bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ayênan: visibilización de los vínculos entre lo humano y lo no humano
Authors: Mejías Méndez Roberto Carlos
Published: April 2024

En este trabajo me propongo examinar el documental Ayênan (2018), una producción audiovisual suizo-colombiana. El espacio documentado es la zona amazónica de Colombia, la cual va desde los Andes hasta la baja Amazonia. Ayênan es el resultado de un trabajo colectivo en el que participan miembros de las comunidades ancestrales Inga, Quillasinga, Siona, Kamënstá, Awa y Nasa, habitantes de la región. Producido en el marco de un proyecto cuyo propósito es el intercambio de saberes —mientras miembros de la comunidad aprenden a emplear las cámaras y drones, el equipo de filmación aprende acerca de la zona habitada por estas comunidades—, la aproximación al territorio, incluyendo algunas de las imágenes, se encuentra mediada por las culturas de las comunidades ancestrales. Atendiendo a lo anterior, en este trabajo analizo la representación de entidades humanas y no humanas, en la búsqueda de indicios de nuevas estructuras de comprensión/percepción del mundo o, dicho desde una perspectiva decolonial, indicios de una reconstitución gnoseológica y aestésica.
Theoretical analysis of the buried heterostructure laser for stable dual-wavelength generation
Authors: Pal Soumi , Khandelwal Arpit , Bhatia Nitin
Published: April 2024

Stable dual-wavelength emission from a laser is desirable for microwave signal generation using the optical heterodyning method. As both optical wavelengths are generated from the same cavity, the phase noise of the generated microwave signal is minimized. In this work, we exploit the inherent birefringence in the buried heterostructure semiconductor laser to generate dual polarized modes. We carefully analyze the mode competition between various modes in the cavity and propose the desirable gain modification conditions for stable dual mode oscillations when the laser is operating near the threshold. We show that the required asymmetry in the gain for two stable modes can be obtained from the mode confinement factors and facet losses. We also show the applicability of our results to a homogeneously broadened multimode laser.
Leveraging statistical-spectral correlations of random metasurfaces for steganography and multi-wavelength cryptography
Authors: Audhkhasi Romil , Zhelyeznyakov Maksym , Brunton Steven , Majumdar Arka
Published: April 2024

The ability to tailor the spectral response of photonic devices is paramount to the
advancement of a broad range of applications. The vast design space
offered by disordered optical media provides enhanced functionality
for spectral tailoring while also making it
challenging to map the spectral properties of such complex systems to
their structural attributes. In this work, we investigate correlations
between the configuration statistics of random metasurfaces and their
spectral transmissivity in the visible, and leverage those to develop
a reduced phase space. In the latter part of the manuscript, we use
this reduced phase space to design a pixelated color filter that hides
visual data within a preselected cover image for steganography.
Furthermore, we design a pair of color filters that can collectively
encrypt a given grayscale image in their spectral transmissivities. We
envision such devices to create opportunities for the development of
compact, next-generation cryptographic systems. More broadly, the
results presented in this manuscript provide new, to the best of our
knowledge, avenues for optimizing large-scale random metasurfaces to
achieve enhanced optical functionalities for a wide variety of
applications.
Optimized strategies of cloud droplet distribution retrieval using satellite multi-directional polarimetric optical measurements: information content approach
Authors: Yu Haixiao , Sun Xiaobing , Ti Rufang , Tu Bihai , Fan Yizhe , Wang Yuxuan , Wang Zeling , Wei Yichen , Liu Xiao , Huang Honglian , Li Yiqi , Wang Yuyao
Published: April 2024

Multi-directional polarized optical sensors are increasingly vital in passive remote sensing, deepening our understanding of global cloud properties. Nevertheless, uncertainty lingers on how these observations can contribute to our knowledge of cloud diversity. The variability in cloud PSD (Particle Size Distribution) significantly influences a wide array of cloud characteristics, while unidentified factors in RT (Radiative Transfer) may introduce errors into the cloud PSD retrieval algorithm. Therefore, establishing unified evaluation criteria for both optical device configuration and inversion methods is crucial. Our study, based on Bayesian theory and RT, assesses the information content of both cloud effective radius and effective variance retrieval, along with the key factors affecting their retrieval in multi-directional polarized observations, using the calculation of DFS (Degree of Freedom for Signals).We consider the process of solar incidence, cloud scattering, and sensor reception, and discuss the impact of various sensor configurations, cloud characteristics, and other components on the retrieval of cloud PSD. Correspondingly, we observed a 48% improvement in the information content of cloud PSD with the incorporation of multi-directional polarized measurements in the rainbow region. Cloud droplet concentration significantly influences inversion, but its PSD does not cause monotonic linear interference on information content. The blending of particle mixtures with different PSD has a significant negative impact on DFS. In cases where the AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) is less than 0.5 and the COT (Cloud Optical Thickness) exceeds 5, the influence of aerosol and surface contributions on inversion can be neglected. Our findings would serve as a foundation for future instrument design improvements and enhancements to retrieval algorithms.
Long-wave infrared pulsed external-cavity QCL spectrometer using a hollow waveguide gas cell
Authors: Francis Daniel , Hodgkinson Jane , Tatam Ralph P.
Published: April 2024

A spectrometer built using an external cavity pulsed quantum cascade laser is described. The spectrometer has a tuning range from 10 – 13 µm (1,000 – 769 cm−1) and is designed to target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which often exhibit water-free molecular absorption within the region. The spectrometer utilizes a hollow silica waveguide gas cell which has an internal volume of a few millilitres, a fast response time (∼1 s), and is advantageous when only low sample volumes, similar to the cell volume, are available. Propane is used as a test gas because it is easy to handle, and its spectral profile is comparable to VOCs of interest. Its absorption in the region is primarily within the ν21 band which spans from 10.55 – 11.16 µm (948 – 896 cm−1). Spectral measurements at a range of concentrations show good linearity and an Allan deviation of absorbance values recorded over a 100-minute period indicates a minimum detectable absorbance of 3.5×10−5 at an integration time of 75 s.
Staring X-ray backscatter imaging based on ultra-high aspect ratio lobster eye lens: erratum
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Ouyang Mingzhao , Li Longhui , Zhang Yingjun , Ma Shizhang , Fu Yuegang
Published: April 2024

An erratum to correct a mistake for the article titled “Staring X-ray backscatter imaging based on ultra-high aspect ratio lobster eye lens” published in Opt. Express 32(7), 11600 (2024)10.1364/OE.514941. The corrections have no influence on the results and conclusions of the original paper.
Synchronous mode-locking of solid-state lasers by difference frequency generation
Authors: Jensen O. B. , Hansen A. K. , Chi M. , Tidemand-Lichtenberg P.
Published: April 2024

This Letter introduces a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method for achieving mode-locking and synchronization of mode-locked output pulses from two lasers. The proposed technique leverages parametric gain from difference frequency generation. Specifically, a Nd:YAG laser is mode-locked by single-pass mode-locked pulses from a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser using an intracavity nonlinear crystal. When the continuous-wave laser is not actively pumped, the system functions as a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator. This novel approach has the potential to enable new devices, especially for pump-probe applications or for generation of mode-locked pulses in spectral regions where conventional mode-locked devices are typically not available.
Strategically constructed AlGaN doping barriers for efficient deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes: erratum
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Zhou Qianxi , Liu Xu , Lv Zhenxing , Tang Bin , Geng Hansong , Qi Shengli , Zhou Shengjun
Published: April 2024

We present an erratum to our Letter [Opt. Lett. 49, 2049 (2024)10.1364/OL.522212]. There is a careless omission of some references because our Letter is longer than the maximum allowed four pages. The missing references and their specific quote location are listed in the following. These corrections do not affect the data plotted in figures, discussion, or conclusion of the original Letter.
Global seroprevalence of Zika virus in asymptomatic individuals: A systematic review
Authors: Saba Villarroel Paola Mariela , Hamel Rodolphe , Gumpangseth Nuttamonpat , Yainoy Sakda , Koomhin Phanit , Missé Dorothée , Wichit Sineewanlaya
Published: April 2024

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread to five of the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. Given the substantial number of asymptomatic infections and clinical presentations resembling those of other arboviruses, estimating the true burden of ZIKV infections is both challenging and essential. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence studies of ZIKV IgG in asymptomatic population to estimate its global impact and distribution.

Methodology/Principal findings

We conducted extensive searches and compiled a collection of articles published from Jan/01/2000, to Jul/31/2023, from Embase, Pubmed, SciELO, and Scopus databases. The random effects model was used to pool prevalences, reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI), a tool to assess the risk of study bias in prevalence studies, and the I2 method for heterogeneity (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023442227). Eighty-four studies from 49 countries/territories, with a diversity of study designs and serological tests were included. The global seroprevalence of ZIKV was 21.0% (95%CI 16.1%-26.4%). Evidence of IgG antibodies was identified in all WHO regions, except for Europe. Seroprevalence correlated with the epidemics in the Americas (39.9%, 95%CI:30.0–49.9), and in some Western Pacific countries (15.6%, 95%CI:8.2–24.9), as well as with recent and past circulation in Southeast Asia (22.8%, 95%CI:16.5–29.7), particularly in Thailand. Additionally, sustained low circulation was observed in Africa (8.4%, 95%CI:4.8–12.9), except for Gabon (43.7%), and Burkina Faso (22.8%). Although no autochthonous transmission was identified in the Eastern Mediterranean, a seroprevalence of 16.0% was recorded.

Conclusions/Significance

The study highlights the high heterogeneity and gaps in the distribution of seroprevalence. The implementation of standardized protocols and the development of tests with high specificity are essential for ensuring a valid comparison between studies. Equally crucial are vector surveillance and control methods to reduce the risk of emerging and re-emerging ZIKV outbreaks, whether caused by Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus or by the Asian or African ZIKV.
Reducing target binding affinity improves the therapeutic index of anti-MET antibody-drug conjugate in tumor bearing animals
Authors: Datta-Mannan Amita , Choi Hiuwan , Jin Zhaoyan , Liu Ling , Lu Jirong , Stokell David J. , Murphy Anthony T. , Dunn Kenneth W. , Martinez Michelle M. , Feng Yiqing
Published: April 2024

Many oncology antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have failed to demonstrate efficacy in clinic because of dose-limiting toxicity caused by uptake into healthy tissues. We developed an approach that harnesses ADC affinity to broaden the therapeutic index (TI) using two anti-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high affinity (HAV) or low affinity (LAV) conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). The estimated TI for LAV-ADC was at least 3 times greater than the HAV-ADC. The LAV- and HAV-ADCs showed similar levels of anti-tumor activity in the xenograft model, while the 111In-DTPA studies showed similar amounts of the ADCs in HT29 tumors. Although the LAV-ADC has ~2-fold slower blood clearance than the HAV-ADC, higher liver toxicity was observed with HAV-ADC. While the SPECT/CT 111In- and 124I- DTPA findings showed HAV-ADC has higher accumulation and rapid clearance in normal tissues, intravital microscopy (IVM) studies confirmed HAV mAb accumulates within hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells while the LAV mAb does not. These results demonstrated that lowering the MET binding affinity provides a larger TI for MET-ADC. Decreasing the affinity of the ADC reduces the target mediated drug disposition (TMDD) to MET expressed in normal tissues while maintaining uptake/delivery to the tumor. This approach can be applied to multiple ADCs to improve the clinical outcomes.
Does culture moderate the encoding and recognition of negative cues? Evidence from an eye-tracking study
Authors: Falon Samantha Leigh , Jobson Laura , Liddell Belinda Jayne
Published: April 2024

Cross-cultural research has elucidated many important differences between people from Western European and East Asian cultural backgrounds regarding how each group encodes and consolidates the contents of complex visual stimuli. While Western European groups typically demonstrate a perceptual bias towards centralised information, East Asian groups favour a perceptual bias towards background information. However, this research has largely focused on the perception of neutral cues and thus questions remain regarding cultural group differences in both the perception and recognition of negative, emotionally significant cues. The present study therefore compared Western European (n = 42) and East Asian (n = 40) participants on a free-viewing task and a subsequent memory task utilising negative and neutral social cues. Attentional deployment to the centralised versus background components of negative and neutral social cues was indexed via eye-tracking, and memory was assessed with a cued-recognition task two days later. While both groups demonstrated an attentional bias towards the centralised components of the neutral cues, only the Western European group demonstrated this bias in the case of the negative cues. There were no significant differences observed between Western European and East Asian groups in terms of memory accuracy, although the Western European group was unexpectedly less sensitive to the centralised components of the negative cues. These findings suggest that culture modulates low-level attentional deployment to negative information, however not higher-level recognition after a temporal interval. This paper is, to our knowledge, the first to concurrently consider the effect of culture on both attentional outcomes and memory for both negative and neutral cues.
Comorbidities and their association with COVID-19 mortality in Mexico between January 2020 and August 2021
Authors: Lowhorn Ryan J. , Chowdhury Mohammed , Kimitei Symon , Haskin Sammie , Masum Mohammad , Rahman A. K. M. Fazlur
Published: April 2024

By August 17, 2021, 4.3 million people had died globally as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. While data collection is ongoing, it is abundantly obvious that this is one of the most significant public health crises in modern history. Consequently, global efforts are being made to attain a greater understanding of this disease and to identify risk factors associated with more severe outcomes. The goal of this study is to identify clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in Mexico. The dataset used in this study was released by Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiologica de Enfermedades Respiratorias (SISVER) de la Secretaría de Salud and contains 2.9 million COVID-19 cases. The effects of risk factors on COVID-19 mortality were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models with generalized estimation equation and Kaplan-Meier curves. Case fatality rates, case hospitalization rates are also reported using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) USA death-to-case ratio method. In general, older males with pre-existing conditions had higher odds of death. Age greater than 40, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are associated with higher COVID-19 mortality. End-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression are all linked with COVID-19 patient fatalities. Smoking and Asthma are associated with lower COVID-19 mortality which is consistent with findings from the article published in Nature based on National Health Service (NHS) of UK dataset (17 million cases). Intensive care unit (ICU), patient intubation, and pneumonia diagnosis are shown to substantially increase mortality risk for COVID-19 patients.
Population ageing, incarceration and the growing digital divide: Understanding the effects of digital literacy inequity experienced by older people leaving prison
Authors: Hwang Ye In (Jane) , Hagos Amanuel , Withall Adrienne , Hampton Stephen , Snoyman Phillip , Butler Tony
Published: April 2024

Background

Digital inequity refers to the inequality and exclusion experienced by those who lack the same opportunities or circumstances to support the development of digital skills as the rest of modern society. One rapidly growing and highly vulnerable group to digital inequity is older people attempting to reintegrate into society after release from prison, where technology access is limited. Inadequate support for digital skills in this population entails widespread consequences for public health, human rights, social welfare and recidivism. This qualitative study is the first to: examine digital inequity experienced by older people who have been incarcerated, understand the effects of this on reintegration to society, and begin informing appropriate solutions.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with N = 15 older people (mean age = 57) who had been released from an Australian prison in the last two years, regarding their experiences of digital literacy since leaving prison. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted under a critical realist lens.

Results

The analysis resulted in six themes that illustrated the extent of digital inequity experienced by this population, and key challenges for improving digital literacy: ‘surviving in a digital world’, ‘stranger in a foreign world’, ‘questioning the digital divide’, ‘overcoming your “old” self’, ‘don’t like what you don’t know’, and ‘seeking versus finding help’.

Conclusions

The digital inequity that older people experience during and after incarceration creates additional challenges for a growing group who are already medically and socially marginalised. Prioritisation of this group for digital literacy initiatives both during incarceration and in the community will have benefits for their health, social and financial reintegration. Their unique life experiences should be considered in designing and delivering these programs. Simultaneously, prisons should be cognizant of the potential detrimental effects of technology restriction on reintegration and criminogenic outcomes.
Systemic effects of the COVID pandemic on rural black American men’s interpersonal relationships: A phenomenological examination
Authors: Curtis Michael G. , Wieling Elizabeth , Bryant Chalandra , Campbell Rosalyn Denise , Kogan Steven M.
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic was a socionatural disaster that unprecedentedly disrupted the daily lives of individuals, families, and communities. Prior research indicates that Black American men living in rural contexts, particularly in Southern parts of the United States of America, were disproportionately affected by the psychological and economic effects of the pandemic. Despite these disparities, few studies have examined the pandemic’s impact on rural Black American men’s social networks. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural Black American men’s interpersonal relationships. Informed by the principles of critical ethnography and guided by van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenology, seventeen men were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using an iterative thematic reduction process consistent with van Manen’s approach. Four themes were generated: Familial Reorganization, Adaptive Fatherhood, Rona Romance, and Essential Community. Participants recounted how the pandemic motivated them to improve their relationships with family members and children but contributed additional stress to their romantic relationships. Participants further recounted how their friendships were the least impacted as they were willing to make exceptions to their normal protective protocols to socialize with close friends. Participants also noted feeling disconnected from their wider community because they could not attend church even though their religious beliefs remained unchanged. Findings highlight the need for scholars, clinicians, and policymakers to consider men’s relational health when developing and implementing pandemic recovery efforts, as it can significantly influence their ability to recuperate mentally and physically. Future research should be dedicated to (1) investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fathers, as prior research has nearly exclusively focused on mothers’ experiences and (2) delineating protective effects of rural Black American men’s involvement in the Black Church from their individual spiritualities to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of contextual crisis on their long-term health and wellbeing.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study of vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores
Authors: Al Jassem Omar , Kheir Karim , Ismail Ali , Abou-Abbas Linda , Masri Alaa , Haddad Celine , Nasrallah Khalil
Published: April 2024

Background

Vitamin B12 deficiency is responsible for a variety of complications, particularly neurological/neuropsychiatric complications, including depression, irritability, paresthesia and insomnia. Since vitamin B12 is found in animal-derived products, vegans/vegetarians are at a greater risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency among a sample of adult Lebanese population, with a particular emphasis on assessing the severity of its neurological/neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, especially among vegans/vegetarians.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 483 Lebanese adults. Data was collected through a standardized questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized anxiety disorders-7 (GAD-7), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scales.

Results

Among the participants, 11.4% were in the vegan/vegetarian group, and about 43.1% had vitamin B12 deficiency. After analyzing the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and ISI total scores, higher scores were reported in participants with vitamin B12 deficiency, compared to individuals with normal vitamin B12 serum levels (p < 0.001). Regarding the diet type, vegans/vegetarians were more susceptible to developing depression compared to omnivores (mean scores of 11.92 vs 8.02 on the PHQ-9 scale, respectively, with p < 0.001). Of the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, 81.1% reported having paresthesia compared to 43.7% of individuals with no vitamin B12 deficiency (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency in Lebanon is notably high and is linked to an increased risk of developing depression, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and paresthesia. Vegans/vegetarians exhibit a higher susceptibility to developing depression compared to omnivores, whereas the risk of developing insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder and paresthesia was statistically insignificant when comparing vegans/vegetarians to omnivores.
Extracellular mixed histones are neurotoxic and modulate select neuroimmune responses of glial cells
Authors: Da Silva Dylan E. , Richards Christy M. , McRae Seamus A. , Riar Ishvin , Yang Sijie (Shirley) , Zurfluh Noah E. , Gibon Julien , Klegeris Andis
Published: April 2024

Although histone proteins are widely known for their intranuclear functions where they organize DNA, all five histone types can also be released into the extracellular space from damaged cells. Extracellular histones can interact with pattern recognition receptors of peripheral immune cells, including toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), causing pro-inflammatory activation, which indicates they may act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in peripheral tissues. Very limited information is available about functions of extracellular histones in the central nervous system (CNS). To address this knowledge gap, we applied mixed histones (MH) to cultured cells modeling neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. Microglia are the professional CNS immunocytes, while astrocytes are the main support cells for neurons. Both these cell types are critical for neuroimmune responses and their dysregulated activity contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. We measured effects of extracellular MH on cell viability and select neuroimmune functions of microglia and astrocytes. MH were toxic to cultured primary murine neurons and also reduced viability of NSC-34 murine and SH-SY5Y human neuron-like cells in TLR4-dependent manner. MH did not affect the viability of resting or immune-stimulated BV-2 murine microglia or U118 MG human astrocytic cells. When applied to BV-2 cells, MH enhanced secretion of the potential neurotoxin glutamate, but did not modulate the release of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), or the overall cytotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and/or interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells towards NSC-34 neuron-like cells. We demonstrated, for the first time, that MH downregulated phagocytic activity of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. However, MH also exhibited protective effect by ameliorating the cytotoxicity of LPS-stimulated U118 MG astrocytic cells towards SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells. Our data demonstrate extracellular MH could both damage neurons and alter neuroimmune functions of glial cells. These actions of MH could be targeted for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Characterization of the brain virome in human immunodeficiency virus infection and substance use disorder
Authors: Dang Xin , Hanson Barbara A. , Orban Zachary S. , Jimenez Millenia , Suchy Stephen , Koralnik Igor J.
Published: April 2024

Viruses can infect the brain in individuals with and without HIV-infection: however, the brain virome is poorly characterized. Metabolic alterations have been identified which predispose people to substance use disorder (SUD), but whether these could be triggered by viral infection of the brain is unknown. We used a target-enrichment, deep sequencing platform and bioinformatic pipeline named “ViroFind”, for the unbiased characterization of DNA and RNA viruses in brain samples obtained from the National Neuro-AIDS Tissue Consortium. We analyzed fresh frozen post-mortem prefrontal cortex from 72 individuals without known viral infection of the brain, including 16 HIV+/SUD+, 20 HIV+/SUD-, 16 HIV-/SUD+, and 20 HIV-/SUD-. The average age was 52.3 y and 62.5% were males. We identified sequences from 26 viruses belonging to 11 viral taxa. These included viruses with and without known pathogenic potential or tropism to the nervous system, with sequence coverage ranging from 0.03 to 99.73% of the viral genomes. In SUD+ people, HIV-infection was associated with a higher total number of viruses, and HIV+/SUD+ compared to HIV-/SUD+ individuals had an increased frequency of Adenovirus (68.8 vs 0%; p<0.001) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (43.8 vs 6.3%; p=0.037) as well as an increase in Torque Teno virus (TTV) burden. Conversely, in HIV+ people, SUD was associated with an increase in frequency of Hepatitis C virus, (25 in HIV+/SUD+ vs 0% in HIV+/SUD-; p=0.031). Finally, HIV+/SUD- compared to HIV-/SUD- individuals had an increased frequency of EBV (50 vs 0%; p<0.001) and an increase in TTV viral burden, but a decreased Adenovirus viral burden. These data demonstrate an unexpectedly high variety in the human brain virome, identifying targets for future research into the impact of these taxa on the central nervous system. ViroFind could become a valuable tool for monitoring viral dynamics in various compartments, monitoring outbreaks, and informing vaccine development.
Family structure and the association with physical activity—Findings from 40 countries participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study
Authors: Haug Ellen , Smith Otto Robert Frans , Ng Kwok , Samdal Oddrun , Marques Adilson , Borraccino Alberto , Kopcakova Jaroslava , Oja Leila , Fismen Anne-Siri
Published: April 2024

Background

The family has been acknowledged as central to developing physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviours. However, increased diversity in family structures has developed over the last decades. This study examines the association between family structure and PA among adolescents and cross-national variations in the associations.

Methods

The data are from the 2013/14 Health Behaviours in School-Aged Children study, involving nationally representative samples of 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds (n = 211,798) from 40 countries. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the associations between family structure and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) by age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographic region.

Results

Living with one versus two parents was associated with a reduced likelihood of daily 60 min MVPA for boys (IRR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99) and ≥ 4 times/week VPA (IRR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.95). This impact on MVPA differed across individual-level SES (high SES; IRR = 0.92, (p <0.05), low SES; IRR = 1.04, (ns)), and was for VPA only significant for those with siblings (IRR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.96). Cross-country variations in the association between living with one versus two parents were observed, most pronounced for VPA. These differences varied by region, primarily explained by country-level SES differences between regions. The likelihood of daily 60 min MVPA also increased with siblings in the main house (IRR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.14), and ≥ 4 times/week VPA decreased with grandparents in the main house (IRR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89,0.94).

Conclusions

Family structure correlated with PA, but cross-country differences exist. The findings are relevant for the development of policies and programs to facilitate PA, especially in countries where living with one versus two parents was unfavourable. Additional country-specific research is needed to identify challenges for engaging in PA related to family structure.
Laughter and effective presidential leadership: A case study of Ronald Reagan as the ‘great communicator’
Authors: Stewart Patrick A. , Dye Reagan G. , Senior Carl
Published: April 2024

Former United States President Ronald Reagan’s use of media and his charismatic connection with viewers earned him the moniker “the great communicator”. One aspect of his charisma, the influence of elicited laughter, during a highly critical 5-minute news story by CBS reporter Leslie Stahl during the 1984 US presidential election is examined here. Two experiments examining the effects of audience laughter on perceptions of charismatic leadership are reported. In the first experiment the effects of audience laughter in response to Reagan’s comments were investigated. Here, Reagan’s perceived warmth as an effective leader significantly diminished when strong laughter is removed, whereas perceptions of competence remained unaffected. The second study carried out on an older cohort replicated and extended the first in a pre-registered design by considering the perception of trait charisma. Here, the presence or absence of audience laughter did not affect judgements of charisma. Additionally, the affective response before, and then after, the presentation of the news story was measured. Emotions associated with a positive appraisal all decreased after being shown the news story while emotions associated negative appraisal all increased. However, only participant anger was significantly increased when audience laughter was removed. Taken together the findings of both studies converge on the fact that subtle changes in media presentation of political leaders can have a significant effect on viewers. The findings show that even after 40 years in office the social psychological effects of presidential charisma can still influence observers.
Garlic oil improves small intestinal motility in experimentally induced type II diabetes mellitus in female Wistar rats
Authors: Saleh Nermine K. M. , Mohamed Abd El-Hamid A. , Moussa Manal H. , Assal Yasmin , Lasheen Noha N.
Published: April 2024

Diabetes mellitus adversely affects the contractile ability of the small intestine. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the impact of garlic oil on small intestinal motility. This study aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of garlic oil on type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. Thirty-six adult female Wistar rats (n = 36) were divided into four groups: control, non-diabetic rats supplemented with garlic oil, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with garlic oil. The rats were anesthetized using pentobarbitone (40 mg/kg BW); various motility parameters and oxidative markers were determined in small intestinal segments. Measurements were taken for naso-anal length, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose level (FBG), and plasma insulin level. Compared to the control group, the diabetic rats exhibited a reduction in the average force of contraction and motility index in all small intestinal segments. Furthermore, the rats exhibited a reduction in the average duration of muscle contraction only in the jejunum. The rats also exhibited hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, significant oxidative stress, and obesity. This was proven by changes in motility parameters, fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA-IR values, intestinal MDA levels, and waist circumference. The non-diabetic rats supplemented with garlic oil also exhibited a decrease in the average force of contraction and motility index in all small intestinal segments, despite having consistently higher Lee index and waist circumference values. However, the diabetic rats treated with garlic oil demonstrated improved small intestinal motility in nearly all small intestinal segments and a reduction in oxidative stress. In conclusion, rats with diabetes mellitus experienced a decrease in small intestinal motility, which is primarily driven by oxidative stress. Normal rats administered with garlic oil supplements exhibited similar effects. In contrast, garlic oil treatment in diabetic rats led to enhanced small intestinal motility and a notable anti-hyperglycemic effect, which can be attributed to the potent antioxidant properties of garlic oil.
A standard calibration method based on a symmetric resistance network matrix for galvanic logging instruments
Authors: Ji Yongli , Li Zhiqiang , Xia Jigen , Song Jiajia
Published: April 2024

An increasing number of measurement electrodes have been designed to satisfy the demand for high-resolution detection using galvanic logging technology in complex formations. The forward modeling response analysis of logging tools has important guiding significance in the design of galvanic logging tools. Based on a three-dimensional finite element numerical simulation method, we established a forward model of galvanic multi-electrodes in a complex formation. We also designed a symmetrical resistance network model of the formation with equivalent resistance between two electrodes. A symmetrical resistance network was derived using the balanced bridge method. The asymmetrical admittance matrix was extended to a symmetrical extended admittance matrix to realize a convenient calculation of the equivalent symmetrical resistance network in complex formations. Verification of the microcolumn-focused logging tool, with nine electrodes in a simulated standard well, and an evaluation of the degree of invasion in an actual oil well indicate that this calibration method can improve the measurement accuracy of galvanic logging instruments.
Effect of care bundles for acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuzhen , Chen Yixin , Zhou Fangfang , Wang Lailiang , Luo Qun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent among in-hospital patients with high incidence and mortality. Implementing a series of evidence-based AKI care bundles may improve patient outcomes by reducing changeable standards of care. The aim of this meta-analysis was therefore to appraise the influences of AKI care bundles on patient outcomes.

Materials and methods

We explored three international databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and two Chinese databases (Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies from databases inception until November 30, 2022, comparing the impact of different AKI care bundles with usual standards of care in patients with or at risk for AKI. The study quality of non-randomized controlled trials and randomized controlled trials was evaluated by the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tool and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Heterogeneity between studies was appraised by Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. The possible origins of heterogeneity between studies were assessed adopting Meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger regression and Begg correlation tests were performed to discover potential publication bias. Data analysis was completed by software (RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0). The primary outcome was short- or long-term mortality. The secondary outcomes involved the incidence and severity of AKI.

Results

Sixteen studies containing 25,690 patients and 25,903 AKI episodes were included. In high-risk AKI patients determined by novel biomarkers, electronic alert or risk prediction score, the application of AKI care bundles significantly reduced the AKI incidence (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53–0.96; p = 0.02; I2 = 84%) and AKI severity (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39–0.89; p = 0.01; I2 = 65%). No strong evidence is available to prove that care bundles can significantly reduce mortality (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.58–2.30; p = 0.68; I2 = 97%).

Conclusions

The introduction of AKI care bundles in routine clinical practice can effectively improve the outcomes of patients with or at-risk of AKI. However, the accumulated evidence is limited and not strong enough to make definite conclusions.
Green finance improves enterprises’ environmental, social and governance performance: A two-dimensional perspective based on external financing capability and internal technological innovation
Authors: Zhang Hongfeng , Wei Shuying
Published: April 2024

This paper takes the establishment of the Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone (GFPZ) in 2017 as a natural experiment, adopts the data of a-share industrial listed enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2020, and utilizes the difference-in-differences (DID) method to carry out empirical tests. The results show that (1) GFPZ policy significantly improves the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of enterprises, and the positive effect is mainly realized by improving the external financing ability and green-technology innovation level of enterprises. (2) There is heterogeneity in the impact of GFPZ policy on the ESG performance of firms with different equity natures and internal control levels. (3) Green finance promotes active corporate social responsibility, and it can further improve environmental governance in the regions where it operates. This paper provides a useful supplement to the comprehensive understanding of green-finance policy effects and ESG impact factors, and it is of great significance in mitigating the negative environmental and social externalities caused by the excessive pursuit of economic benefits by enterprises.
Relationship between stand and landscape attributes and Ips typographus salvage loggings in Finland
Authors:   School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland, Pulgarin Diaz John Alexander , Melin Markus , Ylioja Tiina , Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa Päivi , Peltola Heli , Tikkanen Olli-Pekka
Published: April 2024

Disturbances caused by the European spruce bark beetle (SBB; Ips typographus L.) on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), have increased immensely across Central and Northern Europe, and are expected to increase further as a result of climate change. While this trend has been noted in Finland, so far limited research has been published. To support proper SBB risk management in Finland, we compared stand properties between salvage loggings due to SBB damage during 2012–2020 (4691 cases) and spruce stands free of SBB damage. Also, we explored the role of landscape attributes as drivers of SBB damage. We considered the forest stand attributes of site fertility class, stand development class, soil type, stand mean diameter at breast height and mean stand age. Considered forest landscape attributes were the distance from SBB-damaged stands to the closest clear-cut, to previous-year SBB-damaged stands and to the previous-year wind-damaged stand. We used nationwide forest logging and forest stock data, and analysed forest stand attributes using chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests and landscape attributes using generalised linear mixed models. Based on our findings, the SBB didn’t damage stands randomly, but prevailed in mature stands (high age and high mean diameter at breast height), in herb-rich heath forest site types and in semi-coarse or coarse heath forest soil soils. We found correlation between the landscape variables and the number of salvage loggings, with a higher number of loggings due to SBB damage close to clear-cuts. Our results help to find risk areas of SBB damage.
Herdeiros de Salazar?
Authors: Cavichioli Bruno Gazalle , Silveira Rafael Alexandre
Published: April 2024

O artigo tem por objeto o projeto político do partido português Chega, criado em 2019. Versa, ainda, sobre a possível ocorrência de uma relação entre o legado do salazarismo (1933-1968), referente ao período em que António Salazar (1889-1970) comandou Portugal, com a atual plataforma desta agremiação partidária. O objetivo é analisar se existem consideráveis pontos de convergência com os ideais salazaristas que possam representar uma continuidade das políticas encampadas pelo ditador português e o atual projeto do partido, ou se o Chega é uma força de extrema-direita sem ligação com o ideário de Salazar. Qualitativo e exploratório, o artigo utilizar-se-á de fontes primárias produzidas pelo partido e de fontes secundárias, como artigos científicos, livros e matérias jornalísticas. A questão que norteia esta investigação é: que elementos permitem considerar o Chega como um herdeiro de ideias salazaristas e/ou distanciá-lo desta perspectiva dentro da realidade política portuguesa?  Conclui-se, portanto, que o Chega não pode ser necessariamente identificado, ao menos no presente momento, como um herdeiro do salazarismo, embora o projeto de revisão constitucional e de reforma do Estado propostos pelo partido remetam diretamente às propostas de Salazar que levaram à criação do Estado Novo e à extensão do regime autoritário em Portugal até o ano de 1974.
INTERSECÇÕES ENTRE PRESERVAÇÃO DOCUMENTAL, PESQUISAS E ATIVIDADES PEDAGÓGICAS NO CENTRO DE PESQUISA, DOCUMENTAÇÃO E MEMÓRIA DO COLÉGIO DE APLICAÇÃO DA UFS – CEMDAP
Authors: Tavares da Conceição Joaquim , Mateus Silva Vieira Paulo
Published: April 2024

Este artigo discute as intersecções entre preservação documental e a realização de pesquisas e atividades pedagógicas em um centro de memória no espaço escolar, tomando como objeto específico o Centro de Pesquisa, Documentação e Memória do Colégio de Aplicação da UFS (Cemdap). O objetivo principal foi perquirir a respeito da constituição do centro e de seu acervo e as potencialidades ou resultados das atividades efetivamente desenvolvidas. A pesquisa está inserida na área da História da Educação, especialmente dentro do eixo temático que discute questões relacionadas com acervos, arquivos e centros de memória da escola ou da educação e a noção de patrimônio histórico educacional. O Cemdap foi constituído em 2016 como resultado de ações de preservação do acervo documental permanente do Colégio de Aplicação da UFS. Atualmente o acervo é formado por documentos de gênero textual, audiovisual, iconográfico, bibliográfico e cultura material. A partir deste acervo são desenvolvidas atividades de organização documental, realização de pesquisas historiográficas e ações pedagógicas com a participação de estudantes da educação básica, da graduação e da pós-graduação.
Texto multimodal e texto plurissemiótico
Authors: Pinheiro Clemilton Lopes , Lima Mateus Parducci Soares de , Cassiano Héberton Mendes
Published: April 2024

No atual contexto da Linguística Textual (LT) brasileira, observamos o uso variável dos termos “texto multimodal” e “texto plurissemiótico”. Diante disso, defendemos que, embora esses termos apontem para um mesmo dado empírico, (uma entidade de materialidade híbrida) teoricamente, circunscrevem conceitos distintos. Objetivamos, portanto, traçar um contorno conceitual mínimo desses termos e discutir os respectivos desdobramentos teórico-metodológicos. Para isso, traçamos uma gênese dos termos, a fim de identificar os quadros teóricos nos quais eles aparecem. No marco das abordagens da multimodalidade, o texto multimodal é uma instância semiótica mobilizadora de uma multiplicidade de modos em uma situação comunicativa. Esse conceito de texto, baseado na ideia de modo, é importado à LT. A plurissemioticidade aparece nos estudos do discurso como atividade discursiva caracterizada pelo contato entre semioses/sistemas semióticos, mas não encontramos texto plurissemiótico como um conceito. Tomando como base a noção de signo e sentido, propomos um conceito de texto plurissemiótico às vias da LT de Eugenio Coseriu.
A territorialização dos movimentos sociais na Região Tocantina no estado do Pará
Authors: Marques Weslley de Souza , Arnaud Mário Júnior de Carvalho , Bringel Fabiano de Oliveira
Published: April 2024

O presente trabalho propõe-se a análise das expressivas dinâmicas de territorialização de movimentos sociais na Região Tocantina, estado do Pará, a partir do enfrentamento de problemáticas ambientais e sociais ocorridas especialmente a partir da construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Tucuruí (UHT), na década de 1970. O objetivo central está associado à compreensão das motivações que levaram à emergência dos movimentos sociais e suas lutas na região, entender ainda esse histórico de territorialização e resistência. Nossa base teórica passou pela abordagem da temática dos movimentos sociais na Geografia e na discussão sobre a geopolítica que cerceia esta região amazônica. Os procedimentos metodológicos empregados consistiram em levantamento documental e bibliográfico, entrevistas semiestruturadas, análise de imagens de satélite, confecção de mapas, trabalho de campo e análise e sistematização de dados por meio de uma perspectiva dialética e qualitativa. O estudo comprovou a ocorrência de uma mesma e reiterada lógica econômica, logística e geopolítica secular na região, com potencial de desestruturação social e ambiental, contradições do modo de produção que motivaram processos de enfrentamento e resistência em defesa de modos de vida.