bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational design of oligonucleotides for enhanced in vitro transcription of small RNA
Authors: Matsuda Teppei , Hori Hiroyuki , Yamagami Ryota
Published: February 2024

All kinds of RNA molecules can be produced by in vitro transcription using T7 RNA polymerase using DNA templates obtained by solid-phase chemical synthesis, primer extension, PCR or DNA cloning. The oligonucleotide design, however, is a challenge to non-experts as this relies on a set of rules that have been established empirically over time. Here, we describe a Python program to facilitate the Rational design of Oligonucleotides, Calculated with Kinetic parameters for Enhanced in vitro Transcription (ROCKET). The Python tool employs thermodynamic parameters, performs folding-energy calculations, and selects oligonucleotides suitable for the polymerase extension reaction. These oligonucleotides improve yields of template DNA. With the oligonucleotides selected by the program, the tRNA transcripts can be prepared by a one-pot reaction of the DNA polymerase extension reaction and the transcription reaction. Also, the ROCKET-selected oligonucleotides provide greater transcription yields than that from oligonucleotides selected by Primerize, a leading software for designing oligonucleotides for in vitro transcription, due to the enhancement of template DNA synthesis. Apart from over 50 tRNA genes tested, an in vitro transcribed self-cleaving ribozyme was found to have catalytic activity. In addition, the program can be applied to the synthesis of mRNA, demonstrating the wide applicability of the ROCKET software.
Rubus flora of old cemeteries, not used for burial in the Wielkopolska region
Authors: Czarna Aneta
Published: February 2024

Floristic surveys of bramble flora were conducted in 2005–2020 in more than 2150 old cemeteries (no longer used for burial) in the Wielkopolska region or Greater Poland. Forty Rubus species were found, in 972 cemeteries. Two taxa were new to the Polish flora: R. armeniacus and R. nemoralis f. laciniatus. Species new to this region were R. acanthodes, R. crispomarginatus, and R. praecox.
Μεταβολικός ρόλος της μυοστατίνης σε παιδιά με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 1
Authors: Βασιλάκης Ιωάννης-Ανάργυρος
Published: February 2024

Εισαγωγή- Σκοπός: Ο ΣΔΤ1 μπορεί να προκαλέσει διάφορες επιπλοκές, μεταξύ των οποίων η μυοπάθεια, η οποία μπορεί να εμφανιστεί ακόμη και σε εφήβους. Αυτό είναι σημαντικό, δεδομένου ότι οι σκελετικοί μύες είναι ο μεγαλύτερος από τους ινσουλινοευαίσθητους ιστούς και συνεπώς παίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στην ομοιόσταση της γλυκόζης. Πρωταρχικός ρυθμιστής της μάζας των σκελετικών μυών είναι η μυοστατίνη, μια πρωτεΐνη που έχει αρνητικό ρόλο στην ανάπτυξη των σκελετικών μυών αλλά και στην ομοιόσταση της γλυκόζης, προκαλώντας αντίσταση στην ινσουλίνη. Δεδομένου ότι η μυοπάθεια αποτελεί επιπλοκή του ΣΔΤ1 και η μυοστατίνη αποτελεί βασικό ρυθμιστή των σκελετικών μυών και εμπλέκεται επίσης στην ομοιόσταση της γλυκόζης, διερευνήσαμε τα επίπεδα της μυοστατίνης στον ορό των παιδιών με ΣΔΤ1. Υλικό και Μέθοδοι: Προσδιορίσαμε τα επίπεδα μυοστατίνης στον ορό με τη χρήση τεχνικής ELISA σε 87 παιδιά με T1DM ηλικίας 10,62 ± 3,94 ετών και σε 75 υγιή παιδιά ηλικίας 10,46 ± 3,32 ετών.Αποτελέσματα: Η μυοστατίνη ήταν σημαντικά αυξημένη στην ομάδα με ΣΔΤ1 σε σύγκριση με τα υγιή παιδιά ελέγχου (23,60 ± 7,70 έναντι 16,74 ± 6,95 ng/ml, p < 0,0001). Η μυοστατίνη δεν συσχετίστηκε με τον δείκτη μάζας σώματος (ΔΜΣ) SD ή τη γλυκοζυλιωμένη αιμοσφαιρίνη (HbA1c). Συμπέρασμα: Τα παιδιά με ΣΔΤ1 έχουν σημαντικά υψηλότερα επίπεδα μυοστατίνης στον ορό σε σύγκριση με υγιή παιδιά της ίδιας ηλικίας και ΔΜΣ SD. Η αυξημένη μυοστατίνη στον ΣΔΤ1 θα μπορούσε να αντανακλά μειωμένη μυϊκή λειτουργία και/ή μεταβολισμό της γλυκόζης ή θα μπορούσε να αντιπροσωπεύει έναν ομοιοστατικό μηχανισμό.
The influence of indigenous knowledge on chemistry metacognition
Authors: Tawanda Tavonga , Mudau Awelani V.
Published: February 2024

Background Chemistry is viewed as a difficult and challenging subject by many learners and teachers which leads to poor academic performance in the subject. The majority of the pre-service science teachers in Zimbabwean teachers’ colleges also find Chemistry to be a challenging subject. The focus of this study was to simplify and contextualize the teaching and learning of Chemistry concepts for life-long survival and problem-solving skills through exploring the influence of indigenous Chemistry knowledge on Chemistry metacognition. Methods An embedded mixed methods case study was underpinned by the social constructivist theory, which is used to collect and analyse the data. Twenty-nine respondents were purposively sampled. Their metacognition awareness was determined through focus group interviews which are triangulated with a paper and pen test. The indigenous Chemistry knowledge possessed by the pre-service science teachers was collected using focus group interviews, which was then used in the intervention stage for Chemistry metacognition. Results The findings suggest that indigenous knowledge influences chemistry metacognition in a positive way. Conclusions Further research is required on the relationship between indigenous Chemistry knowledge and Chemistry metacognition. It is recommended that Chemistry educators should be capacitated with skills for identifying and applying indigenous Chemistry knowledge that is relevant to Chemistry metacognition.
F1000Research collaboration with the Research on Research Registry & Hub
Authors: Crane Ksenia , Hill Rebecca , Church Hazel ,   RoR Registry & Hub Group, Recio-Saucedo Alejandra
Published: February 2024

F1000Research is proud to announce the new collaborative agreement between the Research on Research, Policy & Culture Gateway and the online repository for research on research (RoR) activity, the Research on Research Registry & Hub. This collaboration aims to connect scholars and organisations in the growing RoR discipline (the study of research practices also referred to as ‘meta-research’ or ‘science of science’), facilitating knowledge exchange and research transparency through project registration and open publication of outputs.
Disease burden of cardiovascular conditions complicating pregnancy in Sri Lanka: a protocol
Authors: Hettiarachchi Ayesh , Lokunarangoda Niroshan , Agampodi Thilini , Agampodi Suneth
Published: February 2024

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the commonest indirect medical cause of maternal deaths worldwide, both in high-income and low and middle-income countries. To minimize the effects of CVD in pregnancy, proper risk assessment and appropriate referral is required. In Sri Lanka, cardiovascular disease complicating pregnancy is a significant cause of maternal mortality, second only to postpartum hemorrhage. Screening for CVD in pregnancy in Sri Lanka is limited to a routine clinical assessment. Evidence-based guidelines are yet to be developed, and this deficit may have resulted in a substantial underestimation of the CVD burden. This study aims to determine the burden of CVD in early pregnancy and develop a risk prediction model to be used in field pregnancy clinics in Sri Lanka to reduce CVD effects in pregnancy. Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Following registration to the antenatal care, pregnant women fulfilling the eligibility criteria were invited to attend a special clinic at their relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area. Risk assessment was done through history and a clinical examination, and suspected/probable cases were referred for an echocardiogram by a consultant cardiologist. All the recruited participants in the first trimester were prospectively followed up and screened again between 24–28 weeks of the period of amenorrhoea (POA). Antenatal ward admissions with CVD complicating pregnancy will be extracted, and a telephone interview will be carried out between 6–12 weeks after the expected delivery date to cover postpartum morbidities. Discussion This proposed study will be the largest of its kind carried out in the local setting. The study's findings will be beneficial for policymakers to develop guidelines to reduce maternal cardiovascular disease morbidities and mortalities in Sri Lanka.
Protocol for a systematic review and critical discourse analysis of research on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programme use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
Authors: Comer David , Noone Chris
Published: February 2024

Background HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a pill that prevents the transmission of HIV from sexual partners living with HIV; it is frequently taken by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). PrEP is often provided through formal PrEP programmes. Research on these programmes may employ discourses shaped by heteronormativity and homophobia. Given that expert language influences how HIV prevention is understood and delivered, problematic discourses in research likely extends into PrEP programme implementation. This review will use critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore research on PrEP programme implementation for gbMSM. Within this literature, we will identify interpretive repertoires used to discuss gbMSM; the subject positions afforded to gbMSM; and the implications of these interpretive repertoires and subject positions for gbMSM engaging with HIV PrEP programmes. Methods Relevant articles will be identified through timebound searching (2012-present) in ProQuest ASSIA, EBSCOhost PsycInfo, OVID Medline, OVID Embase, and EBSCOhost CINAHL, with forward and backward citation searching of included studies. Grey literature will be identified through ProQuest and Google Scholar. Screening will be conducted by two independent reviewers, who will conduct double screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data will be analysed and synthesised using CDA informed by critical realism (CR). CDA focuses on relationships between language and power, including how language enables inequality. The analytic process will explore the background of included studies, identify overarching themes, analyse external and internal relations in included studies, and interpret the meaning of identified themes and relations. Conclusions Highlighting issues with discourses in PrEP implementation may enhance reflective engagement with assumptions underlying this research, preventing further stigmatisation of gbMSM’s sexual and protective practices. As PrEP programmes become more common globally, more diverse and inclusive perspectives in PrEP programme research may inform interventions that enhance their acceptability and ultimately their implementation.
Modelling drift of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles stranding on the Dutch coast
Authors: Manral Darshika , Bos Ilse , de Boer Mark , van Sebille Erik
Published: February 2024

Background Every few years juvenile Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) are found stranded on the Dutch coasts. The main population distribution of this critically endangered species primarily inhabits the Gulf of Mexico and east coast of the United States. This study focuses on five reports from the Netherlands over the past 15 years, where juvenile turtles were reported to strand alive during the winter, albeit in a hypothermic state. Between ambient ocean temperatures of 10°C and 13°C, Kemp’s ridley turtles are unable to actively swim and remain afloat on the ocean’s surface, a condition termed ‘cold stunning’. Understanding their transport in cold-stunned state can help improve the rehabilitation process of stranded turtles. Methods Cold-stunned turtles are back-tracked as passive, virtual particles from their stranding location using Lagrangian flow modelling. This study investigates when and where juveniles of the Kemp's ridley turtles cross the threshold temperatures between 10–14° C before stranding by tracking the temperature along the trajectories. Results As expected, the simulations show transport of the turtles to the Dutch coast via the English Channel. More surprisingly, the analysis suggests that they likely experience cold-stunning in the southern North Sea region and encounter temperatures below 10°C for only a few days to up to three weeks, and below 12°C for up to a month before stranding. Conclusions Adherence to rehabilitation protocols for Kemp’s ridley and monitoring individuals post-release are recommended to improve their long-term survival.
Nationally Oriented Linguistic and Regional Educational Dictionary for Vietnamese Citizens as a Tool for Teaching Intercultural Communication: To the Question of the Concept of Creation
Authors: Mamontov Aleksandr , Boguslavskaya Vera , Ratnikova Al'bertina , Budnik E.
Published: February 2024

Nationally oriented teaching is one of the leading directions in the theory and practice of teaching Russian language as a means of intercultural communication. The need to train, in the absence of a language environment, specialists in various fields with knowledge of the Russian language, who will have to interact with their Russian colleagues and partners in the professional and everyday spheres, poses the task of developing effective means of teaching the Russian language. This article is devoted to the consideration of the concept of creating such a teaching tool — a nationally oriented linguistic and cultural educational dictionary for Vietnamese citizens studying the Russian language as a means of intercultural communication “Russia — Vietnam: a handshake of cultures”.

The purpose of the article is to describe the features of the proposed macroand microstructure of the dictionary, to consider the linguistic and methodological tasks facing it, as well as issues related to its relevance and prospects for use.

Based on the analysis of the data obtained during the preparation of the concept of the dictionary, the authors substantiate the principles for the formation of its content and structure: the selection of vocabulary is based on research in the field of contrastive semantics based on Russian-Vietnam ese comparisons; ideographic classification and classification of communicative intentions form the basis of the macrostructure of the dictionary. The article also presents the authors classification of speech intentions, used in the future dictionary, and examples of nationally oriented exercises for the formation of cross-cultural competence.

The scientific novelty and practical significance of the research presented in the article are determined by the relevance and demand for the considered dictionary. As a tool for developing cross-cultural competence, the dictionary “Russia — Vietnam: Handshake of Cultures” will contribute not only to increasing the level of proficiency in Russian language as a means of intercultural communication in the process of learning and teaching, but also to further strengthening mutual understanding between representatives of two friendly countries and peoples.
Philosophical Foundations of Scientific Knowledge and Intercultural Communication: The Concept of Chinese Philosophy 中 (Zhong) and Syncretism in the General Linguistic Theory of V.V. Babaytseva
Authors: Guo Xiaoyu
Published: February 2024

rom the perspective of intercultural communication and offers a comparative analysis between the ancient Chinese concept of 中 (zhong) and the theory of transitivity of V.V. Babaytseva, in whose grammatical teaching one of the most important concepts is syncretism. An attempt is made to reveal the similarities and differences between the two concepts and to prove the mental preparedness of the Chinese to perceive the theory of transitivity and the concept syncretism of V.V. Babaytseva. In the process of analysis, etymological and comparative methods are used to clarify the similarities and differences between the philosophical tradition of Chinese culture and the content of the concept representing the essence of grammatical theory. The term “syncretism” in linguistics has a special meaning, is an important concept in the theory of transitivity and reflects its main content. The concept of 中 (zhong) reflects the mental characteristic of the Chinese, for whom the intermediate part is often more important than the extreme points. We assume that in Chinese culture and communication is provided the basis for Chinese to perceive this Russian linguistic theory. The principles of Chinese philosophy lay the mental foundation for the Chinese perception of the theory of transitivity and syncretism and confirm the possibility of their application in the practice of teaching Russian in China
An Integer Program for Pricing Support Points of Exact Barycenters
Authors: Borgwardt Steffen , Patterson Stephan
Published: February 2024

The ideas presented in this paper represent the most recent progress in a multiyear effort to create a practical computational algorithm for computing exact barycenters. We began by exploring linear programming formulations based on the underlying structure of the input measures (published in INFORMS Optimization in 2020). Since then, we explored the use of column generation methods, which led to significant computational improvements, but cannot overcome the underlying exponentiality of the problem as the dimension grows. However, through a shift of this difficulty to a separate pricing problem, now taking the form of a mixed-integer program, we arrived at the most competitive column generation approach for the dynamic generation of exact support points in higher dimensions.
Respecting patient autonomy: legal and professional considerations
Authors: Dowie Iwan
Published: February 2024

In this month's Policy column, Iwan Dowie explores patient autonomy – a concept largely embedded within the community nursing setting. Through legal cases, a history of laws relating to patient autonomy are presented and its implications for community nurses discussed.
Compassion fatigue in community nursing: what is it, who is susceptible, and what can be done?
Authors: Baker Jess , Vincent Rod
Published: February 2024

Community nurses are at particular risk to compassion fatigue because their role attracts people who are compelled to help others, and because the work is emotionally challenging. This article explores the various ways in which compassion fatigue affects work and personal life, highlights three factors that make someone susceptible to it and provides recommendations on how to protect oneself from compassion fatigue. The authors also refer to their own research on super-helper syndrome to elucidate the understanding of what contributes to compassion fatigue.
De-stigmatising HIV in pregnancy
Authors: Nwokolo Nneka
Published: February 2024

Dr Nneka Nwokolo shares the experiences of Victoria Roscow, who was diagnosed with HIV while pregnant, and reflects on the need for all-encompassing care for pregnant women with HIV
Case study: the rise in dissolving unnatural-looking fillers in aesthetics
Authors: Sharp Chelsea
Published: February 2024

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Chelsea Sharp describes her experience managing a patient with migrated lip fillers. In the constant changing world of medical aesthetics, there has been a notable shift in recent years towards a more natural aesthetic look. Increasingly, patients are choosing to dissolve unnatural-looking fillers to embrace their natural features with more natural rejuvenating treatments. Chelsea Sharp promotes a holistic approach for all of her patients and strives for a natural look. Therefore, when she assesses a patient in consultation as being ‘overfilled’ she will often suggest dissolving previous work before retreating.
A spring focus on education
Authors: Baker Anna
Published: February 2024

Anna Baker discusses how the BACN plans to continue supporting new aesthetic nurses through education
Extended survival with metastatic pancreatic cancer under fruquintinib treatment after failed chemotherapy: Two case reports
Authors: Wu Dan , Wang Qiong , Yan Shuai , Sun Xia , Qin Ya , Yuan Ming , Wang Nan-Yao , Huang Xian-Ting
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant disease. After decades of treatment progress, the current five-year survival rate for patients is still less than 10%. For later-line treatment, the treatment options are even more limited. Anti-angiogenic drugs can improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Preclinical data show that fruquintinib might improve the prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer by targeting angiogenesis and lymphopoiesis, improving the abnormal vascular structure, and modulating the tumour immune microenvironment.

CASE SUMMARY

We present two cases of third-line fruquintinib monotherapy that brought an extraprolonged progress-free survival (PFS) of 10 months. Patient 1 took adjuvant gemcitabine-based and first-line nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy and then used local radiotherapy combined with programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1). Each line lasted approximately 7 months. Moreover, the patient took third-line fruquintinib, which was followed by stable disease for 10 months, during which no additional adverse effect was observed. The patient later refused to take fruquintinib due to difficulty urinating and lower abdominal pain after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The patient died in February 2023. Patient 2 also took two prior lines of chemotherapy and then local radiotherapy combined with S-1. After confirmed disease progression, the patient experienced a continuous partial response after using fruquintinib monotherapy in the third line. After the patient had COVID-19 in December 2022, fruquintinib was discontinued. The patient died in January 2023 due to disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Both cases achieved a PFS benefit from later-line single-agent fruquintinib therapy. With its better safety profile, fruquintinib may be worth exploring and studying in more depth as a later-line treatment for pancreatic cancer patients.
Hydrothermal Synthesis, Structural Analysis and Photoluminescence Study of Nd3+/Ho3+ Doped Nanophosphors
Authors: Koneru Girija Venkateswara , Putta Venkata Nagendra Kumar , Bandi Sirisha
Published: February 2024

Through photoluminescence (PL) investigations, this work shows that the hydrothermal technique of nanomaterial synthesis can successfully produce GdPO4:Nd3+/Ho3+ nanophosphors that display luminescence properties. Down-conversion peaks that produce green and red light arise at certain wavelengths (465, 550, and 674 nm) in response to stimulation at 300 nm. The analysis indicates the P-O CT band of Ho3+ ions and non-radiative resonance energy transfer, which boosts Ho3+ ion emission. GdPO4:Nd3+/Ho3+, an up-conversion (UC) nanophosphor, exhibits efficient luminescence output, with Ho3+ ions being attributed to distinct peaks in the up-conversion emission spectra (465 nm, 550 nm, and 674 nm). Nd3+ ions under strong 808 nm laser irradiation promote these peaks. The study produces well-crystalline nanoparticles with diameters ranging from a few nanometers to tens of nanometers by using the hydrothermal synthesis approach. Under PLE tests, the nanophosphors show an impressive quantum yield, suggesting a wide range of possible uses in the field of nanophosphor materials.
Sequestration of Hexavalent Chromium in Aqueous Media Using Chitosan-Modified Biochar
Authors: Choudhari Pranali I. , Dhote Sarang S. , Lanjewar Mamata R.
Published: February 2024

The impact of toxic heavy metals on the environment is a significant global issue. This study's main goal is to remove Cr(VI) from water by using biodegradable materials like chitosan and mature Plumeria alba leaves as a composite biosorbent. The newly prepared biosorbent is characterized by BET, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and TGA & DTA analysis. The porous morphology, surface characteristics, crystalline nature, and thermal stability were evaluated. To determine the actual mechanism underlying the first stages of the sorption process, several variables, including contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dose, and beginning metal ion concentration, are used to test the biosorbent's adsorption capacity. It was discovered that pH 4, adsorbent dose 0.5g, adsorption time 120 min, and Cr(VI) concentration 25 mg L-1 were the ideal operating conditions. There was a 92% maximum elimination of Cr(VI). The Langmuir model was utilized to obtain a qmax value of 366.3 mg/g. The biosorbent offered a superior match to pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the Langmuir isotherm model. and ΔH0 negative values fell and were shown to be exothermic and spontaneous during the entire process of adsorption. The experimental investigation suggested that the bio-sorbent may have developed into a promising, environmentally friendly adsorbent.
Amla Fruit Extract: Green and Natural Catalyst for the Synthesis of Acylated Derivatives via Microwave Technique
Authors: Begum Zeenath Unnisa , Mohammed Tasneem , Begum Mohammadi , Aziz Syeda Sameena
Published: February 2024

The current work demonstrates Amla fruit extract efficiency as a promising green catalyst for microwave assisted acylation processes. This is an attempt to recreate the ancient acylation procedures that used metal catalysts. The results obtained for the synthesis of naphthalene-2-yl-acetate, N-(2-nitrophenyl)acetamide, N-phenylacetamide, 1-phenylpropane-1,2-dione, acetic benzoic anhydride, N-acetylbenzamide, phenyl acetate (A1-A7) in the presence of amla juice as a green catalyst were exemplary which determines that the efficacy of the natural amla juice extract proved to be an excellent alternative catalyst. These reactions will represent a significant breakthrough in chemical synthesis, particularly in the acylation of organic molecules with potential biological activity.
PM2.5 Concentrations in a Rapidly Developing Neighborhood in the City of Lomé, Togo
Authors: Hèzouwè Sonla , Kokou Sabi , Giordano Michael , Raheja Garima , Westervelt Daniel M.
Published: February 2024

A rapid increase in the population of Togo, and in particular that of the capital city of Lomé, has led to an increase in urban sprawl, anthropogenic activities such as traffic and combustion, and air pollution. To measure and identify trends in concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the city of Lomé in Togo, a PurpleAir PA-II-SD monitor is placed in the rapidly expanding peripheral district of Agoè-Minamadou for three years. A correction factor, based on a colocation with a ThermoFischer TEOM reference monitor at the University of Lomé, is presented and applied to the PurpleAir data. We demonstrate improvement in PM2.5 estimates using this locally-built correction factor over a previous correction factor based on a colocation in nearby Accra, Ghana. Daily mean corrected PM2.5 concentrations were 21.5 µg m-3. Concentrations exceeded the WHO daily recommended thresholds (15 µg/m3) on 68.2% of days measured during the study. Over three years of measurement, air quality in Lomé shows very little improvement.
Service-Learning and language revitalization: an innovative experience in Catalan teaching
Authors: Calero-Pons Álvaro
Published: February 2024

This article analyses a Service-Learning (SL) experience in a Catalan-language course at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB). This is the first SL experience implemented in a language course at the UIB. The article examines the requirements and challenges of this type of project, as it is an innovative methodology that still needs to be fully institutionalized. Although SL is usually perceived as a methodology for internship or social work-related courses, it is cross-cutting and can be implemented in less explored fields such as linguistics. Therefore, this article also explains how the tasks and activities were planned to achieve certain learning goals and to develop particular skills and competencies included in the course’s teaching guide.
e-Service-Learning for more digital and inclusive EU Higher Education systems: a new e-SL Design Framework
Authors: Culcasi Irene , Cinque Maria , Manasia Loredana , Ianoș Grațiela
Published: February 2024

As e-Service-Learning emerges as a promising tool to foster collaboration and solidarity in Higher Education, there's a pressing need to delve deeper into the factors underlying its efficacy. This paper presents a comprehensive framework of e-Service-Learning design principles and subjects it to empirical validation. Derived from a systematic literature review, the framework's structure was further consolidated through co-design sessions and validated through focus groups involving students, higher education professionals and community partners. Insights from these experts not only reinforce but also refine the initial framework, setting the groundwork for future e-Service-Learning endeavors in higher education. An analysis of the collated data culminated in a framework characterized by four distinct structural elements: three foundational pillars, four sets of design principles, three overarching goals, and a pivotal role of technology as an enhancer of learning. Both the pillars and the design principles are elaborated upon in detail. This study's outcomes hold potential to shape pedagogical strategies in higher education, ultimately driving a more empathetic and contextually relevant approach to learning.
Percepción de socios comunitarios en proyectos con aprendizaje-servicio remoto o presencial ¿Influye el formato?
Authors: Penela Fernanda , Adasme Miguel , Jouannet Chantal , Cofré Raúl
Published: February 2024

El aprendizaje-servicio (A+S) busca promover el rol activo de las y los estudiantes que participan de la metodología, aplicando conocimientos a contextos reales mediante servicios entregados a socios comunitarios con desafíos genuinos y quienes también cumplen un rol clave en el proceso (Centro de Desarrollo Docente UC, 2023). En los últimos años la pandemia Covid19 obligó a realizar adaptaciones metodológicas que redujeron significativamente la presencialidad de los proyectos A+S, potenciando el trabajo remoto. En este contexto, este estudio se propuso averiguar la existencia de posibles diferencias en la percepción de los socios comunitarios según la modalidad, remota o presencial de los proyectos de servicio en los que participaron. Se analizaron solo las respuestas de la encuesta de socios comunitarios aplicada al cierre de cada una de las asignaturas con A+S en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC), entre los años 2019 y 2022, mediante un diseño de investigación descriptivo-comparativo con técnicas cuantitativas y cualitativas. Entre los resultados se observó una valoración positiva de la experiencia por parte de los socios comunitarios, especialmente de la calidad del trabajo colaborativo, marcada por una actitud de respeto y cordialidad con docentes y estudiantes. La calidad de la relación entre actores no experimentó grandes diferencias durante la implementación remota en comparación a la presencial. Esto podría sugerir la posibilidad de tener relaciones de calidad en proyectos de servicio, independiente de la modalidad de trabajo, siempre que estén insertos en un modelo de implementación de la metodología.
Power-aware high-capacity elastic optical networks
Authors: Radovic Margita , Sgambelluri Andrea , Cugini Filippo , Sambo Nicola
Published: February 2024

The power consumption of telecommunication equipment has been identified as a relevant contributor to global energy consumption. In fact, new-generation optical transponders employ power-intensive electronic application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for digital signal processing (DSP). DSP design has traditionally prioritized meeting transmission requirements over power consumption optimization. In general, the evolutions of transmission techniques and network design have always been mainly driven by traffic increase; in this context, in order to operate network resources more efficiently, margin reduction has been investigated in the past few years. Indeed, traditionally, high physical layer margins are used to ensure reliability over an extended period, resulting in overprovisioning the optical connections for both physical layer conditions and capacity. On the other hand, super-channels have emerged as a suitable solution for accommodating the continuous traffic growth. However, power consumption has not been deeply considered in the optimization of super-channel transmission. This paper first investigates the power efficiency of super-channels operated with designed and reduced margins. Low-margin operation is enabled by adapting sub-carrier spacing and filter bandwidth. Power-aware super-channel optimization is then experimentally demonstrated leveraging a 600 Gbit/s transponder in the SDN-controlled elastic optical network (EON). The results have identified a trade-off between power consumption and spectrum efficiency. Furthermore, the ongoing bandwidth demand has motivated the investigation of multi-band (MB) transmission for scaling the capacity of the existing infrastructures. However, novel networking devices (e.g., optical amplifiers operating beyond the C- and L-bands) will affect the overall power consumption. In this context, experimental power analysis of a thulium doped fiber amplifier (TDFA) is performed based on the traffic load and corresponding configuration. The results show that TDFA power consumption varies with configuration and increases with output power.
Surface plasmon resonance temperature sensor based on the conjoined-tube hollow-core anti-resonant fiber with ultra-high temperature sensitivity
Authors: Fu Haihao , Tang Zijuan , Gao Wei , Guo Yuying , Chu Paul K. , Lou Shuqin
Published: February 2024

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) temperature sensor based on the conjoined-tube hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (HC-ARF) is designed and analyzed. The conjoined-tube HC-ARF contains two connecting tubes with a cross arrangement in the cladding. The SPR temperature sensor is constructed by inserting a metal into one of the inner layer tubes and injecting a thermo-sensitive liquid into the hollow core of the HC-ARF to enhance the temperature sensitivity by exploiting the SPR effect. The effects of the structural parameters and thermo-sensitive media and metals on the sensing properties such as the temperature sensitivity, peak loss, resolution, amplitude sensitivity, and figure of merit (FOM) are analyzed systematically. Numerical analysis reveals ultra-high temperature sensitivity of 38.8 nm/°C and FOM of 673.84∘C−1, which are approximately 10 times higher than those of sensors described in the recent literature. In addition, the sensor is capable of detecting a wide temperature range from −5∘C to 60°C with good linearity. The SPR temperature sensor with high precision, a wide temperature detection range, a simple and easily modifiable structure, as well as good manufacturing tolerance has large potential in high-precision temperature monitoring in the petrochemical and biomedical industries.
Wavelength encoding spectral imaging based on the combination of deeply learned filters and an RGB camera
Authors: Xu Hao , Chen Shiqi , Hu Haiquan , Luo Peng , Jin Zheyan , Li Qi , Xu Zhihai , Feng Huajun , Chen Yueting , Jiang Tingting
Published: February 2024

Hyperspectral imaging is a critical tool for gathering spatial-spectral information in various scientific research fields. As a result of improvements in spectral reconstruction algorithms, significant progress has been made in reconstructing hyperspectral images from commonly acquired RGB images. However, due to the limited input, reconstructing spectral information from RGB images is ill-posed. Furthermore, conventional camera color filter arrays (CFA) are designed for human perception and are not optimal for spectral reconstruction. To increase the diversity of wavelength encoding, we propose to place broadband encoding filters in front of the RGB camera. In this condition, the spectral sensitivity of the imaging system is determined by the filters and the camera itself. To achieve an optimal encoding scheme, we use an end-to-end optimization framework to automatically design the filters’ transmittance functions and optimize the weights of the spectral reconstruction network. Simulation experiments show that our proposed spectral reconstruction network has excellent spectral mapping capabilities. Additionally, our novel joint wavelength encoding imaging framework is superior to traditional RGB imaging systems. We develop the deeply learned filter and conduct actual shooting experiments. The spectral reconstruction results have an attractive spatial resolution and spectral accuracy.
High-performance silicon nitride (de)multiplexer based on ring-assisted MZIs
Authors: Sabri Laaya , Nabki Frederic , Ménard Michaël
Published: February 2024

We present the design and experimental characterization of the first multistage ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer (RAMZI) lattice (de)multiplexer implemented with silicon nitride optimized for four channels with a spacing of 100 GHz in the L-band. The device comprises two RAMZI stages to provide a sharp box-like response characterized by a shape factor of 0.9, a flat passband over the entire channel, and a crosstalk level better than -14 dB. The maximally flat passband of the demultiplexer enables a passband width twice that of the maximum spectral excursion defined in the NG-PON2 standard.
Near-infrared and mid-infrared light emission of boron-doped crystalline silicon
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , He Jiajing , Dan Yaping
Published: February 2024

The bottleneck in achieving fully integrated silicon photonics lies in silicon-based light-emitting devices that are compatible with standard CMOS technology. Dislocation loops created by implanting boron into silicon and annealing represent an enticing strategy to transform highly inefficient silicon into a luminescent material. However, the emission at telecommunication wavelength suffers from the strong thermal quenching effect, resulting in low efficiency at room temperature. Here, we applied a new deep cooling process to address this issue. Interestingly, we find that electrons and holes recombine through defects emitting two photons, one in near infrared (NIR, 1.3∼1.6 µm) and the other in mid-infrared band (MIR, around 3.5 µm). The photoluminescence intensity at NIR increases three fold when the temperature increases from 77 K to 300 K. Furthermore, the NIR light emission of reverse biased silicon diodes was significantly enhanced compared to forward bias, emitting the maximum output power of 42 nW at 60 mA. The results offer new opportunities for the development of infrared light sources in integrated circuits.
Optical mode manipulation using deep spatial diffractive neural networks
Authors: Ruan Zhengsen , Wang Bowen , Zhang Jinlong , Cao Han , Yang Ming , Ma Wenrui , Wang Xun , Zhang Yu , Wang Jian
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the theoretical models and potential applications of spatial diffractive neural network (SDNN) structures, with a particular focus on mode manipulation. Our research introduces a novel diffractive transmission simulation method that employs matrix multiplication, alongside a parameter optimization algorithm based on neural network gradient descent. This approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the light field manipulation capabilities inherent to SDNNs. We extend our investigation to parameter optimization for SDNNs of various scales. We achieve the demultiplexing of 5, 11 and 100 orthogonal orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes using neural networks with 4, 10 and 50 layers, respectively. Notably, the optimized 100 OAM mode demultiplexer shows an average loss of 0.52 dB, a maximum loss of 0.62 dB, and a maximum crosstalk of -28.24 dB. Further exploring the potential of SDNNs, we optimize a 10-layer structure for mode conversion applications. This optimization enables conversions from Hermite-Gaussian (HG) to Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes, as well as from HG to OAM modes, showing the versatility of SDNNs in mode manipulation. We propose an innovative assembly of SDNNs on a glass substrate integrated with photonic devices. A 10-layer diffractive neural network, with a size of 49 mm × 7 mm × 7 mm, effectively demultiplexes 11 orthogonal OAM modes with minimal loss and crosstalk. Similarly, a 20-layer diffractive neural network, with a size of 67 mm × 7 mm × 7 mm, serves as a highly efficient 25-channel OAM to HG mode converter, showing the potential of SDNNs in advanced optical communications.
Simultaneous reconstruction of 3D fluorescence distribution and object surface using structured light illumination and dual-camera detection
Authors: Hu Yexing , Wu Yanan , Li Linlin , Gu Liangtao , Zhu Xinyi , Jiang Jiahua , Ren Wuwei
Published: February 2024

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) serves as a noninvasive modality for visualizing volumetric fluorescence distribution within biological tissues, thereby proving to be an invaluable imaging tool for preclinical animal studies. The conventional FMT relies upon a point-by-point raster scan strategy, enhancing the dataset for subsequent reconstruction but concurrently elongating the data acquisition process. The resultant diminished temporal resolution has persistently posed a bottleneck, constraining its utility in dynamic imaging studies. We introduce a novel system capable of simultaneous FMT and surface extraction, which is attributed to the implementation of a rapid line scanning approach and dual-camera detection. The system performance was characterized through phantom experiments, while the influence of scanning line density on reconstruction outcomes has been systematically investigated via both simulation and experiments. In a proof-of-concept study, our approach successfully captures a moving fluorescence bolus in three dimensions with an elevated frame rate of approximately 2.5 seconds per frame, employing an optimized scan interval of 5 mm. The notable enhancement in the spatio-temporal resolution of FMT holds the potential to broaden its applications in dynamic imaging tasks, such as surgical navigation.
Multispectral camouflage and radiative cooling using dynamically tunable metasurface
Authors: Zhou Guoqing , Huang Jing , Li Haowen , Li Yangleijing , Jia Guoshuai , Song Naihui , Xiao Jianrong
Published: February 2024

With the increasing demand for privacy, multispectral camouflage devices that utilize metasurface designs in combination with mature detection technologies have become effective. However, these early designs face challenges in realizing multispectral camouflage with a single metasurface and restricted modes. Therefore, this paper proposes a dynamically tunable metasurface. The metasurface consists of gold (Au), antimony selenide (Sb2Se3), and aluminum (Al), which enables radiative cooling, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and infrared camouflage. In the amorphous phase of Sb2Se3, the thermal radiation reduction rate in the mid wave infrared range (MWIR) is up to 98.2%. The echo signal reduction rate for the 1064 nm LiDAR can reach 96.3%. In the crystalline phase of Sb2Se3, the highest cooling power is 65.5 Wm-2. Hence the metasurface can reduce the surface temperature and achieve efficient infrared camouflage. This metasurface design provides a new strategy for making devices compatible with multispectral camouflage and radiative cooling.
High detectivity Ge photodetector at 940 nm achieved by growing strained-Ge with a top Si stressor
Authors: Hsu Ching-Yu , Lai Bo-rui , Guan-Yu Li , Pei Zingway
Published: February 2024

We have developed a self-powered near-infrared photodetector (PD) with high detectivity using a tensile strained Ge layer capped with a thick Si layer. The Si layer acts as a stressor and maintains the strain of Ge with minimal dislocations by creating a rough surface. By using Raman spectroscopy, we confirmed that the Ge layer has a 1.83% in-plane tensile strain. The Ge PD exhibits a high responsivity of 0.45 A/W at -1 V bias voltage for 940 nm wavelength. The PD's dark current density is as low as ∼1.50 × 10−6 A/cm2 at -1 V. The high responsivity and low dark current result in a detectivity as high as 6.55 × 1011 cmHz1/2/W. This Ge PD has great potential for applications in light detection and ranging (LiDAR), Internet of Things (IoTs), and Optical Sensing Networks.
Recommendations for accelerating open preprint peer review to improve the culture of science
Authors: Avissar-Whiting Michele , Belliard Frédérique , Bertozzi Stefano M. , Brand Amy , Brown Katherine , Clément-Stoneham Géraldine , Dawson Stephanie , Dey Gautam , Ecer Daniel , Edmunds Scott C. , Farley Ashley , Fischer Tara D. , Franko Maryrose , Fraser James S. , Funk Kathryn , Ganier Clarisse , Harrison Melissa , Hatch Anna , Hazlett Haley , Hindle Samantha , Hook Daniel W. , Hurst Phil , Kamoun Sophien , Kiley Robert , Lacy Michael M. , LaFlamme Marcel , Lawrence Rebecca , Lemberger Thomas , Leptin Maria , Lumb Elliott , MacCallum Catriona J. , Marcum Christopher Steven , Marinello Gabriele , Mendonça Alex , Monaco Sara , Neves Kleber , Pattinson Damian , Polka Jessica K. , Puebla Iratxe , Rittman Martyn , Royle Stephen J. , Saderi Daniela , Sever Richard , Shearer Kathleen , Spiro John E. , Stern Bodo , Taraborelli Dario , Vale Ron , Vasquez Claudia G. , Waltman Ludo , Watt Fiona M. , Weinberg Zara Y. , Williams Mark
Published: February 2024

Peer review is an important part of the scientific process, but traditional peer review at journals is coming under increased scrutiny for its inefficiency and lack of transparency. As preprints become more widely used and accepted, they raise the possibility of rethinking the peer-review process. Preprints are enabling new forms of peer review that have the potential to be more thorough, inclusive, and collegial than traditional journal peer review, and to thus fundamentally shift the culture of peer review toward constructive collaboration. In this Consensus View, we make a call to action to stakeholders in the community to accelerate the growing momentum of preprint sharing and provide recommendations to empower researchers to provide open and constructive peer review for preprints.
TimeTeller: A tool to probe the circadian clock as a multigene dynamical system
Authors: Vlachou Denise , Veretennikova Maria , Usselmann Laura , Vasilyev Vadim , Ott Sascha , Bjarnason Georg A. , Dallmann Robert , Levi Francis , Rand David A.
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have established that the circadian clock influences onset, progression and therapeutic outcomes in a number of diseases including cancer and heart diseases. Therefore, there is a need for tools to measure the functional state of the molecular circadian clock and its downstream targets in patients. Moreover, the clock is a multi-dimensional stochastic oscillator and there are few tools for analysing it as a noisy multigene dynamical system. In this paper we consider the methodology behind TimeTeller, a machine learning tool that analyses the clock as a noisy multigene dynamical system and aims to estimate circadian clock function from a single transcriptome by modelling the multi-dimensional state of the clock. We demonstrate its potential for clock systems assessment by applying it to mouse, baboon and human microarray and RNA-seq data and show how to visualise and quantify the global structure of the clock, quantitatively stratify individual transcriptomic samples by clock dysfunction and globally compare clocks across individuals, conditions and tissues thus highlighting its potential relevance for advancing circadian medicine.