bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical Oncologists' Knowledge and Perspectives on the Use of Biosimilars in the United States
Authors: Peipert John Devin , Kaiser Karen , Kircher Sheetal , Greene George J. , Shaunfield Sara , Hauner Katherina , Cella David , Mroczek Daniel K.
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE:

Despite increasing availability of biosimilar cancer treatments, little is known about oncologists' knowledge and concerns regarding biosimilar use in the United States. We surveyed medical oncologists to examine their knowledge, attitudes, and experience with biosimilars.

METHODS:

Oncologists recruited via the ASCO Research Survey Pool completed a 29-question survey in 2020 designed with input from clinical and health care system experts and literature review.

RESULTS:

Of the 269 respondents, most treated patients with biosimilars (n = 236, 88%) and reported that biosimilars were required at their institution (n = 168, 63%). Approximately half (n = 140, 52%) of oncologists correctly responded that biosimilars were not the same as generic medicines. Commonly reported barriers to use of biosimilars included concerns regarding a perceived lack of relevant research (n = 85, 33% reporting quite a bit/very much), the potential for extrapolation (n = 83, 33%), and efficacy limitations (n = 77, 30%). More oncologists from university hospitals (n = 36, 22%) than from community/private hospitals (n = 28, 38%) or private practices (n = 13, 38%) were concerned about biosimilar efficacy. A high proportion of oncologists reported that information on safety (n = 259, 99%) and efficacy (n = 255, 99%) is important when considering whether to use biosimilars. Less than half reported that their institution provided education about biosimilars (n = 108, 40%).

CONCLUSION:

In this sample of medical oncologists, knowledge about basic features of biosimilars was limited and access to information about biosimilars was insufficient. The present study determined that educational programs on biosimilars for oncologists are needed and identified priorities for such efforts.
Trends in Educational Assortative Marriage in China Over the Past Century
Authors: Dong Hao , Xie Yu
Published: January 2023

In the past century, China has undergone rapid and dramatic social and economic changes. This article describes trends in educational assortative marriages of cohorts born in 1906–1995 in China. We measure educational attainment relatively as an individual's percentile position in the education distribution of a 10-year birth cohort and study trends using comparable, easy-to-interpret couple rank-rank correlations. We analyze microdata samples from the 1982, 1990, 2000, and 2010 China censuses and the 2015 1% intercensus survey and nationally representative surveys between 1996 and 2018. We find a large and steady increase in educational assortative marriage over the past century, except among those born in 1946–1965, whose schooling and marriage were impacted by the Cultural Revolution. Our study highlights the critical roles of social, political, and economic contexts in shaping trends in educational assortative marriage.
Racial Inequality in the Prevalence, Degree, Extension, and Permeation of Incarceration in Family Life
Authors: Yi Youngmin
Published: January 2023

The prevalence, consequences, and unequal distribution of parental and own incarceration in the United States are well documented. However, much of our knowledge of the reach of the carceral state into family life is focused on incarceration of a parent, romantic partner, or child, to the exclusion of other important relationships. Using data from the Family History of Incarceration Study, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults (N = 2,029), this study introduces novel descriptive measures that provide a more comprehensive picture of the demography and racially unequal distribution of family incarceration: degree, generational extension, and permeation. This analysis shows that Black adults in the United States are not only more likely to have experienced family incarceration but are also more likely to have had more family members incarcerated (5.3 members vs. ≤2.8 members for adults of other racial/ethnic groups) and to have had family members from more generations ever incarcerated (1.7 generations vs. ≤1.1 generations for those of other groups). Further, the stability of these estimates across model specifications underscores the importance of interrogating long-standing approaches to the analysis of linkages between race, the criminal legal system, and family life and the investigation of racialized systems and social inequality more broadly.
Single cell evaluation of endocardial Hand2 gene regulatory networks reveals HAND2-dependent pathways that impact cardiac morphogenesis
Authors: George Rajani M. , Firulli Beth A. , Podicheti Ram , Rusch Douglas B. , Mannion Brandon J. , Pennacchio Len A. , Osterwalder Marco , Firulli Anthony B.
Published: January 2023

The transcription factor HAND2 plays essential roles during cardiogenesis. Hand2 endocardial deletion (H2CKO) results in tricuspid atresia or double inlet left ventricle with accompanying intraventricular septum defects, hypo-trabeculated ventricles and an increased density of coronary lumens. To understand the regulatory mechanisms of these phenotypes, single cell transcriptome analysis of mouse E11.5 H2CKO hearts was performed revealing a number of disrupted endocardial regulatory pathways. Using HAND2 DNA occupancy data, we identify several HAND2-dependent enhancers, including two endothelial enhancers for the shear-stress master regulator KLF2. A 1.8 kb enhancer located 50 kb upstream of the Klf2 TSS imparts specific endothelial/endocardial expression within the vasculature and endocardium. This enhancer is HAND2-dependent for ventricular endocardium expression but HAND2-independent for Klf2 vascular and valve expression. Deletion of this Klf2 enhancer results in reduced Klf2 expression within ventricular endocardium. These data reveal that HAND2 functions within endocardial gene regulatory networks including shear-stress response.
An optimized Tet-On system for conditional control of gene expression in sea urchins
Authors: Khor Jian Ming , Ettensohn Charles A.
Published: January 2023

Sea urchins and other echinoderms are important experimental models for studying developmental processes. The lack of approaches for conditional gene perturbation, however, has made it challenging to investigate the late developmental functions of genes that have essential roles during early embryogenesis and genes that have diverse functions in multiple tissues. The doxycycline-controlled Tet-On system is a widely used molecular tool for temporally and spatially regulated transgene expression. Here, we optimized the Tet-On system to conditionally induce gene expression in sea urchin embryos. Using this approach, we explored the roles the MAPK signaling plays in skeletogenesis by expressing genes that perturb the pathway specifically in primary mesenchyme cells during later stages of development. We demonstrated the wide utility of the Tet-On system by applying it to a second sea urchin species and in cell types other than the primary mesenchyme cells. Our work provides a robust and flexible platform for the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression in sea urchins, which will considerably enhance the utility of this prominent model system.
SART3 associates with a post-splicing complex
Authors: Klimešová Klára , Petržílková Hana , Bařinka Cyril , Staněk David
Published: January 2023

SART3 is a multifunctional protein that acts in several steps of gene expression, including assembly and recycling of the spliceosomal U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP). In this work, we provide evidence that SART3 associates via its N-terminal HAT domain with the 12S U2 snRNP. Further analysis showed that SART3 associates with the post-splicing complex containing U2 and U5 snRNP components. In addition, we observed an interaction between SART3 and the RNA helicase DHX15, which disassembles post-splicing complexes. Based on our data, we propose a model that SART3 associates via its N-terminal HAT domain with the post-splicing complex, where it interacts with U6 snRNA to protect it and to initiate U6 snRNA recycling before a next round of splicing.
Temperature-dependent metabolic consequences of food deprivation in the European sardine
Authors: Thoral Elisa , Roussel Damien , Gasset Eric , Dutto Gilbert , Queiros Quentin , McKenzie David J. , Bourdeix Jean-Hervé , Metral Luisa , Saraux Claire , Teulier Loïc
Published: January 2023

Aquatic ecosystems can exhibit seasonal variation in resource availability and animals have evolved to cope with the associated caloric restriction. During winter in the NW Mediterranean Sea, the European sardine Sardina pilchardus naturally experiences caloric restriction owing to a decrease in the diversity and quantity of plankton. However, ongoing global warming has had deleterious effects on plankton communities such that food shortages may occur throughout the year, especially under warm conditions in the summer. We investigated the interactive effects of temperature and food availability on sardine metabolism by continuously monitoring whole-animal respiration of groups of control (fed) and food-deprived sardines over a 60-day experiment in winter (12°C) or summer (20°C) conditions under natural photoperiod. In addition, we measured mitochondrial respiration of red muscle fibres, biometric variables and energy reserves of individuals sampled at 30 and 60 days. This revealed that winter food deprivation elicits energy saving mechanisms at whole animal and cellular levels by maintaining a low metabolism to preserve energy reserves, allowing high levels of survival. By contrast, despite energy saving mechanisms at the mitochondrial level, whole animal metabolic rate was high during food deprivation in summer, causing increased consumption of energy reserves at the muscular level and high mortality after 60 days. Furthermore, a 5-day re-feeding did not improve survival, and mortalities continued, suggesting that long-term food deprivation at high temperatures causes profound stress in sardines that potentially impairs nutrient absorption.
Stress tolerance is influenced by artificial light at night during development and life-history strategy
Authors: Bonfoey Alyssa M. , Chen Jessica , Stahlschmidt Zachary R.
Published: January 2023

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly prevalent worldwide, but life-history strategy may mitigate the costs of ALAN for animals. Yet, interactions among ALAN, life-history strategy and tolerance to climate-related stressors are unknown. We determined if developmental ALAN exposure (1) affects development, (2) affects adult phenotype, including heat and desiccation tolerance, and (3) affects and/or interacts with life-history strategy. We used the variable field cricket (Gryllus lineaticeps) because its geographic range is increasingly exposed to ALAN, heat, and drought conditions, and it exhibits different life-history strategies (flight-capability versus flight-incapability). ALAN affected adult phenotype, with positive effects on body mass (and size) and female reproductive investment, and a negative effect on heat tolerance. Life-history strategy also affected stress tolerance; flight-incapable females had greater heat tolerance and their desiccation tolerance was improved by ALAN exposure. Key features of environmental change (i.e. exposure to ALAN, heat and drought) may favor some life-history strategies over others.
Μουσείο και μάθηση ενηλίκων στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Σαραντίδης Παναγιώτης
Published: January 2023

Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να εξετάσει τη δυνατότητα του σύγχρονου μουσείου να καταστεί φορέας μάθησης ενηλίκων μέσω εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και ευρύτερων μαθησιακών δράσεων στο πλαίσιο μιας εκπαιδευτικής και επικοινωνιακής μουσειακής πολιτικής με στόχευση στο ενήλικο κοινό. Τα δεδομένα προέκυψαν από ποιοτική έρευνα μέσω ημιδομημένων συνεντεύξεων στελεχών ελληνικών μουσείων. Αρχικά, επιχειρείται η εννοιολογική οριοθέτηση και η παρουσίαση αλληλοσυσχετίσεων του τρίπτυχου «Μουσείο – Μάθηση – Ενήλικος». Παρουσιάζονται μαθησιακές θεωρίες και ειδικότερα θεωρίες μάθησης ενηλίκων και διερευνάται η δυνατότητα της δημιουργικής εφαρμογής τους στη μάθηση ενηλίκων στον μουσειακό χώρο. Μέσω βιβλιογραφικών αναφορών αναδεικνύονται στοιχεία της εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης και των νέων τεχνολογιών σε σχέση με τη μάθηση στο μουσείο. Κατά την ανάλυση δεδομένων ερευνάται η κατάσταση στην Ελλάδα σχετικά με την ύπαρξη δράσεων και εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων τυπικής εκπαίδευσης, μη τυπικής εκπαίδευσης και άτυπης μάθησης που αφορούν ενηλίκους στο μουσείο. Εν πρώτοις, προσδιορίζονται διεξοδικά οι ανάγκες και οι προσδοκίες του ενήλικου κοινού των μουσείων και εξετάζονται οι τρόποι που καθιστούν το μουσείο φορέα διά βίου μάθησης. Παράλληλα, γίνεται αναφορά στους φορείς που συντελούν στην επαγγελματική κατάρτιση των στελεχών των ελληνικών μουσείων αναφορικά με δραστηριότητες που αφορούν τη διά βίου μάθηση. Στη συνέχεια, παρουσιάζονται περιπτώσεις σχεδιασμού και εφαρμογής εκπαιδευτικών δράσεων και εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων ενήλικου κοινού σε ελληνικά μουσεία. Αναδεικνύονται οι ομάδες που συμμετέχουν, επιχειρείται η κατηγοριοποίηση αυτών των δράσεων, η παράθεση της τυπολογίας τους, ο προσδιορισμός του περιεχομένου τους και η αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητάς τους. Στόχος είναι να αναδειχθούν καλές πρακτικές και να προβληθούν δράσεις και πρωτοβουλίες που αξιοποιώντας την καινοτομία, τη δημιουργικότητα, τη συμπερίληψη, τη βιωματικότητα και τη συμμετοχικότητα έχουν θετική ανταπόκριση από ομάδες ενήλικων επισκεπτών. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, αναλύονται θεματικά η πολιτική, η φιλοσοφία και οι εκπαιδευτικές στρατηγικές των ελληνικών μουσείων αναφορικά με την προσφορά μαθησιακών δραστηριοτήτων για το ενήλικο κοινό. Ειδική μνεία γίνεται για τα Σχολεία Δεύτερης Ευκαιρίας και τη δυνατότητα των ελληνικών μουσείων να ανταποκριθούν στις ιδιαίτερες μαθησιακές ανάγκες τους. Επιπρόσθετα, η έρευνα εντοπίζει και παραθέτει τους εξωγενείς και ενδογενείς παράγοντες που διευκολύνουν αλλά και τους παράγοντες εμποδίζουν τα ελληνικά μουσεία να σχεδιάσουν και να υλοποιήσουν δράσεις ενηλίκων. Εξετάζεται επίσης η δυνατότητα να αποτελέσει το μουσείο χώρο εφαρμογής της θεωρίας της μετασχηματίζουσας μάθησης, ώστε να επωφεληθεί το ενήλικο κοινό του. Τέλος, διερευνάται ο ρόλος της «ανοικτής και εξ αποστάσεως πολυμορφικής εκπαίδευσης», καθώς και η δυναμική της αξιοποίησης των ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών στην προσπάθεια των ελληνικών μουσείων να επιτύχουν μαθησιακούς στόχους που αφορούν ενηλίκους.
Civil Society Organizations in the Protection of Female Refugees: The Case of Greece
Authors: Iliadi - Vagena Eva
Published: January 2023

Gender - related issues are central factors causing refugee flows, but also act as an impediment in the unhindered settlement and integration of female refugees in their receiving country. However, the gender aspect, as explained in the intersectionality theory, is often neglected in refugee rights’ analysis. Women refugees deal with continuous hardships before and during their journey, but their quest for a better life does not stop at the arrival on the European continent. Discrimination and Gender- Based Violence follow them at their arrival also in Greece, a major hosting country. The analysis below aims in this context to showcase the risks that refugee women face before, during and after their displacement, taking as a main paradigm the case of Greece. After that the effectiveness of the response system, through the collaboration of governmental and non - governmental actors, like NGOs and civil society organizations in Greek territory is examined. This paper establishes a causality between gender and dangers or insufficiencies faced by refugees and enlightens understated aspects of this issue.
The future of Arabic language learning for non-Muslims as an actualization of Wasathiyah Islam in Indonesia
Authors: Ritonga Mahyudin , Wahyuni Sri , Novigator Hendri
Published: January 2023

Background: The majority of Indonesians believe and act as if the only people who can learn and be taught Arabic are Muslims. This fact goes against the basic idea that language is a way to communicate. So, the goal of this study is to find out what opportunities and plans there are for non-Muslims in Indonesia to learn Arabic. The goal of this study is to get language back to its basic function of being a way to communicate. It can also be the basis for putting Wasathiyah Islam into practise in Indonesia.

Methods: This study was carried out in accordance with the official guidelines for research ethics established by the Ministry of Higher Education Research in the Republic of Indonesia. Between June 11 and August 30, 2022, the research was done. The research was carried out with two approaches, namely quantitative first and followed by qualitative. After collecting and analysing data for a study, researchers submit their findings to reviewers appointed by Indonesia's Ministry of Research and Technology.

Results: A total of 64 participants were surveyed, and based on their responses, the following was determined; Researchers conduct interviews directly with informants who are considered to have the ability to provide information related to research themes. Therefore, researchers conducted interviews with 24. First, non-Muslims in Indonesia should study Arabic since language is a communication instrument. This includes religion, ethnicity, and race not limiting language acquisition. Second, teaching non-Muslims Arabic in Indonesia will help to implement Wasathiyah Islam there. Non-Indonesian Muslims who know Arabic will be more tolerant. Third, because Arabic is a communication tool, there is no big challenge for non-Muslims to learn Arabic.

Conclusion: However, in terms of obstacles, of course, there are many big obstacles, namely the unsupportive Arabic learning.
Interactions between special education teachers and children with chronic complex conditions: A qualitative study
Authors: Fujino Haruo , Matsumoto Megumi , Mieno Aya
Published: January 2023

Background: The number of children with complex medical conditions has increased in recent decades. In this context, a complex chronic condition is characterized by multiple morbidities that require intensive or continuous health care according to the level of severity. Given their various health conditions, it is challenging to provide special education to these children, but there is still insufficient evidence regarding the practical experiences of educators. The aim of this study was to investigate special education teacher’s perceptions, experiences, and challenges while developing interpersonal relationships and communicating with children who have complex chronic conditions.  

Methods: We recruited and interviewed 21 special education school teachers. The transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.  

Results: Our analysis revealed four themes, including “searching for the meaning,” “complex chronic conditions as a difficult reality,” “widening experience for the future,” and “priority for interacting with children.” These themes reflect the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of the special education teachers.  

Conclusions: In cases where children have severe functional limitations, it is more challenging to understand child-teacher interactions. This highlights the importance of searching for meaning in educational practices used among children with complex chronic conditions. Our findings may provide helpful insight into the experiences and challenges faced by special educators who engage with these children.
„Dary mogą czasami drogo kosztować”. Kulisy polityki Belgii wobec akcji pomocowej UNRRA
Authors: Łaptos Józef
Published: January 2023

Artykuł jest pierwszą próbą wyjaśnienia roli i postawy belgijskiego rządu na emigracji w dyskusji nad zadaniami i funkcjami międzynarodowej organizacji mającej help the people to help themselves, jak zapowiadali twórcy UNRRA. Pełne poparcie propozycji przez Belgów wydawało się oczywiste z racji zachowanej we wdzięcznej pamięci akcji Committee for Relief in Belgium podczas I wojny światowej. Autor pokazuje, dlaczego tym razem polityka rządu była inna, mówi o obawach, jakie rząd podzielał, oraz omawia rozwiązania uznane za odpowiadające belgijskiej racji stanu.
Olsztyńskie „Dzikie Pola”. Rabunek i dewastacja wsi na Warmii i Mazurach przez wojska sowieckie w latach 1945–1948
Authors: Gross Radosław
Published: January 2023

W artykule przedstawiono proces niszczenia wsi na Warmii i Mazurach po II wojnie światowej w wyniku rabunków i dewastacji dokonywanych przez wojska sowieckie. Na podstawie analizy akt polskiej administracji cywilnej, a także Wojewódzkiego Urzędu Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego opisano działania wojsk sowieckich prowadzące do znaczącego uszczuplenia majątku rolnego Warmii i Mazur, co w poważnym stopniu utrudniło powojenne osadnictwo, odbudowę i zagospodarowanie tych obszarów, na których rolnictwo było podstawową gałęzią gospodarczą.
“Collaborating” with AI: Taking a System View to Explore the Future of Work
Authors: Anthony Callen , Bechky Beth A. , Fayard Anne-Laure
Published: January 2023

In the wake of media hype about artificial intelligence (AI)/human collaboration, organizations are investing considerable resources into developing and using AI. In this paper, we draw on theories of technology in organizations to frame new directions for the study of what it means to work “with” AI. Drawing on prior literature, we consider how interactions between users and AI might unfold through theoretical lenses which cast technology as a tool and as a medium. Reflecting on how AI technologies diverge from technologies studied in the past, we propose a new perspective, which considers technology as a counterpart in a system of work that includes its design, implementation, and use. This perspective encourages developing a grounded understanding of how AI intersects with work, and therefore ethnography, building on thick descriptions, is an apt approach. We argue that relational ethnographic approaches can assist organization theorists in navigating the methodological challenges of taking a counterpart perspective and propose several strategies for future research.

Funding: The research was partially funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 951735.
Design and Implementation MPPT-CPG for Constant Power Battery Charger
Authors: Fajrianingrum Farah Namira , Rakhmawati Renny , Prasetyono Eka
Published: January 2023

The power produced by photovoltaic is very dependent on irradiation conditions and temperature so that the power can be low or high. The load cannot work if the power is low, but it harms the load if the power is too high. Two modes are used for this system, they are MPPT and CPG mode. When PV power is less than limit power (Plimit), then it works on MPPT mode. The MPPT finds maximum power, then if PV power reaches Plimit or more, it works on CPG mode. During CPG mode, SEPIC converter output power is maintained constant at Plimit so the battery can be charged using the Constant Power Method. The Algorithm used for each mode is the variable Step Size Climbing. The Variable Step Size Hill-Climbing on MPPT performs maximum power according to irradiation conditions. Variables Step Size Hill-Climbing on CPG stabilizes the output power value of SEPIC being constant to charge the battery using the power constant method by keeping the power as constant as its limit power, voltage and current electricity bring into line with charge conditions. The results of the hardware integrated test for MPPT-CPG, the Variable Step Size Hill Climbing algorithm can search for the maximum power point (MPP) generated by PV and can produce an output power of 27.97 W in average.
ANÁLISE ESCALAR DO DESENVOLVIMENTO NAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS PARA O ARRANJO E SITEMA PRODUTIVO E INOVATIVO LOCAL - Aspil
Authors: Oliveira Do Bu Araújo Thayse Andrezza , Cavalcanti Ramalho Ângela Maria
Published: January 2023

Este artigo analisa as políticas públicas de fomento do Arranjo e Sistema Produtivo e Inovativo Local - ASPIL de artefatos e confecções de algodão colorido da Paraíba, a partir da perspectiva escalar do desenvolvimento. Para tanto, foi traçada uma pesquisa usando um campo, com aplicação de entrevistas e questionários na coleta de dados, além de revisão da literatura. Verificou-se que o ASPIL aqui analisado se desenvolveu a partir de estratégias de órgãos públicos locais. Contudo, depois de 2010, a falta de políticas públicas de apoio ao arranjo culminou no alargamento de entraves. Mesmo assim, as empresas do arranjo têm se destacado no cenário da moda internacional, devido às parcerias com os atores da escala macro. Por outro lado, desde 2016, tem sido estruturada uma política pública com visão multi-escalar de fomento aos arranjos, por se entender que, a análise a partir das escalas proporcionam a orientação das políticas de desenvolvimento.
FINANCIAMENTO INDIRETO, ADESÃO A PARCELAMENTOS PREVIDENCIÁRIOS E AS CONSEQUÊNCIAS À PREVIDÊNCIA SOCIAL
Authors: Silva Roberta Cristina , De Almeida Santos Fernando , Pinto da Fonseca Francisco César , Piacente Fabrício José
Published: January 2023

A prática de financiamento indireto por meio das contribuições previdenciárias conjuntamente à expectativa quanto ao lançamento dos planos de recuperação fiscal, são motivadores deste artigo. A pesquisa objetivou verificar se os aderentes ao Plano Especial de Regularização Tributária-PERT/2017 apresentavam dificuldades financeiras ao recolhimento tempestivo. O programa abrange 184.547 concessões e montante devedor de R$ 9.550.498.343,03. A investigação contemplou as cem empresas com os maiores débitos previdenciários e ocorreu mediante as receitas auferidas e os resultados apurados pelas empresas em momento próximo ao PERT/2017 entre 2014 e 2018. Como ferramentas metodológicas estão a Curva ABC e a Análise de Conglomerados. A prática de financiamento indireto foi constatada, pois 71% das empresas auferiram receitas significativas, e 51% resultaram em lucro. Como contribuição, a pesquisa traz uma reflexão quanto ao tratamento igualitário aos inadimplentes, cujos perfis são muito discrepantes.
Association of thyroid disorders with diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: ZAFAR MUBASHIR , SHAHID SYED MONWAR ALAM , ALSHAMMARI REEM FALAH , KAUSAR MOHD ADNAN , GINAWI TARIG A. N. , HATIM ABDUL WAHAB , WADI ABDUL MAJEED , ALI HAMAD , HAMED ABDUL AZIZ , AL-ZAHRANI MOATH SALEH , HUSSAIN ALI , ALDUHAIM ABDULAZIZ SAUD , MOHAMMED ABDULMAJEED
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Zafar M, Shahid SMA, Alshammari RF, Kausar MA, Ginawi TAN, Hatim AW, Wadi AM, Ali H, Hamed AA, Al-Zahrani MS, Hussain A, Alduhaim AS, Mohammed A. 2022. Association of thyroid disorders with diabetes: A cross-sectional study. Nusantara Bioscience 14: 135-140. Two common endocrine disorders that correlate with each other are diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD). Undiagnosed thyroid disorders (TD) have a high risk for diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. A common complication among these patients is cardiovascular disease. This study aims to assess the association of TD among diabetes patients. It is a cross-sectional study, and 338 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were observed through a simple random sampling method from a public sector hospital. The diabetes status of patients was confirmed through clinical and laboratory investigation. Those patients who were under treatment of thyroid were excluded from the study. The chi-square test was used for analysis, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. The frequency of TD among diabetic patients was 47.6%. The main type of TD was subclinical hypothyroidism, and its prevalence is 43.8% and 23.5% among patients with T1DM and T2DM, respectively. Subclinical hyperthyroidism prevalences are 12.3% and 24.4% among TIDM and T2DM patients, respectively. The study found a high-frequency rate of TD among DM patients. Therefore, there is a need for regular screening of DM patients for TD and increased awareness regarding TD among DM patients.
Short Communication: Antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Chlorella sorokiniana cultured in tofu wastewater
Authors: MURSANDI HAMZA , SUSANTY DEVY , NURHAYATI LANY , OKSARI ADE AYU
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Mursandi H, Susanty D, Nurhayati L, Okasari AA. 2022. Short Communication: Antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Chlorella sorokiniana cultured in tofu wastewater. Nusantara Bioscience 14: 155-159. Microalgae are microorganisms that grow quickly and produce secondary metabolites with antioxidant activity. Antioxidants of microalgae can be utilized in various aspects such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, supplements, and feed. Microalgae utilization will be more profitable if the microalgae can be cultured on waste media. This study aims to determine the concentration of a suitable medium for the growth of Chlorella sorokiniana Shihira & R.W.Krauss, total flavonoids, total phenolics, and the potential of ethanolic extract of C. sorokiniana as an antioxidant. This study cultured the microalgae C. sorokiniana on tofu liquid waste media at various concentrations (15, 20, 25, and 30%). The growth of C. sorokiniana on the media was observed using a spectrophotometer at 680 nm wavelength. C. sorokiniana biomass was collected on the 7th day. The biomass was extracted using ethanol as a solvent. Phytochemical analysis was performed using the standard method, Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were conducted to determine the IC50 value. The results showed that the best growth of C. sorokiniana was on TLW media at a concentration of 30%. The ethanolic extract of C. sorokiniana showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, and saponins. The total phenolic content in the ethanolic extract of C. sorokiniana was 18.39 ± 0.29 mgGAE/g, and the total flavonoid content was 31.93 ± 5,60 mgQE/g. The IC50 of the ethanolic extract of C. sorokiniana was 288.95 mg/L, which shows this extract has a potent antioxidant.
Development of semi-artificial feed in the larva stage of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: ANASYA AURORA DYAS , SUGIYARTO SUGIYARTO , MAHAJOENO EDWI
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Anasya AD, Sugiarto, Mahajoeno E. 2022. Development of semi-artificial feed in the larva stage of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Nusantara Bioscience 14: 188-194. Alternative food sources in fish farming besides pelleted feed are generally used, but many have also used biotic materials, larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.). Maggot stadia larvae have a high protein content of more than 19%, could be mass-produced, are low-priced, and has a fast growth time. Therefore, high levels of protein and nutrients in maggots can be increased through suitable semi-artificial formulations. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of the semi-artificial feed recipe given and to determine the effectiveness of the semi-artificial feed recipe in increasing the nutritional value and survival of larvae. Data analysis used qualitative analysis with descriptive analysis method and quantitative analysis by determining the amount of increased nutritional value of H. illucens. The research method was carried out in several stages, including (i) insect rearing obtained 2nd generation of tillers (F2); (ii) manufacture of semi-artificial feed recipes; (iii) calculation of insect survival; (iv) measurement of larval mass weight after treatment; (v) testing of nutritional content value includes water content, fat content and protein content of H. illucens after treatment. Results of the evaluation larval survival after treatment were effective enough 100%, larval instar life phase was between 28-32 days, while the highest increase in the nutritional value of larvae water content was 45.90%, fat content 7.25%, and protein content 45.95%, the average increase in mass weight of larvae was 12.50%.
Robust lockwire segmentation with multiscale boundary-driven regional stability
Authors: Xie Yanxia , Sun Junhua
Published: January 2023

Lockwire segmentation plays a vital role in ensuring mechanical safety in industrial fields. Aiming at the missed detection problem encountered in blurred and low-contrast situations, we propose a robust lockwire segmentation method based on multiscale boundary-driven regional stability. We first design a novel multiscale boundary-driven stability criterion to generate a blur-robustness stability map. Then, the curvilinear structure enhancement metric and linearity measurement function are defined to compute the likeliness of stable regions to belong to lockwires. Finally, the closed boundaries of lockwires are determined to achieve accurate segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art object segmentation methods.
Scattering of arbitrarily incident Laguerre–Gaussian vortex electromagnetic beams by electrically large-scaled complex targets
Authors: Sun Minghao , Liu Songhua , Guo Lixin , Pan Weitao
Published: January 2023

We implement an algorithm, termed parallel-processing physical optics, providing an efficient high-frequency approximation method to characterize the scattering of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) vortex electromagnetic (EM) beams by electrically large-scaled complex targets. The incident beam is described by vector expressions in terms of electric and magnetic fields, and it is combined with rotation Euler angles to achieve an arbitrary incidence of the vortex beam. The validity and capability of the proposed method are illustrated numerically, and the effects of various beam parameters as well as target geometric models such as a blunt cone and Tomahawk-A missile on monostatic and bistatic radar cross section distributions are investigated. Results show that the scattering features of the vortex beam vary significantly with the parameters of the vortex beam and the target. These results are helpful to reveal the scattering mechanism of LG vortex EM beams and provide a reference for the application of vortex beams to detect electrically large-scaled targets.
Long-range frequency domain low-coherence interferometry detector for industrial applications
Authors: Cerrotta Santiago , Torga Jorge R. , Morel Eneas N.
Published: January 2023

A low-cost long-range frequency domain low-coherence interferometry (LCI) detector is presented: time Fourier domain LCI (TFD-LCI). Combining ideas of time domain and frequency domain techniques, the TFD-LCI detects the analog Fourier transform of the optical interference signal with no limitation for the maximum optical path, measuring the thickness of several centimeters with micrometer resolution. A complete characterization of the technique is presented with a mathematical demonstration, simulations, and experimental results. An evaluation of repeatability and accuracy is also included. Measurements of small and large monolayer and multilayer thicknesses were done. Characterization of the internal and external thicknesses of industrial products such as transparent packages and glass windshield is presented, showing the potentiality of TFD-LCI for industrial applications.
Resolution and uniformity improvement of parallel confocal microscopy based on microlens arrays and a spatial light modulator
Authors: Luo Tianpeng , Yuan Jing , Chang Jin , Dai Yanfeng , Gong Hui , Luo Qingming , Yang Xiaoquan
Published: January 2023

In traditional fluorescence microscopy, it is hard to achieve a large uniform imaging field with high resolution. In this manuscript, we developed a confocal fluorescence microscope combining the microlens array with spatial light modulator to address this issue. In our system, a multi-spot array generated by a spatial light modulator passes through the microlens array to form an optical probe array. Then multi-spot adaptive pixel-reassignment method for image scanning microscopy (MAPR-ISM) will be introduced in this parallelized imaging to improve spatial resolution. To generate a uniform image, we employ an optimized double weighted Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm (ODWGS) using signal feedback from the camera. We have built a prototype system with a FOV of 3.5 mm × 3.5 mm illuminated by 2500 confocal points. The system provides a lateral resolution of ∼0.82 µm with ∼1.6 times resolution enhancement after ISM processing. And the nonuniformity across the whole imaging field is 3%. Experimental results of fluorescent beads, mouse brain slices and melanoma slices are presented to validate the applicability and effectiveness of our system.
Optical stealth communication based on quantum noise stream ciphered amplified spontaneous emission light
Authors: Zhu Huatao , Liu Zhanqi , Chen Shuwen , Xu Xiangming , Li Feiyu
Published: January 2023

Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light is the most natural optical carrier to hide a message in the existing optical networks at photonic layer. To enhance the anti-intercept ability of the ASE-carried stealth channel, a novel optical stealth communication scheme based on quantum noise stream cipher is proposed. The ASE light is intensity modulated by the cipher-text according to Y-00 protocol, and then transmitted under public optical noise after power attenuation. The expression of quantum noise stream ciphered ASE signal is derived, and numerical simulation is carried out. A proof-of-concept experiment is set up to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme. The experiment results show that the quantum noise stream ciphered stealth signals can be transmitted over a 25 km single-mode fiber span error-free.
Modulation of high-quality internal multifoci based on modified three-dimensional Fourier transform
Authors: Zhang Huaizhi , Xu Jiaming , Li Hengyang , Xu Gang , Xiao Yu , Cheng Wei , Tang Xiahui , Qin Yingxiong
Published: January 2023

We report an efficient method to generate arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) parallel multifoci inside a material. Taking into account the numerical aperture of the objective lens and the refractive index of the material, the Ewald cap was modified with a longer radius, then the whole 3D intensity distribution inside the material could be calculated using only a single Fourier transform (FT). By introducing the adaptive weight coefficient, the uniformity of the 3D multifoci improves from 81.3% to 98.9%. By adjusting the axial resolution of the Ewald cap, the uniformity of the axial multifoci improves from 85.9% to 99.7%. In the experiment, we have realized one-dimensional (1D), 2D, and 3D structures inside the fused silica, which are in excellent agreement with the simulation results. The experimental results of the ”H-U-S-T” structure demonstrate that customized arbitrary intensity distribution inside the material can be realized.
Virtual double-slit differential dark-field chromatic line confocal imaging technology
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Xiaojun
Published: January 2023

Chromatic line confocal imaging (LCI) can be used in high-speed 3D imaging of surface morphology, roughness, and multi-layered transparent media in industrial production, quality inspection, and other fields. However, even if they are compensated for or corrected accordingly, the resolution of the built measurement system differs from the theoretical design. In particular, to guarantee high-speed measurement characteristics of the LCI system, a mass center algorithm with poor accuracy is usually chosen for peak extraction, and with the improvement of the manufacturing level, the axial resolution of the measurement system also puts forward higher requirements. Therefore, in this Letter, we propose a virtual double-slit differential dark-field chromatic LCI (VDSDD-LCI) technology. Our approach can reconstruct the optical 3D profile with higher axial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by reducing the full width at half maximums (FWHMs) of the axial response curve without changing the components of the completed LCI system. The experiments on a coin and scrive board surface demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Dual-channel in-fiber SPR sensor for simultaneous and highly sensitive measurement of salinity and temperature
Authors: Li Like , Zhang Ya-nan , Zheng Wanlu , Lv Riqing , Zhao Yong
Published: January 2023

In this Letter, an in-fiber dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is reported that uses polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-filled C-type microstructured optical fiber (COF). The COF is made of HF-acid-etched single-sided hole optical fiber (SSHF), and its inner and outer sides are coated with gold film to stimulate SPR. The inner channel is filled with PDMS and acts as the temperature measurement channel, and the outer channel is directly in contact with the salt solution and acts as the salinity measurement channel. Experiments show that the sensor is qualified to detect salinity and temperature simultaneously, and it exhibits a salinity sensitivity of 0.296 nm/‰ in the salinity range of 0–153.32‰ and a high temperature sensitivity of −2.4 nm/°C in the temperature range of 22–44°C. Furthermore, the sensor also enjoys good hysteresis, repeatability, and reversibility in salinity detection. In a word, the high sensitivity, simple preparation, and good integration of the proposed sensor endow it with the potential for deep-sea exploration.
A photodetector fabricated from 2H-PbI2 micro-crystals recycled from waste lead acid batteries
Authors: Su Longxing , Zeng Qiang , Tan Ziye , Liu Fangyang , Ma Hongping
Published: January 2023

Recycling Pb from lead acid batteries is rather important in environmental protection, but current strategies need a high temperature or produce secondary pollution. Herein, we present a green reactant recycling method to synthesize PbI2 micro-crystals by extracting the Pb from waste lead acid batteries. Systematical characterizations indicate that the as-prepared PbI2 micro-crystals show high purity, high crystal quality with a 2H-hexagonal crystal structure, and excellent optical properties with a bandgap of 2.3 eV. Based on the recycled 2H-PbI2 micro-crystals, a symmetrically structured ITO/PbI2/ITO photodetector is fabricated. Under 10 V bias voltage, the device reveals a distinct photo-response to UV-visible light and superior performance, with a dark current of 1.06 nA, an on-off ratio of 103, a responsivity of 15.5 mA/W, and a detectivity of 4.7 × 1010 Hz1/2 W−1. In addition, the photodetector also exhibits relatively rapid response speeds of 69 ms (rise time) and 64 ms (decay time). Our study provides an innovative and green strategy for producing a UV-visible photodetector based on recycled lead acid batteries, which is significant in environmental protection and the recycling economy.
Polymer spot size converter on silicon photonics chip for enabling high coupling to single-mode fiber
Authors: Kamiura Yoshiki , Kurisawa Taiga , Fujikawa Chiemi , Mikami Osamu
Published: January 2023

Silicon photonics (SiPh) technology has gained considerable attention as a result of the growing demand for high-bit-rate optical interconnections. Low coupling efficiencies, resulting from the difference in spot size between silicon photonic chips and single-mode fibers (SMFs), remains a challenging issue. To solve this problem, we fabricated a novel, to the best of our knowledge, polymer spot size expander (SSE) device on the end face of a silicon chip. The fabrication of SSEs using self-written waveguide technology and a dipping method using UV-curable resin was highly reproducible. The spot size of the original 3.83 µm of the SiPh chip was expanded to approximately 7.82 µm at a wavelength of 1.55 µm, and the maximum coupling efficiency achieved with the SMF was –0.88 dB. In addition, the –3 dB tolerance of the coupling efficiency along the vertical optical axis was ±4.4 µm.
Simultaneously enhancing autofocusing ability and extending focal length for a ring Airyprime beam array by a linear chirp
Authors: Zang Xiang , Dan Wensong , Zhou Yimin , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian , Zhou Guoquan
Published: January 2023

It is of great significance to solve the problem that improving autofocusing ability is always at the cost of shortening focal length. By introducing a linear chirp into a ring Airyprime beam array, an optimization scheme to simultaneously achieve the enhancement of autofocusing ability and the extension of focal length is proposed. The autofocusing ability can be enhanced by up to 72.28%, and the corresponding focal length is extended by 34.81%. The focal length can be extended by 110.28% at most, and the corresponding autofocusing ability is improved by 48.59%. To verify the feasibility of this scheme, we have carried out an experiment for the generation of a ring Airyprime beam array with a linear chirp, and the experimental results for autofocusing ability and focal length are in good agreement with theoretical results. Our findings have potential applications in many aspects, such as free space optical communication.
Galaxy Training: A powerful framework for teaching!
Authors: Hiltemann Saskia , Rasche Helena , Gladman Simon , Hotz Hans-Rudolf , Larivière Delphine , Blankenberg Daniel , Jagtap Pratik D. , Wollmann Thomas , Bretaudeau Anthony , Goué Nadia , Griffin Timothy J. , Royaux Coline , Le Bras Yvan , Mehta Subina , Syme Anna , Coppens Frederik , Droesbeke Bert , Soranzo Nicola , Bacon Wendi , Psomopoulos Fotis , Gallardo-Alba Cristóbal , Davis John , Föll Melanie Christine , Fahrner Matthias , Doyle Maria A. , Serrano-Solano Beatriz , Fouilloux Anne Claire , van Heusden Peter , Maier Wolfgang , Clements Dave , Heyl Florian ,   Galaxy Training Network, Grüning Björn , Batut Bérénice
Published: January 2023

There is an ongoing explosion of scientific datasets being generated, brought on by recent technological advances in many areas of the natural sciences. As a result, the life sciences have become increasingly computational in nature, and bioinformatics has taken on a central role in research studies. However, basic computational skills, data analysis, and stewardship are still rarely taught in life science educational programs, resulting in a skills gap in many of the researchers tasked with analysing these big datasets. In order to address this skills gap and empower researchers to perform their own data analyses, the Galaxy Training Network (GTN) has previously developed the Galaxy Training Platform (https://training.galaxyproject.org), an open access, community-driven framework for the collection of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) training materials for data analysis utilizing the user-friendly Galaxy framework as its primary data analysis platform. Since its inception, this training platform has thrived, with the number of tutorials and contributors growing rapidly, and the range of topics extending beyond life sciences to include topics such as climatology, cheminformatics, and machine learning. While initially aimed at supporting researchers directly, the GTN framework has proven to be an invaluable resource for educators as well. We have focused our efforts in recent years on adding increased support for this growing community of instructors. New features have been added to facilitate the use of the materials in a classroom setting, simplifying the contribution flow for new materials, and have added a set of train-the-trainer lessons. Here, we present the latest developments in the GTN project, aimed at facilitating the use of the Galaxy Training materials by educators, and its usage in different learning environments.