bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depth of focus and Intensity distribution of lensacon illuminated by partially coherent Gaussian Schell vortex beam
Authors: Kaid Shukri , Alkelly Abdu , Alnadary Hatem , Al-Ahsab Hassan
Published: January 2024

Using the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle, a cross-spectral density formula was developed for a Gaussian Schell model vortex (PCGSMV) beam diffracted through Lensacon (lens with axicon). The intensity and depth of focus (DOF) shaped by the lensacon were calculated. Our numerical results show the relationship between the intensity distribution and depth of focus with the beam waist width as well as the spatial correlation of the coherence length. Furthermore, the relationship between the beam spot size and propagation distance was investigated. In the case of the lensacon tandem, the maximum intensity was 29 times greater than that attained by the axicon alone for the same beam parameters, and the DOF was six times smaller than that of the axicon alone. The vortex structure canceled out the low value of the spatial degree of coherence length. Our numerical model exhibited high-intensity values and high-quality Bessel rings along the DOF which are critical for various applications.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge and perceptions among people in HIV-sero-different partnerships in rural southwestern Uganda
Authors: Chitneni Pooja , Owembabazi Moran , Kanini Eunice , Mwima Simon , Bwana Mwebesa Bosco , Psaros Christina , Muyindike Winnie R. , Haberer Jessica E. , Matthews Lynn T.
Published: January 2024

Globally, over one million people acquire curable sexually transmitted infections (STI) each day. Understanding how people think about STIs is key to building culturally appropriate STI prevention and treatment programs. We explored STI knowledge and perceptions in rural, southwestern Uganda to inform future interventions. From August 2020 to December 2020, we conducted individual in-depth interviews among adult men and women (≥18 years) with recent or current personal or partner pregnancy, a history of an STI diagnosis and treatment, and membership in an HIV-sero-different relationship. Interviews explored STI knowledge, perceptions, and barriers and facilitators to engaging in STI care. We used inductive and deductive approaches to generate a codebook guided by the healthcare literacy skills framework in a thematic analysis. Ten men with STI, five of their female partners, eighteen women with STI, and four of their male partners participated in individual in-depth interviews. The median age was 41 (range 27–50) for men and 29 (range 22–40) for women. Sixteen (43%) participants were with HIV. Significant themes include: 1) Participants obtained STI knowledge and information from the community (friends, family members, acquaintances) and medical professionals; 2) While participants knew STIs were transmitted sexually, they also believed transmission occurred via non-sexual mechanisms. 3) Participants associated different connotations and amounts of stigma with each STI, for example, participants reported that syphilis was passed down “genetically” from parent to child. 4) Participants reported uncertainty about whether STIs affected pregnancy outcomes and whether antenatal STI treatment was safe. The complicated nature of STIs has led to understandable confusion in settings without formal sexual healthcare education. Robust counseling and education prior to sexual debut will help allow men and women to understand the signs, symptoms, and treatments necessary for STI cure and to navigate often complicated and overburdened healthcare systems.
The incidence, and spatial trends of cholera in Sabah over 15 years: Repeated outbreaks in coastal areas
Authors: Maluda Marilyn Charlene Montini , Johnson Emilia , Robinson Fredie , Jikal Muhammad , Fong Siat Yee , Saffree Mohammad Jeffree , Fornace Kimberly M. , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: January 2024

Vibrio cholerae remains a notable public health challenge across Malaysia. Although the Malaysian state of Sabah is considered a cholera-affected area, gaps remain in understanding the epidemiological trends and spatial distribution of outbreaks. Therefore, to determine longitudinal and spatial trends in cholera cases data were obtained from the Sabah State Health Department for all notified cases of cholera between 2005–2020. A cholera outbreak is defined as one or more confirmed cases in a single locality with the evidence of local transmission. All records were geolocated to village level. Satellite-derived data and generalised linearized models were used to assess potential risk factors, including population density, elevation, and distance to the sea. Spatiotemporal clustering of reported cholera cases and zones of increased cholera risk were evaluated using the tau statistic (τ) at 550m, 5km and 10km distances. Over a 15-year period between 2005–2020, 2865 cholera cases were recorded in Sabah, with a mean incidence rate of 5.6 cases per 100,000 (95% CI: 3.4–7.9). From 2015–2020, 705 symptomatic cases and 727 asymptomatic cases were reported. Symptomatic cases primarily occurred in local Malaysian populations (62.6%, 441/705) and in children and adolescents under 15-years old (49.4%, 348/705). On average, cases were reported in areas with low population density (19.45 persons/km2), low elevations (19.45m) and near coastal areas. Spatiotemporal clustering of cholera cases was identified up to 3.5km, with increased village-level cholera risk within 500m and 5 days of initial case presentation to a health facility (Risk Ratio = 9.7, 95% CI: 7.5–12.4). Cholera incidence has high spatial and temporal heterogeneity within Sabah, with some districts experiencing repeated outbreaks. Cholera cases clustered across space and time, with village-level risk of cholera highest within 5 days and within close proximity to primary case villages, suggesting local transmission.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis as a single strain probiotic on growth, disease resistance and immune response of striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus)
Authors: Liaqat Razia , Fatima Shafaq , Komal Wajeeha , Minahal Qandeel , Kanwal Zakia , Suleman Muhammad , Carter Chris G.
Published: January 2024

The present study investigated the potential role of Bacillus subtilis as probiotic in striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus). Fish (initial weight = 150.00±2.63g n = 180) were stocked in circular tanks. Four isonitrogenous (30%) and isolipidic (3.29%) diets were formulated having supplementation of B. subtilis at four different levels (P0; 0, P1: 1×106, P2: 1×108 and P3: 1×1010 CFU/g). Each treatment had three replicates, while each replicate had fifteen fish. The trial started on second week of July and continued for eight weeks. Growth, feed conversion ratio, crude protein content, the concentration of amylase and protease, the profile of both dispensable and non-dispensable amino acids in all four dietary groups increased with a gradual increase of B. subtilis in the diet. At the end of growth experiment, fish in all four groups were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus (5×105 CFU/ml). After S. aureus challenge, fish fed with B. subtilis responded better to damage caused by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and better survival rate. The catalase and superoxide dismutase level also increased in response to bacterial challenge in B. subtilis fed groups. On the other hand, the concentration of malondialdehyde gradually decreased in these groups (+ve P0 >P1>P2>P3). It is concluded that supplementation of B. subtilis as a probiotic improved the growth, protein content, antioxidant response and immunocompetency against S. aureus in striped catfish. The optimum dosage of B. subtilis, at a concentration of 1×1010 CFU/g, resulted in the most favorable outcomes in striped catfish. This single bacterial strain can be used as an effective probiotic in large scale production of aquafeed for striped catfish. Future studies can investigate this probiotic’s impact in the intensive culture of the same species.
The effects of negative social media connotations on subjective wellbeing of an ageing population: A stressor-strain-outcome perspective
Authors: Zolkepli Izzal Asnira , Tariq Rehan , Isawasan Pradeep , Shamugam Lalitha , Mustafa Hasrina
Published: January 2024

In recent years, users’ privacy concerns and reluctance to use have posed a challenge for the social media and wellbeing of its users. There is a paucity of research on elderly users’ negative connotations of social media and the way these connotations contribute to developing passive behaviour towards social media use, which, in turn, affects subjective wellbeing. To address this research vacuum we employed the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) approach to describe the evolution of passive social media use behaviour from the perspective of communication overload, complexity, and privacy. We conceptualized subjective wellbeing as a combination of three components–negative feelings, positive feelings, and life satisfaction. Negative and positive feelings were used to derive an overall affect balance score that fluctuates between ‘unhappiest possible’ and ‘happiest possible’. The proposed research framework was empirically validated through 399 valid responses from elderly social media users. Our findings reveal that communication overload and complexity raise privacy concerns among social media users, which leads to passive usage of social media. This passive social media use improved the subjective wellbeing favourably by lowering negative feelings and raising positive feelings and life satisfaction. The findings also revealed that respondents’ overall affect balance leans towards positive feelings as a consequence of passive social media use. This study contributes to the field of technostress by illuminating how the SSO perspective aid the comprehension of the way passive social media use influences the subjective wellbeing of its users.
Features of water-electrolyte balance in persons of the older age group
Authors: Katamadze N. N. , Pigarova E. A. , Dzeranova L. K. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: January 2024

Age-related changes have a great influence on the regulation of water and electrolyte homeostasis in the body, which is regulated by a complex interaction of environmental factors, drinking behavior, the secretion of a number of hormones and hormone-like substances, as well as the innervation and functional state of the kidneys. It is well known that the changes that are part of physiological aging underlie fluid and electrolyte imbalances, exacerbated by the presence of age-related diseases, medications, or a number of external factors such as malnutrition, fluid intake, and the presence of dementia. This review considers literature data on the effect of normal aging on the development of pathology of the water-sodium balance, including dehydration of senile patients, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, changes in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone and the activity of elements of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Diagnostic value of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in various modifications and methods of radiation and radionuclide imaging in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent endogenous hypercortisolism
Authors: Belaya Zh. E. , Golounina O. O. , Sitkin I. I. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Degtyarev M. V. , Trukhina D. A. , Bondarenko E. V. , Lapshina A. M. , Mamedova E. O. , Przhiyalkovskaya E. G. , Vaks V. V. , Melnichenko G. A. , Mokrysheva N. G. , Dedov I. I.
Published: January 2024

AIM: To analyze the diagnostic performance of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) with desmopressin as a stimulation agent and prolactin measurements to control catheter position with or without the ACTH/prolactin normalized ratio calculation in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent endogenous hypercortisolism, and the diagnostics performance of ectopic ACTH-syndrome (EAS) visualization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center diagnostic study with a retrospective analysis of the data was carried out. The study included patients with ACTH-dependent endogenous hypercorticism with no visualization of pituitary adenoma on MRI or adenoma sizes less than 6 mm. All patients underwent BIPSS with and without calculation of the ACTH/prolactin normalized ratio. Visualization of an EAS included pituitary MRI (to exclude EAS), whole-body CT scan with contrast, and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with 99mTc-Tectrotide and CT (99mTc-Tectrotide SPECT). The final verification was based on immunohistochemical confirmation of the tumor or stable remission of Cushing’s disease (CD) after surgical treatment. Statistical data processing was carried out by using IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Confidence intervals were calculated using the JavaStat online calculator.

RESULTS: 230 BIPSS were performed in 228 patients (166 women, 62 men), of which 178 patients were verified as CD and 50 cases were EAS of various localization. The effectiveness of catheterization of petrosal sinuses was 96.9%. The sensitivity of BIPSS without ACTH/prolactin ratio calculation (n=70) was 95.9% (95% CI 86.3–98.9), specificity was 92% (95% CI 75.0–97.8), for the BIPSS with additional determination of ACTH/prolactin-normalized ratio (n=51) — 97.3% (95% CI 86.2–99.5) and 93.8% (95% CI 71.7–98.9), respectively. The use of the MRI method for this sample of patients had a sensitivity of 60.2% (95% CI 52.6–67.5), specificity of 59.2% (95% CI 44.2–73.0), the total body CT with contrast has a sensitivity of 74% (95% CI 59.7–85.4), specificity of 100% (95% CI 97.95–100). The diagnostic accuracy for 99mTc-Tectrotide SPECT in NET visualization has a sensitivity of 73.3% (95% CI 44.9–92.2), specificity of 100% (95% CI 95.3–100).

CONCLUSION: BIPSS with desmopressin stimulation and prolactin measurements to control catheter position, as well as the additional calculation of the ACTH/prolactin-normalized ratio, is an optimal method for the differential diagnosis of EAS. Patients who are identified an EAS on BIPSS may be further referred for 99mTc-Tectrotide SPECT and CT for tumor visualization.
Universal Basic Income Universally Welcomed? – Relevance of Socio-Demographic and Psychological Variables for Acceptance in Germany
Authors: Sureth Antonia , Gierke Lioba , Nachtwei Jens , Ziegler Matthias , Decker Oliver , Zenger Markus , Brähler Elmar
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic plunged economies into recessions and advancements in artificial intelligence create widespread automation of job tasks. A debate around how to address these challenges has moved the introduction of a universal basic income (UBI) center stage. However, existing UBI research mainly focuses on economic aspects and normative arguments but lacks an individual perspective that goes beyond examining the association between socio-demographic characteristics and UBI support. We add to this literature by investigating not only socio-demographic but also psychological predictors of UBI acceptance in a multivariate analysis using a representative sample of the German working population collected in 2020 (N = 1986). Our results indicate that being more supportive of a UBI went along with being comparably younger, of East-German origin, and more in favor of equal living standards, as well as perceiving one’s economic situation to be worse and the threat of the corona-pandemic to be higher.
Chemistry Digital Standards: Tools for an increasingly digital research culture
Authors: Mustafa Fatima , McEwen Leah , Bruno Ian
Published: January 2024

After over 100 years of developing standards for chemistry, IUPAC is moving forward towards the “Digital IUPAC” era which embraces modern practices working with data, a propensity towards Open Science and application of the FAIR Data Principles. In a recent webinar hosted by *Chemvoices platform, Fatima Mustafa, WorldFAIR Chemistry project coordinator, moderated a discussion with Leah McEwen, the chair of the IUPAC Committee on Publications and Chemical Data Standards (CPCDS), and Ian Bruno, CPCDS titular member, to enlighten the chemists community on efforts around digitizing IUPAC.
Weak Convergence of the Rosenbrock Semi-implicit Method for Semilinear Parabolic SPDEs Driven by Additive Noise
Authors: Mukam Jean Daniel , Tambue Antoine
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to investigate the weak convergence of the Rosenbrock semi-implicit method for semilinear parabolic stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) driven by additive noise.
We are interested in SPDEs where the nonlinear part is stronger than the linear part, also called stochastic reaction dominated transport equations.
For such SPDEs, many standard numerical schemes lose their stability properties.
Exponential Rosenbrock and Rosenbrock-type methods were proved to be efficient for such SPDEs, but only their strong convergence were recently analyzed.
Here, we investigate the weak convergence of the Rosenbrock semi-implicit method.
We obtain a weak convergence rate which is twice the rate of the strong convergence.
Our error analysis does not rely on Malliavin calculus, but rather only uses the Kolmogorov equation and the smoothing properties of the resolvent operator resulting from the Rosenbrock semi-implicit approximation.
A quantitative stability result for the sphere packing problem in dimensions 8 and 24
Authors: Böröczky Károly J. , Radchenko Danylo , Ramos João P. G.
Published: January 2024

We prove explicit stability estimates for the sphere packing problem in dimensions 8 and 24, showing that, in the lattice case, if a lattice is

∼
ε

{\sim\varepsilon}

close to satisfying the optimal density, then it is, in a suitable sense, close to the

E
8

{E_{8}}

and Leech lattices, respectively. In the periodic setting, we prove that, under the same assumptions, we may take a large “frame” through which our packing locally looks like

E
8

{E_{8}}

or

Λ
24

{\Lambda_{24}}

.
Our methods make explicit use of the magic functions constructed in [M. S. Viazovska,
The sphere packing problem in dimension 8,
Ann. of Math. (2) 185 2017, 3, 991–1015] in dimension 8 and in [H. Cohn, A. Kumar, S. D. Miller, D. Radchenko and M. Viazovska,
The sphere packing problem in dimension 24,
Ann. of Math. (2) 185 2017, 3, 1017–1033] in dimension 24, together with results of independent interest on the abstract stability of the lattices

E
8

{E_{8}}

and

Λ
24

{\Lambda_{24}}

.
Tracing Exilience Through Literature and Translation: A Portuguese Gargantua in Paris (1848)
Authors: Maia Rita Bueno
Published: January 2024

The present article explores the way translated literature informs on (i) how exile shapes the cities’ landscapes (both the starting city and the arrival), as well as (ii) the emotional hardship of the exilic condition, which entails a feeling of estrangement and the longing for imaginary homelands. To attain this twofold aim, it focuses on the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Portuguese migrant movements to Paris. It searches, on the one hand, to retrace exilience in descriptions of Lisbon and Paris in biographical accounts of Portuguese exiles. On the other hand, it analyses an 1848 rewriting of Rabelais’ Gargantua in Portuguese. It is contented that Gargantua Portuguez [Portuguese Gargantua] bears testimony of the presence of anonymous Portuguese-language exiles in mid-nineteenth-century Paris, while creating a “safe house” for them, by seeking historical justice which would, in turn, assist in coping with the exilic condition.
Galton–Watson Theta-Processes in a Varying Environment
Authors: Sagitov Serik , Zhumayev Yerakhmet
Published: January 2024

We consider a special class of Galton–Watson theta-processes in a varying environment fully defined by four parameters, with two of them

(
θ
,
r
)

{(\theta,r)}

being fixed over time n, and the other two

(

a
n

,

c
n

)

{(a_{n},c_{n})}

characterizing the altering reproduction laws. We establish a sequence of transparent limit theorems for the theta-processes with possibly defective reproduction laws. These results may serve as a stepping stone towards incisive general results for the Galton–Watson processes in a varying environment.
Water transportation planning in connection with extreme weather conditions; case study – Port of Novi Sad, Serbia
Authors: Komazec Nenad , Šoškić Svetislav , Milić Aleksandar , Štrbac Katarina , Valjarević Aleksandar
Published: January 2024

The Danube has a length of 588 km in the Republic of Serbia. The water transport on this river is underused. The hazardous events have a great impact on the traffic on this river, and the understanding of these events is of great importance. This study focuses on hazardous events on the Danube with the main focus on the port of Novi. The hazardous events used in this study are extreme air temperatures, devastating winds, drought, and heavy precipitation. The hazardous events were represented using geographic information systems (GIS), geostatistics, and numerical methods. The potential of the river transport network and the port capacity were analyzed and compared with the hazardous events of the last 30 years. The results showed that three areas of the port are of great importance for port security, and two areas are extremely affected by hazardous events. The distance of the port of Novi Sad from heavy precipitation events is 6.8 km in the southwestern direction. The periods of extremely low precipitation (climatic drought) were in 1994, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. Extreme average maximum temperatures were in 1995, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2019. On the other hand, minimum average temperatures were in 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2017, and 2018, and the strongest winds were in 1995, 1998, 2003, 2009, 2012, and 2014. The methods and techniques of GIS, used in this research, have confirmed new potential geographical positions of the port that can be better adapted to future climate changes. Another main objective of this research is to recommend better spatial planning and construction of new green corridors.
Determination of the effect of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) seed oil on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil
Authors: Dedebaş Tuğba
Published: January 2024

The effects of bitter gourd seed oil (Momordica charantia) the storage stability of sunflower oil were examined in the present study. The effects of oxidation and those of the bitter gourd addition on the quality characteristics of the sunflower oils were determined by using classical and spectrophotometric methods during thermal oxidation. The changes of sunflower oil samples added with different concentrations (10 and 20 %) of bitter gourd seed oil were found in Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and it was also observed that there was an increase due to secondary oxidation products forming during the storage. Furthermore, the oxidation of sunflower oils was comparatively examined by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. As a result of both classical and spectrophotometric analyses, it was determined that the addition of 10 % bitter gourd seed oil enhanced the storage stability of sunflower oil.
Note on bounds on the coefficients of a subclass of m-fold symmetric bi-univalent functions
Authors: Zireh Ahmad , Hajiparvaneh Saideh , Bulut Serap
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we introduce and investigate a subclass of analytic and
bi-univalent functions which both

f
⁢

(
z
)

{f(z)}

and

f

-
1

⁢

(
z
)

{f^{-1}(z)}

are m-fold
symmetric on the open unit disk. Furthermore, we find upper bounds for the
initial coefficients

|

a

m
+
1

|

{|a_{m+1}|}

and

|

a

2
⁢
m

+
1

|

{|a_{2m+1}|}

for functions in this
subclass. The results presented in this paper generalize and improve some
recent works
Multiplicative 𝔪-metric space, fixed point theorems with applications in multiplicative integrals equation and numerical results
Authors: Yadav Kapil , Kumar Deepak
Published: January 2024

The objective of this manuscript is to introduce the notion of multiplicative

𝔪

{\mathfrak{m}}

-metric space, inspired by the concepts of multiplicative metric space and

𝔪

{\mathfrak{m}}

-metric space. We propose a generalized notion of the distance function known as the multiplicative

𝔪

{\mathfrak{m}}

-metric. Firstly, we present the fundamental definitions for the multiplicative

𝔪

{\mathfrak{m}}

-metric space, then delve into the topological aspects, including the convergence of sequences and completeness. Additionally, we provide various illustrations to support our discussion. We also generalize some well-known contraction mappings and prove fixed point theorems on the complete multiplicative

𝔪

{\mathfrak{m}}

-metric space. To complement our findings, we have included numerical results along with graphs to provide visual support for our conclusions. Furthermore, we explore the potential of utilizing the multiplicative

𝔪

{\mathfrak{m}}

-metric to demonstrate the existence of the solution to a multiplicative integral equation.
The algebraic entropy of one-dimensional finitary linear cellular automata
Authors: Akın Hasan , Dikranjan Dikran , Giordano Bruno Anna , Toller Daniele
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to present one-dimensional finitary linear cellular automata 𝑆 on

Z
m

\mathbb{Z}_{m}

from an algebraic point of view.
Among various other results, we (i) show that the Pontryagin dual

S
̂

\hat{S}

of 𝑆 is a classical one-dimensional linear cellular automaton 𝑇 on

Z
m

\mathbb{Z}_{m}

; (ii) give several equivalent conditions for 𝑆 to be invertible with inverse a finitary linear cellular automaton; (iii) compute the algebraic entropy of 𝑆, which coincides with the topological entropy of

T
=

S
̂

T=\hat{S}

by the so-called Bridge Theorem.
In order to better understand and describe entropy, we introduce the degree

deg
⁡

(
S
)

\deg(S)

and

deg
⁡

(
T
)

\deg(T)

of 𝑆 and 𝑇.
Inverting mechanical and variable-order parameters of the Euler–Bernoulli beam on viscoelastic foundation
Authors: Cheng Jin , Yang Zhiwei , Zheng Xiangcheng
Published: January 2024

We propose an inverse problem of determining the mechanical and variable-order parameters of the Euler–Bernoulli beam on viscoelastic foundation. For this goal, we develop a fully-discrete Hermite finite element scheme for this model and analyze the corresponding error estimates. The Levenberg–Marquardt method is then applied to determine the multiple parameters. Extensive numerical experiments are performed under practical settings to demonstrate the behavior of the proposed model and the efficiency of the algorithm.
Green chemistry route to chitosan hydrogels and investigation of the materials as efficient dye adsorbents
Authors: Njuguna Dennis Gitau , Schönherr Holger
Published: January 2024

Biopolymer-based materials for the adsorption of toxic dyes represent an interesting class of materials for environmental applications. Here we report on chitosan as the starting material for synthesizing dye adsorbents. In particular, the synthesis, characterization, and cationic dye adsorption properties of chitosan hydrogel adsorbents are reported. Polyanionic itaconated chitosan derivatives were synthesized in solvent-less conditions for the first time. Itaconated chitosan was cross-linked using thiol-ene chemistry to obtain hydrogels. The influence of the incorporated carboxylate groups and the cross-linker fraction on the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) was investigated. In addition, the impact of pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration, and ionic strength were investigated to determine the optimum conditions for MB uptake, and the dye uptake kinetics, adsorption isotherms, selectivity, and reusability of the adsorbents were unveiled. A maximum adsorption capacity of 556 mg/g could be achieved, outperforming commercial activated charcoal and ion exchange resins. Furthermore the chitosan hydrogel adsorbents were shown to capture >90 % of cationic MB from a binary equimolar mixture with the anionic dye Methyl Orange. Since the adsorbents can be regenerated and re-used afterwards at least 20 times, retaining a high dye adsorption fraction of >95 %, these materials are promising candidates for environmental applications.
Continuum percolation of the realistic nonuniform ITZs in 3D polyphase concrete systems involving the aggregate shape and size differentiation
Authors: Lin Jianjun , Wang Yue , Li Mingqi , Chen Huisu , Cao Haiying , Jing Chao
Published: January 2024

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) percolation is an effective parameter reflecting the connectivity of ITZs in cementitious materials, and its emergence may accelerate the penetration of inimical ions. In the existing literature on ITZ percolation, aggregates are generally simplified as the identical-shaped particles and the thickness of the ITZ phase around them is set to be uniform, which differs greatly from the realities and may cause the large deviation. To determine the ITZ percolation with the response of different phases in a more realistic way, a more satisfying three-dimensional (3D) polyphase model of concrete is developed, in which the convex ovoids and polyhedrons are separately adopted to represent the sands and gravels. The realistic nonuniform ITZ is also assigned for these aggregates based on their specific sizes and the W/C for the cement matrix. By coupling these models with the continuum percolation theory in statistical physics, the influence of individual phases on the global percolation threshold ϕ
agg,c of ITZs is further studied by the simulation. The results reveal that the models here provide a smaller percolation threshold ϕ
agg,c than the previous prediction models containing the simplistic uniform ITZs. There is reason to believe that these results in the work would be closer to the actual threshold in the realistic circumstance.
Popular Sentiments and Political Failures: Understanding the Disintegration of the Republic of Moldova, 1989–1990
Authors: Solonari Vladimir
Published: January 2024

This article revisits the foundational years of 1989–1992 when the Republic of Moldova obtained its independence and simultaneously suffered territorial losses due to separatist movements. The quasi-official view in today’s Moldova holds that separatist movements of that era in Transnistria and Gagauzia were the results of Moscow’s meddling in Moldovan affairs aimed at punishing the Moldovans’ quest for independence. The paper argues that this interpretation attributes too much power to the decision-makers in Moscow, and also strips local actors of agency. Instead, the article calls for a renewed focus on the developments in Moldova itself and for discourses developed by separatist leaders and opinion-setters to be treated as representative of genuine popular sentiment. It argues that the Moldovan national movement alienated the non-Moldovan population whose primary means of communication was Russian. The article relies on personal recollections as well as numerous published primary and secondary sources.
Widening “Ground-Up” Nationalism: Some Reflections on Religion and Gender in the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Cash Jennifer
Published: January 2024

This article argues that although the study of nationalism and nation-building in the post-Soviet Republic of Moldova has included many ground-up perspectives on ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and memory-related aspects of national identity, the themes of religion and gender continue to be neglected. Over the past decade, attention to religion has been increasing—not least because of concern that the growing presence of Orthodoxy in the public sphere might endanger the state’s commitments to civic and human rights—yet what is still lacking is a considered discussion of religion and nationalism. The author considers how the 2017 Soros-published report on Church and State in the Republic of Moldova may spur us to better conceptualize the dynamics of religion and gender with respect to nationalism from the ground up.
Z-Propaganda and Semiotic Resistance: Contesting Russia’s War Symbols in Moldova and Beyond
Authors: Marandici Ion
Published: January 2024

This article examines the range of strategies adopted by various states vis-à-vis the symbols of the Russian war against Ukraine—the St. George ribbon and the letters Z and V. First, it analyzes their genealogy, illustrating how the St. George ribbon reflects Russia’s new authoritarian-imperial identity, while the Z and V originate from ultranationalist Telegram communities promoting white supremacist and genocidal ideas. Second, the concept of semiotic resistance is proposed to explain how states and societies counter Russia’s pro-war narratives by implementing diverse semiotic strategies. Finally, the in-depth analysis of the identity politics accompanying the symbolic ban in Moldova reveals how competing definitions of nationhood lead to divergent assessments of Russia’s war narratives. The dispute over the St. George ribbon in Moldova is embedded in longstanding domestic culture wars, fought in the legal-political domain as well as in urban spaces.
Új magyar politika Erdélyben?
Authors: Borbély András
Published: January 2024

Az etnicista politizálás helyett egy nyelvi-kulturális közösség osztálypolitikára alapozott felépítésére van szükség.
A film lehetőséget ad, hogy vitázzunk róla, milyen világban akarunk élni
Authors: Vas Máté , Vida Kamilla
Published: January 2024

Az alább közölt esszé a Filmszem rovat első cikksorozatának része. A szövegek egy felhívásra születtek, melyet a kortárs magyar baloldali szcéna több, filmmel és/vagy kultúrával foglalkozó szereplőjének küldtünk körbe. A megszólítottak között helyet kaptak oktatók és hallgatók, alkotók és kutatók, közéleti személyiségek és filmes szakemberek, valamint olyanok is, akik érzésünk szerint határozottan idegenkednek a filmtől.
Synaptic Origins of the Complex Receptive Field Structure in Primate Smooth Monostratified Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Patterson Sara S. , Girresch Rebecca J. , Mazzaferri Marcus A. , Bordt Andrea S. , Piñon-Teal Wendy L. , Jesse Brett D. , Perera Dinukie-Chantal W. , Schlepphorst Melanie A. , Kuchenbecker James A. , Chuang Alice Z. , Neitz Jay , Marshak David W. , Ogilvie Judith Mosinger
Published: January 2024

Considerable progress has been made in studying the receptive fields of the most common primate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types, such as parasol RGCs. Much less is known about the rarer primate RGC types and the circuitry that gives rise to noncanonical receptive field structures. The goal of this study was to analyze synaptic inputs to smooth monostratified RGCs to determine the origins of their complex spatial receptive fields, which contain isolated regions of high sensitivity called “hotspots.” Interestingly, smooth monostratified RGCs co-stratify with the well-studied parasol RGCs and are thus constrained to receiving input from bipolar and amacrine cells with processes sharing the same layer, raising the question of how their functional differences originate. Through 3D reconstructions of circuitry and synapses onto ON smooth monostratified and ON parasol RGCs from central macaque retina, we identified four distinct sampling strategies employed by smooth and parasol RGCs to extract diverse response properties from co-stratifying bipolar and amacrine cells. The two RGC types differed in the proportion of amacrine cell input, relative contributions of co-stratifying bipolar cell types, amount of synaptic input per bipolar cell, and spatial distribution of bipolar cell synapses. Our results indicate that the smooth RGC's complex receptive field structure arises through spatial asymmetries in excitatory bipolar cell input which formed several discrete clusters comparable with physiologically measured hotspots. Taken together, our results demonstrate how the striking differences between ON parasol and ON smooth monostratified RGCs arise from distinct strategies for sampling a common set of synaptic inputs.
Temporal Alterations in White Matter in AnAppKnock-In Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Morrissey Zachery D. , Gao Jin , Shetti Aashutosh , Li Wenping , Zhan Liang , Li Weiguo , Fortel Igor , Saido Takaomi , Saito Takashi , Ajilore Olusola , Cologna Stephanie M. , Lazarov Orly , Leow Alex D.
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and results in neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. White matter (WM) is affected in AD and has implications for neural circuitry and cognitive function. The trajectory of these changes across age, however, is still not well understood, especially at earlier stages in life. To address this, we used theAppNL-G-F/NL-G-Fknock-in (APPKI) mouse model that harbors a single copy knock-in of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene with three familial AD mutations. We performedin vivodiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study how the structural properties of the brain change across age in the context of AD. In late age APPKI mice, we observed reduced fractional anisotropy (FA), a proxy of WM integrity, in multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus, anterior commissure (AC), neocortex, and hypothalamus. At the cellular level, we observed greater numbers of oligodendrocytes in middle age (prior to observations in DTI) in both the AC, a major interhemispheric WM tract, and the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and heavily affected in AD, prior to observations in DTI. Proteomics analysis of the hippocampus also revealed altered expression of oligodendrocyte-related proteins with age and in APPKI mice. Together, these results help to improve our understanding of the development of AD pathology with age, and imply that middle age may be an important temporal window for potential therapeutic intervention.
Subthalamic Activity for Motor Execution and Cancellation in Monkeys
Authors: Polyakova Zlata , Hatanaka Nobuhiko , Chiken Satomi , Nambu Atsushi
Published: January 2024

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) receives cortical inputs via thehyperdirectandindirectpathways, projects to the output nuclei of the basal ganglia, and plays a critical role in the control of voluntary movements and movement disorders. STN neurons change their activity during execution movements, while recent studies emphasize STN activity specific to cancellation of movements. To address the relationship between execution and cancellation functions, we examined STN activity in two Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata, both sexes) who performed a goal-directed reaching task with a delay that included Go, Cancel, and NoGo trials. We first examined responses to the stimulation of the forelimb regions in the primary motor cortex and/or supplementary motor area. STN neurons with motor cortical inputs were found in the dorsal somatomotor region of the STN. All these STN neurons showed activity changes in Go trials, suggesting their involvement in execution of movements. Part of them exhibited activity changes in Cancel trials and sustained activity during delay periods, suggesting their involvement in cancellation of planed movements and preparation of movements, respectively. The STN neurons rarely showed activity changes in NoGo trials. Go- and Cancel-related activity was selective to the direction of movements, and the selectivity was higher in Cancel trials than in Go trials. Changes in Go- and Cancel-related activity occurred early enough to initiate and cancel movements, respectively. These results suggest that the dorsal somatomotor region of the STN, which receives motor cortical inputs, is involved in preparation and execution of movements and cancellation of planned movements.

Significance StatementThe dorsal somatomotor region of the subthalamic nucleus, which receives motor cortical inputs, is important for motor control: Its lesion induces abnormal involuntary movements known as hemiballism; its increased and/or oscillatory activity is observed in Parkinson's disease; and its coagulation or deep brain stimulation ameliorates parkinsonian symptoms. Here, we examined neuronal activity of this region in monkeys while they performed a reaching task with a delay including Go, Cancel, and NoGo trials and demonstrated that its activity is involved in multiple motor functions: preparation and execution of movements and cancellation of planned movements. The present results will benefit our understanding of the neuronal mechanism of STN-related movement disorders and their better therapeutics targeting the STN in the near future.
Responding to Online Toxicity: Which Strategies Make Others Feel Freer to Contribute, Believe That Toxicity Will Decrease, and Believe That Justice Has Been Restored?
Authors: Young Reusser Alison I. , Veit Kristian M. , Gassin Elizabeth A. , Case Jonathan P.
Published: January 2024

When we encounter toxic comments online, how might individual efforts to reply to those comments improve others’ experiences conversing in that forum? Is it more helpful for others to publicly, but benevolently (with a polite tone, demonstrated understanding of the original comment, and empathy for the commenter; Young Reusser et al., 2021), correct the post? Is going along with or joking along with the commenter in a benevolent way helpful? Or is retaliating – returning toxicity for toxicity – the best strategy? Using real Reddit conversation pairs – a toxic comment followed by a reply – as stimuli, we conducted a pilot study (n = 126 participants) and pre-registered experiment (n = 1357 participants) investigating the impact of three kinds of replies to online toxicity (benevolent correction, benevolent going-along, or retaliation) on observers’ self-reported freedom to contribute to the conversation, their belief that the toxicity will be reduced, and their overall impression that justice has been restored. We found evidence that benevolently correcting the toxicity helped participants feel freer to contribute than retaliating against it. Benevolently correcting was also seen as the best option for dissuading the toxicity and restoring justice. These findings suggest that treating toxic commenters with empathy, understanding, and politeness while correcting their toxicity can be a useful strategy for online bystanders who want to intervene to improve the health of online discourse. Preregistered Stage 1 protocol: https://osf.io/hfjnb (date of in-principle acceptance: 01/23/2023).
Migrants in Waiting in Mexico
Authors: Alonso Alexandra Délano
Published: January 2024

Under the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico has abandoned plans for a more humane migration policy. Faced with increasing flows of asylum seekers from elsewhere in the hemisphere, the Mexican government has adopted a strategy of control and enforcement that mirrors the US approach.
La población en México y sus estados, 1820–1870
Authors: Ficker Sandra Kuntz , Loncán Alfonso Herranz
Published: January 2024

En este artículo presentamos por primera vez series anuales completas de la población mexicana por estados en el periodo 1820–70, utilizando para ello los conteos de contemporáneos existentes y las estimaciones realizadas más recientemente, además de fórmulas construidas con el propósito de llenar los huecos existentes. Además, calculamos la variación porcentual y la tasa de variación derivadas de estas cifras en fechas significativas, así como otros indicadores que nos permiten concluir que el crecimiento demográfico mexicano fue lento. Finalmente, exploramos los factores más significativos que originaron este comportamiento, a saber, las guerras, invasiones e inestabilidad política, las epidemias y el desempeño económico.
Historical Poetics and Messianic Discourse in José Servando Teresa de Mier’s “Carta de despedida a los mexicanos” (1821)
Authors: Grijalva Richard Anthony
Published: January 2024

This article examines José Servando Teresa de Mier’s “Carta de despedida a los mexicanos.” In the letter written in 1821, Mier argues that the name México must be spelled with an x to preserve the name’s originary connotations. Analyzing the poetic strategies and messianic discourses implicit in how Mier composes the idea signified by the name México, I argue that Mier supplies a plausible argument for its time about the sources of Mexican identity and nationhood. Given the context of uncertainty around the future of Novohispanic independence in early 1821, the “Carta” is a timely intervention about the nation at a critical juncture.
Two-year prognosis of multinodular goiter following radiofrequency ablation based on all nodule burdens
Authors: Guo Rui , Zheng Bowen , Wu Tao , Lian Yufan , Yin Tinghui , He Yuting , Qin Jingya , Yao Zhicheng , Xu Wen , Ren Jie
Published: January 2024

Objective

Few studies use all nodule burdens to specify the prognosis of multinodular goiter (MNG) following radiofrequency ablation (RFA), so this study addresses this question for MNG after completely ablating dominant nodules.

Methods

The RFA indications for MNG include 2–5 benign nodules with over 50% normal tissue on ultrasound, 1–3 well-defined benign dominant nodules on cytology, largest diameter ≥20 mm and/or with clinical complaints, and patient refusal or unable to undergo surgery. A retrospective study of 185 MNG patients with completely ablated dominant nodules in a single-session RFA was conducted. The efficacy and complications were evaluated at 1, 6, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Based on retreatment risks, progressive disease (PD), stable disease (SD), and complete relief (CR) were introduced to assess all nodule load changes. PD was clarified as having new/non-target nodules that newly appeared to ACR TI-RADS≥4, or new/enlarged non-target nodules ≥1 cm.

Results

The initial ablation ratios of target nodules were 100% at one month. During a mean 22.38 ± 13.75 months (range, 12–60 months), the volume reduction rate of ablated nodules was 98.25% at 24 months without regrowth. Cosmetic and symptomatic scores decreased to 1 and 0, respectively, after 48 months. Of the patients, 9.7% (18/185) had PD and the retreatment rate was 2.2% (4/185). The complication rate was 2.7% (5/185).

Conclusion

RFA provides cosmetic and symptomatic relief for an average of two years. RFA is a useful minimally invasive treatment modality for selected MNG patients.
A New Chapter Delineating the Progression and Ingenuity of the Publication in the Year to Come
Authors: Science Insights Editorial Office of
Published: January 2024

The advent of a fresh year presents an abundance of prospects for advancement and improvement in the realm of scientific inquiry. It is pivotal for the journal to actively promote collaboration among scientists hailing from various disciplines, thereby stimulating interdisciplinary dialogues that may culminate in groundbreaking innovations. Moreover, it is crucial to adopt technological innovations to improve the quality of peer-review procedures and guarantee a thorough assessment of research submissions. Moreover, to contribute to the advancement of society, Science Insights will actively support open access initiatives and facilitate the broader dissemination of knowledge, in addition to publishing research findings. In its entirety, the new year functions as a poignant reminder to the journal to maintain its steadfast dedication to excellence in the dissemination of scientific insights, while simultaneously adjusting to emergent trends and advancing inclusivity in research pursuits.
Can Artificial Intelligence Only be a Helper Writer for Science?
Authors: Gupta Balbir P.
Published: January 2024

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about a profound transformation in numerous areas, including the field of science writing. With the rising complexity and data-driven nature of scientific research, effective communication of findings and ideas becomes ever more vital. AI has become a potent technology that may aid in producing scientific material, conducting data analysis, and optimizing literature reviews. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the constraints of AI in generating scientific material and to comprehend its optimal integration with human expertise. We herein prospectively examined the role of AI in science writing, discussing its possible advantages and difficulties, and emphasizing the significance of upholding human subjectivity in this developing field.