bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A guerra em seis romances de João Paulo Borges Coelho
Authors: Matte Braun Ana Beatriz
Published: October 2024

O propósito deste artigo é analisar o modo como a guerra aparece em um conjunto de seis romances do ficcionista moçambicano João Paulo Borges Coelho. Os livros As Duas Sombras do Rio (2003), As Visitas do Dr. Valdez (2004), Crónica da Rua 513.2 (2005), Campo de trânsito (2009), O Olho de Hertzog (2010) e Rainhas da Noite (2013) exploram enredos ambientados ao longo das duas grandes guerras que marcaram Moçambique ao longo do século XX, a Guerra Colonial e a Guerra Civil, assim como as múltiplas formas de violência delas decorrentes. O artigo visa mostrar que há, nesses romances, homologia no tratamento conferido à maneira como as personagens vivem o cotidiano de guerras e conflitos, de acordo com o período histórico que está em discussão, indicando os modos preferenciais do autor de tratar da história em Moçambique na literatura.
A arqueologia da alma: o múltiplo como vetor ontológico de tempo e existência na obra A guerra não tem rosto de mulher, de Svetlana Alexsiévitch
Authors: De Souza Duarte Bárbara
Published: October 2024

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo investigar a questão do múltiplo na obra – A guerra não tem rosto de mulher, de Svetlana Aleksiévitch –, assumindo como perspectiva de análise um ângulo ontológico voltado aos múltiplos “eu” que vivenciam a guerra. Para alcançar esse objetivo, o trabalho aprecia uma intercessão entre dois operadores utilizados pela autora: tempo e existência. De um lado, uma dimensão temporal que se estende por um eixo horizontal, revelando uma permanência do “eu”, que transcorre por três cenários cronológicos distintos – o antes, o durante e o após a guerra. De outro lado, um eixo vertical acessível por estratos, compreendendo a existência de múltiplos “eu” que coabitam o estar na guerra. O que é indicativo de um estar no mundo marcado por um desespero fundamental, em que o sujeito é posto em confronto direto com distintas versões de si – o soldado, o homem e o animal. A ideia central, portanto, é a de problematizar como antes de narrar múltiplas guerras, a autora inspeciona múltiplas versões do “eu”; versões estas que ganham espaço, conforme a intensidade do fenômeno bélico avança. Quanto à presença de uma experiência ontologicamente autêntica, essa se revela a partir de uma contemplação do ser, algo em torno da capacidade do próprio “eu”, brevemente, suspender tempo e espaço e se reconciliar consigo e com a natureza.
Wars of Words: Early Modern Piracy in the Caribbean
Authors: Velázquez Mariana-Cecilia
Published: October 2024

War requires the collision of two or more forces. It implies the ideological invention of an “enemy.” The changing faces of that enemy are fueled by entrenched or emergent powers bent upon spreading their hegemonic supremacy and legitimate order over material and conceptual spaces. In this dynamic, the “pirate” enters the stage as the classical hostis humani generis (“enemy of humankind”). However, the classification and identity of the pirate are both fluid and contingent, informing discourses of warfare and challenging the limits of categories related to order and legitimacy. The following three-part essay traces the correlation between war and the making and remaking of “the pirate” and how the figure of the pirate was fundamental to the establishment of specific hegemonies while examining the relationship between the varying discourses of the enemy and the concept of legitimate wars in the early modern period. The first part studies the legal and political debates around the concepts of “just war,” “just enemy,” and “sovereignty” in the context of the Anglo-Spanish War (c1586-1604). The second section explores the aftermath of said war that contributed to the development of a new nomenclature of piracy in the Caribbean region and the establishment of sedentary and commercial societies living at the margins of European wars. Moving to the 17th and 18th centuries, the third part introduces the figure of Miguel Enríquez, a Caribbean-born black corsair, a character located at the intersection of war and commerce, away from previous paradigms of “just war” and “just enemy.”
Quilombo é o nosso lugar: a (re)existência quilombola no Brasil
Authors: Da Costa Ramalho Claudilene
Published: October 2024

O objetivo geral deste artigo é apresentar uma reflexão sobre os quilombos no Brasil como espaço de (re)existência histórica do povo negro. Tal estudo foi realizado por meio de revisão bibliográfica, apresentando inicialmente uma análise sobre a invisibilidade dos quilombos no pós abolição.  Posteriormente ressalta os desafios vivenciados pós CF/88 com o reconhecimento legal das Comunidades Remanescentes de Quilombo.   Por meio desse estudo foi possível concluir que, embora tenha ocorrido um avanço constitucional com reconhecimento público da existência de tais comunidades, no entanto a morosidade da efetivação da legislação tem sido um desafio para a titulação de territórios quilombolas no Brasil, como também tem contribuído para intensificar os conflitos e ataques contra essas comunidades.
Ouro (i)legal: determinação estrutural sobre os países amazônicos
Authors: Pérez Adriana Aguiar
Published: October 2024

A Amazônia é socioeconomicamente estratégica com relevância geopolítica, devido às suas grandes jazidas minerais, converge interesses antagônicos. O ouro (i)legal é irrastreável, atrai o crime organizado que o contrabandeia e branqueia. O Estado o legaliza. É legitimado pelas inovações discursivas, dando-lhe aparência de ajuda dos países ricos para os países pobres contaminadores. Centenas de toneladas de ouro são saqueadas anualmente, atendendo aos imperativos do mercado. As maiores refinarias do mundo e o LBMA investem pesado na produção (i)legal e em projetos de responsabilidade social, que limpam sua imagem e nublam a contradição, transferindo a responsabilidade da contaminação para os países saqueados e justificando a acumulação por espoliação. A mineração artesanal/garimpo despeja mercúrio no meio ambiente respaldada pelo direito de contaminar, produzindo os paraísos de contaminação com graves consequências para os Povos Originários e Tradicionais. Esta é uma pesquisa documental com dados secundários que ilustram parte da realidade nos países amazônicos.
A extensão universitária no enfrentamento das mudanças climáticas e do racismo ambiental
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Caroline , De Souza Ferreira de Morais Larissa , Santos Francisco Monica
Published: October 2024

Este artigo foi elaborado a partir do encontro entre três mulheres participantes do Curso de Extensão Universitária “Mudanças Climáticas e o Direito à Água na Metrópole do Rio de Janeiro”, realizado pela Faculdade de Serviço Social da UERJ, em parceria com a Federação de Órgãos para Assistência Social e Educacional, o Núcleo Rio de Janeiro do Fórum de Mudanças Climáticas e Justiça Socioambiental e a Rede de Vigilância Popular em Saneamento e Saúde do Rio de Janeiro. O artigo sistematiza parte dos debates realizados no curso que estão relacionados ao tema das mudanças climáticas e do racismo ambiental na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Apresenta o conceito de racismo ambiental e analisa suas particularidades na realidade fluminense a partir de um estudo de caso: a instalação da siderúrgica Ternium na Região Administrativa de Santa Cruz, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, e o desenvolvimento de uma iniciativa de Vigilância Popular em Saúde e Ambiente pelo Coletivo Martha Trindade. 
Palavras chaves: extensão universitária; mudanças climáticas; racismo ambiental; Rio de Janeiro.
Serviço Social na História: resistência às desigualdades sociais e respeito à Diversidade
Authors: Villela Iamamoto Marilda
Published: October 2024

O texto Serviço Social na História: resistência às desigualdades sociais e respeito à diversidade pretende inscrever o Serviço Social nos processos históricos em curso. Busca identificá-los e, por seu intermédio, lançar luz sobre transformações operadas no Serviço Social contemporâneo – na educação, no trabalho e na organização gremial –, na perspectiva de reforçar vínculos ético-políticos com sujeitos sociais com quem trabalhamos em sua unidade de diversidades. O horizonte é a ação social conjunta na defesa de um projeto de Serviço Social comprometido com a paz, os direitos humanos, a democracia, a justiça social e a preservação do planeta, preceitos éticos que balizam as ações de assistentes sociais e nos unificam. Ele aborda: I. O Serviço Social na história; II. A ação social conjunta na resistência às desigualdades sociais e o respeito à diversidade e seus desafios.
Questão social, pobreza rural e intersetorialidade: desafios de uma tenra construção
Authors: Firmino Fonzar Juliana , Aparecida Cesconeto Eugênia
Published: October 2024

O artigo tem por objetivo discutir os desafios e perspectivas da intersetorialidade no enfrentamento à pobreza rural, como uma das expressões da questão social. Assim, contextualiza a pobreza rural na realidade brasileira frente ao avanço do agronegócio com produção voltada fortemente ao mercado externo; dialoga sobre a intersetorialidade enquanto um campo em disputa e caminho possível para a construção de estratégias coletivas na perspectiva de garantia de direitos. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, com base em revisão teórico-bibliográfica e observação participante decorrente da experiência profissional na área de extensão rural. Pressupõe o reconhecimento da intersetorialidade como componente das redes socioassistenciais e, salutar na estruturação de estratégias no enfrentamento da questão social no rural, que se manifesta de forma multifacetada, funda-se na contradição capital-trabalho e demanda atuação articulada para sua mitigação. Considera-se que deve ser superada a percepção da pobreza rural como um fenômeno natural e/ou fruto da inaptidão dos indivíduos “no agro”, pois se trata de um processo sócio-histórico.
Supervisão técnica com assistentes sociais do INSS: considerações para o Serviço Social
Authors: De Oliveira Pereira Gênesis
Published: October 2024

Este artigo apresenta reflexões produzidas a partir da experiência de supervisão técnica desenvolvida com assistentes sociais do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS), por meio de projeto de extensão da UFRJ. Busca-se recuperar a supervisão como um espaço fundamental para a reflexão e enfrentamento dos desafios postos ao trabalho profissional frente ao aprofundamento das contradições no contexto de hegemonia ultraneoliberal. Para isso, apropria-se da teoria do valor para problematizar as determinações do assalariamento que incidem sobre o trabalho de assistentes sociais no INSS, valendo-se da revisão bibliográfica e da sistematização da experiência de supervisão técnica. Afirma-se, então, a necessidade de ampliar as ações de supervisão como forma de adensar as reflexões teórico-práticas e estimular a construção de estratégias que fortaleçam o trabalho profissional nos rumos aludidos pelo Projeto Ético-Político do Serviço Social.
As particularidades da Visita Domiciliar no exercício profissional de assistentes sociais
Authors: Helfreich Francine , Vianna Melo Thayana
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo aborda a visita domiciliar como parte do instrumental técnico-operativo utilizado na atuação de assistentes sociais, propondo uma reflexão crítica sobre este instrumento e ressaltando sua historicidade, finalidade e consonância com as diretrizes do projeto ético-político da profissão. Em termos metodológicos, o artigo se baseia na análise sistemática da literatura e da legislação da profissão, assim como na revisão bibliográfica. O texto sugere a articulação com a categoria teórica “território” e reafirma a necessidade de que o uso das visitas domiciliares no trabalho profissional esteja pautado nos referencias teóricos da profissão e direcionado para a garantia de direitos.
A simbiótica relação entre acumulação capitalista, trabalho, pobreza e políticas sociais
Authors: Augusto Chaves Helena Lúcia
Published: October 2024

Este artigo aborda a simbiótica relação entre acumulação capitalista, trabalho, pobreza e sua vinculação com as políticas sociais. Trata da relação dilemática entre trabalho e proteção social, problematiza a configuração do workfare em tempos de financeirização do capital e reflete sobre a política social na relação entre Estado e sociedade. A argumentação desenvolvida, a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica, enfatiza os aspectos estruturadores da política social, entendidos como mediação na relação entre Estado e sociedade, e aspectos que configuram a mudança de trajetória dessas políticas, alinhadas com a forma estatal correspondente. A natureza contraditória da política social constitui-se como aspecto analítico da discussão e visa destacar a dupla funcionalidade dessas políticas na manutenção do sistema capitalista, atendendo tanto às necessidades do capital, como às necessidades sociais, mediante seus processos reivindicatórios e de lutas.
Text Comprehension as a Mediator in Solving Mathematical Reality-Based Tasks: The Impact of Linguistic Complexity, Cognitive Factors, and Social Background
Authors: Klotz Eileen , Ehmke Timo , Leiss Dominik
Published: October 2024

Successfully solving reality-based tasks requires both mathematical and text comprehension skills. Previous research has shown that mathematical tasks requiring language proficiency have lower solution rates than those that do not, indicating increased difficulty through textual input. Therefore, it is plausible to assume that a lack of text comprehension skills leads to performance problems. Given that different sociodemographic characteristics and cognitive factors can influence task performance, this study aims to determine whether text comprehension mediates the relationship between these factors and competence in solving reality-based tasks. Additionally, it examines the impact of systematic linguistic variation in texts. Using an experimental design, 428 students completed three reality-based tasks (word count: M = 212.4, SD = 19.7) with different linguistic complexities as part of a paper-pencil test. First, students answered questions about the situation-related text comprehension of each text, followed by a mathematical question to measure their competence in solving reality-based tasks. The results indicate that: a) Tasks with texts of lower linguistic complexity have a significantly higher solution rate for both text comprehension (d = 0.189) and mathematical tasks (d = 0.119). b) Cognitive factors are significant predictors of mathematical solutions. c) Text comprehension mediates the relationship between the impact of students’ cultural resources and cognitive factors and their competence to solve reality-based tasks. These findings highlight the importance of linguistic complexity for mathematical outcomes and underscore the need to reinforce text comprehension practice in mathematical education owing to its mediating role.
The female and emended male description of the USA Interior Highlands endemic Allocapnia oribata Poulton & Stewart, 987 (Plecoptera: Capniidae)
Authors: HOGAN PHILLIP N. , DEWALT R. EDWARD , GRUBBS SCOTT A.
Published: October 2024

The female of Allocapnia oribata Poulton & Stewart, 1987 is newly associated by tree- and genetic distance-based phylogenetic methods using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene barcode fragment sequence data. The first description of the female and an emended description of the male of A. oribata are presented. Supporting data includes color images, scanning electron micrographs, and genetic analysis of DNA barcodes. Corrections to the holotype and paratype localities are presented with the help of B.C. Poulton. Additional notes on the phylogeny and endemism of Allocapnia Claassen, 1928 are provided.
Validity and reliability of the Thai Shortened Token Test
Authors:   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Trisakdipol Natha , Makarabhirom Kalyanee ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Sillabutra Jutatip ,   Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Published: October 2024

Background: The Token Test (TT) helps evaluate language comprehension in individuals with aphasia. This test can detect comprehension difficulties, even in mild aphasia cases. In Thailand, the other language tests for aphasia focused primarily on multiple aspects of language, which took a long time to evaluate. The Shortened TT, which has fewer commands, has been chosen to be translated for this study. Previously, the Shortened TT was translated into Thai using only forward translation and had not yet been evaluated for its psychometric properties. Thus, this study focuses on translating the Shortened TT into Thai using a forward and backward translation process and determining its validity and reliability. Objective: To translate, validate, and determine the reliability of the Thai Shortened TT. Materials and methods: The Shortened TT was translated using forward and backward translation. Following the completion of the translation process, five expert speech-language pathologists (SLPs) evaluated its content validity using the Content Validity Index (CVI), the Content Validity Index for Items (I-CVI), and the Content Validity Index for Scales (S-CVI). Then, it was administered to 12 normal participants and 12 aphasia participants to determine the test-retest, intra-, and inter-rater reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results: The Thai Shortened TT’s content validity was satisfied at CVI=0.920, I-CVI=0.800-1, and S-CVI=0.983. The test-retest, intra-, and inter-rater reliability were excellent. In the normal group, they were 0.943, 0.985, and 0.974, respectively; in the aphasia group, they were 0.985, 0.999, and 0.999, respectively. Conclusion: This study indicated that the Thai Shortened TT can be utilized and is suitable for clinical evaluation regarding its content validity and reliability.
A Review Article: Designing Grid Displays in AAC Systems to Enhance Accuracy and Reduce Latency in Symbol Searching
Authors:   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Kamonsitichai Wansiya , Weinstein Samuel E. ,   Fullbright US Student Research Scholarship, Department of State, USA.
Published: October 2024

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems support individuals with complex communication needs. This review article examines factors influencing the design of grid displays in AAC systems to enhance symbol searching accuracy and reduce latency. Four key areas are identified: the organization of symbols, color cues, visual crowding, and symbol location. Effective symbol organization, such as semantic-syntactic and schematic displays, can facilitate efficient communication, while color cues may improve visual attention and memory recall. Managing visual crowding and strategically placing symbols based on visual field biases and motor control abilities are also crucial. By optimizing these elements, speech-language pathologists can develop AAC displays that improve user communication outcomes. The findings provide guidelines for designing user-centered AAC systems tailored to individual cognitive, motor, and sensory needs.
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness: Unveiling significant risk factors and preemptive strategies through machine learning
Authors: He Xiao-Yu , Zhao Yi-Huan , Wan Qian-Wen , Tang Fu-Shan
Published: October 2024

This editorial discusses an article recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases , focusing on risk factors associated with intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). ICU-AW is a serious neuromuscular complication seen in critically ill patients, characterized by muscle dysfunction, weakness, and sensory impairments. Post-discharge, patients may encounter various obstacles impacting their quality of life. The pathogenesis involves intricate changes in muscle and nerve function, potentially leading to significant disabilities. Given its global significance, ICU-AW has become a key research area. The study identified critical risk factors using a multilayer perceptron neural network model, highlighting the impact of intensive care unit stay duration and mechanical ventilation duration on ICU-AW. Recommendations were provided for preventing ICU-AW, emphasizing comprehensive interventions and risk factor mitigation. This editorial stresses the importance of external validation, cross-validation, and model transparency to enhance model reliability. Moreover, the application of machine learning in clinical medicine has demonstrated clear benefits in improving disease understanding and treatment decisions. While machine learning presents opportunities, challenges such as model reliability and data management necessitate thorough validation and ethical considerations. In conclusion, integrating machine learning into healthcare offers significant potential and challenges. Enhancing data management, validating models, and upholding ethical standards are crucial for maximizing the benefits of machine learning in clinical practice.
Clinical landscape and treatment of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Insights from a high-volume center in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Improta Luca
Published: October 2024

In this editorial we comment on the article by Wang et al , recently published on World Journal of Clinical Cases . Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) represents a common and potentially serious gastroenterological emergency. Wang et al conducted a detailed study on the management of ANVUGIB in a high-volume center in the Shaanxi region, China. Analyzing data from over 530 patients provided a comprehensive overview of clinical, epidemiological, and treatment characteristics. Results highlighted a younger patient population compared to European studies, with a higher prevalence of gastric and duodenal ulcers as the leading cause of bleeding. Endoscopic treatment is currently the preferred therapeutic option, offering a variety of effective techniques. This study emphasizes the importance of implementing current guidelines in ANVUGIB management and highlights the crucial role of endoscopy in its management.
Role of high-dose amoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in an Irish cohort: A prospective study
Authors: Palmirotta Raffaele , Cafiero Concetta , Colella Marica
Published: October 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) infections may cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancers, and other conditions outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, it is important to diagnose and treat it early. H. pylori is resistant to certain drugs in traditional eradication therapy, so alternative therapy protocols are needed, such as high-dose amoxicillin dual therapy (HDADT). This article aims to comment on a recent paper by Costigan et al in the World Journal of Clinical Cases . In this study, the authors recruited 139 patients diagnosed with H. pylori , all treated with HDADT. Of these, 93 were treatment-naïve and 46 had received at least one alternative treatment in the past. Four weeks after the end of the treatment, the urea breath test was administered to estimate the eradication rate. The total eradication rate was 56% (78/139), 62% for the treatment-naïve arm and 43% for the previous treatment arm, thus indicating a lower success rate for the arm that had previously received a different treatment regimen. In conclusion, a therapeutic approach with first-line HDADT may potentially be a better treatment, but the results are not sufficient to recommend the use of this regimen in a country with high levels of dual resistance.
Spectral conditions for rainbow matchings of bipartite graphs
Authors: Shi Chao , Li Xiuqing , Chen Mingfa
Published: October 2024

Let $\mathcal{G}=\{G_1,G_2,\cdots,G_k\}$ be a family of subgraphs of complete bipartite graph $K_{a,b}$ for $k\leq a\leq b$. In this paper, we prove that, if the spectral radius $\lambda(G_i)$ of $G_{i}$ satisfies $\lambda(G_i)\geq \sqrt{(k-1)b}$ for all $i\in [k]$, then $\mathcal{G}$ contains a rainbow matching unless $G_1=G_2=\cdots=G_k \cong K_{k-1,b}\cup \overline{K_{a-k+1}}$.
Parents' Retrospectively Recalled Structured Feeding Practices Are Associated With Lower Current Disordered Eating and Mental Health Concerns in Their Young Adult Children: Findings in Parent-Child Dyads
Authors: Barnhart Wesley R. , Dial Lauren A. , Pratt Mercedes , Jordan Amy K. , Musher-Eizenman Dara R.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Parental feeding practices are linked to child disordered eating. Less research has examined these associations in young adult children, particularly college-aged, and studies examining relationships between parent feeding practices and mental health concerns are also limited. Examining these relationships in college students is important because higher education represents a period of marked development and maintenance of maladaptive eating behaviors and mental health concerns. A cross-sectional study with the inclusion of 64 parent-child (i.e., young adult) dyads examined relationships between retrospective parental feeding practices and current disordered eating and mental health concerns in their young adult children. Higher retrospective parental structured feeding practices were associated with lower young adult current disordered eating and mental health concerns. Collegiate health-promotion programs may consider college students' early food environments, particularly structured food environments, as factors that may be associated with adaptive eating behaviors and better mental health outcomes.
Voicing Emotion at School: Quintilian, Donatus, and Nicholas Udall
Authors: Dumitrescu Irina
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This essay argues that late antique and early modern texts could teach pronunciation through careful attention to emotional language, even when the topic was not explicitly addressed. Rhetoricians have long been aware that certain compositions require sensitive, modulated delivery. In the Institutio Oratoria , Quintilian showed that an orator needed an understanding of language and control over his voice to transmit the emotions of a client to his audience. The performance of emotional speeches was also modeled in two pedagogical works based on the plays of Terence: Aelius Donatus’s Commentum Terentii , which was read in the early modern period, and Nicholas Udall’s Floures for Latine Spekynge (1534), a collection of lines from Terence accompanied by translations into English. Donatus and Udall interpreted the plays’ emotional lines and, in doing so, guided readers to speak them well. Pronunciation was a central part of early modern education, teaching pupils to present themselves to the world with appropriateness, coherence, and composure.
Optical property discrepancies found between healthy and unhealthy skin cells using digital holographic microscopy with three wavelengths
Authors: Luis-Noriega Daniel , del Socorro Hernández-Montes María , Mendoza Santoyo Fernando , Palacios-Ortega Natalith , Méndez-Sashida Pedro G.
Published: October 2024

Cancer and other health disorders can be differentiated by changes in cell optical properties such as their refractive index, thickness, and topology (height and width). Here, we employ three wavelengths simultaneously in digital holographic microscopy (3λ-DHM) to visualize the whole cell topology as 3D images through a numerical reconstruction algorithm applied to a hologram. By identifying the cell state and the changes in its optical properties, it is possible to discern between healthy and unhealthy cells. The simultaneous use of three wavelengths provides a rapid and straightforward quantitative reconstruction of the whole cell without the need for an unwrapping algorithm. This is a benefit over traditional methods, which often require complicated procedures. The performance of the approach was first validated in a known sample, a silicon dioxide thin film, where we were able to corroborate its refractive index with the values reported in the literature. Then the method was applied to fixed skin cells finding a refractive index of 1.3443 for healthy cells and 1.3246 for cells found in tumor tissue. We discuss and highlight differences based on the refractive index to demonstrate that the employed process can provide reliable information to distinguish characteristics between healthy and unhealthy cells.
Faraday-Ramsey rotation measurement in a thin cell as an analogy to an atomic beam
Authors: Dikopoltsev Mark , Talker Eliran , Barash Yefim , Mazurski Noa , Levy Uriel
Published: October 2024

Atomic beams offer measurement capabilities for hot vapors but often require complex, bulky systems, limiting miniaturization. This study explores hot vapors in thin cells (L=30,5 μm) as a simplified analogy to atomic beams. Coherence is maintained only for atoms moving parallel to the cell walls, as wall collisions randomize spin. By filtering non-parallel atoms, we mimic atomic beam behavior and observe the Faraday-Ramsey effect. Rubidium atoms are optically pumped with linearly polarized resonance radiation, evolving in a perpendicular magnetic field and probed via Faraday rotation. We believe that thin cell technology is paving the way for the miniaturization of atomic beam-based sensors.
3-D Visualization of Atlantic salmon skin through Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Microscopy
Authors: Ranjan Abhishek , Swain Jaya Kumari , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh , Melandsø Frank
Published: October 2024

Significance

Three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging (PAM) has emerged as a promising technique for non-invasive label-free visualization and characterization of biological tissues with high spatial resolution and functional contrast.

Aim

The application of PAM and ultrasound as a microscopy technique of study for Atlantic salmon skin is presented here.

Approach

A custom ultrasound and photoacoustic experimental setup was used for conducting this experiment with a sample preparation method where the salmon skin is embedded in agarose and lifted from the bottom of the petridish.

Results

The results of C-scan, B-scan, and overlayed images of ultrasound and photoacoustic are presented. The results are then analyzed for understanding the pigment map and its relation to salmon behavior to external stimuli. The photoacoustic images are compared with the optical images and analyzed further. A custom colormap and alpha map is designed and the matrices responsible for PAM and ultrasound are inserted together to overlay the ultrasound image and PAM image on top of each other.

Conclusions

In this study, we propose an approach that combines scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) images with PAM images for providing a comprehensive understanding of the salmon skin tissue. Overlaying acoustic and photoacoustic images enabled unique visualization of tissue morphology, with respect to identification of structural features in the context of their pigment distribution.
The association of micro and macro worries with psychological distress in people living with chronic kidney disease during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ford Ella C. , Sohansoha Gurneet K. , Patel Naeema A. , Billany Roseanne E. , Wilkinson Thomas J. , Lightfoot Courtney J. , Smith Alice C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Psychological distress can be exacerbated by micro (personal) and macro (societal) worries, especially during challenging times. Exploration of this relationship in people with chronic kidney disease is limited.

Objectives

(1) To identify the types and levels of worries concerning people with chronic kidney disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to explore the association of worries with psychological distress including depression, stress, anxiety, and health anxiety.

Design and participants

A cross-sectional online survey collected data at two time points (Autumn 2020, n = 528; Spring 2021, n = 241). Participants included kidney transplant recipients and people with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease.

Measurements

The survey included questions about worry taken from the World Health Organisation COVID-19 Survey, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Short Health Anxiety Index. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression.

Results

Worries about loved ones’ health, the healthcare system becoming overloaded, losing a loved one, economic recession, and physical health were the highest rated concerns. Worrying about mental health was associated with higher depression, stress, anxiety, and health anxiety. Worrying about physical health was associated with anxiety and health anxiety. Worrying about losing a loved one was associated with health anxiety, and worrying about not being able to pay bills was associated with stress.

Conclusions

People with kidney disease reported micro and macro worries associated with psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights factors that should be considered to improve the mental health and well-being of people with kidney disease.
A novel dual probe-based method for mutation detection using isothermal amplification
Authors: Nandu Nidhi , Miller Michael , Tong Yanhong , Lu Zhi-xiang
Published: October 2024

Cost efficient and rapid detection tools to detect mutations especially those linked to drug-resistance are important to address concerns of the rising multi-drug resistance infections. Here we integrated dual probes, namely a calibrator probe and an indicator probe, into isothermal amplification detection system. These two probes are designed to bind distinct regions on the same amplicon to determine the presence or absence of mutation. The calibrator probe signal is used as an internal signal calibrator for indicator probe which detects the presence or absence of the mutation. As an illustrative example, we evaluated the applicability of this dual probe method for detecting mutations associated with rifampicin (RIF) drug resistance at codons 516, 526 and 531 of the rpoB gene in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this assessment, we examined 127 artificial samples comprising wild types and mutants with single or multiple mutations. Our results demonstrated 100% accuracy for both wild types and mutants for mutations at codons 526 and 531. As regards to mutations at codon 516, the wild type was identified with 100% accuracy, while the mutants were identified with 95% accuracy. Moreover, when we extended our evaluation to include clinical MTB strains and the Zeptometrix MTB Verification panel, our method achieved 100% accuracy (5 out of 5) in identifying wild-type strains. Additionally, we successfully detected a RIF-resistant strain with mutations at codon 531 of the rpoB gene in Zeptometrix verification panel. Our isothermal mutation detection system, relying on dual probes exhibits a versatile approach. With the capability to identify mutations without prior knowledge of their specific mutation direction, our dual-probe method shows significant promise for applications in drug resistance nucleic acid testing, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Development of infectious clones of mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV, Begomovirus vignaradiataindiaense) infecting mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] and evaluation of a RIL population for MYMIV resistance
Authors: Kumari Nikki , Aski Muraleedhar S. , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Roy Anirban , Dikshit Harsh Kumar , Saxena Shipra , Kohli Manju , Mandal Bikash , Sinha Subodh Kumar , Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Mondal Md Firoz , Kumar Ranjeet Ranjan , Kumar Atul , Nair Ramakrishnan M.
Published: October 2024

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is a major constraint for the low productivity of mungbean, mainly in South Asia. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach, integrating field and challenge inoculation evaluations to identify effective solutions. In this study, an infectious clone of Begomovirus vignaradiataindiaense (MYMIV) was developed to obtain a pure culture of the virus and to confirm resistance in mungbean plants exhibiting resistance under natural field conditions. The infectivity and efficiency of three Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains (EHA105, LBA4404, and GV3101) were evaluated using the susceptible mungbean genotype PS16. Additionally, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population comprising 175 lines derived from Pusa Baisakhi (MYMIV susceptible) and PMR-1 (MYMIV resistant) cross was developed and assessed for YMD response. Among the tested Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, EHA105 exhibited the highest infectivity (84.7%), followed by LBA4404 (54.7%) and GV3101 (9.80%). Field resistance was evaluated using the coefficient of infection (CI) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), identifying seven RILs with consistent resistant reactions (CI≤9) and low AUDPC (≤190). Upon challenge inoculation, six RILs exhibited resistance, while RIL92 displayed a resistance response, with infection occurring in less than 10% of plants after 24 to 29 days post inoculation (dpi). Despite some plants remaining asymptomatic, MYMIV presence was confirmed through specific PCR amplification of the MYMIV coat protein (AV1) gene. Quantitative PCR revealed a very low relative viral load (0.1–5.1% relative fold change) in asymptomatic RILs and the MYMIV resistant parent (PMR1) compared to the susceptible parent (Pusa Baisakhi). These findings highlight the potential utility of the developed infectious clone and the identified MYMIV-resistant RILs in future mungbean breeding programs aimed at cultivating MYMIV-resistant varieties.
Automatic authorship attribution in Albanian texts
Authors: Misini Arta , Canhasi Ercan , Kadriu Arbana , Fetahi Endrit
Published: October 2024

Automatic authorship identification is a challenging task that has been the focus of extensive research in natural language processing. Regardless of the progress made in attributing authorship, the need for corpora in under-resourced languages impedes advancing and examining present methods. To address this gap, we investigate the problem of authorship attribution in Albanian. We introduce a newly compiled corpus of Albanian newsroom columns and literary works and analyze machine-learning methods for detecting authorship. We create a set of hand-crafted features targeting various categories (lexical, morphological, and structural) relevant to Albanian and experiment with multiple classifiers using two different multiclass classification strategies. Furthermore, we compare our results to those obtained using deep learning models. Our investigation focuses on identifying the best combination of features and classification methods. The results reveal that lexical features are the most effective set of linguistic features, significantly improving the performance of various algorithms in the authorship attribution task. Among the machine learning algorithms evaluated, XGBoost demonstrated the best overall performance, achieving an F1 score of 0.982 on literary works and 0.905 on newsroom columns. Additionally, deep learning models such as fastText and BERT-multilingual showed promising results, highlighting their potential applicability in specific scenarios in Albanian writings. These findings contribute to the understanding of effective methods for authorship attribution in low-resource languages and provide a robust framework for future research in this area. The careful analysis of the different scenarios and the conclusions drawn from the results provide valuable insights into the potential and limitations of the methods and highlight the challenges in detecting authorship in Albanian. Promising results are reported, with implications for improving the methods used in Albanian authorship attribution. This study provides a valuable resource for future research and a reference for researchers in this domain.
Pop-out effects revisited: Within-array category pop-out and novel pop-out effects with picture stimuli
Authors: McCarthy John D. , Reed Phil
Published: October 2024

Pop-out effects occur when a novel or different stimulus is presented in the context of an array of otherwise familiar or similar stimuli. The effect has been studied using words extensively, but little evidence exists for humans relating to nonverbal stimuli. Although the finding has implications for understanding features of stimuli that capture attention, contradictory findings exist, and previous paradigms have limited applicability to real world situations. Given this, an experiment employed a novel procedure to investigate whether category pop-out effects, where one item is drawn from a different category to the others, could be obtained with pictorial stimulus array. It also investigated whether pop-out effects could be generated with a single continuous pre-exposure procedure, as would be experienced in a naturalistic setting, or whether they were the results of biases introduced by the repetitive pre-exposure procedures, typically used in such studies. The latter finding would undermine the use of such findings to support ecologically-valid models of attention. Both of these questions were answered in the affirmative: category pop-out effects were obtained using picture stimuli; and such effects were obtained with a single continuous pre-exposure. Further development this novel procedure may allow exploration of evolutionary and neurological aspects of selective attention effects.
RSBagging: An ensemble classifier detecting the after-effects of ischemic stroke through EEG connectivity and microstates
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Xueying , Zhang Peng , Hu Fengyun
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

Stroke can lead to significant after-effects, including motor function impairments, language impairments (aphasia), disorders of consciousness (DoC), and cognitive deficits. Computer-aided analysis of EEG connectivity matrices and microstates from bedside EEG monitoring can replace traditional clinical observation methods, offering an automatic approach to monitoring the progression of these after-effects. This EEG-based method also enables quicker and more efficient assessments for medical practitioners.

Methods

In this study, we employed Functional Connectivity features that extract spatial representation and Microstate features that focus on the time domain representation to monitor the after-effects of ischemic stroke patients. As the dataset from stroke patients is heavily imbalanced across various clinical after-effects conditions, we designed an ensemble classifier, RSBagging, to address the issue of classifiers often favoring the majority classes in the classification of imbalanced datasets.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that different connectivity matrices are effective for three classification tasks: consciousness level, motor disturbance, and stroke location. Using our RSBagging model, all three tasks achieve over 98% accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score, significantly outperforming the existing classifiers SVM, XGBoost, and Random Forest.

Conclusion

Therefore, the RSBagging classifier based on connectivity matrices offers an effective method for monitoring the after-effects in stroke patients.
Time to recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis and its predictors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A retrospective follow up study, 2022
Authors: Tefera Birtukan Ayana , Ahmed Abdurahman Mohammed , Yehualashet Sisay Shewasinad
Published: October 2024

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most common, life-threatening, gastrointestinal disorders in neonates. The recovery time for neonates with NEC varies depending on disease severity, prompt diagnosis, and effective treatment. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the time to recover from necrotizing enterocolitis and its’ predictors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study design was employed. A sample of 361 medical records of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis was selected using systematic random sampling. Diagnosis of NEC in this study required clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings. The survival function was described using Kaplan Meier survival curve and log-rank test. Bivariate and multivariate Cox-proportional hazard (Cox-PH) regression models were used for analysis.

Results

The median recovery time from necrotizing enterocolitis for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit was 12 days. The multivariable Cox-PH model showed that neonates classified as Stage III NEC (AHR: 0.42, 95% CI = 0.23–0.77) and those exposed to perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35–0.74) had a negative impact on NEC recovery time. However, neonates with a birth weight of 1500-2499gm (AHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05–2.58) and a platelet count greater than 150,000 (AHR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.24–2.48) had a positive effect on NEC recovery time.

Conclusion

The recovery time for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit with necrotizing enterocolitis was longer. Comorbidities and advanced stage of NEC were associated with prolonged recovery time from NEC. However, neonates with better platelet count and birth weight greater than 1500mg had shorter recovery time from NEC.
Joint position and force senses in young female tennis players and untrained adolescents
Authors: Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Waldziński Tomasz , Durzyńska Aleksandra , Mieszkowski Jan , Knaś Małgorzata , Kochanowicz Andrzej
Published: October 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the differences between tennis players and untrained peers in the development of upper limb proprioception in 10–15-year-olds. A group of 67 girls (12.75 ± 1.46 years old), including 33 tennis players and 34 age-matched untrained controls, was divided into three age groups: A1, 10–11-years-old; A2, 12–13-years-old; and A3, 14–15-years-old. Joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) were assessed by reproducing memorized target angle or torque value of three joints: glenohumeral, elbow, and radiocarpal. The JPS error for the elbow joint in group A1 was 71% and 80% higher (p < 0.01) than that in groups A2 and A3, respectively, and the performance of all tennis players was 27.5% (p = 0.01) better than that of untrained controls. For FS, proprioception of only the more demanding task tested (reproduction of 50% maximal voluntary contraction) and specific function (elbow and radiocarpal extension, and glenohumeral internal rotation) showed development with age. The error values for elbow extension (A1, A2) and the glenohumeral joint (A3) of tennis players were lower than those of age-matched controls. We conclude that the development of FS in the upper limb varied and was related to the specific functions and joints. The 10–13-year-old tennis players showed elbow extensor FS performance at the level of the older participants, while the 14–15-year-old tennis players were characterized with superior FS internal rotation performance in the glenohumeral joint.