bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Infectious bursal disease virus naturally infected in the broiler flocks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam during 2015 and 2018
Authors:   Faculty of Agriculture – Aquaculture, Dong Thap Community College, Dong Thap 81000, Vietnam, Phu Cuong Ngo ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam, Phuc Khanh Nguyen ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam, Anh Dao Tran Thi ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam,   Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Vinh Long University of Technology and Education, Vinh Long 85000, Vietnam, My Tien Van ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam, Le Trung Quang ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam, Ngoc Bich Tran ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
Published: April 2024

Infectious bursal disease is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease in the poultry industry worldwide caused by Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). However, the data on epidemiological and molecular characteristics of the IBDV outbreak in broiler flocks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam is unclear. Herein, the epidemiological data of IBDV–positive flocks over a period of 2015–2018 were recorded and the hypervariable region of the VP2 gene of IBDV was amplified to analyze the local phylogeny. The current investigation showed that the overall morbidity and mortality rates of IBDV–positive flocks were 45% and 4.81%, respectively. The IBDV–positive birds occurred clinical signs and macroscopic findings involved with the very virulent (vv) IBDV outbreak. Epidemiological results revealed that IBDV was frequently infected in broiler flocks at 12–42 days, and birds belonging to Tau Vang and Binh Dinh breeds were more sensitive to IBDV. Also, the morbidity rate of IBDV was dramatically decreased in the open farming system. Flocks with complete vaccination significantly dropped morbidity in comparison with other groups. Regarding phylogenetic analysis, all identified IBDV sequences clustered in the same branch of vv phenotype and closely homology with prior strains circulated in Vietnam and other countries. These findings first indicated the epidemiological characteristics of the IBDV–positive broiler flocks in the Mekong Delta and highlighted the IBDV strain circulating in this region.
Effects of dietary supplementation of spray dried hog plum (Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz) fruit powder on growth, digestive enzyme activity, and skin mucus immune parameters of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1972)
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand, Promprom Wilawan ,   Plant and Innovation Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand, Chatan Wannachai ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand,   Plant and Innovation Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand, Khambaione Somsak ,   Pakse Teachers Training College, Km 3, 13 South Road, Pakse 031212262, Laos, Somnate Kajita ,   Program of Applied Statistics, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand, Munglue Phukphon ,   Plant and Innovation Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand,   Program of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Published: April 2024

The effects of dietary supplementation of spray-dried hog plum (Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz) fruit powder (SPP) on growth, digestive enzyme activity, and skin mucus immune parameters of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1972)) were examined. The fish (N = 330; 2.00±0.1 g) were assigned to five groups in triplicates. They were fed different SPP levels at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg diet for eight weeks. Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and glycosides were detected in SPP. The SPP containing diet significantly improved growth parameters (P < 0.05) without a negative effect on the survival rate (P > 0.05). Intestinosomatic and hepatosomatic indices significantly declined in the fish fed SPP added diets (P < 0.05). There were significant elevations in digestive enzyme activities, amylase, protease, lipase, trypsin, pepsin, and esterase, in the tested fish compared to the control fish (P < 0.05). Additionally, fish fed SPP containing diets showed a significant enhancement of total protein, immunoglobulin M, lysozyme, antiprotease, alkaline phosphatase, and esterase in the skin mucus compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity were detected in fish fed SPP containing diets compared to the control (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary SPP supplementation can effectively enhance fish growth, digestive enzyme activities, and mucosal immune parameters in the climbing perch. The suitable level of SPP observed in this present study was 13.00 – 15.88 g/kg diet.
Genotypic Characterization of Marek’s Disease Virus from Clinically Suspected Layer in Basrah, South of Iraq
Authors:   Department of Pathology and poultry diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah 61001, Iraq, Najem Harith Abdulla , Khaleefah Isam A. ,   Department of Pathology and poultry diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah 61001, Iraq, Almayahi Waleed Majeed ,   Department of Pathology and poultry diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah 61001, Iraq
Published: April 2024

A reemerging viral disease known as Marek's disease affects chickens and has a devastating financial impact on the global poultry sector. The emergence of pathogenic strains must be continuously monitored using molecular approaches of Marek’s disease and to adevise to use appropriate vaccination program with implement bio-security. This study was continued from May 2021 to August2021. Clinical symptoms and postmortem lesions were used to identify MD, and PCR testing for the Meq gene provided further confirmation. The meq gene's phylogenetic analysis was also performed, and such test revealed clustering of the our Iraqi field strains with Euroasian cluster, where the genetic characteristics of the present study MD strains were similar to those of Chinese and European strains
Effect of bacteriophage on histopathology and disease resistance of Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) infected by Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors:   Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam Department of Biotechnology, An Giang University, An Giang 880000, Vietnam, Ngoc Le Hoang Bao ,   VietNam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam, Ngoc Le Hoang Bao ,   Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam Department of Biotechnology, An Giang University, An Giang 880000, Vietnam,   VietNam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam, Dung Le Viet ,   College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Lieu Tran Thi ,   Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Van Truong Thi Bich ,   Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Published: April 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the causative agent of shrimp diseases, the most serious of which is acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Bacteriophage is a virus of bacteria that can parasitize and destroy bacteria, so it is considered a potential alternative to antibiotics. The study was carried out to evaluate the treatment ability of bacteriophages on Litopenaeus vannamei after being infected by V. parahaemolyticus B4XOT2.2 isolated from the bottom mud of shrimp ponds infected with AHPND. The study used the histopathological survey method on shrimp at all three ages: postlarvae, adult shrimp at the ages of 30–45 days, and 55–60 days old, which were arranged into three treatments: healthy shrimp, diseased shrimp, and bacteriophage-treated shrimp. The results showed that: the concentration of Vibrio spp. in bacteriophage-treated treatment was decreased in all three groups (postlarvae, shrimp at the ages of 30–45 days, and 55–60 days old) from 3,7x103 CFU/mL to 2,2x102 CFU/mL after two days, from 4,6x104 CFU/mL to 3,3x102 CFU/mL after two days and from 4,6x104 CFU/mL to 5,6x103 CFU/mL after three days, respectively. The pathological signs and histological features of the infected shrimp samples were similar to those typical of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease and recovered in shrimp tissue after being treated with bacteriophages such as the hepatopancreas was also darker, the intestines gradually filled, no hematoma around the tubules were found, in the lumen of the tube reduced sloughing cells and blood cells, no melanization was observed.
Family-Focused Therapy: An Emerging Approach on the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: S Seshadhri S , S Rajavadivel , V Hariharasudhan
Published: April 2024

Bipolar Disorder is a complex psychiatric condition that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life and global disease burden. This article explores the effectiveness of “Family-focused therapy” in combination with pharmacotherapy as an approach to treating Bipolar Disorder in adolescents. Bipolar Disorder's early onset emphasizes the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support for affected youths. “Psycho-education”, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills are integral components of “Family-focused therapy”, contributing to improving family functioning and patient outcomes. Evidence from empirical studies underscores the positive impact of “Family-focused therapy” when combined with medication. A randomized clinical trial demonstrated significant reductions in depression, mania, and overall problem behaviour in adolescents receiving “Family-focused therapy” and medication. Further research also highlights “Family-focused therapy's” effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and improving family functioning. The holistic nature of addressing family dynamics and patient symptoms enhances psychosocial functioning and symptom reduction. Ultimately, “Family-focused therapy” integrative approach offers promise for improving the well-being of adolescents with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the significance of involving families in the treatment process. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of “Family-focused therapy” in adolescent bipolar disorder treatment, providing insights into its benefits and implications for mental health professionals, patients, and families.
Cardiotoxic Drugs: An Insight into its Pathologic Mechanisms
Authors: Anil Anisha Sara , S Sonale , Venkateswaramurthy N
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular diseases are among the major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide Cardiotoxicity due to drugs is a common and significant adverse effect on cardiovascular health, acting through multifactorial pathological mechanisms. Drug-induced cardiotoxicity limits the use and further development of certain drugs. Keeping this in mind, this review discusses the crucial drug-receptor interactions involved in cardiotoxicity induced by some drugs such as cocaine, trastuzumab, isoproterenol, antidiabetic drugs like pioglitazone, theophylline, ergotamine, methysergide, anthracyclines, fluoropyrimidines, cisplatin, NSAIDs, and antiviral agents. The key receptors involved in the pathological mechanism behind the cardiotoxicity induced by these drugs are discussed, aiming to provide in-depth knowledge for future drug discovery and prevention of drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
Enhanced Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) using Bacterial Biofertilizer
Authors: Yadav Brijesh Kumar , Mohanty Nakulananda , Dash Satyabrata , Pradhan Shubham , Sahoo Bijayananda , Rath Biswajit
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a rich source of protein, fibers, minerals and vitamins. Considering the recent sudden increase of interest in the use of grain legumes, the present study was framed to enhance the yield of Mungbean using biofertilizer to improve human nutrition. Thus, a comparative effect of biofertilizers in individual and consortia of microbial inoculants like Rhizobium sp., Pseudomonas putida (PSB) and Frateuria aurantia (KMB) and Organic manure like vermicompost on the growth and yield of Mungbean was studied. Different parameters which include shoot length, biomass and pH was analyzed over a period of 3 months in field trials. Farm yard manure and commercial chemical fertilizers were used as comparative controls. The plants grown with individual biofertilizer of Rhizobium sp. did not show significant results in the morphological and physical parameters. On the contrary, consortium biofertilizers i.e., Rhizobium sp., P. putida and F. aurantia showed observable yield of Mungbean. The results concludes that biofertilizers in different combinations could be a potent eco-friendly measure to boost the Mungbean crop yield, thereby increasing the income of farmers and also improving the availability of pulses in our country.
Determinants of Risk Factors Associated with Aortic Atherosclerosis: A Quantitative Study in Forensic Autopsies
Authors: Ghaffar Usama Bin
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Background: Cardiovascular diseases have become a major burden in the whole world and the top of it is atherosclerosis causing deaths. It is characterized as the thickening of the arterial walls with the fatty material which includes cholesterol, cellular wastes, and fibrin. The atherosclerosis can be hereditary, due to aging, any autoimmune disease causing inflammation of endothelial or because of the sedentary lifestyle. Atherosclerosis is a consequence of dysfunction of endothelial done by low-density lipoprotein and changes in it by the internal wall of arteries. Smoking increases the oxidation stress and decreases the accessibility of nitric oxide to the endothelial wall which leads to vasodilatory response. These changes are irreversible. Pre-mature aging also contributes to the destruction of the epithelial wall of arteries eventually leading to hypertension, which if left untreated can cause atherosclerosis. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted for a period of one year and the sample size of 110 was taken of which 65.5% were male and the rest were females. This study includes all those patients` bodies who can go through autopsy and excludes patients whose bodies are mutilated or decomposed or those patients` bodies whose history is not properly available. Consents were taken from the relatives of the victims. The autopsy was done after the proper identification and examination of the patient`s body. The thoracic cavity was cut and opened. The aorta was cut from its origin to the diaphragm. The operational criterion was determined by grading from 1 to 5 based on the severity and thickness of aortic atherosclerosis. The data was statistically analyzed by applying the student`s t-test. The significant value of p<0.01 was considered. Result: Mostly males were affected. Out of 110 deceased more than 50% were from rural areas. 58% of the population have grade 1 and grade 2 atheromatous plaques. Most affected males were in the age of 50 years to 59 years and females were most affected in 60years to 69 years in their lifetime. This study also reveals that out of 110 dead bodies 64 patients died due to cardiac issues the rest died due to non-cardiac causes. The study also tells about the direct relation of atherosclerosis with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and smoking habits with a significance level of p<0.001. Conclusion: The present study shows that it is more common in males than females and victims belonged to the age group of 5th to 8th decade. This reveals that aging is the dominating factor of residence. Rural people have it more than urban due to lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities Also a direct correlation between atherosclerosis and hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and smoking has been seen and confirmed through statistical significant.
Mycobiota and Resistance to Diseases of Trees and Shrubs Used in the Greening of Urban Ecosystems
Authors: Bakshaliyeva Konul F. , Mammadaliyeva Mariyam Kh. , Mahmudova Sevindj I. , Aliyeva Gulnar R. , Aliyeva Gulnar R. , Bakshaliyev Arzu Y.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: The presented work is devoted to the assessment of the mycobiota of trees and shrubs used in landscaping large cities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, according to their species composition and resistance to diseases caused by fungi. It turned out that 143 species of fungi are involved in the formation of the mycobiota of trees used in the landscaping of Azerbaijan. Of these, 58.5% are Ascomycota, 28.0% are Basidiomycota, and 7.6% are Mucormycota. 85.7% of the fungi involved in the formation of the general mycobiota of trees and shrubs are potentially pathogenic, causing 50 diseases in plants, the prevalence of which is 0.7-24.5%.
A diagnosis of syphilis following a radical circumcision for suspected penile cancer
Authors: Pang KH , Haider A , Freeman A , Hadway P , Bunker C , Muneer A , Alnajjar HM
Published: April 2024

We present a case of a 70-year-old gentleman who was referred to our tertiary 2-week-wait penile cancer clinic with a penile mass that was ulcerated, painful and discharging. This was suspicious for penile cancer and a radical circumcision was performed to remove the diseased foreskin en bloc with the lesion that was arising from the inner foreskin. Histopathology did not reveal cancer; however, we identified spirochaetes in keeping with syphilis. This was confirmed on serology. The patient was referred to the genitourinary medicine team and treated with antibiotics. This case demonstrates a rare presentation of genital syphilis in an elderly gentleman initially referred with concerns of penile cancer. Although, rare, especially in this age group, syphilis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with an ulcerated, discharging, firm penile mass, especially given that the incidence of syphilis has been rising in recent years.
Vascular access surgery training in the United Kingdom is currently perceived (by trainees) to be inadequate
Authors: Richards T , Ahmed I , Harvey R , El Sakka K
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Vascular access surgery (VAS) involves the creation and maintenance of arteriovenous access to facilitate haemodialysis. The prevalence of haemodialysis is rising despite increases in kidney transplants on a yearly basis. There is currently only one access surgery fellowship accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. We aimed to establish the experience and perceived competence in access surgery of senior vascular surgery trainees.

Methods

A short questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) was used to survey all senior (ST6–ST8) vascular surgery trainees in Health Education England (HEE) vascular surgery training programmes. The short survey asked trainees to report their: (1) training grade; (2) training deanery; (3) experience of access surgery; and (4) whether senior trainees thought they would be able to independently undertake primary access surgery post-completion of training (post Certificate of Completion of Training). The survey was circulated via HEE deaneries and the vascular surgery trainees' society: the Rouleaux Club.

Results

Twenty-eight senior (ST6–ST8) vascular surgery trainees responded to the survey: 29.6% were ST6 level, 33.3% were ST7 and 37.1% were ST8. Deanery respondence was evenly spread, although London was overrepresented (37.1%). In total, 28.6% had been involved in fewer than 10 cases, 35.7% in 10–25 cases, and 35.7% in more than 25 cases. Almost 54% of senior vascular surgery trainees believed they would not be able to undertake independent access surgery once they had completed training.

Conclusions

Competence in access surgery is an increasing requirement of a consultant vascular surgeon. More formalised training is required to adequately train the next generation of vascular surgeons.
Structural Ambiguities of Russian Dative Infinitival Constructions
Authors: Melnikova Anna
Published: April 2024

abstract: This paper addresses the issue of control and raising properties in Russian dative modal constructions with the overt modal element of obligation/necessity nužno 'need'. Using traditional syntactic tests to distinguish raising from control (Davies and Dubinsky 2008), I show that the subject of the lower clause under nužno can be either an overt DP (raising) or PRO controlled by the matrix subject, confirming the correlation between structural selection and interpretive possibilities. Similar to English ambiguous verbs (e.g., begin, threaten ), the modal element nužno can participate in different syntactic structures. I ague that syntactic differences are attributed to the unspecified semantics of nužno , resulting in two possible interpretations of the same modal construction.
Understanding the Nature of 'Self': Binding and the OVS Word Order in Russian
Authors: Pereltsvaig Asya M.
Published: April 2024

abstract: Anaphor binding is a broadly-studied and widely-used diagnostic for syntactic structure across languages: since anaphors (which are subject to Principle A of the Binding Theory) require an antecedent that is local, c-commanding and in an A-position, the possibility of anaphor binding is commonly used as a diagnostic for both c-command (e.g. Barss & Lasnik 1986) and A- vs. A'- distinction. This use of anaphor binding as a syntactic diagnostic is not without problems, however, as evidenced from the debate surrounding the structure of OVS sentences in Russian. The goals of this paper are, thus, three-fold: (a) to gain a better understanding of anaphor binding as a syntactic diagnostic, (b) to shed new light on the long-standing and hotly-debated puzzle of OVS sentences in Russian, and (c) to explore the interaction of syntax and semantics, as concerns binding and thematic roles.
Neo-Štokavian deverbal je-nominalisations contain passive participles
Authors: Simonović Marko
Published: April 2024

abstract: An analysis is presented for the prosody of four groups of forms (infinitive, present tense, passive participle and the deverbal noun) of the most numerous theme-vowel class in Neo-Štokavian (characterised by the theme vowel i ). A cyclic analysis of en -participles and je -nominalisations is proposed, showing that the latter contain the former. As noted in traditional grammars, this approach is challenged by the fact that je -nominalisations typically have the prosodic pattern of the infinitive, while the en -participle displays a neutralisation of lexical prosody. The analysis demonstrates that en -participles are indeed contained in je -nominalisations, but do not trigger a phonological cycle in them, which is why tonal contrasts survive.
Experimenting with single-pair vs. pair-list interpretations in Russian multiple wh-clauses
Authors: Zevakhina Natalia , Sigdel Elina
Published: April 2024

abstract: The paper reports on an experiment that shows the preference of pair-list interpretations over single-pair interpretations in Russian multiple coordinated and non-coordinated wh-interrogatives and wh-exclamatives. Moreover, the paper points out that neither the Superiority effect nor the distinction between argument and adjunct wh-phrases determines the choice of an interpretation in interrogatives and exclamatives. In general, the results challenge the existing theories of multiple wh-interrogatives and open a new page in investigating multiple wh-exclamatives.
Un sirventes d'origine catalane de 1240
Authors: Menichetti Caterina
Published: April 2024

Résumé: L'article propose une lecture du sirventes BEdT 80,42 "Un sirventes farai novelh plazen." Le contexte historique du poème est analysé à la lumière de la documentation catalane issue de la cour de Jaume Ier, et la datation à l'année 1240 déjà proposée par Linda Paterson est confirmée. À travers l'analyse de certaines particularités linguistiques du texte, une origine catalane du troubadour anonyme est proposée. Finalement, on identifie les modèles du texte dans deux poèmes du troubadour Sordel de Goito, "Planher vuelh en Blacatz en aquest leugier so" (BEdT 437,24) et "Puois no·m tenc per pajat d'amor" (BEdT 437,25). En raison de cette proposition de lecture intertextuelle, on avance l'hypothèse qu'"Un sirventes farai novelh plazen" puisse avoir été élaboré dans l'entourage de Ponç de Cabrera, comte d'Urgell. Abstract: This article offers a new reading of "Un sirventes farai novelh plazen" (BEdT 80,42), with an analysis of its historic context using Catalan documentation tied to the court of Jaume I; Linda Paterson's date of 1240 for the poem is confirmed. Because of certain linguistic traits in the text, we propose a Catalan origin for its author. Lastly, we identify two models for this sirventes in poems by Sordel of Goito, "Planher vuelh en Blacatz en aquest leugier so" (BEdT 437,24) and "Puois no·m tenc per pajat d'amor" (BEdT 437,25). As a result of this intertextual reading, we propose that "Un sirventes farai novelh plazen" was composed in the entourage of Ponç de Cabrera, count of Urgell.
Performance of two semi-analytical algorithms in deriving water inherent optical properties in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Zhang Yalong , Yu Xiaolong , Lee Zhongping , Shang Shaoling , Qiao Hanyang , Lin Gong , Lai Wendian
Published: April 2024

Remotely sensed inherent optical properties (IOPs) are key proxies for synoptic mapping of primary production and carbon export in the global ocean. However, the IOPs inversion algorithms are scarcely evaluated in the Southern Ocean (SO) because of limited field observations. In this study, the performance of two widely used semi-analytical algorithms (SAAs), i.e., the quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA) and the generalized IOP model (GIOP), were evaluated using a compiled in situ bio-optical dataset in SO, as well as measurements from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). Evaluations with in situ data show that QAA and GIOP have comparable performance in retrieving the total absorption coefficient (a(λ)), absorption coefficients of phytoplankton (aph(λ)), and that of detritus and colored dissolved organic matter (adg(λ)). Overall, it was found that remotely sensed a(λ) and aph(λ) by both SAAs agreed well with field measurements, with the mean absolute percentage difference (MAPD) of derived a(λ) and aph(λ) in the blue-green bands being ∼20% and ∼40%, respectively. However, derived adg(λ) by both SAAs were higher than the measured values at the lower end (adg(443) < ∼0.01 m-1), but lower at the higher end (adg(443) > ∼0.02 m-1), with MAPD of ∼60%. Results of this effort suggest confident products of a(λ) and aph(λ) from VIIRS in SO, but more dedicated efforts on the measurements and evaluation of adg(λ) in SO would be desired.
Unveiling second harmonic generation from femtosecond-laser microstructured Nd:YAG crystal
Authors: Sevilla-Sierra Nuria , Vázquez de Aldana Javier R. , Romero Carolina , Mateos Xavier , Lopez-Quintas Ignacio
Published: April 2024

In this work we apply second harmonic microscopy to the analysis of damage tracks inscribed by femtosecond laser irradiation in a Nd:YAG crystal. While second harmonic generation is not expected in the bulk of this centrosymmetric material, the 2D and 3D images obtained via second harmonic microscopy show that the induced micro-modification of the crystal structure leads to a localized generation of the nonlinear signal. The nature of this modification and its dependence on irradiation and detection parameters is discussed. These findings demonstrate the capability of second harmonic microscopy for the morphological analysis of written structures in Nd:YAG and open the door for the design and fabrication of new nonlinear structures to be integrated in novel photonic devices.
Development of a high-resolution, broadband spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer based on field-widened grating-echelle structure
Authors: Chu Qihang , Li Fuguan , Li Xiaotian , Sun Ci , Sun Yuqi , Jirigalantu  , Song Nan , Yu Shuo , Zhang Rui , Bayanheshig
Published: April 2024

We propose a spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) based on a field-widened grating-echelle (FWGE). A normal grating is combined with an echelle grating in a conventional spatial heterodyne spectrometer to eliminate ghost images without using masks, and prevents interference among the spatial frequencies of different diffraction orders. Mathematical expressions and derivation processes are given for the spectral parameters in the FWGE-SHRS and a verification breadboard system is fabricated. The FWGE-SHRS measures Raman spectra of single chemicals and mixed targets with different integration times, laser powers, concentrations, and transparent containers. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the FWGE-SHRS is suitable for high-resolution, broadband Raman measurements for a wide range of applications.
Removal of algorithmic stagnation by augmented iterative phase retrieval
Authors: Fatima Areeba , Faccio Daniele
Published: April 2024

Retrieving the phase of an optical field using intensity measurements is one of the most widespread and studied inverse problems in classical optics. However, common iterative approaches such as the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm and its derivatives suffer from the twin-image problem – the iterative minimisation stagnates and the recovered field contains features from both the target field and its point-reflection. We present a technique that leverages mathematical properties of the stagnated field, to constrain the problem and remove the twin image artefacts. This improvement in reconstruction robustness has implications in a range of fields, including applications in adaptive optics, holography and optical communications.
Simultaneous wireless mm-wave transmission of both SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated high-order QAM signals enabled by bandpass delta-sigma modulation
Authors: Xie Tangyao , Xin Xiangjun , Bi Jiahao , Yan Hengxin , Li Xinying , Pan Xiaolong
Published: April 2024

The application of dual vector millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signals in radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems represents a significant opportunity to enhance spectrum efficiency, transmission capacity, and access flexibility. In addition, facing the increasingly intricate application scenarios, the comprehensive exploitation of high-order quadrature-amplitude-modulation (QAM) signals with hybrid single-carrier (SC) and orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) modulation is also vital to rich systematic connotation. Based on bandpass delta-sigma modulation (BP-DSM) and heterodyne detection, we propose what we believe to be a novel scheme for the simultaneous wireless mm-wave transmission of both SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated high-order QAM signals. The innovation lies in the modulation-agnostic nature, accommodating both SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated vector radio-frequency (RF) signals. The BP-DSM is utilized to digitize two independent SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated high-order QAM signals into relatively simple sequences at the transmitter side. With the aid of an optical I/Q modulator, we can integrate both signals after BP-DSM to generate the desired optical quadrature-phase-shift keying (QPSK) signal carrying both information of two original high-order QAM signals. Facilitated by heterodyne detection and a single photodetector (PD), our scheme attains prowess in the detection of both SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated high-order signals. Based on our proposed scheme, we experimentally demonstrate the simultaneous wireless mm-wave transmission of both SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated 512QAM signals at 30-GHz mm-wave band, demonstrating bit-error-rates (BERs) below the hard decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3 after transmission over 10-km single-mode fiber (SMF) link and 1-m wireless link. In addition, we further investigate the performance impact between SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated high-order QAM signals, and experiment results indicate that the impact is virtually negligible. Moreover, the performance of the generated QPSK mm-wave signal is transparent to the QAM modulation formats of both SC-modulated and OFDM-modulated signals in our proposed scheme.
Multiplication-free and hardware-efficient baud-rate timing error detector for Nyquist and faster than Nyquist optical IM/DD systems
Authors: Tang Jianwei , Wei Jinlong , Liang Junpeng , Xu Zhaopeng , Zhao Tianfeng , Cheng Chen , Hao Yaguang , Yang Bang , Sun Zhongliang , Li Ke , Li Yunchen , Zhou Lingjun , He Zhixue , Yang Yanfu , Hu Weisheng
Published: April 2024

Clock recovery (CR) algorithms that support higher baud rates and advanced modulation formats are crucial for short-distance optical interconnections, and it is desirable to push CR to operate at baud rate with minimal computing resources and power. In this Letter, we proposed a hardware-efficient and multiplication operation-free baud-rate timing error detector (TED) as a solution to meet these demands. Our approach involves employing both the absolute value of samples and the nonlinear sign operation to emphasize the clock tone, which is deteriorated by severe bandwidth limitation in Nyquist and faster than Nyquist (FTN) systems. Through experimental investigations based on a transceiver system with a 3 dB bandwidth of 30 GHz, the proposed baud-rate TED exhibits excellent performance. The proposed scheme successfully achieves clock synchronization of the received signals with the transmitted signals, including 50 GBaud PAM4/8, 80 GBaud PAM4, and up to 120 GBaud PAM4 FTN signals. To the best of our knowledge, the CR based on the proposed baud-rate TED is the most optimal solution for ultrahigh-speed short-reach IM/DD transmission, comprehensively considering the timing jitter, bit error rate (BER), and implementation complexity.
Femtosecond Mamyshev oscillator at 920 nm
Authors: Boulanger Vincent , Olivier Michel , Morasse Bertrand , Trépanier François , Bernier Martin , Piché Michel
Published: April 2024

A femtosecond all-PM-fiber Mamyshev oscillator (MO) at 920 nm is presented. It is based on a neodymium-doped fiber with a W-type index profile that effectively suppresses the emission around 1064 nm. The linear cavity is bounded by two near-zero dispersion fiber Bragg gratings with Gaussian reflectivity profiles. The laser is self-starting and generates up to 10-nJ pulses at a repetition rate of 41 MHz. The pulses can be compressed to 53 fs with a grating-pair compressor. To our knowledge, this is the first Mamyshev oscillator and also the highest energy femtosecond fiber oscillator demonstrated in this spectral region.
The evolution of household forgone essential care and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Odunyemi Adelakun , Sohrabi Hamid , Alam Khurshid
Published: April 2024

Apart from the morbidity and mortality, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the predisposition of households in Nigeria to forgone care, thereby increasing their vulnerability to adverse health consequences. Since there is no previous study in Nigeria on the evolution of pandemic-related forgone care and its drivers, our study assess the evolution of the problem using descriptive and nationally representative panel data analyses. We found about a 30% prevalence of forgone care during the lockdown, which declined progressively afterwards, dropping by 69.50 percentage points between April 2020 and April 2022. This decline produced a surge in households needing care from about 35.00% in the early pandemic to greater than 50%, beginning in early 2021. The forgone care was primarily due to financial hindrances, movement restrictions, and supply-side disruptions. Household socioeconomic factors such as income loss had 2.74 [95%CI: 1.45–5.17] times higher odds of forgone care, job loss, food insecurity, and poverty were 87% (OR: 1.87 [95%CI: 1.25–2.79]), 60% (OR: 1.60 [95%CI: 1.12–2.31]) and 76% (OR: 1.76 [95%CI: 1.12–2.75]) more likely to predispose households to forgone care, respectively. Also, geographical location, such as the South-South zone, induced 1.98 [95%CI: 1.09–3.58] times higher odds of forgone care than North-Central. A married female household head increased the odds by 6.07 [95%CI: 1.72–21.47] times compared with an unmarried female head. However, having a married household head, social assistance, and North-East or North-West zone compared with North-Central increased the chance of accessing care by 69% (OR 0.31 [95%CI: 0.16–0.59]), 59%,(OR 0.41 [95%CI: 0.21–0.77]), 72% (OR 0.28 [95%CI: 0.15–0.53]) and 64% (OR 0.36 [95%CI: 0.20–0.65]), respectively. Non-communicable diseases, disability, old age, large household size and rural-urban location did not affect the forgone care. Our study highlights the need to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, create policies to promote healthcare accessibility and prepare the country for future pandemic challenges.
Quality adjustment and analysis of human resource prices in China: Based on a hedonic price model
Authors: Ma Lan
Published: April 2024

The competition in the world has shifted from natural resources and capital resources to human resources. The human resources have become the real power source of the economic growth. Firstly, the price of human resources in China is calculated. Secondly, in order to measure the human resources quality adjustment index, the indicators system is constructed. Third, the Hedonic method is used to calculate the human resources "pure price" of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government) in China. The "pure price" has no the factor of human resources quality. Lastly, comparing the price of human resources before and after quality adjustment. The results show that: first, the number of human resources in China increased continuously during 1995–2015 and decreased during 2016–2020. Second, the price of nominal human resources in China keeps rising. In 2020, the nominal price is 39,087 yuan per person which is 15.44 times as many as in 1995. Thirdly, after the quality adjustment, the price of human resources has decreased significantly. The multiple between the actual and nominal price of human resources is between 1.75 and 2.12. Fourthly, the province with high human resource quality adjustment index generally have high quality human resource level or quantity. Fifth, the top five provinces of actual human resource prices are Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Tianjin, Zhejiang, the bottom five provinces are Guizhou, Yunnan, Henan, Xizang, Gansu. Finally, the paper puts forward some policy recommendations: Improving the data collection mechanism of human resources accounting to provide a basic guarantee for the accurate accounting of human resources. Improving the price of human resources in the central and western regions to attract the talents to transfer to the central and western regions. Enhancing the skills training of human resources to improve the quality of human resources in the western region.
The role of community engagement in promoting research participants’ understanding of pharmacogenomic research results: Perspectives of stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS research and treatment
Authors: Nabukenya Sylvia , Kyaddondo David , Munabi Ian Guyton , Waitt Catriona , Twimukye Adelline , Mwaka Erisa S.
Published: April 2024

Community engagement (CE) is praised to be a powerful vehicle in empowering communities with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions for better health care. Several CE approaches have been proposed to improve participants’ and research communities’ understanding of genomic research including pharmacogenomic information and results. However, there is limited literature on how these approaches can be used to communicate findings of pharmacogenomic research to communities of people living with HIV. This study explored stakeholders’ perspectives on the role of community engagement in promoting understanding of pharmacogenomic research results among people living with HIV. We adopted a qualitative approach that involved 54 stakeholders between September 2021 and February 2022. We held five focus group discussions among 30 community representatives from five research institutions, 12 key informant interviews among researchers, and 12 in-depth interviews among ethics committee members. A thematic approach was used to analyze the results. Five themes merged from this data and these included (i) benefits of engaging communities prior to returning individual pharmacogenomic research results to participants. (ii) Obtaining community consensus on the kinds of pharmacogenomic results to be returned. (iii) Opinions on how pharmacogenomic research information and results should be communicated at community and individual levels. (iv) Perceived roles of community stakeholders in promoting participants’ understanding and utilization of pharmacogenomic research results. (v) Perceived challenges of engaging communities when returning individual results to research participants. Stakeholders opined that CE facilitates co-learning between researchers and research communities. Researchers can adapt existing CE approaches that are culturally acceptable for meaningful engagement with minimal ethical and social risks when communicating pharmacogenomic research results. CE approaches can facilitate understanding of pharmacogenomic research and findings among research participants and communities. Therefore, if creatively adapted, existing and new CE approaches can enable researchers to communicate simple and understandable results of pharmacogenomic research.
New approaches on composite designs for Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Athanasaki Despina E. , Georgiou Stelios D. , Stylianou Stella
Published: April 2024

Recent attention has increasingly focused on the significance of Definitive Screening Designs (DSDs), originally introduced by Jones and Nachtsheim (2011), as a compelling alternative to traditional designs bib Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This paper introduces two novel composite techniques aimed at enhancing design efficiency and elevating D-values. By utilizing orthogonal matrices and integrating axial components from either simple orthogonal designs or the block orthogonal designs detailed in the work of Alrweili et al. (2020), new design matrices are constructed based on established composite design principles. Notably, the novel designs presented in this manuscript surpass previously documented designs in the existing literature in terms of design efficiency and robustness.
Dietary patterns; serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc; copper/zinc ratio; and total antioxidant status in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Zawadzka Izabela , Młynarczyk Maryla , Falkowska Martyna , Socha Katarzyna , Konopińska Joanna
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to identify the biochemical parameters that determine the occurrence of glaucoma and assess the correlation between oxidative stress and clinical data in patients with glaucoma and healthy controls. We enrolled 169 participants; the glaucoma group comprised 104 patients with primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation, or angle-closure glaucoma, and the control group comprised 65 healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); Cu/Zn ratio; and total antioxidant status were measured in both groups. Significantly lower Se and Zn serum levels were observed in men (67.7 ± 17.14 g/L and 0.76 ± 0.11 mg/L, respectively) and women (68.73 ± 16.21 g/L and 0.76 ± 0.13, respectively) with glaucoma. Moreover, significant correlations were identified between serum Se concentration and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and between serum Cu concentration and CDVA (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). We also observed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.244, p < 0.05) between pRNFL thickness and BMI and a negative correlation (r = -0.289, p < 0.05) between serum Se concentration and the age of male patients with glaucoma. Additionally, the percentages of participants with below-normal, normal, and above-normal Se, Zn, and total antioxidant capacity serum levels were compared between both groups. Compared with healthy controls, a significantly higher percentage of patients with glaucoma had a below-normal Se serum concentration. A notable negative correlation was observed between Zn and copper serum levels of patients with glaucoma in both sexes. We believe that this study serves as a basis for considering personalized nutritional therapy for the prevention and supportive treatment of patients with glaucoma.
A Constraint Programming Approach for Polytopic Simulation of Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Alexandre dit Sandretto Julien , Chapoutot Alexandre , Garion Christophe , Thirioux Xavier
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a constraint-based approach to compute the reachable tube of nonlinear differentiable equations. A set of initial values for the equations is considered and defined by a polytope represented as intersections of zonotopes. Guaranteed numerical integration based on zonotopic computation is used to compute reachable tubes. In order to efficiently build polytopes defined by the intersection of several zonotopes, we use a previously developed abstract domain to represent reachable tubes. The proposed contribution allows to compute more expressive reachable tubes more efficiently than methods based only on boxes, and therefore could improve verification/validation processes in robotics application for example. The approach is evaluated on examples taken from literature and we present two applications of this work.
CHEMOPREVENTIVE POTENTIAL OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF A POLYHERBAL (

Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta and

Azadirachta indica) RECIPE AGAINST BENZO(a)PYRENE INDUCED LUNG CARCINOGENESIS IN ALBINO MICE
Authors: Egu Dr. Samuel Attah , Sale Friday John , Onoja Andrew Omachoko , Oguche Joyce Ugbojo-ide
Published: April 2024

Antitumor chemotherapeutic drugs used in lung cancer management cause many adverse effects like damage to healthy cells and tumor relapse. Chemo-therapeutic agents fails to provide a complete cure due to single drug dose. Hence, new treatment, particularly phytotherapy is needed to reduce the side effects. Herein, the synergistic effect of a polyherbal (Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta, and Azadirachta indica) recipe was evaluated to determine its suppressive effects at different doses against benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-induced lung cancer in albino mice. The phytochemical and safety of the recipe using cytogenetic, heamatology and histology indices were also evaluated. High concentration of phenols (158.27%), flavonoids (36.41%) and low concentration of cardenolides and steroids in the extract were identified. BaP exposure induced elevated lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. Significant increase of WBCs and LYM at 100 and 200 mg/kg were observed. The recipe also demonstrated protective effects on liver and kidney biomarkers, and reduction in micronucleus formation, counteracting potential BaP-induced damage. Severe damage in the BaP-treated group lung tissues were observed but the recipe treated groups exhibited reduced damages. The study highlighted the efficacy of the recipe in preventing lung carcinogenesis, underscoring its potential as a preventive measure with curative and anti-proliferative properties.