bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routing to mid-infrared microcomb via near-infrared direct pump
Authors: Shi Lei , Ming Xianshun , Ma Kai , Sun Qibing , Wang Leiran , Zhao Wei , Zhang Wenfu
Published: May 2023

Mid-infrared (MIR) microcomb provides a new way into the “molecular fingerprint” region. However, it remains rather a challenge to realize the broadband mode-locked soliton microcomb, which is often limited by the performance of available MIR pump sources and coupling devices. Here, we propose an effective approach towards broadband MIR soliton microcombs generation via a direct pump in the near-infrared (NIR) region, through full utilization of the second- and third-order nonlinearities in a thin-film lithium niobate microresonator. The optical parametric oscillation process contributes to conversion from the pump at 1550 nm to the signal around 3100 nm, and the four-wave mixing effect promotes spectrum expansion and mode-locking process. While the second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation effects facilitate simultaneous emission of the NIR comb teeth. Both the continuous wave and pulse pump sources with relatively low power can support a MIR soliton with a bandwidth over 600 nm and a concomitant NIR microcomb with a bandwidth of 100 nm. This work can provide a promising solution for broadband MIR microcombs by breaking through the limitation of available MIR pump sources, and can deepen the understanding of the physical mechanism of the quadratic soliton assisted by the Kerr effect.
Frequency-domain adaptive MIMO filter with fractional oversampling using stochastic gradient descent for long-haul transmission over coupled 4-core fibers: erratum
Authors: Arikawa Manabu , Hayashi Kazunori
Published: May 2023

This erratum corrects errors in Fig. 9(b) and Fig. 14 of our published paper [Opt. Express 31, 13104 (2023)10.1364/OE.486032]. Other results, descriptions, and conclusions are not affected by this correction.
Faraday isolator for a 100 J/10 Hz pulsed laser
Authors: Slezák Ondřej , Vojna David , Pilař Jan , Divoký Martin , Denk Ondřej , Hanuš Martin , Navrátil Petr , Smrž Martin , Lucianetti Antonio , Mocek Tomáš
Published: May 2023

We report the first-ever, to the best of our knowledge, demonstration of the optical isolation of a kilowatt average power pulsed laser. A Faraday isolator capable of stable protection of the laser amplifier chain delivering 100 J nanosecond laser pulses at the repetition rate of 10 Hz has been developed and successfully tested. The isolator provided an isolation ratio of 30.46 dB in the course of an hour-long testing run at full power without any noticeable decrease due to the thermal effects. This is the first-ever, to the best of our knowledge, demonstration of a nonreciprocal optical device operated with such a powerful high-energy, high-repetition-rate laser beam, opening up the possibilities for this type of laser to be used for a number of industrial and scientific applications.
Hydroxyl ion absorption in on-chip high-Q resonators
Authors: Wu Lue , Gao Maodong , Liu Jin-Yu , Chen Hao-Jing , Colburn Kellan , Blauvelt Henry A. , Vahala Kerry J.
Published: May 2023

Thermal silica is a common dielectric used in all-silicon photonic circuits. Additionally, bound hydroxyl ions (Si-OH) can provide a significant component of optical loss in this material on account of the wet nature of the thermal oxidation process. A convenient way to quantify this loss relative to other mechanisms is through OH absorption at 1380 nm. Here, using ultra-high-quality factor (Q-factor) thermal-silica wedge microresonators, the OH absorption loss peak is measured and distinguished from the scattering loss baseline over a wavelength range from 680 nm to 1550 nm. Record-high on-chip resonator Q-factors are observed for near-visible and visible wavelengths, and the absorption limited Q-factor is as high as 8 billion in the telecom band. Hydroxyl ion content level around 2.4 ppm (weight) is inferred from both Q measurements and by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) depth profiling.
Analogy of polarization-independent, multi-band and tunable electromagnetically induced transparency with high sensitivity based on simple circular ring resonators and vanadium dioxide film
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Xu Yanlin , Huang Ruiqi , Deng Bowen , Zha Song
Published: May 2023

An analogy of polarization-independent, multi-band and tunable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect is proposed based on simple combination of circular ring resonators and vanadium dioxide film. The EIT-like effect is generated by bright-bright coupling resulting from adjacent ring resonators. High sensitivity up to 1.60 THz/RIU to the environmental refractive index is achieved utilizing the transparency peak. Accompanying with the EIT-like effect, the multi-band slow light phenomenon is obtained around the transparency windows. In addition, by inducing the insulator-metallic transition of the vanadium dioxide layer, the EIT-like curves can be actively manipulated while the multiple modulation is realized without refabricating the structure. Particularly, due to structural symmetry, the EIT-like windows keep unchanged and maintain noticeable with various polarization angles. The proposed structure has potential applications such as terahertz sensors, slow-light devices and modulators.
Using testing history to estimate HIV incidence in mothers living in resource-limited settings: Maximizing efficiency of a community health survey in Mozambique
Authors: Augusto Orvalho , Fernández-Luis Sheila , Fuente-Soro Laura , Nhampossa Tacilta , Lopez-Varela Elisa , Nhacolo Ariel , Bernardo Edson , Guambe Helga , Tibana Kwalila , Juga Adelino Jose Chingore , Cowan Jessica Greenberg , Urso Marilena , Naniche Denise
Published: May 2023

Obtaining rapid and accurate HIV incidence estimates is challenging because of the need for long-term follow-up for a large cohort. We estimated HIV incidence among women who recently delivered in southern Mozambique by leveraging data available in routine health cards. A cross-sectional household HIV-testing survey was conducted from October 2017 to April 2018 among mothers of children born in the previous four years in the Manhiça Health Demographic Surveillance System area. Randomly-selected mother-child pairs were invited to participate and asked to present documentation of their last HIV test result. HIV-testing was offered to mothers with no prior HIV-testing history, or with negative HIV results obtained over three months ago. HIV incidence was estimated as the number of mothers newly diagnosed with HIV per total person-years, among mothers with a prior documented HIV-negative test. Among 5000 mother-child pairs randomly selected, 3069 were interviewed, and 2221 reported a previous HIV-negative test. From this group, we included 1714 mothers who had taken a new HIV test during the survey. Most of mothers included (83.3%,1428/1714) had a previous documented HIV test result and date. Median time from last test to survey was 15.5 months (IQR:8.0–25.9). A total of 57 new HIV infections were detected over 2530.27 person-years of follow-up. The estimated HIV incidence was 2.25 (95% CI: 1.74–2.92) per 100 person-years. Estimating HIV incidence among women who recently delivered using a community HIV-focused survey coupled with previous HIV-testing history based on patients’ clinical documents is an achievable strategy.
Pulmonary function following hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A longitudinal observational study
Authors: Brenna Connor T. A. , Khan Shawn , Djaiani George , Au Darren , Schiavo Simone , Wahaj Mustafa , Janisse Ray , Katznelson Rita
Published: May 2023

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is known to be associated with pulmonary oxygen toxicity. However, the effect of modern HBOT protocols on pulmonary function is not completely understood. The present study evaluates pulmonary function test changes in patients undergoing serial HBOT. We prospectively collected data on patients undergoing HBOT from 2016–2021 at a tertiary referral center (protocol registration NCT05088772). Patients underwent pulmonary function testing with a bedside spirometer/pneumotachometer prior to HBOT and after every 20 treatments. HBOT was performed using 100% oxygen at a pressure of 2.0–2.4 atmospheres absolute (203–243 kPa) for 90 minutes, five times per week. Patients’ charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, medications, HBOT specifications, treatment complications, and spirometry performance. Primary outcomes were defined as change in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75), after 20, 40, and 60 HBOT sessions. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and mixed-model linear regression. A total of 86 patients were enrolled with baseline testing, and the analysis included data for 81 patients after 20 treatments, 52 after 40 treatments, and 12 after 60 treatments. There were no significant differences in pulmonary function tests after 20, 40, or 60 HBOT sessions. Similarly, a subgroup analysis stratifying the cohort based on pre-existing respiratory disease, smoking history, and the applied treatment pressure did not identify any significant changes in pulmonary function tests during HBOT. There were no significant longitudinal changes in FEV1, FVC, or FEF25-75 after serial HBOT sessions in patients regardless of pre-existing respiratory disease. Our results suggest that the theoretical risk of pulmonary oxygen toxicity following HBOT is unsubstantiated with modern treatment protocols, and that pulmonary function is preserved even in patients with pre-existing asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and interstitial lung disease.
Predictors of food variety and food consumption scores of adolescents living in a rural district in Ghana
Authors: Wiafe Michael Akenteng , Ayensu Jessica , Yeboah Georgina Benewaa
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There is a dearth of information about the food variety and consumption scores of adolescents in Ghana. This study assessed predictors of food variety and consumption scores of adolescents living in a rural district in Ghana.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select one hundred and thirty-seven (137) adolescents from the Asante-Akim South Municipality of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, food practices and dietary intakes of study participants. Descriptive, chi-square, T-test, partial correlation and binary logistic regression were used for the data analysis.

Results

The mean food variety score was 25.8±6.4 (range 7–42) and food consumption score was 35±5.1 (range 18.6–49.9). Food variety score was significantly (p<0.05) associated with guardian income status. A significant and positive partial correlation existed between food variety score and calcium intake (r = 0.236, p<0.05). About 49% and 51% of adolescents were food insecure and food secure, respectively. Food consumption score had significant association (p<0.05) with gender (X2 = 6.1), residence (X2 = 7.0), frequency of meal (X2 = 6.8) and food variety score (X2 = 5.4). Adolescent male (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.2–4.6), p = 0.017), peri-urban residency (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI (1.0–4.4), p = 0.036), having three or more meals per day (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.3–13.6), p = 0.018), and a high food variety score (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI (1.0–4.2), p = 0.041) significantly predicted food consumption scores.

Conclusion

Moderate income status was associated with food variety score in our study participants. Linear relationship existed between food variety and calcium intake. Adolescent males, peri-urban residency, frequency of meals and high food variety score were the predictors of food consumption score. Nutrition-specific and nutrition sensitive programmes aimed at promoting adolescent health should involve guardians.
Viral vector delivered immunogen focuses HIV-1 antibody specificity and increases durability of the circulating antibody recall response
Authors: Williams LaTonya D. , Shen Xiaoying , Sawant Sheetal S. , Akapirat Siriwat , Dahora Lindsay C. , Tay Matthew Zirui , Stanfield-Oakley Sherry , Wills Saintedym , Goodman Derrick , Tenney DeAnna , Spreng Rachel L. , Zhang Lu , Yates Nicole L. , Montefiori David C. , Eller Michael A. , Easterhoff David , Hope Thomas J. , Rerks-Ngarm Supachai , Pittisuttithum Punnee , Nitayaphan Sorachai , Excler Jean-Louis , Kim Jerome H. , Michael Nelson L. , Robb Merlin L. , O’Connell Robert J. , Karasavvas Nicos , Vasan Sandhya , Ferrari Guido , Tomaras Georgia D. ,   RV305 study team
Published: May 2023

The modestly efficacious HIV-1 vaccine regimen (RV144) conferred 31% vaccine efficacy at 3 years following the four-shot immunization series, coupled with rapid waning of putative immune correlates of decreased infection risk. New strategies to increase magnitude and durability of protective immunity are critically needed. The RV305 HIV-1 clinical trial evaluated the immunological impact of a follow-up boost of HIV-1-uninfected RV144 recipients after 6–8 years with RV144 immunogens (ALVAC-HIV alone, AIDSVAX B/E gp120 alone, or ALVAC-HIV + AIDSVAX B/E gp120). Previous reports demonstrated that this regimen elicited higher binding, antibody Fc function, and cellular responses than the primary RV144 regimen. However, the impact of the canarypox viral vector in driving antibody specificity, breadth, durability and function is unknown. We performed a follow-up analysis of humoral responses elicited in RV305 to determine the impact of the different booster immunogens on HIV-1 epitope specificity, antibody subclass, isotype, and Fc effector functions. Importantly, we observed that the ALVAC vaccine component directly contributed to improved breadth, function, and durability of vaccine-elicited antibody responses. Extended boosts in RV305 increased circulating antibody concentration and coverage of heterologous HIV-1 strains by V1V2-specific antibodies above estimated protective levels observed in RV144. Antibody Fc effector functions, specifically antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis, were boosted to higher levels than was achieved in RV144. V1V2 Env IgG3, a correlate of lower HIV-1 risk, was not increased; plasma Env IgA (specifically IgA1), a correlate of increased HIV-1 risk, was elevated. The quality of the circulating polyclonal antibody response changed with each booster immunization. Remarkably, the ALVAC-HIV booster immunogen induced antibody responses post-second boost, indicating that the viral vector immunogen can be utilized to selectively enhance immune correlates of decreased HIV-1 risk. These results reveal a complex dynamic of HIV-1 immunity post-vaccination that may require careful balancing to achieve protective immunity in the vaccinated population.

Trial registration: RV305 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01435135). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00223080.
Airway proteolytic control of pneumococcal competence
Authors: Echlin Haley , Iverson Amy , Sardo Ugo , Rosch Jason W.
Published: May 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the upper respiratory tract asymptomatically and, upon invasion, can lead to severe diseases including otitis media, sinusitis, meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia. One of the first lines of defense against pneumococcal invasive disease is inflammation, including the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. The invasive pneumococcus can be cleared through the action of serine proteases generated by neutrophils. It is less clear how serine proteases impact non-invasive pneumococcal colonization, which is the key first step to invasion and transmission. One significant aspect of pneumococcal biology and adaptation in the respiratory tract is its natural competence, which is triggered by a small peptide CSP. In this study, we investigate if serine proteases are capable of degrading CSP and the impact this has on pneumococcal competence. We found that CSP has several potential sites for trypsin-like serine protease degradation and that there were preferential cleavage sites recognized by the proteases. Digestion of CSP with two different trypsin-like serine proteases dramatically reduced competence in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation of CSP with mouse lung homogenate also reduced recombination frequency of the pneumococcus. These ex vivo experiments suggested that serine proteases in the lower respiratory tract reduce pneumococcal competence. This was subsequently confirmed measuring in vivo recombination frequencies after induction of protease production via poly (I:C) stimulation and via co-infection with influenza A virus, which dramatically lowered recombination events. These data shed light on a new mechanism by which the host can modulate pneumococcal behavior and genetic exchange via direct degradation of the competence signaling peptide.
New femininities and self-making in contemporary Chinese beauty influencing
Authors: Sun Qingyue
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of industrialized social media influencing, China’s beauty economy has spawned legions of beauty influencers. These influencers and their social media production have formed a complex and seemingly contradictory assemblage of beauty ideals in the contemporary Chinese social media landscape. Amidst this assemblage are circulating an array of emergent femininities, a wave of nationalism and a suspiciously neo-liberal-looking subjectivity. Through a qualitative analysis of 383 Weibo posts of the top Chinese beauty influencers, this article reveals that these influencers and their social media productions play a crucial role in producing new conceptualizations of beauty in China (and beyond). Their cultural creations seem to empower women through active beauty interventions and body makeovers, but essentially fall into the trap of neo-liberal capitalism and perpetuate problematic beauty notions in tandem with local patriarchal gender scripts.
Advertising Engagement: Conceptualization, Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Akarsu Haluk , Sever Necip Serdar
Published: May 2023

Even though there is wide use of the advertising engagement concept in the advertising sector, only a limited number of studies have focused on the concept and the measurement of the construct. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus regarding the conceptualization of engagement in the marketing and advertising literature. In this study, we conceptualize advertising engagement and develop a 24-item scale called ‘Engagement Towards Advertisement’ (EA), which includes two factors; behavioral intention and mental processing. The EA scale development process encompasses four studies. Study 1 consists of item generation (N = 86), expert review (N=5), and pilot study (N=65). In study 2, item purification is carried out (N=309). Study 3 encompasses scale refinement, confirmation, and validation (N=408). Study 4 deals with conducting test-retest reliability (N=52) and evaluation of the general reliability of the scale, based on the data obtained in study 3. There is strong evidence that supports the reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity of the EA scale. The scale offers an opportunity for future empirical research in the area, and provides a useful tool for researchers to collect data related to consumers’ level of engagement towards advertisements.
Changing Narratives of Ageing: Emma Thompson’s Performances of Female Old Age in Late Night and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
Authors: Casado Gual Núria , Oró Piqueras Maricel
Published: May 2023

At the onset of her sixtieth decade, Emma Thompson remains an active and prolific actress, whilst 'age' has become a more salient trait in her cinematic roles. In the recent Berlinale presentation of her latest film, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022), Thompson’s declarations on her character (a recently widowed woman called Nancy Stokes) received considerable media attention. Referring to her character’s story, Thompson declared that not only is women’s pleasure silenced and made invisible still in the twenty-first century, but the female ageing body is also hidden and considered a hateful view to look at. Thompson’s previous film in a leading role, Late Night (2019), depicts a similarly critical moment in the life of a successful late-night talk show host called Katherine Newbury, whose career seems to reach a dead end when she turns sixty and the channel she works for decides that her show is not profitable anymore. While Nancy Stokes starts a quest to have an orgasm past her sixtieth birthday, Katherine Newbury’s quest focuses on proving that a woman’s creativity and popularity do not have to diminish with age. In this article, we present a textual analysis of the counter-narratives of female aging developed through two of Emma Thompson’s latest lead roles. Within the genre of dramatic comedy, these cinematic narratives of female old age address and subvert topics that are still considered taboo from either ageist or sexist perspectives, or both, and which are closely related to (female) sexuality, creativity and body image in later life.
Di(ver)sium: Imágenes para coeducar
Authors: López-San Segundo Carmen , Hernández Pietro Marina , García Pérez Omaña Alfredo
Published: May 2023

Di(ver)sium es un recurso didáctico basado en la fotografía y orientado al fomento de la igualdad de género y la diversidad afectivo-sexual en los centros de enseñanza media y superior. Di(ver)sium optimiza el potencial divulgativo de ‘Medianautas’ y ‘Di(ver)sidades’, dos acciones para promover la coeducación que se desarrollan en la Universidad de Salamanca bajo el paraguas de la experiencia de investigación e innovación responsable ‘FotoC3: Ciudadanía, Creatividad y Cuidado. Di(ver)sium está diseñado para desplegarse en escenarios de enseñanza-aprendizaje de carácter individual, cooperativo, online u offline y para cumplir con los siguientes tres objetivos: a) Lograr competencias formativas de carácter transversal en materia de coeducación en el alumnado de enseñanza secundaria y superior a partir de la creación y la difusión de contenidos visuales, audiovisuales y multimedia de carácter colectivo. b) Poner en marcha buenas prácticas en innovación docente y responsabilidad social en el marco de la Red de Aprendizaje-Servicio de la Universidad de Salamanca; c) Poner en valor la ‘Colección Medianautas’ y la ‘Colección Di(ver)sidades’: dos colecciones académicas de fotoetnografía pertenecientes a la Red de Colecciones Científicas de la Universidad de Salamanca.
Development of a microencapsulated probiotic containing Pediococcus acidilactici WU222001 against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Saengsawang Phirabhat , Jeenkeawpieam Juthatip , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Kitpipit Warangkana , Thomrongsuwannakij Thotsapol , Poothong Saranporn , Vimon Sasi
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms for humans and animals. In this study, we developed a microencapsulated probiotic with antibacterial activity against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC).

Materials and Methods: Alignment of the 16S rRNA sequences of the isolate WU222001 with those deposited in GenBank revealed that the isolate was Pediococcus acidilactici with 99.6% homology. This bacterium was characterized as a probiotic based on its tolerance toward in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions, hydrophobicity, and auto-aggregation. The antibacterial activity of the probiotic’s culture supernatant against APEC was investigated using a broth microdilution assay. Pediococcus acidilactici was microencapsulated using sodium alginate and agar with diameters ranging from 47 to 61 µm. Then, physicochemical characteristics and stability of the microcapsules were determined.

Results: The isolate was characterized as a probiotic based on its resistance to low pH, bile salts, and pancreatin, with relative values of 79.2%, 70.95%, and 90.64%, respectively. Furthermore, the bacterium exhibited 79.56% auto-aggregation and 55.25% hydrophobicity at 24 h. The probiotic’s culture supernatant exhibited strong antibacterial activity against clinical APEC isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 12.5% and 25% v/v, respectively. Microencapsulation-enhanced bacterial viability in GIT compared to free cells. Moreover, 89.65% of the encapsulated cells were released into the simulated intestinal fluid within 4 h. The viable count in microcapsules was 63.19% after 3 months of storage at 4°C.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the culture supernatant of P. acidilactici inhibited the growth of APEC. In addition, microencapsulation extends the viability of P. acidilactici under harsh conditions, indicating its potential application in the feed production.

Keywords: antibacterial activity, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, microcapsule, microencapsulation, Pediococcus acidilactici, probiotics.
Expectativas empresariais frente ao início da pandemia da COVID-19: Evidências empíricas no Brasil
Authors: Souza Gustavo Henrique Silva de , Lima Nilton Cesar , Coelho Jorge Artur Peçanha de Miranda , Jardim Ana Cláudia Gonçalves de Sá
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: Investigar expectativas empresariais frente à pandemia da COVID-19, por meio de evidências empíricas de práticas comerciais no Brasil durante o início do período de distanciamento social. Também, buscou-se testar a adaptabilidade cognitiva e os valores humanos como preditores do processo de tomada de decisão e testar se o contágio com COVID-19 ou a proximidade com a doença influenciou esses constructos. Metodologia: Realizou-se um estudo transversal com uma amostra não probabilística de 313 empreendedores brasileiros, em que foram aplicados quatro instrumentos de pesquisa. Procederam-se análises descritivas e multivariadas (p.ex., análise fatorial exploratória e regressão linear múltipla). Relevância/originalidade: O estudo contribui para compreender os processos de tomada de decisão empresarial por meio de constructos associados aos valores humanos e à adaptabilidade cognitiva. Resultados: As condições humanas e sociais de sobrevivência e o compromisso com obrigações financeiras pessoais e empresariais foram norteadoras do comportamento dos empreendedores investigados. Nos casos em que houve o contágio ou proximidade com a doença, os empreendedores passaram a demonstrar decisões ponderadas, suporte afetivo aos colaboradores, flexibilidade no controle organizacional e valores mais empáticos. Contribuições teórico-metodológicas: Este estudo aponta os possíveis impactos que a pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe para empreendedores e como variáveis psicológicas explicam o comportamento destes. Contribuições sociais: Adicionalmente, lança-se luz sobre o empreendedorismo a partir de necessidades e anseios vivenciados no início da pandemia da COVID-19.
Entrepreneurial expectations towards the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: Empirical evidence in Brazil
Authors: Souza Gustavo Henrique Silva de , Lima Nilton Cesar , Coelho Jorge Artur Peçanha de Miranda , Jardim Ana Cláudia Gonçalves de Sá
Published: May 2023

Objective: To investigate entrepreneurial expectations towards the COVID-19 pandemic through empirical evidence of business practices in Brazil during the beginning of the social distancing period. Also, we sought to test cognitive adaptability and human values as predictors of the decision-making process and to test whether infection with COVID-19 or proximity to the disease related to these constructs. Method: A cross-sectional study was developed with a non-probabilistic sample of 313 Brazilian entrepreneurs, in which four instruments were applied. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were carried out (e. g., exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regressions). Originality/Relevance: The study contributes to understanding the business decision-making processes through constructs associated with human values and cognitive adaptability. Results: Human and social conditions of survival and the commitment to personal and business financial obligations guide entrepreneurial behaviour. In cases where there was contagion or proximity to the disease, entrepreneurs started to show thoughtful decisions, affective support for employees, flexibility in organizational control, and more empathic values. Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study points out the possible impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to entrepreneurs and how psychological variables explain their behaviour. Social/managerial contributions: Additionally, it sheds light on entrepreneurship from the needs and desires experienced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the broader dimension directed to the serious problems experienced today.
Impulsivity and Psychiatric Morbidity in Suicide Attempters - A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern Kerala
Authors: Amrutha Francis  , Druhin Adavalath  , Padmini Cherukunnath
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

In this study, we wanted to evaluate the prevalence and association of impulsivity and psychiatric morbidity in suicide  attempters, along with the socio-demographic characteristics of those who attempt suicide.

METHODS

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study conducted among 150 patients who presented with a history of suicide attempt to the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, from 1st May 2021 to 30th April 2022 after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants.

RESULTS

Psychiatric morbidity was seen among 81%  of the study participants, and the commonest among them were mood disorders (47%) including (major depression, bipolar, and dysthymia) followed by a general anxiety disorder, phobia, anxiety disorder NOS, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and stress-related disorder (14%). The overall scores were observed to be a mean (SD) of 62.3 (8.9), while the distribution of BIS “Non- Planning”, BIS “Motor Impulsiveness” and BIS “Attentional Impulsiveness” was observed to be 29.6 (7.1), 19.5 (4.9), and 13.1 (3.4) respectively. Also, it was seen that there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of BIS scores in relation to the overall score, “Non- Planning”, and BIS “Motor Impulsiveness” between the proportion having psychiatric morbidity and without psychiatric morbidity (p-value <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that a history of suicide attempts was more common among males. The 4/5th of the participants had some form of psychiatric morbidity and the most common ones seen among the participants were major depression, bipolar, and dysthymia followed by anxiety disorder.
A Comparative Study of Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate Versus Intrathecal Magnesium Sulphate in 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine Spinal Anaesthesia for Elective Infraumbilical Surgery
Authors: Krishna Deepthi P.P.  , Bandana Mahanta
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

In this study, we wanted to compare the characteristics of subarachnoid block when intrathecal versus intravenous magnesium sulphate was used with 0.5 % hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia in elective infraumbilical surgery.

METHODS

This was a hospital based prospective randomized clinical parallel arm study double-blinded (patient and observer blinded) single hospital study conducted among 100 patients who presented with elective infraumbilical surgery under spinal anaesthesia to the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, from 1st June 2021 to 31st May 2022 after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants.

RESULTS

The onset of sensory block, and comparison of duration of analgesia with respect to time to first analgesic request was found to be statistically significant. While comparing, duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in the intravenous group. Magnesium administered intravenously or intrathecally was not linked to any harmful side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Infraumbilical procedures that use intravenous magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anaesthetic extend the time that post-operative analgesia lasts. Intrathecal co-administration of Magnesium sulphate with 0.5% hyperbaric bupicavaine delays the onset of sensory block compared to intravenous MgSO4.
24-hour urinary calcium excretion and renal outcomes in hospitalized patients with and without chronic kidney disease
Authors: Guo XinRu , Wang Wanling , Ma Yangyang , Liang Yanjun , Zhuang Kaiting , Wang Wenjuan , Zhou Yena , Li Yisha , Cao Xueying , Liang Shuang , Zheng Ying , Li Ping , Chen Xiangmei , Cai Guangyan
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the impact of 24-hour urinary calcium excretion (UCaE) on renal function decline in hospitalized patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: This study enrolled 3,815 CKD patients with stages 1-4, and 1,133 Non-CKD patients admitted to the First Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2014 and July 2022. The primary outcome for CKD was a composite of CKD progression defined as a 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and end-stage kidney disease and rapid kidney function decline [RKFD, defined as annual eGFR decline of ≥ 5 ml/min/1.73m
2/yr] as the secondary outcome. For Non-CKD patients, an eGFR decline of ≥ 20%, incidence of CKD, and a declining slope of ≥3 ml/min/1.73m
2/yr were the outcomes. The association between UCaE and kidney function decline was assessed using Cox proportional hazards and generalized linear models.

Results: The primary outcome was observed in 813 CKD and 109 without CKD over a median follow-up of 3.0 and 4.1 years, respectively. For CKD patients, every 1-mmol/d increase in UCaE was associated with a 15% decreased risk of CKD progression. The hazard ratio (HR) was 0.85, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.77-0.93. And, for Non-CKD patients, the risk of renal function decline decreased by 11%. The multivariate models indicated that there was an annual decrease of eGFR in both CKD and Non-CKD, with a reduction of 0.122 ml/min/1.73m2/yr (P < 0.001) and 0.046 ml/min/1.73m2/yr (P = 0.004), respectively, for every 1-mmol/d increase of UCaE.

Conclusions: CKD experiences a decrease in 24-hour UCaE as early as stage 1, with a significant decline in stage 4. CKD and Non-CKD patients with lower UCaE levels are at an increased risk of renal decline, regardless of other variables.
Case Study of Online Flipped Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Navarrete Cesar , Fazal Minaz
Published: May 2023

Due to a world-wide health emergency, higher education instructors were compelled to adapt their courses from traditional in-person classes to remote learning. In this case study, we investigated the use of flipped learning for this adaptation process from diverse higher education instructors’ perspectives. To mitigate social distancing requirements, instructors included synchronous and asynchronous components in using the flipped approach to their courses. The use of video conferencing synchronous sessions to replace the in-person class time showed a nuanced approach to flipped learning that required exploration. Instructors from distinct academic settings were interviewed on their experience in using the flipped approach in their courses adapted for maintaining social distancing protocol. Using case methodology, nine instructors from various locations and disciplines were interviewed on how they transformed their courses utilizing flipped approaches. Findings from the interview texts showed the distinction of asynchronous and synchronous elements, as key components of fully online flipped learning environments. Findings in this study highlights the importance of supporting student engagement for autonomous learning in courses using online flipped learning approaches. Implications for the support of student self-determined learning through the implementation of synchronous and asynchronous learning components are discussed.
A human approach to restructuring the education system: why schools in England need social pedagogy
Authors: Stobbs Nicola , Solvason Carla , Gallagher Stuart , Baylis Sue
Published: May 2023

In this article, we contend that the current schools’ system in England needs to be carefully reconsidered if we are to offer opportunities for success (in its broadest sense) to those whom our current, technocratic education system excludes. With a focus on social pedagogy and human-centred learning systems, we argue that continued modifications to the existing education system are no longer sufficient and that an ideology overhaul is needed before any significant positive progress can be made. To this end, we suggest various ways that schools might work towards developing healthier and more inclusive communities, built on the key social pedagogical foundations of positive relationships, democracy, inclusion, creativity and pedagogical love. We also make recommendations for an education system in which the teacher, as a highly trained professional, can enjoy a professional autonomy commensurate with their level of qualification. Finally, we dispel some of the myths that have prevented radical, community-focused change to date.
Modified CEUS LI-RADS using Sonazoid for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Kamiyama Naohisa , Kakegawa Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroshi , Wada Takuya , Abe Masakazu , Yoshimasu Yu , Takeuchi Hirohito , Itoi Takao
Published: May 2023

This review outlines several modified versions of the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (CEUS LI-RADS) that utilize Sonazoid. Furthermore, it discusses the advantages and challenges of diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma using these guidelines, as well as the authors’ expectations and opinions regarding the next CEUS LI-RADS version. It is possible that Sonazoid could be incorporated into the next version of CEUS LI-RADS.
Associations between Sociodemographic and Behavioral Variables, and Educational Practices on Mother-Child Dyads
Authors: Bolsoni-Silva Alessandra Turini , Regina Loureiro Sonia
Published: May 2023

The association between the sociodemographic variables of children with behavior problems and mothers with maternaldepression is widely acknowledged in the literature. However, there is a lack of studies addressing the association of thesevariables with maternal parenting practices in typical samples, i.e., children without behavior problems and mothers withoutcurrent depression indicators. The aim of this study was to identify associations between the sociodemographic variables ofchildren and mothers with the mothers’ parenting practices and children’s behavioral indicators (resources and problems)in a sample of children without behavior problems and mothers without current depression indicators. This quantitative,cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study addressed 46 biological mothers (married or in a stable relationship)and their children. A sociodemographic questionnaire and validated instruments addressing child behavior, maternal mentalhealth, and parenting practices were applied. Findings showed that the mothers did not present mental health problems (e.g.,behavior problems or maternal depression), but a) they presented deficits of positive practices and an excess of negativepractices, and the children displayed deficits in social skills and behavior problems; b) there was an association betweenpositive practices and the children’s social skills and between negative practices and children’s behavior problems; c) thefrequency of positive and negative practices was equivalent among boys and girls, and d) boys more frequently presentedbehavior problems while school-aged children more frequently presented social skills deficits. The results indicate that evennon-clinical samples may present harmful parenting practices, excess negative practices, and deficits in positive practices.Hence, there is a need for timely interventions to prevent behavior problems among children and maternal depression arising from conflicting interactions in the parenthood sphere.
A note on singular integral
Authors: Maity Arup , Mondal Shyam Swarup
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we prove that for

n
2

-

1
2

<
α
<

n
2

{\frac{n}{2}-\frac{1}{2}<\alpha<\frac{n}{2}}

,

α
∉
ℕ

{\alpha\notin\mathbb{N}}

, the convolution operator

S
α

⁢
f
⁢

(
x
)

=

∫

|
y
|

≥
1

f
⁢

(

x
-
y

)

⁢

(

|
y
|

2

-
1

)

-
α

⁢

𝑑
y

S_{\alpha}f(x)=\int_{|y|\geq 1}f(x-y)(|y|^{2}-1)^{-\alpha}\,dy

is bounded from

L
p

{L^{p}}

to

L

q
1

+

L

q
2

{L^{q_{1}}+L^{q_{2}}}

for certain values of p and

q
1

,

q
2

{q_{1},q_{2}}

.
A Digital Concordance of Etruscan, Faliscan, and Early Latin Inscriptions from Etruria
Authors: Burman Annie C.
Published: May 2023

Epigraphic concordances (lists which give corresponding references for two or more epigraphic corpora) are an indispensable resource for any scholar whose work relates to inscriptions. Despite their usefulness, there are inherent issues with conventional concordances of the type found at the back of epigraphic corpora. This article presents a digital concordance for Etruscan, Faliscan and early Latin inscriptions from Etruria. The concordance, which is contained in a CSV file, is downloadable from the repository Zenodo, and allows for both free-text searches and reordering according to each included corpus. The digital format allows for future revision and correction; an email address dedicated to feedback from the scholarly community has been set up. The corpora included in the concordance are chosen to make the concordance a comprehensive resource for both contemporary scholarly use and study of the history of epigraphy.
The Speaker Election in the 118th Congress: A Procedural Review
Authors: Glassman Matt
Published: May 2023

The election of a new Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 118th Congress in January 2023 stretched on for several days and 15 roll call votes—the longest contested Speaker election in modern congressional history. This article proves a two-part analysis of this unusual event. First, it reviews the procedural practice of the House for its organization at the beginning of each Congress. Second, it analyzes the operational and strategic conduct of the election, with an eye not only on the individual Members-elect and party factions operating within it, but also on the role of the non-partisan House officers managing the proceedings.
Gibbons’ conjecture for quasilinear elliptic equations involving a gradient term
Authors: Le Phuong
Published: May 2023

We prove Gibbons’ conjecture for the quasilinear elliptic equation

-

Δ
p

⁢
u

+

a
⁢

(
u
)

⁢

|

∇
⁡
u

|

q

=

f
⁢

(
u
)

 

in 
⁢

ℝ
N

,

-\Delta_{p}u+a(u)|\nabla u|^{q}=f(u)\quad\text{in }\mathbb{R}^{N},

where

N
≥
2

{N\geq 2}

,

2
⁢
N

+
2

N
+
2

<
p
<
2

{\frac{2N+2}{N+2}

0

{\frac{\partial u}{\partial x_{N}}>0}

in

ℝ
N

{\mathbb{R}^{N}}

. In particular, our result holds for a being non-decreasing on

[

-
1

,

-
1

+
δ

]

{[-1,-1+\delta]}

and on

[

1
-
δ

,
1
]

{[1-\delta,1]}

and

f
⁢

(
u
)

=

|
u
|

r

⁢
u
⁢

|

1
-

u
2

|

s

⁢

(

1
-

u
2

)

{f(u)=|u|^{r}u|1-u^{2}|^{s}(1-u^{2})}

, where

r
,
s
,
δ

≥
0

{r,s,\delta\geq 0}

.
The main tool we use is an adaptation of the sliding method to the corresponding quasilinear elliptic operator.
On the spectra of a class of Moran measures
Authors: Chen Ming-Liang , Cao Jian , Wang Jia-Lin , Wang Ye
Published: May 2023

Let

{

A
n

}

n
=
1

∞

{\{A_{n}\}_{n=1}^{\infty}}

be a sequence of expanding matrices with

A
n

∈

M
2

⁢

(
ℤ
)

{A_{n}\in M_{2}(\mathbb{Z})}

, and let

{

D
n

}

n
=
1

∞

{\{D_{n}\}_{n=1}^{\infty}}

be a sequence of three-element digit sets with

{

x
∈

(
0
,
1
)

2

:

∑

d
∈

D
n

e

2
⁢
π
⁢
i
⁢

〈
d
,
x
〉

=
0

}

=

{

±

1
3

⁢

(
1
,
i
)

t

}

{\{x\in(0,1)^{2}:\sum_{d\in D_{n}}{e^{2\pi i\langle d,x\rangle}}=0\}=\{\pm%
\frac{1}{3}(1,i)^{t}\}}

,

i
∈

{
1
,
2
}

{i\in\{1,2\}}

. The associated Moran measure generated by the infinite convolution

μ

{

A
n

}

,

{

D
n

}

=

δ

A
1

-
1

⁢

D
1

*

δ

A
1

-
1

⁢

A
2

-
1

⁢

D
2

*

δ

A
1

-
1

⁢

A
2

-
1

⁢

A
3

-
1

⁢

D
3

*
⋯

.

\mu_{\{A_{n}\},\{D_{n}\}}=\delta_{A_{1}^{-1}D_{1}}*\delta_{A_{1}^{-1}A_{2}^{-1%
}D_{2}}*\delta_{A_{1}^{-1}A_{2}^{-1}A_{3}^{-1}D_{3}}*\cdots.

In this paper, we give some necessary and sufficient conditions for

μ

{

A
n

}

,

{

D
n

}

{\mu_{\{A_{n}\},\{D_{n}\}}}

to be a spectral measure under some suitable conditions on

A
n

{A_{n}}

and

D
n

{D_{n}}

.
Characterization of Jordan two-sided centralizers and related maps on triangular rings
Authors: Hosseini Amin , Ali Shakir , Karizaki Mehdi Mohammadzadeh
Published: May 2023

The main goal of this paper is to characterize Jordan two-sided centralizers, Jordan centralizers and related maps on triangular rings without identity. As an application of our main theorem, we characterize Jordan generalized derivations on triangular rings. Precisely, we prove that every Jordan generalized derivation on a triangular ring is a two-sided generalized derivation. As consequences, and apart from proving the other results, many known theorems can be either generalized or deduced.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of strictly convex solutions for singular k-Hessian equations with nonlinear gradient terms
Authors: He Xingyue , Gao Chenghua , Wang Jingjing , Yao Xiaobin
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we mainly consider the singular k-Hessian equations

S
k

⁢

(

λ
⁢

(

D
2

⁢
u

)

)

=

h
⁢

(
x
)

⁢
f
⁢

(

-
u

)

+

g
⁢

(

|

D
⁢
u

|

)

 

in 
⁢
Ω

S_{k}(\lambda(D^{2}u))=h(x)f(-u)+g(|Du|)\quad\text{in }\Omega

and

S
k

⁢

(

λ
⁢

(

D
2

⁢
u

)

)

=

h
⁢

(
x
)

⁢
f
⁢

(

-
u

)

⁢

(

1
+

g
⁢

(

|

D
⁢
u

|

)

)

 

in 
⁢
Ω

S_{k}(\lambda(D^{2}u))=h(x)f(-u)(1+g(|Du|))\quad\text{in }\Omega

with the Dirichlet boundary condition

u
=
0

{u=0}

on

∂
⁡
Ω

{\partial\Omega}

, where

Ω
⊂

ℝ
N

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{N}}

(

N
≥
2

{N\geq 2}

) is a strictly convex, bounded smooth domain. Using the method of upper and lower solutions and the Karamata regular variation theory, we get new criteria of the existence and asymptotic behavior of strictly convex solutions under different conditions imposed on h, f and g. This problem is more difficult to solve than the k-Hessian problem without gradient terms, and requires additional new conditions in the proof process.
Rapid synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Nepeta cataria leaves: An eco-friendly management of disease-causing vectors and bacterial pathogens
Authors: Mani Mahendrakumar , Sundararaj Aruna Sharmili , Al-Ghanim Khalid A. , John Shiny Punalur , Elumalai Kuppusamy , Nicoletti Marcello , Govindarajan Marimuthu
Published: May 2023

Insecticides kill mosquitoes but damage other animals including humans. Eco-friendly metal nanoparticles may be a plant-based pesticide for vector control. Here, the copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) synthesized from Nepeta catarialeaves have been investigated for their antibacterial and larvicidal properties. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that biochemicals reduced and stabilized nanoparticles by shifting peaks from 1,049 to 1,492 cm−1, and ultraviolet–visible spectrometry proved that produced Cu NPs had a peak at 550 nm. Transmission electron microscopic and scanning electron microscope showed that the particles are spherical and 23–29 nm in size. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that Cu NPs are crystalline. At a 100 µg·mL−1 concentration, Cu NPs exhibited a higher percentage of inhibition in the order of Escherichia coli ≫ Enterococcus faecalis ≫ Staphylococcus aureus. The lethal concentration (LC50) of the Cu NPs against the larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus was determined to be 60.63, 56.58, and 54.32 µg·mL−1, respectively. This ground-breaking study describes the biological production of Cu NPs utilizing N. cataria leaf extract for the first time. Based on these findings, the bio-synthesized Cu NPs and the aqueous extract of N. cataria may provide a potential alternative method for managing these vector populations.