bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Out or Staying Put: An African American Women’s Network in Evacuation from Katrina
Authors: Litt Jacquelyn
Published: February 2024

This article examines the emergency evacuation from New Orleans in a network of low-income African Americans in the day before Hurricane Katrina. I argue that the quick action of key women mobilized the successful evacuation of 25 individuals who could not otherwise have left the city. The network was successful during evacuation for three reasons. First, government warnings did not appear to carry the same authority as the passing of informal knowledge through these trusted women-centered networks. Second, women were able to pull together network members and resources already embedded in their daily lives. Third, network members recognized pre-existing personal ties and expanded network membership when necessary. I conclude that any formal disaster planning should take into consideration, in a practical way, not only the existence but the usefulness of women’s networking skills for the survival of vulnerable individuals in harm’s way.
An Introduction to Gender Studies: Pregnancy, Parenting, and Authority in the University
Authors: Silbergleid Robin
Published: February 2024

Pregnancy makes visible and immediate many critical issues in introductory courses in gender, including compulsory heterosexuality, balancing work and family life, and the processes by which we become gendered subjects. The pregnant professor appears to have a body that upholds normative beliefs about marriage and reproduction, an appearance that softens students' introduction to the critical interrogation of such beliefs. Yet the pregnant body also takes up too much space—both literally and metaphorically—potentially undermining the teacher's institutional authority by aligning her with "mom" in a setting that has historically depended upon the absence of the (female) body. This essay thus considers the ways that both the classroom and the university are pregnant with opportunities to reconsider power dynamics surrounding the body.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell": The Academic Climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Faculty in Science and Engineering
Authors: Bilimoria Diana , Stewart Abigail J.
Published: February 2024

In the present study, fourteen science and engineering faculty members who identified as lesbian or gay at two research universities described the workplace climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) faculty, the role pressures and choices they face, and the effects of the climate on their work performance and careers. While some faculty describe overt hostility toward them, invisibility, interpersonal discomfort, and pressure to "cover" their sexuality are much more pervasive, as is a felt obligation to be supportive to LGBT students and junior colleagues. Based on our analyses of the interview data, we propose a model of the career consequences of the academic work environment for sexual minority faculty in science and engineering. We conclude by recommending specific future research and suggesting institutional actions that can be taken to make campus climates more affirming for LGBT faculty in science and engineering, and other disciplines.
Coming Out of the Sexual Harassment Closet: One Woman's Story of Politics and Change in Higher Education
Authors: Gardner Susan K.
Published: February 2024

In this essay, a university professor tells the story of her sexual harassment by her graduate school adviser in order to explain the institutional cultures and structures that exist to perpetuate this type of behavior in higher education as well as to communicate the steps she took to create change and accept the events that occurred. Characterizing the documentation as a "coming out process," she describes the events that occurred from 2002–2006, using a semi-autoethnographical approach augmented with document and literature analyses. The essay goes beyond a mere re-telling of the events to an analysis of the cultural constructs that foster sexual harassment at institutions of higher education.
"Female Sobriety": Feminism, Motherhood, and the Works of Julia Franck
Authors: Hill Alexandra Merley
Published: February 2024

Following the renewed interest in the role of motherhood in Germany, a wave of articles and books has recently reassessed the women's movement of the 1970s. The author Julia Franck, winner of the 2007 German Book Prize, is an active participant in these discussions, not only in speeches and essays but also in her works of fiction. In telling the story of an unwilling mother, her latest novel, Die Mittagsfrau (Lady Midday, 2007), both participates in and fundamentally undermines the terms of the motherhood debates. In this essay I contextualize Franck's work within popular discourse around feminism, focusing in particular on Franck's own term "female sobriety," which she uses to characterize her style of writing and that of many female colleagues. Based on Silvia Bovenschen's theory of a feminine aesthetic, "female sobriety" is just one facet of Franck's engagement with women's issues and feminist theory. (AMH)
Working Weimar Women into the National Socialist Community: Carl Froelich’s Women’s Labor Service Film, Ich für Dich—Du für mich (1934), and Mädchen in Uniform (1931)
Authors: Weinstein Valerie
Published: February 2024

This article examines the intertextual relationships between Carl Froelich’s Ich für Dich—Du für mich (I for You—You for Me), a film commissioned by the Nazi party to promote the Women’s Labor Service, and Leontine Sagan’s Mädchen in Uniform (Girls in Uniform), a well-known Weimar women’s film about same-sex desire in a Prussian boarding school. Close readings of Ich für Dich and discussion of it in the trade press show how the film exploits references to Mädchen in order to help spectators envision the role of women in an idealized National Socialist community, and to illustrate how the modern New Women, female sexuality, and filmic styles associated with the Weimar era can be successfully integrated into that community. Analysis shows, however, that Ich für Dich ’s cooptation of elements from Mädchen also has presumably unintended consequences, by evoking desires, identities, and styles that fascism struggled to contain. (VW)
Narratives of Femininity in Judith Hermann’s Summerhouse, Later
Authors: Bauer Esther K.
Published: February 2024

Reading Judith Hermann’s Summerhouse, Later through the lens of New Feminism reveals, hidden underneath the stories’ apolitical surface, a provocative analysis of heterosexual relationships in the Berlin Republic. The stories propose that patriarchal structures continue to determine women’s lives, and suggest that the formation of feminine subjectivity requires women to take control of and create their own narratives of femininity. Hermann’s stories reflect New Feminists’ focus on the private sphere and their demand for women’s freedom to choose any image of femininity, including traditional roles. Following today’s feminists, these texts show the paralyzing effect of prescribed narratives, and consequently do not put forth alternative images that could become equally confining. Instead, they advocate a cultural-historical perspective for contemporary feminist efforts, emphasizing that feminism, even while seeking women’s autonomy, is a process within history that requires women to acknowledge the continuing relevance of past narratives of femininity. (EKB)
Genetic-algorithm-based waveguide display system with a multiplexed volume holographic grating
Authors: Feng Qibin , Cai Jiahao , Guo Yusong , Guo Min , Zi Wang , Lv Guoqiang
Published: February 2024

Most of the current holographic waveguide display systems are designed based on the center beam. When the incident beam consists of rays with different angles, the field of view and optical efficiency would greatly reduce. The heavy angular dependence of the volume holographic grating (VHG) and the back-coupling loss are two main reasons. This paper proposes a design method of the waveguide display system with multiplexed VHG, which is based on a genetic algorithm to optimize and calculate the parameters both of the VHG and the waveguide. The simulation results show that the diagonal field of view of the holographic waveguide system is increased to 28°, and its optical efficiency is improved by 30%. The design method of the waveguide system with the multiplexed grating proposed in this paper can effectively expand the field of view and improve the optical efficiency.
Digital Holography and 3D Imaging 2023: introduction to the joint feature issue in Applied Optics and Journal of the Optical Society of America A
Authors: Blanche Pierre-Alexandre , Cheng Chau-Jern , Ferraro Pietro , Zhang Yaping , Wang Zhehui (Jeph)
Published: February 2024

The Optica Topical Meeting on Digital Holography and 3D Imaging (DH) was held 14–17 August 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The meeting was organized co-jointly with the Optica Imaging Congress. Feature issues based on the DH meeting series have been released by Applied Optics (AO) since 2007. Since 2017, AO and the Journal of the Optical Society of America A (JOSA A) have presented a feature issue in each journal. This feature issues includes 17 papers in AO and 9 in JOSA A. Together they cover a large range of topics, reflecting the rapidly expanding techniques and applications of digital holography and 3D imaging. The upcoming DH Conference (DH 2024) will be held from 3 to 6 June in Paestum, Italy.
Simplified coherent optical network units for very-high-speed passive optical networks
Authors: Kovacs Istvan Bence , Faruk Md. Saifuddin , Torres-Ferrera Pablo , Savory Seb J.
Published: February 2024

Future passive optical networks (PONs) for 200Gb/s/λ, and beyond, pose a significant technological challenge. The use of coherent technology in access networks provides a great solution based on concepts from mature technologies to achieve the speeds needed for very-high-speed PON (VHSP). In this paper, we provide an overview of the currently demonstrated technologies and propose a possible simplified optical network unit (ONU) for time division multiplex PON (TDM-PON). The proposed ONU uses a single polarization heterodyne receiver, using either a balanced photodiode or a single-ended one and an electro-absorption modulated laser (EML)-based transmitter. The experimental demonstration using the proposed ONU in a bidirectional, symmetrical transmission over fiber distances of 20 km and 40 km shows the viability of the technology. The downstream direction achieves a power budget of 34.3/29.3 dB for 20 km and 33.9/29 dB for 40 km, for a balanced/single-ended receiver, whereas the upstream transmission achieves 29.3 dB for both scenarios.
High spectral efficiency modulation scheme based on joint interaction of orthogonal compressed chirp division multiplexing and power superimposed code
Authors: Yu Yongyi , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Ullah Rahat , Li Yong , Mao Yaya , Wu Xiangyu , Ma Yiming , Song Xiumin , Wang Bin , Wang Feng
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we propose a high spectral efficiency modulation scheme based on joint interaction of orthogonal compressed chirp division multiplexing (OCCDM) and power superimposed code (PSC) under the intensity modulation and direct detection (IM/DD) system. OCCDM is a novel orthogonal chirp division multiplexing technology featuring spectral compression through the implementation of processing similar to a discrete Fourier transform, enhancing the spectral efficiency (SE) through bandwidth savings without loss of orthogonality of each chirp. Meanwhile, PSC technology enables multiple code words being transmitted superimposed on the same chirp. This technique involves allocating varying power levels to different users, thereby distinguishing them, increasing the transmission's net bit rate and substantially boosting the SE. The transmission has been performed experimentally using a 2 km 7-core fiber span. The impact of the above-mentioned technologies on the bit error rate (BER) performance is assessed in the power, frequency, and joint domain. The BER and enhancements in the SE can be balanced when the spectral bandwidth compression factor (α) and power distribution ratio are equal to 0.9 and 4, respectively. The observed outcome leads to the transmission's SE increase to more than double the baseline value, at 2.22 times. Based on the above analysis, we believe this structure is expected to become a potential for developing next-generation PON.
Joint equalization of RSOP and PMD fused probability-aware with square-root cubature Kalman filter for the PDM PCS-64QAM system under extreme scenarios
Authors: Sun Zukai , Xu Hengying , Qiao Jingshuai , Wang Mingjiao , Zhang Yining , Bai Chenglin , Yang Lishan , Sun Weibin , Yang Fan
Published: February 2024

Extreme scenario of lightning strikes would generate ultra-fast rotation of state-of-polarization (RSOP) up to 5.1 Mrad/s and large polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical ground wire (OPGW). Unfortunately, the conventional multiple modulus algorithm (MMA) cannot equalize these polarization impairments in polarization division multiplexing (PDM) probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS)-64QAM system. Moreover, due to unavoidable linearization errors and higher modulation order, the extended Kalman filter based on measurement equations of concatenated multiplication (EKF-CM) is highly unstable and fails under such scenarios. To address the above issues, we have proposed a joint equalization scheme of PMD and RSOP, which fuses probability-aware with square-root cubature Kalman filter (PA-SCKF). Firstly, according to the characteristic that the amplitude of PCS signals obeys mixed Rician distribution, the scheme combines maximum a posteriori criterion to obtain the optimal radius of constellation ring which the received symbol belongs to, for the sake of calculating the innovations of SCKF. Secondly, it performs joint equalization of PMD and RSOP impairments based on SCKF and time-frequency conversion architecture. 28GBaud PDM PCS-64QAM simulation results demonstrate that our scheme can jointly equalize maximum impairments of 8.34 Mrad/s RSOP and 90ps DGD under entropy of 4.5bits/symbol. Additionally, only 0.9 dB OSNR penalty is obtained after joint equalization of 6 Mrad/s RSOP with 70ps DGD impairments. Even under entropy of 5.5bit/symbol, it can still jointly equalize impairments of 6.05 Mrad/s RSOP with 60ps DGD. Furthermore, 16GBaud PCS-64QAM experimental results indicate that the maximum joint equalization performances of PA-SCKF scheme under entropy of 4.5bit/symbol and 5bit/symbol are 17 Mrad/s RSOP with 52ps DGD, and 9 Mrad/s RSOP with 52ps DGD, respectively. These results manifest that our PA-SCKF scheme outperforms both MMA and EKF-CM schemes. Importantly, its complexity is on an order of O(Llog2 L), which is comparable to that of EKF-CM scheme.
Expanding the bandwidth of fluorescence-detected two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy using a broadband continuum probe pulse pair
Authors: Sanders Stephanie E. , Zhang Muyi , Javed Ariba , Ogilvie Jennifer P.
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate fluorescence-detected two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (F-2DES) with a broadband, continuum probe pulse pair in the pump-probe geometry. The approach combines a pump pulse pair generated by an acousto-optic pulse-shaper with precise control of the relative pump pulse phase and time delay with a broadband, continuum probe pulse pair created using the Translating Wedge-based Identical pulses eNcoding System (TWINS). The continuum probe expands the spectral range of the detection axis and lengthens the waiting times that can be accessed in comparison to implementations of F-2DES using a single pulse-shaper. We employ phase-cycling of the pump pulse pair and take advantage of the separation of signals in the frequency domain to isolate rephasing and non-rephasing signals and optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. As proof of principle, we demonstrate broadband F-2DES on a laser dye and bacteriochlorophyll a.
Attitude and heading measurement based on adaptive complementary Kalman filter for PS/MIMU integrated system
Authors: Li Guangmin , Zhang Ya , Fan Shiwei , Liu Chunzhi , Yu Fei , Wei Xiaofeng , Jin Wenling
Published: February 2024

The bionic polarization sensor (PS)/MEMS inertial measurement unit (MIMU) integrated system can provide reliable attitude and heading information for unmanned vehicles in the case of GNSS rejection. However, the existing measurement methods have poor adaptability to inclining, sheltering, and other harsh environments, and do not make full use of the complementary characteristics of the gyroscopes, accelerometers, and PS, which seriously affects the system performance. Therefore, this paper proposes an attitude and heading measurement method based on an adaptive complementary Kalman filter (ACKF), which corrects the gyroscopes according to the gravity measured by the accelerometers to improve the attitude accuracy and fuses the IMU heading and tilt-compensated polarization heading by Kalman optimal estimation. On this basis, the maximum correlation entropy of the measured gravity and the theoretical gravity is used to construct an adaptive factor to realize the adaptive complementary of the gyroscopes and the accelerometers. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by the outdoor rotation test without occlusion and the vehicle test with occlusion. Compared with the traditional Kalman filter, the pitch, roll, and heading RMSE of the vehicle test are reduced by 89.3%, 93.2% and, 9.6% respectively, which verifies the great advantages.
Core-shell diamond-graphene needles with silicon-vacancy color centers
Authors: Quarshie Mariam Maku , Malykhin Sergei , Kuzhir Polina
Published: February 2024

Color centers in diamond nanostructures open new horizons in biomedicine, offering a biocompatible material platform for sensing temperature, pH, and magnetic field. Covering of the color centers enriched diamonds with graphene shell can essentially extend their application potential. Specifically, under irradiation with ultrashort laser pulses, the highly absorptive graphene shell can be used for excitation of a shock acoustic wave which can be used for cancer cell destruction or drug photoactivation through the Joule heating. In this study, we present a novel method for creating diamond-graphite core-shell structures. Through precise control of the growth of the graphitic layer on Single Crystal Diamond Needles (SCDNs) via vacuum annealing at 900°C for 30 minutes, we preserved 57% of the light emission from silicon-vacancy (SiV-) centers while maintaining their spectral peaks. Contrary to our expectations of reduced SiV- luminescence due to the presence of the graphitic shell, we observed that the initial high brightness of SiV- in the diamond needles persisted. This enabled us to detect SiV- luminescence spectrally, even within the core-shell structures. Our results underscore the tunability of these structures’ properties through temperature and duration control, suggesting promising prospects for their application in advanced biomedical tools with sensing capabilities.
Enhanced perfusion following exposure to radiotherapy: A theoretical investigation
Authors: Köry Jakub , Narain Vedang , Stolz Bernadette J. , Kaeppler Jakob , Markelc Bostjan , Muschel Ruth J. , Maini Philip K. , Pitt-Francis Joe M. , Byrne Helen M.
Published: February 2024

Tumour angiogenesis leads to the formation of blood vessels that are structurally and spatially heterogeneous. Poor blood perfusion, in conjunction with increased hypoxia and oxygen heterogeneity, impairs a tumour’s response to radiotherapy. The optimal strategy for enhancing tumour perfusion remains unclear, preventing its regular deployment in combination therapies. In this work, we first identify vascular architectural features that correlate with enhanced perfusion following radiotherapy, using in vivo imaging data from vascular tumours. Then, we present a novel computational model to determine the relationship between these architectural features and blood perfusion in silico. If perfusion is defined to be the proportion of vessels that support blood flow, we find that vascular networks with small mean diameters and large numbers of angiogenic sprouts show the largest increases in perfusion post-irradiation for both biological and synthetic tumours. We also identify cases where perfusion increases due to the pruning of hypoperfused vessels, rather than blood being rerouted. These results indicate the importance of considering network composition when determining the optimal irradiation strategy. In the future, we aim to use our findings to identify tumours that are good candidates for perfusion enhancement and to improve the efficacy of combination therapies.
Perceptions around COVID-19 among patients and community members in urban areas in Cameroon: A qualitative perspective
Authors: Kwedi Nolna Sylvie , Mbang Massom Douglas , Tchoteke Louis Aristide , Bille Koffi Aristide , Marchant Mark , Masumbe Netongo Palmer
Published: February 2024

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cameroonian government, to abide by international regulations, prescribed preventive measures, which affected many aspects of social, political, economic, and cultural life. However, there needs to be more in-depth exploration of how communities in Cameroon perceived and were impacted by COVID-19. We explored perceptions and misconceptions concerning COVID-19’s impact on urban communities’ daily lives in Cameroon. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a heterogeneous sample of 25 participants from five different social categories (health personnel, patients with a confirmed COVID-19 infection, close contacts of patients, community members, and community leaders) to assess their perceptions of the disease. Interviews and FGDs were recorded, fully transcribed, coded manually, and analyzed using a thematic analysis iterative coding process. Three main themes were identified: 1) Knowledge of COVID-19: antagonism between disease and invention, 2) Barrier measures imposed by the “dominant culture,” and 3) Impact of COVID-19 on daily lives. Our study revealed perceptions around general knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting acceptance and observation of government-imposed protective measures while highlighting the significant changes endured in participants’ daily lives. These findings draw attention to the need to develop flexible and appropriate response strategies for different communities. Although Cameroonian populations were not as intensely affected by the burden of the disease of COVID-19 as other regions, they were still compelled to follow static “cookie-cutter" measures that were internationally imposed, affecting their daily lives in ways that seemed disproportionate to their own experiences of the crisis. These findings have potential implications for the legitimacy of public health institutions and responses.
Construction and investigation of multi-enzyme immobilized matrix for the production of HFCS
Authors: Janee Sabbir , Saha Shatabdy , Sharmin Sabrina , Hasan A. Q. Fuad , Zohora Umme Salma , Moni Ripa , Islam Md. Zahidul , Rahman Mohammad Shahedur
Published: February 2024

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts and speed up the biochemical reactions. The world’s biotechnological ventures are development of enzyme productiveness, and advancement of novel techniques for thriving their shelf existence. Nowadays, the most burning questions in enzyme technology are how to improve the enzyme productivity and reuse them. The immobilization of enzymes provides an excellent scope to reuse the enzymes several times to increase productivity. The main aim of the present study is the establishment of an immobilized multi-enzyme bio-system engineering process for the production of High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with an industrial focus. In this study, multi-enzyme such as α-amylase, glucoamylase and glucose isomerase were immobilized in various support matrices like sodium alginate, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran and combination of alginate with cellulosic materials. The activities of the immobilized multi-enzyme system for the production of HFCS from the starch solution were determined. The multi-enzyme immobilized in sodium alginate shows better fructose conversion than free enzyme. Among the support matrices, multi-enzyme immobilized in sawdust produced total 80.74 mg/mL of fructose from starch solution and it was able to be used in several production cycles. On the other hand, multi-enzyme immobilized in combination of sodium alginate and sawdust produced the maximum amount of fructose (total 84.82 mg/mL). The free enzyme produced 17.25 mg/mL of fructose from the starch solution in only a single cycle. In this study a new fixed bed immobilized multi-enzyme bioreactor system was developed for the production of HFCS directly from starch. This finding will create a new opportunity for the application of immobilized multi-enzyme systems in many sectors of industrial biotechnology.
Early discharge following colectomy for colon cancer: A national perspective
Authors: Verma Arjun , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Ali Konmal Ghazal , Chervu Nikhil , Sakowitz Sara , Lee Hanjoo , Benharash Peyman
Published: February 2024

Background

Although early discharge after colectomy has garnered significant interest, contemporary, large-scale analyses are lacking.

Objective

The present study utilized a national cohort of patients undergoing colectomy to examine costs and readmissions following early discharge.

Methods

All adults undergoing elective colectomy for primary colon cancer were identified in the 2016–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients with perioperative complications or prolonged length of stay (>8 days) were excluded to enhance cohort homogeneity. Patients discharged by postoperative day 3 were classified as Early, and others as Routine. Entropy balancing and multivariable regression were used to assess the risk-adjusted association of early discharge with costs and non-elective readmissions. Importantly, we compared 90-day stroke rates to examine whether our results were influenced by preferential early discharge of healthier patients.

Results

Of an estimated 153,996 patients, 45.5% comprised the Early cohort. Compared to Routine, the Early cohort was younger and more commonly male. Patients in the Early group more commonly underwent left-sided colectomy and laparoscopic operations. Following multivariable adjustment, expedited discharge was associated with a $4,500 reduction in costs as well as lower 30-day (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.74, p<0.001) and 90-day non-elective readmissions (AOR 0.74, p<0.001). However, among those readmitted within 90 days, Early patients were more commonly readmitted for gastrointestinal conditions (45.8 vs 36.4%, p<0.001). Importantly, both cohorts had comparable 90-day stroke rates (2.2 vs 2.1%, p = 0.80).

Conclusions

The present work represents the largest analysis of early discharge following colectomy for cancer and supports its relative safety and cost-effectiveness.
Rights and responsibilities: Women leadership for health in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Bjegovic-Mikanovic Vesna , Matovic-Miljanovic Sanja , Seitalieva Chinara , Makarova Tatyana , Murzalieva Gulgun , Kozhokeev Kanatbek , Wenzel Helmut , Laaser Ulrich
Published: February 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) is committed to empowering countries by implementing a gender, equity, and human rights approach in the health sector. The objective of this gender and inclusion analysis is to assess potential gender disparities of health sector management in the Kyrgyz Republic. The employed mixed-method approach takes advantage of data triangulation. Besides information from the literature and policy documents available at the international and national levels, the analysis includes interviews and data from the self-assessment of health services managers in the Kyrgyz Republic. A convenience sample of 75 health managers was taken and after up to three reminders a commendable response rate of 80% was achieved which resulted the final sample size of N = 60. A factor analysis using quartimax orthogonal rotation was applied to investigate the correlation between Teaching Qualification, Digitalization, Training Usefulness, Computer Workplace, and Gender Equality. In 2021, the Kyrgyz Republic adopted a new Constitution, which provides a sound legal framework to support gender equality and promote women’s empowerment. However, according to a survey, only 42.9% of the respondents felt that equal rights and opportunities were integrated into their job descriptions. Similarly, only 40.7% believed that their institutions’ written documents reflected a commitment to equal rights and opportunities for both genders. Two factors were identified as influencing gender equality: (1) personal and (2) technical aspects. Regarding personal aspects, gender equality, teaching qualification, and training usefulness were found to be significant. Regarding technical aspects, the computer workplace was related. In recent years, the Kyrgyz Republic has been developing a culture of gender equality. Political will is essential to promote and make organizational change possible. It is important to create a written mid-term policy that affirms a commitment to gender equality in organizational behavior, structures, staff, and management board compositions. Healthcare institutions need to prepare strategic and operational plans that incorporate gender equality principles.
Two-Way FDI assists agricultural sustainable development: Based on digitalization and greening perspectives
Authors: Chen Tingwei , Yang Feng , Li Yujie , Zhang Zongbin
Published: February 2024

With the new challenges and crises facing agriculture, digitalization and green transformation have become important ways to solve the problems. This paper uses an international economics perspective to chart a new path for sustainable agricultural development. Specifically, it analyzes whether two-way international direct investment (FDI) can facilitate agricultural digital-green fusion(DGF)? Using a sample of 31 provinces (autonomous regions) from 2012 to 2021, this study finds: (1) Two-way FDI can significantly contribute to agriculture’s DGF. (2) In the mechanism test, it is proved that two-way FDI can promote agriculture’s DGF level by promoting green technology innovation capacity and overall regional technology innovation capacity. (3) The positive effects of two-way FDI are prominent in the eastern and central regions, coastal regions, and economically developed areas. (4) In the spatial Durbin model, the local two-way FDI growth improves agriculture’s DGF level in the surrounding areas to a certain extent. The government is advised to prioritize openness, foster an environment for technological innovation, leverage spatial radiation for agricultural DGF, and advance digitally empowered agricultural modernization.
Relationship satisfaction and family routines of young parents before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent growth curve analysis
Authors: Weise Victoria , Güttner Felicitas , Staudt Andreas , Mack Judith T. , Garthus-Niegel Susan
Published: February 2024

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents had to reorganize their family routines under many external stressors (e.g., limited external childcare), which could have negatively affected their relationship satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the changes in relationship satisfaction of young parents from pre-pandemic times up to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany in December 2020 and whether these changes were different for mothers and fathers. Additionally, the role of perceived pandemic-related stress and changes in family routines was investigated. Data from 564 participants from DREAMCORONA, a sub-study of the prospective longitudinal cohort study “Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health” (DREAM), were analyzed. Relationship satisfaction was assessed at three measurement points (T0: pre-pandemic, i.e., August 2018–March 2020; T1: May–June 2020; T2: October–December 2020). To estimate changes in relationship satisfaction over time, Latent Growth Curve Models were calculated. Changes in family routines (i.e., changes in the division of housework and childcare from T0 to T1 as well as the availability of external childcare facilities at T1) and perceived pandemic-related stress at T1 were used as predictors. The models were adjusted for education and number of children per household. There was no significant change in relationship satisfaction over time, with no differences between mothers and fathers. The multi-group model revealed that changes in the division of housework and childcare predicted changes in relationship satisfaction in mothers, but not in fathers. For mothers, doing more housework than before the pandemic was negatively associated with changes in their relationship satisfaction over time. Additionally, reporting that their partner did more childcare than before the pandemic was positively associated with the relationship satisfaction of mothers. Our results indicate no general negative prospective association between the COVID-19 pandemic and parental relationship satisfaction over time. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the importance of the division of housework and childcare for mothers’ relationship satisfaction and how pandemic-related changes in family routines alter this association.
Investigation of the soybean infiltration process utilizing low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology
Authors: Guo Lisha , Wang Han , Hao Chenru , Chi Ziqiang , Cheng Li , Yang Haibo , Zhang Jing , Zhao Ruibin , Wu Yanru
Published: February 2024

This paper employs low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technology to meticulously analyze and explore the intricate soybean infiltration process. The methodology involves immersing soybeans in distilled water, with periodic implementation of Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence experiments conducted at intervals of 20 to 30 minutes to determine the relaxation time T2. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is conducted every 30 minutes. The analysis uncovers the existence of three distinct water phases during the soybean infiltration process: bound water denoted as T21, sub-bound water represented by T22, and free water indicated as T23. The evolution of these phases unfolds as follows: bound water T21displays a steady oscillation within the timeframe of 0 to 400 minutes; sub-bound water T22and free water T23exhibit a progressive pattern characterized by a rise-stable-rise trajectory. Upon scrutinizing the magnetic resonance images, it is discerned that the soybean infiltration commences at a gradual pace from the seed umbilicus. The employment of LF-NMR technology contributes significantly by affording an expeditious, non-destructive, and dynamic vantage point to observe the intricate motion of water migration during soybean infiltration. This dynamic insight into the movement of water elucidates the intricate mass transfer pathway within the soybean-water system, thus furnishing a robust scientific foundation for the optimization of processing techniques.
Clusterin knockdown has effects on intracellular and secreted von Willebrand factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Cox Allaura A. , Liu Alice , Ng Christopher J.
Published: February 2024

Alterations in von Willebrand factor (VWF) have an important role in human health and disease. Deficiency of VWF is associated with symptoms of bleeding and excesses of VWF are associated with thrombotic outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms that drive VWF regulation can lead to a better understanding of modulation of VWF levels in humans. We identified clusterin (CLU) as a potential candidate regulator of VWF based on a single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis in control endothelial cells (ECs) and von Willebrand disease (VWD) endothelial colony-forming-cells (ECFCs). We found that patients with deficiencies of VWF (von Willebrand disease, VWD) had decreased CLU expression and ECs with low VWF expression also had low CLU expression. Based on these findings, we sought to evaluate the role of CLU in the regulation of VWF, specifically as it relates to VWD. As CLU is primarily thought to be a golgi protein involved in protein chaperoning, we hypothesized that knockdown of CLU would lead to decreases in VWF and alterations in Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs). We used both siRNA- and CRISPR-Cas9-based approaches to modulate CLU in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and evaluated VWF protein levels, VWF mRNA copy number, and WPB quantity and size. We demonstrated that siRNA-based knockdown of CLU resulted in decreases in VWF content in cellular lysates and supernatants, but no significant change in WPB quantity or size. A CRISPR-Cas9-based knockdown of CLU demonstrated similar findings of decreases in intracellular VWF content but no significant change in WPB quantity or size. Our data suggests that CLU knockdown is associated with decreases in cellular VWF content but does not affect VWF mRNA levels or WPB quantity or size.
Therapeutic effect of Sanhua decoction on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and the associated changes in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Ni Yiming , Cai Liangyin , Gou Xiaojun , Li Wenjie , Zhou Mingmei , Huang Ying
Published: February 2024

Sanhua decoction (SHD), a traditional prescription, has long been used in treating ischemic stroke (IS). However, the therapeutic effect of SHD and the associated changes in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are uncertain. In this study, a rat model of IS was established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). By evaluating the cerebral infarct area and brain tissue pathology, it was found that SHD ameliorated IS-related symptoms in MCAO rats. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that SHD reduced abnormally elevatedLactobacillusand opportunistic pathogens such asDesulfovibrio, but increased some beneficial bacteria that produce SCFAs, includingClostridia,Lachnospiraceae,Ruminococcaceae, andCoprococcus. KEGG analysis revealed that SHD regulates several pathways, including D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis, and cyanoamino acid metabolism, which are significantly altered in MCAO rats. By gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection of SCFAs, we found that fecal acetic acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid were significantly increased in MCAO rats, whereas propionic acid and isobutyric acid were decreased. SHD reversed the changes in acetic acid and propionic acid in the model rats and significantly increased fecal butyric acid. In addition, MCAO rats had significantly higher serum levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid, and lower levels of caproic acid. Altered serum levels of butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid were restored, and the level of isobutyric acid was reduced after SHD administration. Spearman analysis revealed that cerebral infarct area had a strong correlation withBifidobacterium,Desulfovibrio,Lachnospiraceae,Lactobacillus, acetic acid, valeric acid, and caproic acid. Overall, this study demonstrates for the first time that the effect of SHD on IS may be related to gut microbiota and SCFAs, providing a potential scientific explanation for the ameliorative effect of SHD on IS.
Key factors capturing the willingness to use automated vehicles for travel in China
Authors: Zhou Yongjiang , Guo Hanying , Shi Hongguo , Jiang Siyi , Liao Yang
Published: February 2024

With the continuous advancement of technology, automated vehicle technology is progressively maturing. It is crucial to comprehend the factors influencing individuals’ intention to utilize automated vehicles. This study examined user willingness to adopt automated vehicles. By incorporating age and educational background as random parameters, an ordered Probit model with random parameters was constructed to analyze the influential factors affecting respondents’ adoption of automated vehicles. We devised and conducted an online questionnaire survey, yielding 2105 valid questionnaires. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between positive social trust, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, low levels of perceived risk, and the acceptance of automated vehicles. Additionally, our study identifies extraversion and openness as strong mediators in shaping individuals’ intentions to use automated vehicles. Furthermore, prior experience with assisted driving negatively impacts people’s inclination toward embracing automated vehicles. Our research also provides insights for promoting the adoption of automated vehicles: favorable media coverage and a reasonable division of responsibilities can enhance individuals’ intentions to adopt this technology.
Anthrax disease burden: Impact on animal and human health
Authors: Khairullah Aswin Rafif , Kurniawan Shendy Canadya , Effendi Mustofa Helmi , Widodo Agus , Hasib Abdullah , Silaen Otto Sahat Martua , Moses Ikechukwu Benjamin , Yanestria Sheila Marty , Gelolodo Maria Aega , Kurniawati Dyah Ayu , Ramandinianto Sancaka Chasyer , Afnani Daniah Ashri , Riwu Katty Hendriana Priscilia , Ugbo Emmanuel Nnabuike
Published: February 2024

Anthrax is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. According to current knowledge, the disease originates in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Egypt and Mesopotamia. Laboratory tests involving direct staining or culture of samples taken from malignant pustules, sputum, blood, or patient discharge must be performed to establish a diagnosis. B. anthracis infection can enter the body through the skin, mouth, or nose. Human infection is usually caused by contact with infected animals or animal products. Anthrax causes a reduction in resource efficiency and decreases livestock productivity. B. anthracis spores are resistant to extreme temperatures, pressure, pH, drying, solvents, and ultraviolet light. The biological weapon of this disease may be fatal if it is designed to spread B. anthracis spores by aerosols. In the past, the treatment of human anthrax with penicillin at a high dose was the preferred method. The public can take several measures to prevent anthrax infection, such as purchasing and consuming meat that has been legally certified to have been slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, consuming healthy and properly cooked animal meat, and washing hands with antiseptic soap after handling, processing, and cooking animal products. This review aimed to describe the etiology, pathogenesis, mechanism of infection, epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, transmission, risk factors, public health importance, economic impact, potential as a bio-warfare agent, treatment, and control of anthrax. Keywords: animal health, anthrax, human health, infectious disease.
Comparison of Tonovet® and Tonovet plus® tonometers for measuring intraocular pressure in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and sheep
Authors: Kovalcuka Liga , Mālniece Aija , Vanaga Jana
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim: Reference ranges for intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy animals are device-specific; therefore, it is strongly recommended to use appropriate reference values according to the device. Therefore, our aim was to compare IOP readings made by TonoVet® and TonoVet Plus® in healthy dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, and horses. We compared IOP values measured by TonoVet® and TonoVet Plus® tonometers in clinically normal eyes of dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and sheep.

Materials and Methods: Five groups comprising 20 animals each of dogs (various breeds, 9 months–10 years old, 14 females, 6 males), cats (various breeds, 6 months–12 years old, 8 females, 12 males), horses (various breeds, 5–12 years old, 12 females, 8 males), cattle (Holstein, 1–7 lactation, female), and sheep (Latvian Darkhead ewes, 1–8 years old) were included in the study. Both eyes of all animals were subjected to ophthalmic examination, including evaluation of IOP by rebound tonometry using TonoVet® and TonoVet Plus® devices. Normality was determined using the Shapiro–Wilk test. The independent t-test was used to determine differences between IOP values in the right and left eyes and between both tonometers. This study was approved by the Ethical Commission of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Nr. LLU_Dzaep_2022-2-4).

Results: No differences in IOP between the right and left eyes were found in all cases (p > 0.05). The mean IOP ± standard deviation values in both eyes for TonoVet® and TonoVet Plus® tonometers were as follows: for dogs, 15.25 ± 2.73 mmHg and 19.65 ± 3.46 mmHg; and in cats, 18.88 ± 3.98 mmHg and 18.78 ± 4.26 mmHg, respectively. In horses, mean IOP was 22.15 ± 3.74 mmHg and 24.28 ± 3.00 mmHg; in cattle, 24.73 ± 2.89 mmHg and 23.28 ± 2.97 mmHg; and in sheep, 18.05 ± 3.54 mmHg and 22.49 ± 4.66 mmHg, respectively. Significant differences in IOP values were observed between the tonometers in sheep, dog, and horse groups (mean difference –4.40, –4.48, and 2.13, respectively).

Conclusion: This study showed significantly higher IOP values measured by the TonoVet Plus® tonometer in dogs and sheep.

Keywords: cats, cattle, dogs, horses, sheep, TonoVet plus, TonoVet.
Use of cytobrush for bacteriological and cytological diagnosis of endometritis in mares
Authors: Prete Chiara Del , Nocera Francesca Paola , Piegari Giuseppe , Palumbo Veronica , Martino Luisa De , Cocchia Natascia , Paciello Orlando , Montano Chiara , Pasolini Maria Pia
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim: A combined microbial and cytological examination of uterine samples is the main diagnostic method for endometritis in mares. This study aimed to describe a procedure for using the same uterine cytobrush (CB) for both bacteriological and cytological evaluation.

Materials and Methods: The procedure consists of rolling the CB onto a sterilized glass slide immediately after collection and before the transfer into a sterile saline solution. In Experiment 1, a comparison between bacteriological results of the cotton swab (CS) and CB or pellet was made in 10 mares; in Experiment 2, bacteriological and cytological results were compared between different processing methods of CB in 28 mares; in other 6 mares, a CB was processed for cytology only, to investigate the reasons for the low cellularity of the pellet.

Results: The agreement between culture results from the CB and CS was evaluated, and a comparison between the cytological data obtained by different processing methods of CB was performed. The perfect agreement between the CB and CS microbiological results was found. The described procedure enables useful diagnostic smears for cytology. Moreover, the seeding of both the tip of CB and the saline solution used for the transport produced accurate bacteriological results.

Conclusion: The protocol described in this study for the use of CB for both cytological and bacteriological analysis could be used for the diagnosis of endometritis. To maximize diagnostic sample quality, cytology slides must be prepared with meticulous care in the field to preserve cellular integrity and minimize artifacts.

Keywords: endometritis, field conditions, mare, microbiology brush, uterine sampling.