasil e na Alemanha, além de propor uma matriz para análise objetiva de conteúdo. Os resultados obtidos não estabeleceram juízo de valor sobre os Tribunais Constitucionais dos dois países, ao contrário, propiciaram uma visão ampliada sobre suas práticas, na medida em que apontaram distinções na maneira de expor o conteúdo dos respectivos discursos, demonstrando que as diferenças culturais demarcam os julgadores, desde a sua formação até a sua atuação profissional.
Estéticas periféricas
Authors: Ríos Guillermo , Beretta Diego
Published: February 2024

El artículo propone una introducción en el paisaje urbano de los bordes de las ciudades de Santa Fe y Rosario con el objetivo de hacer visible expresiones plásticas entre las que se encuentran murales y grafitis, como parte de la configuración de lo que llamaremos estéticas periféricas. Estas inscripciones darían cuenta de una estructuración dinámica en el proceso de diferenciación territorial lo que implicaría la irrupción de disputas y controversias. La identificación de manifestaciones plásticas en las superficies urbanas que se despliegan en el paisaje urbano de las ciudades constituye un mirador potente del entramado de poder en la periferia, en la que podemos leer las tensiones y (contestaciones) entre el monopolio de la fuerza del Estado y la construcción de marcas de memoria por el otro. Esto abona al supuesto que es en las periferias urbanas donde es posible analizar cómo el Estado opera, refuerza y reproduce las desigualdades que impactan en la vida cotidiana de las personas. El artículo se basa en una primera exploración desde un enfoque cualitativo, a partir del análisis de murales y grafitis fotografiados en el campo, como así también del análisis de otras fuentes como medios de comunicación, observación no participante y documentos de políticas urbanas. Las inscripciones analizadas pueden ser entendidas como delimitaciones territoriales de las geografías de la violencia y que forman parte de las estéticas de la periferia. Si bien estas marcas pueden constituir una vasta y desorganizada cartografía, como se verá, se recuperan solo algunas de sus expresiones.
Ordenamiento urbano y desigualdad social
Authors: Imbert Iván
Published: February 2024

Desde mediados de la década del 90 en Argentina hubo un emergente de prácticas laborales de carácter informal ligadas a las condiciones de carencia material de gran parte de la población producidas, entre múltiples variables globales propias del modelo de producción, por las políticas económicas nacionales de ese período. Bajo un contexto de precariedad crítica, entre la necesidad y la inventiva, emergieron una serie de tácticas de obtención de recursos materiales que implican, por un lado, el desplazamiento hacia áreas de centralidad urbana y, por otro, la ocupación del espacio público para su desarrollo. 

Al mismo tiempo, se observa un proceso de fragmentación social y urbana de las ciudades latinoamericanas que tienden hacia la fronterización contribuyendo a consolidar las desigualdades al afectar la libre circulación y ocupación del espacio de los habitantes de zonas de la periferia. El debilitamiento o desaparición de lazos agudiza la situación de carencia provocando nuevos ciclos de relegamiento mediante la encapsulación de las condiciones materiales de vida. 

La aparición de estos oficios en la ciudad de Santa Fe ha despertado diversos debates en la opinión pública, en los medios de comunicación, así como en el ámbito de la decisión política. Utilizando la producción de datos obtenida mediante aproximaciones de tipo etnográficas que incluyen conversaciones, entrevistas y presencias durante sus jornadas laborales, proponemos realizar un paneo sobre las posiciones estatales sobre las prácticas de cartoneros, carreros, cirujas, cuidacoches y limpiavidrios, contemplando cómo afecta a su desarrollo y evaluando cómo ha sido el impacto en la desigualdad.