bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aντίστροφο ηλεκτρομαγνητικό πρόβλημα εντοπισμού κοιλοτήτων και εγκλεισμάτων
Authors: Γιόγιακας Σωτήριος
Published: April 2024

Στη παρούσα διατριβή εξετάζουμε το ευθύ και το αντίστροφο πρόβλημα ηλεκτρομαγνητικής σκέδασης που προκύπτει από τη μη ομοιoγένεια του σκεδαστή με πλάγια πρόσπτωση. Στο ευθύ πρόβλημα σκέδασης εξετάζουμε την καλή τοποθέτηση του προβλήματος κατά Hadamard στον δυ-διάστατο χώρο λόγω της κυλινδρικής συμμετρίας του μη ομογενή ή τμηματικά σταθερού σκεδαστή. Επιπλέον, παρουσιάζεται μια θεωρητική ανάλυση του αντίστροφου προβλήματος, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το πλάγιο προσπίπτον κύμα και τα μακρινά πεδία που προκύπτουν από τα σκεδασμένα πεδία. Προτείνεται μια αριθμητική μέθοδος επίλυσης του αντίστροφου προβλήματος, βασιζόμενη σε ένα υποκαθορισμένο σύστημα εξισώσεων. Αναπτύσσεται επίσης ένας αλγόριθμος που χρησιμοποιεί κλασσικές αριθμητικές μεθόδους για τη βελτίωση της σύγκλισης της λύσης, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την επιλογή της αρχικής πρόβλεψης για τον δείκτη διάθλασης. Τα αποτελέσματα παρουσιάζονται με ανακατασκευές σε εικόνες για διάφορα παραδείγματα σκεδαστών. Η μελέτη επιβεβαιώνει την αποτελεσματικότητα της προτεινόμενης μεθόδου στην επίλυση του προβλήματος ηλεκτρομαγνητικής σκέδασης με πλάγια πρόσπτωση.
Η τουρκική ως γλώσσα διεθνούς επικοινωνίας στη ΝΑ Μεσόγειο
Authors: Παπαγεωργίου Μαρίνα
Published: April 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή, υιοθετώντας μια διεπιστημονική οπτική, εντάσσεται στα πεδία της γλωσσικής πολιτικής/γλωσσικού προγραμματισμού (ΓΠΓΠ) και της διδακτική της ξένης γλώσσας, αντλώντας συγχρόνως στοιχεία από τις διεθνείς σχέσεις. Aσχολείται συγκεκριμένα με τη γλωσσική πολιτική που ασκεί η Τουρκία για την προώθηση της τουρκικής ως γλώσσας διεθνούς επικοινωνίας, μέσα από τη συστηματική διδασκαλίας της ως ξένης γλώσσας σε παραρτήματα του Ινστιτούτου Yunus Emre (ΥΕΕ). Ακολουθώντας ανάλογη πρακτική άλλων χωρών, η τουρκική κυβέρνηση προχώρησε το 2007 στην ίδρυση του μορφωτικού αυτού ινστιτούτου, που κατά το τρέχον έτος αριθμεί 88 παραρτήματα σε 66 χώρες, αποδεικτικό τεκμήριο της ολοένα αυξανόμενης ζήτησης για τουρκομάθεια στην περιοχή της ΝΑ Μεσογείου αλλά και ευρύτερα. Στη διατριβή το ΥΕΕ αναλύεται ως βασικός δρων ΓΠΓΠ της Τουρκίας για τη διάδοση της τουρκικής γλώσσας στο εξωτερικό. Παράλληλα, εξετάζεται η ευρύτερη λειτουργία του ως δρώντα πολιτιστικής διπλωματίας, στο πλαίσιο των στρατηγικών ήπιας ισχύος της Τουρκίας. Πέραν της ανάλυσης του κεντρικού σχεδιασμού από πλευράς ΥΕΕ, διεξήχθη πρωτογενής ποσοτική έρευνα με δομημένα ερωτηματολόγια σε δύο φάσεις, προκειμένου να διερευνηθούν οι απόψεις των ατόμων που μαθαίνουν τα τουρκικά ως ξένη γλώσσα σε παραρτήματα του ΥΕΕ, τα κίνητρά και οι στάσεις τους απέναντι στην τουρκική γλώσσα και τη διδασκαλία της, καθώς κι απέναντι στην Τουρκία. Ως χώρες μελέτης επιλέγησαν η Βοσνία-Ερζεγοβίνη, η Αλβανία, η Αίγυπτος και ο Λίβανος.Από την ανάλυση και στατιστική επεξεργασία των δεδομένων προκύπτουν χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα σχετικά με τους λόγους που ώθησαν τους/τις ερωτώμενους/ες να παρακολουθήσουν μαθήματα τουρκικής, μέσα από τον εντοπισμό κοινών στοιχείων αλλά και διαφοροποιήσεων ανά χώρα. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, η ύπαρξη του ίδιου του ΥΕΕ αναγνωρίζεται ως σημαντικό κίνητρο για την επιλογή τους, καταδεικνύοντας έτσι τη σημαντική συμβολή του στην προώθηση της τουρκικής ως διεθνούς γλώσσας επικοινωνίας και την αύξηση της δημοφιλίας της στην περιοχή της ΝΑ Μεσογείου όπου η Τουρκία αποτελεί σημαντικό γεωπολιτικό παράγοντα. Αν και δεν είναι εύκολο να διαγνωστεί εάν αυτή καθαυτή η συνολική λειτουργία του ΥΕΕ συμβάλλει στη διαμόρφωση θετικών αντιλήψεων για την τουρκική γλώσσα, τον τουρκικό πολιτισμό και την εικόνα της Τουρκίας στο εξωτερικό, ή οι στάσεις αυτές προϋπήρχαν σε σημαντικό βαθμό της επιλογής φοίτησης στο ΥΕΕ, γεγονός παραμένει ότι μέσω της πολυεπίπεδης δράσης του Ινστιτούτου προωθούνται αποτελεσματικά στρατηγικές ήπιας ισχύος της Τουρκίας όπως η πολιτιστική διπλωματία.
Desigualdad y calidad de los derechos de propiedad: un análisis desde el diseño institucional de la reforma agraria de 1960
Authors: Peña Huertas Rocío del Pilar , Abondano Romero Alejandro , Ruiz González Luis Enrique , Zuleta Ríos Santiago
Published: April 2024

La exposición procede de la siguiente manera. Primero, revisamos la literatura pertinente y mostramos las categorías de análisis para entender los efectos sobre los derechos de propiedad que el estado colombiano entregó durante la reforma agraria y cómo estas pueden ser un aporte novedoso al análisis. Segundo, explicamos la metodología que empleamos para realizar esta investigación, con énfasis en el análisis de las instituciones jurídicas consagradas en la reforma agraria. Tercero, a partir de la metodología, hacemos un análisis jurídico de los mecanismos de adjudicación, colonización, extinción de dominio y expropiación, según los documentos que tuvimos a disposición. Por último, esbozamos algunas conclusiones.
Entre el servicio civil y el padrino político: la formación y el declive de las burocracias de la reforma agraria
Authors: Acero Camilo
Published: April 2024

El capítulo se divide en cinco partes. En la primera, hago una presentación de lo que ha dicho sobre este tópico la literatura internacional que se ocupa tanto de la historia de las políticas agrarias como quienes trabajan el proceso de construcción del estado. En la segunda, reconstruyo los antecedentes y el contexto en el que se inscriben esos cambios en la disposición del estado frente al sector rural. Más adelante, en la tercera, describo el proceso de formación de tecnocracias y burocracias, y cómo supuso un avance en las capacidades del estado colombiano. En la cuarta parte, presento algunos de los factores detrás del debilitamiento de tales dimensiones del poder infraestructural del estado en el periodo posterior a la reforma. Y, por último, esbozo algunas conclusiones.
El campesinado como interlocutor de la política agraria: la experiencia de la Asociación Nacional de Usuarios Campesinos
Authors: Machuca Pérez Diana Ximena
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo examina los orígenes de la Asociación Nacional de Usuarios Campesinos (ANUC) y las interacciones que mantuvo con el estado, principalmente durante el gobierno de Carlos Lleras Restrepo (1966- 1970). Esta primera etapa es clave en el análisis de la ANUC, pues fue el escenario en el cual se desplegó la estrategia del estado para la creación de las primeras asociaciones en todos los niveles territoriales (municipal, departamental y nacional), se promovió la instalación del primer congreso de la ANUC en 1970 y se iniciaron las primeras tomas o recuperaciones de tierras promovidas por la ANUC. En atención a esta fase inicial, se analiza el diseño institucional subyacente a la creación de la ANUC, el cual tuvo como propósito crear una organización campesina promovida por el estado que acompañara el proceso de reforma agraria y que se convirtiera en un canal de comunicación permanente con la institucionalidad rural.
El Pacto de Chicoral y el marchitamiento de la reforma agraria
Authors: Acero Camilo
Published: April 2024

En este capítulo, argumentaré que el desenlace del proceso reformista no se puede explicar sin considerar uno de los rasgos principales del sistema político derivado del diseño institucional y de las prácticas políticas del Frente Nacional, como fue el faccionalismo de los partidos. Durante todo el proceso de modificación de la reforma agraria que arrancó con la posesión de Misael Pastrana Borrero y culminó con la promulgación de la Ley 4 de 1973 y la Ley 5 de 1973, la fragmentación partidista habilitó a los políticos para dilatar la discusión y facultó a los gremios para introducir sus demandas en la legislación por medio del diálogo directo con el Ejecutivo. Con ello, cada intento de trámite legislativo fue aprovechado por los opositores para despojar al programa reformista de su vena más redistributiva, y así limitar sus alcances.
Inmunidad penal de funcionarios del Estado: régimen universal y regional
Authors: Villarroel Alarcón José Ismael
Published: April 2024

La Comisión de Derecho Internacional se encuentra trabajando en un proyecto de artículos con miras a la codificación del tema de la inmunidad penal de los funcionarios del Estado, proyecto basado en la distinción entre inmunidad ratione personae y ratione materiae. El presente capítulo tiene por objeto contrastar el régimen general de inmunidades penales, tomando como referencia el proyecto de la Comisión, con las normas plasmadas en convenciones regionales del ámbito americano, los Tratados de Montevideo de 1889 y 1940 y el Código de Bustamante de 1928; lo que evidenciará, en particular, marcadas diferencias entre el régimen general y el régimen emergente del Código de Bustamante. La novedad del trabajo está precisamente en el enfoque regional que adopta, mismo que ha sido soslayado en la literatura sobre esta temática, radicando su contribución en la formulación de lineamientos para la identificación del derecho aplicable a casos sometidos ante tribunales de Estados de la región, en los que se invoque la inmunidad penal de funcionarios del Estado.
La (ir)relevancia del derecho internacional en el caso del galeón San José
Authors: Rey Aldana Juan Dagoberto , Żenkiewicz Maciej
Published: April 2024

El galeón San José, desde los primeros indicios de su descubrimiento, ha estado inmerso en disputas jurídicas y diplomáticas con diversas partes que afirman tener derecho sobre él. No obstante, el único con la capacidad de decisión sobre el futuro de este navío es Colombia y sus gobernantes. Este capítulo presenta la evolución de la situación legal del galeón San José, bajo el derecho interno colombiano, y también presenta los últimos avances analizando sus consecuencias. En un inicio, Colombia buscó la manera de extraer y parcialmente comercializar el galeón; actualmente, ha podido cumplir las expectativas internacionales y darle una mayor protección con un enfoque en la protección de su patrimonio cultural. Sin embargo, la situación es más complicada que esto, todavía queda por resolver su situación con el inversionista encargado del proyecto del galeón San José, del que, hasta el día de hoy, no se sabe cómo se le va a remunerar por su labor.
La función de la autonomía de la voluntad privada en los contratos wraps, perspectivas desde el derecho positivo colombiano
Authors: Torres Buelvas Jaime Elías , Calderón Marenco Eduardo Andrés
Published: April 2024

La globalización ha permitido un mayor flujo en las comunicaciones a través de Internet y los medios electrónicos, lo que ha generado un replanteamiento en los ordenamientos jurídicos y en las figuras típicas contractuales. Los contratos wraps (click y browse wraps) nacieron en el seno de las páginas webs permitiendo un mayor dinamismo en el comercio electrónico; no obstante, estos no están exentos de problemas, así que se hace menester que el derecho se inmiscuya en la regulación de estos, principalmente en los límites que presenta a la autonomía de la voluntad privada, especialmente, para consumidores. La presente investigación pretende realizar un análisis de las figuras jurídicas en comento y el tratamiento normativo que han recibido por parte del derecho positivo colombiano, con el ánimo de analizar la problemática que surge a partir de práctica de este tipo de contrataciones en el espacio virtual.
La potencial violación al estándar trato justo y equitativo en el caso Eco Oro Minerals Corp. vs. Colombia
Authors: Arévalo Moscoso María Alejandra , Moncada TinocoAbello Laura Sofía , Ramírez Ochoa Isabella
Published: April 2024

El artículo presenta un análisis jurídico sobre la potencial violación al estándar de trato justo y equitativo (TJE) en el caso Eco Oro vs. Colombia. Para ello, se describe el alcance del estándar en el clausulado del TLC aplicable y se examinan las medidas del Estado colombiano, en contraste con las expectativas legítimas del inversionista, el marco jurídico aplicable a su inversión, y la protección y seguridad jurídica de los que gozaba la compañía. El análisis concluye que la regulación normativa en caminada a la protección del medio ambiente, que desconoce las expectativas de inversionista, es de buena fe, no arbitraria y apunta al bienestar general por lo que no vulnera el TJE; empero, la obscuridad regulatoria sobre delimitación de páramos, el retardo en la delimitación del páramo Santurbán y la contraposición entre las medidas adoptadas por las autoridades mineras y ambientales obstruyeron los derechos del inversionista y vulneran el TJE.
Strategy-Proof Multi-Issue Mediation: An Application to Online Dispute Resolution
Authors: Kesten Onur , Özyurt Selçuk
Published: April 2024

Mediation (assisted negotiation) is the preferred alternative dispute resolution approach that has given rise to a multibillion-dollar industry worldwide. Online dispute resolution (ODR) providers rely heavily on mechanized e-negotiation systems. Inspired by their structured negotiation systems, we follow a market design approach and develop a tractable framework in search of strategy-proof, efficient, and individually rational mediation mechanisms. We characterize the full family of such mechanisms and the domains of preferences in which they exist. A necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of such protocols is the so-called quid pro quo property; a weak condition that formulates preferences for compromise solutions.

This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: S. Özyurt is grateful for the support he received from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the European Commission [Grant 659780].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00383 .
It’s About What Happens in the Meantime: The Temporal Interplay of Individual and Collective Creativity
Authors: Schiemer Benjamin
Published: April 2024

In creativity research, time is rarely conceptualized as a multidimensional phenomenon. Instead, it is conceived either as an external variable, for coordinating successive phases of an idea journey, interaction patterns, and moments of insight—or as an individual experience, encompassing aspects like stress or timelessness. Based on an ethnography of a music studio, I show how these temporalities coexist and how time is organized as a linear coordination process as well as an experience to enable and align individual and collective creativity. Time is thereby available in three dimensions, as planned time for linear sequencing of collective work steps, as assigned meantime for the spontaneous and parallel allocation of tasks to free time slots, and as idle meantime for indeterminate waiting periods afforded by the material temporality of artifacts and bodies. My findings elucidate that organizing the interplay of all three temporal dimensions favors both individual ideation in indeterminate situations of idleness and collective creative work on predefined tasks in planned phases and ad hoc structured situations. Importantly, I found how the time afforded by artifacts and bodies in creative work is key to enabling and aligning individual creative processes by providing opportunities for relaxation, defocusing, and humor during collective creative processes, based on coordinated interaction. My findings contribute to a social process perspective on creativity by reconsidering the role of individual experiences in creative collaboration from a temporal perspective.

Funding: This research was supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) [Grant 10.55776/I4884].
Preoperative prediction for periprosthetic bone loss and individual evaluation of bisphosphonate effect after total hip arthroplasty using artificial intelligence
Authors: Morita Akira , Iida Yuta , Inaba Yutaka , Tezuka Taro , Kobayashi Naomi , Choe Hyonmin , Ike Hiroyuki , Kawakami Eiryo
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study was designed to develop a model for predicting bone mineral density (BMD) loss of the femur after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using artificial intelligence (AI), and to identify factors that influence the prediction. Additionally, we virtually examined the efficacy of administration of bisphosphonate for cases with severe BMD loss based on the predictive model.

Methods

The study included 538 joints that underwent primary THA. The patients were divided into groups using unsupervised time series clustering for five-year BMD loss of Gruen zone 7 postoperatively, and a machine-learning model to predict the BMD loss was developed. Additionally, the predictor for BMD loss was extracted using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). The patient-specific efficacy of bisphosphonate, which is the most important categorical predictor for BMD loss, was examined by calculating the change in predictive probability when hypothetically switching between the inclusion and exclusion of bisphosphonate.

Results

Time series clustering allowed us to divide the patients into two groups, and the predictive factors were identified including patient- and operation-related factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for the BMD loss prediction averaged 0.734. Virtual administration of bisphosphonate showed on average 14% efficacy in preventing BMD loss of zone 7. Additionally, stem types and preoperative triglyceride (TG), creatinine (Cr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and creatine kinase (CK) showed significant association with the estimated patient-specific efficacy of bisphosphonate.

Conclusion

Periprosthetic BMD loss after THA is predictable based on patient- and operation-related factors, and optimal prescription of bisphosphonate based on the prediction may prevent BMD loss.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(4):184–192.
3D-printed modular prostheses for reconstruction of intercalary bone defects after joint-sparing limb salvage surgery for femoral diaphyseal tumours
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Hu Jinxin , Lin Jiaming , Song Guohui , Xu Huaiyuan , Lu Jinchang , Tang Qinglian , Wang Jin
Published: April 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed modular prostheses in patients who underwent joint-sparing limb salvage surgery (JSLSS) for malignant femoral diaphyseal bone tumours.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients (13 males and four females) with femoral diaphyseal tumours who underwent JSLSS in our hospital.

Results

In all, 17 patients with locally aggressive bone tumours (Enneking stage IIB) located in the femoral shaft underwent JSLSS and reconstruction with 3D-printed modular prostheses between January 2020 and June 2022. The median surgical time was 153 minutes (interquartile range (IQR) 117 to 248), and the median estimated blood loss was 200ml (IQR 125 to 400). Osteosarcoma was the most common pathological type (n = 12; 70.6%). The mean osteotomy length was 197.53 mm (SD 12.34), and the median follow-up was 25 months (IQR 19 to 38). Two patients experienced local recurrence and three developed distant metastases. Postoperative complications included wound infection in one patient and screw loosening in another, both of which were treated successfully with revision surgery. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at the final follow-up was 28 (IQR 27 to 28).

Conclusion

The 3D-printed modular prosthesis is a reliable and feasible reconstruction option for patients with malignant femoral diaphyseal tumours. It helps to improve the limb salvage rate, restore limb function, and achieve better short-term effectiveness.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):317–323.
SERS detection platform based on a nucleic acid aptamer-functionalized Au nano-dodecahedron array for efficient simultaneous testing of colorectal cancer-associated microRNAs
Authors: Zhang Shuofeng , Chen Fengsong , Zhang Yanqing , Xu Yemin , Wang Lu , Wang Xiya , Jia Long , Chen Yong , Xu Yongcheng , Zhang Zhengrong , Deng Bin
Published: April 2024

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection platform was constructed based on Au nano-dodecahedrons (AuNDs) functionalized with nucleic acid aptamer-specific binding and self-assembly techniques. SERS labels were prepared by modifying Raman signaling molecules and complementary aptamer chains and were bound on the aptamer-functionalized AuNDs array. Using this protocol, the limits of detection (LODs) of miR-21 and miR-18a in the serum were 6.8 pM and 7.6 pM, respectively, and the detection time was 5 min. Additionally, miR-21 and miR-18a were detected in the serum of a mouse model of colorectal cancer. The results of this protocol were consistent with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This method provides an efficient and rapid method for the simultaneous testing of miRNAs, which has great potential clinical value for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Service blockage on the downlink in large-scale satellite optical networks: a multi-downlink scheduling for routing selection
Authors: Wang Hua , Liu Yuhang , Yang Zhenghao , Yi Longteng , Zhao Yongli , Wang Long , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2024

Over years of space laser communication technology advances, satellite optical networks (SONs) have emerged as a pivotal component in 6 G networks. Satellite services are transmitted from the global view, undergoing transmission through SONs, and being downloaded to the targeted areas. However, the transmission capacity of satellites passing through the areas where users are concentrated may be insufficient to download services transmitted worldwide. This problem exists in various kinds of satellite networks and may cause a large amount of service congestion. In this paper, we propose a multi-downlink delivery routing selection (MDD-RS) strategy to study the total utilization of transmission capacity of SONs. We construct an integer linear programming (ILP) model to establish an optimal case study for minimal network capacity occupation. Also, we design an online option, MDD-RS heuristic algorithm, dynamically calculating path routes, considering bandwidth allocation and resource constraints. A comparative analysis against the conventional single-downlink scheme reveals superior performance of the MDD-RS heuristic algorithm, with a reduction in blocking probability of 0.129 and an improvement in bandwidth utilization of 0.032.
Tailoring upconversion fluorescence of lanthanide doped nanocrystals by coupling to single microcavity mode with specific symmetry
Authors: Zeng Jiujie , Wu Chuangxin , Zhan Shiping , Liu Yunxin
Published: April 2024

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles have unique optical properties that can absorb low-energy infrared photons and then emit higher-energy visible ones, which have been widely used for advanced optical sensors and fluorescent probes. Efficiently tailoring the upconversion emission is desirable for meeting the wavelength requirement in various application fields. However, up to now, optimizing the composition combining with core/shell structure is still the predominant way to reach this goal. Here, we show that the relative intensities of the emission peaks of upconverting nanoparticles can be tuned by coupling to single microcavity mode with specific symmetry. Theoretical calculation based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) indicates that the symmetries of the microcavity modes dominate their resonant absorption properties in the visible region. As a result, the upconversion emission peaks vary in these microcavities with different symmetries. This route can be developed for tailoring the emission spectra of other luminescent materials, such as quantum dots and fluorescent dyes.
Optimizing near-infrared polariscopic imaging for the living human eye
Authors: Jarecki Quinn , Kupinski Meredith
Published: April 2024

Hardware architectures and image interpretation can be simplified by partial polarimetry. Mueller matrix (MM) polarimetry allows the investigation of partial polarimeter designs for a given scientific task. In this work, we use MM measurements to solve for a fixed polarization illumination and analyzer state that maximize polariscopic image contrast of the human eye. The eye MM image acquisition takes place over 15 seconds which motivates the development of a partial polarimeter that has snapshot operation. Within the eye, the birefringent cornea produces spatially-varying patterns of retardance exceeding half of a wave with a fast-axis varying from linear, to circular, and elliptical states in between. Our closed-form polariscopic pairs are a general solution that maximizes contrast between two non-depolarizing pure retarder MMs. For these MMs, there is a family of polariscopic pairs that maximize contrast. This range of solutions creates an opportunity to use the distance from optimal as a criteria to adjust polarimetric hardware architecture. We demonstrate our optimization approach by performing both Mueller and polariscopic imaging of an in vivo human eye at 947 nm using a dual-rotating-retarder polarimeter. Polariscopic images are simulated from Mueller measurements of 19 other human subjects to test the robustness of this optimal solution.
Mathematical analysis of left ventricular elastance with respect to afterload change during ejection phase
Authors: Kato Shiro , Himeno Yukiko , Amano Akira
Published: April 2024

Since the left ventricle (LV) has pressure (Plv) and volume (Vlv), we can define LV elastance from the ratio between Plv and Vlv, termed as “instantaneous elastance.” On the other hand, end-systolic elastance (Emax) is known to be a good index of LV contractility, which is measured by the slope of several end-systolic Plv—Vlv points obtained by using different loads. The word Emax originates from the assumption that LV elastance increases during the ejection phase and attains its maximum at the end-systole. From this concept, we can define another elastance determined by the slope of isochronous Plv—Vlv points, that is Plv—Vlv points at a certain time after the ejection onset time by using different loads. We refer to this elastance as “load-dependent elastance.”

To reveal the relation between these two elastances, we used a hemodynamic model that included a detailed ventricular myocyte contraction model. From the simulation results, we found that the isochronous Plv—Vlv points lay in one line and that the line slope corresponding to the load-dependent elastance slightly decreased during the ejection phase, which is quite different from the instantaneous elastance.

Subsequently, we analyzed the mechanism determining these elastances from the model equations. We found that instantaneous elastance is directly related to contraction force generated by the ventricular myocyte, but the load-dependent elastance is determined by two factors: one is the transient characteristics of the cardiac cell, i.e., the velocity–dependent force drops characteristics in instantaneous shortening. The other is the force–velocity relation of the cardiac cell. We also found that the linear isochronous pressure–volume relation is based on the approximately linear relation between the time derivative of the cellular contraction force and the cellular shortening velocity that results from the combined characteristics of LV and aortic compliances.
Impact of conflict on the elimination targets of lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique
Authors: Badia-Rius Xavier , Sitoe Henis Mior , Lopes Sergio , Kelly-Hope Louise A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Mozambique has one of the highest burdens of neglected tropical diseases in Africa. Lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are being targeted for elimination as part of integrated mass drug administration campaigns. The progress made towards interruption of transmission has been affected by recent conflict in Cabo Delgado province. The aim of this paper was to determine the potential impact of this crisis on the neglected tropical diseases programme and the challenges in reaching the elimination goals of 2030.

Methodology

A desk-based secondary data analysis was conducted on publicly available sources of neglected tropical diseases, conflict incidents, internally displaced persons and geographical access between 2020 and 2022. Data were summarised and mapped using GIS software. A combined risk stratified assessment at district level was developed with five classifications i) Very high-risk; ii) High-risk; iii) Medium to high-risk; iv) Medium risk; and v) Not at risk due to conflict absence but co-endemic.

Results

Lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths were co-endemic in 115 out of 156 (74%) districts. Between 2020 and 2022 a total of 1,653 conflict-related incidents were reported, most of them in Cabo Delgado province (n = 1,397, 85%). A five-fold increase of internally displaced persons was recorded from April 2020 (n = 172,186) to November 2022 (n = 935,130). Geographical accessibility also deteriorated across the province with an increase from five (29%) in 2021 to seven (41%) districts in 2022 classified as hard-to-reach. The combined risk stratification identified that most districts in Cabo Delgado province had medium to high-risk (n = 7; 41%); very high-risk (n = 5, 29%); medium risk (n = 3, 18%); high-risk (n = 2, 12%).

Conclusion

Most of the districts of Cabo Delgado were considered to be at risk of not meeting the neglected tropical diseases road map 2030 targets due to the humanitarian crisis ongoing. There is the need for practical strategies and funding to overcome these hostile challenges.
Can routine antenatal data be used to assess HIV antiretroviral therapy coverage among pregnant women? Evaluating the validity of different data sources in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Jacob Nisha , Rice Brian , Heekes Alexa , Johnson Leigh F. , Brinkmann Samantha , Kufa Tendesayi , Boulle Andrew
Published: April 2024

Background

Accurate measurement of antenatal antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in pregnancy is imperative in tracking progress towards elimination of vertical HIV transmission. In the Western Cape, South Africa, public-sector individual-level routine data are consolidated from multiple sources, enabling the description of temporal changes in population-wide antenatal antiretroviral coverage. We evaluated the validity of different methods for measuring ART coverage among pregnant women.

Methods

We compared self-reported ART data from a 2014 antenatal survey with laboratory assay data from a sub-sample within the survey population. Thereafter, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all pregnancies consolidated in the Provincial Health Data Centre (PHDC) from January 2011 to December 2020. Evidence of antenatal and HIV care from electronic platforms were linked using a unique patient identifier. ART coverage estimates were triangulated with available antenatal survey estimates, aggregated programmatic data from registers recorded in the District Health Information System (DHIS) and Thembisa modelling estimates.

Results

Self-reported ART in the 2014 sentinel antenatal survey (n = 1434) had high sensitivity (83.5%), specificity (94.5%) and agreement (k = 0.8) with the gold standard of laboratory analysis of ART. Based on linked routine data, ART coverage by the time of delivery in mothers of live births increased from 67.4% in 2011 to 94.7% by 2019. This pattern of increasing antenatal ART coverage was also seen in the DHIS data, and estimated by the Thembisa model, but was less consistent in the antenatal survey data.

Conclusion

This study is the first in a high-burden HIV setting to compare sentinel ART surveillance data with consolidated individuated administrative data. Although self-report in survey conditions showed high validity, more recent data sources based on self-report and medical records may be uncertain with increasing ART coverage over time. Linked individuated data may offer a promising option for ART coverage estimation with greater granularity and efficiency.
How long is long? Word length effects in reading correspond to minimal graphemic units: An MEG study in Bangla
Authors: Moitra Swarnendu , Chacón Dustin A. , Stockall Linnaea
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a magnetoencephalography (MEG) study on reading in Bangla, an east Indo-Aryan language predominantly written in an abugida script. The study aims to uncover how visual stimuli are processed and mapped onto abstract linguistic representations in the brain. Specifically, we investigate the neural responses that correspond to word length in Bangla, a language with a unique orthography that introduces multiple ways to measure word length. Our results show that MEG signals localised in the anterior left fusiform gyrus, at around 130ms, are highly correlated with word length when measured in terms of the number of minimal graphemic units in the word rather than independent graphemic units (akśar) or phonemes. Our findings suggest that minimal graphemic units could serve as a suitable metric for measuring word length in non-alphabetic orthographies such as Bangla.
Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Prognostic, predictive significance and pathway insights
Authors: Smith Kayleigh , Beach Dan , Silva Roger , Balazs Gyorffy , Salani Francesca , Crea Francesco
Published: April 2024

Robust prognostic and predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, have not yet been identified. Previous studies have identified potential HCC determinants such as genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and pathway dysregulation. However, the clinical significance of these molecular alterations remains elusive. MicroRNAs are major regulators of protein expression. MiRNA functions are frequently altered in cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC, to elucidate their associated pathways and their impact on treatment response. To this aim, bioinformatics techniques and clinical dataset analyses were employed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC compared to normal hepatic tissue. We validated known associations and identified a novel miRNA signature with potential prognostic significance. Our comprehensive analysis identified new miRNA-targeted pathways and showed that some of these protein coding genes predict HCC patients’ response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib.
Regional variations in vaccination against COVID-19 in Germany
Authors: Bade Verena , Schmitz Hendrik , Tawiah Beatrice Baaba
Published: April 2024

Vaccination willingness against COVID-19 is generally perceived as low. Moreover, there is large heterogeneity across and within countries. As a whole, Germany has average vaccination rates compared to other industrialized countries. However, vaccination rates in the 16 different German federal states differ by more than 20 percentage points. We describe variation in vaccination rates on the level of the 400 German counties using data on all vaccinations carried out until December 2022. Around 52-72% of that variation can be explained by regional differences in demographic characteristics, housing, education and political party preferences. We find indications that the remaining part may be due to differences in soft factors such as risk aversion, trust in the German government, trust in science, and beliefs in conspiracy theories regarding the origins of the Corona virus. We conclude that improving the trust in science and the fight against conspiracy theories may possibly be effective tools to improve vaccination rates and effectively fight pandemics.
Ecological versatility and biotechnological promise: Comprehensive characterization of the isolated thermophilic Bacillus strains
Authors: Aqel Hazem , Farah Husni , Al-Hunaiti Afnan
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on isolated thermophilic Bacillus species’ adaptability and physiological diversity, highlighting their ecological roles and potential industrial applications. We specifically investigated their capacity to thrive in extreme conditions by examining their environmental tolerances and adaptations at the metabolic and genetic levels. The primary objective is to evaluate the suitability of these species for biotechnological applications, considering their resilience in harsh environments. We conducted a comparative analysis of the environmental adaptability parameters for various Bacillus species. This included examining growth temperature ranges, pH tolerance, oxygen requirements, carbohydrate fermentation patterns, colony morphology, enzymatic activities, and genetic properties. Controlled laboratory experiments provided the data, which were then analyzed to determine patterns of adaptability and diversity. The research revealed that Bacillus species could endure temperatures as high as 73°C, with a generally lower growth limit at 43°C. However, strains TBS35 and TBS40 were exceptions, growing at 37°C. Most strains preferred slightly alkaline conditions (optimal pH 8), but TBS34, TBS35, and TBS40 exhibited adaptations to highly alkaline environments (pH 11). Oxygen requirement tests classified the species into aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative aerobic categories. Genetic analysis highlighted variations in DNA concentrations, 16s rRNA gene lengths, and G+C content across species. Although glucose was the primary substrate for carbohydrate fermentation, exceptions indicated metabolic flexibility. The enzymatic profiles varied, with a universal absence of urease and differences in catalase and oxidase production. Our findings underscore thermophilic Bacillus species’ significant adaptability and diversity under various environmental conditions. Their resilience to extreme temperatures, pH levels, varied oxygen conditions, and diverse metabolic and genetic features emphasize their potential for biotechnological applications. These insights deepen our understanding of these species’ ecological roles and highlight their potential industrial and environmental applications.
Variable angle of insulated shotcrete under different loading rates and temperature and humidity cycles- shear test and analysis
Authors: Tong Gejun , Shen Jingzhao , Pang Jianyong , Shi Haotian , Huang Jinkun
Published: April 2024

The new thermal insulating shotcrete is of great significance for the management of thermal damage in deep mines, and its own strength has a greater impact on the roadway insulation and safe production, so it is very necessary to study the shear strength of the new thermal insulating shotcrete under the influence of the deep hot and humid environment and the stress of mining. For the heat-insulating shotcrete, firstly, we carried out the concrete variable angle shear test under different loading rates, which concluded that the shear rate and peak shear stress showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing; as the angle increases, the different rates have a greater impact on the peak shear stress of the specimen. Secondly, the concrete variable angle shear test was carried out under the temperature and humidity cycle, which revealed that the shear strength of thermal insulated shotcrete increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of temperature at the same number of cycles. Finally, the empirical equations between the cohesive force c, the angle of internal friction ϕ and the number of warm and wet cycles n and the temperature of warm and wet cycles T are fitted with the MATLAB software respectively, and the research results provide technical references for the management of geothermal temperature in deep well projects.
An efficient and compromise-resilient image encryption scheme for resource-constrained environments
Authors: Khan Abdul Nasir , Mehmood Abid , Bhutta Muhammad Nasir Mumtaz , Khan Iftikhar Ahmed , Khan Atta ur Rehman
Published: April 2024

The secret keys produced by current image cryptosystems, which rely on chaotic sequences, exhibit a direct correlation with the size of the image. As the image dimensions expand, the generation of extensive chaotic sequences in the encryption and decryption procedures becomes more computationally intensive. Secondly, a common problem in existing image encryption schemes is the compromise between privacy and efficiency. Some existing lightweight schemes reveal patterns in encrypted images, while others impose heavy computational burdens during encryption/decryption due to the need for large chaotic sequences. In this study, we introduce a lightweight image encryption scheme that involves partitioning the image into uniformly sized tiles and generating a chaotic sequence accordingly. This approach diminishes the necessity to create extensive chaotic sequences equal to the tile size, which is significantly smaller than the original image. As a result, it alleviates the processing burden associated with generating sequences equivalent to the original image size. The results confirm that our proposed scheme is lightweight and secure compared to the latest state-of-the-art image encryption schemes. Additionally, sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the proposed image encryption technique, with a UACI value of 33.48 and NPRC value of 99.96, affirms its resistance to differential attacks.
Nitrogen-phosphorus dual-doped auricularia auricula porous carbon as host for Li-S battery
Authors: Zhao Liping , Zhao Ye , Zhao Lihe , Liu Gang
Published: April 2024

A nitrogen-phosphorus dual-doped porous spore carbon (NP-PSC) positive electrode matrix was prepared using native auricularia auricula as solid medium based on the principle of biomass rot. Yeast was introduce and cultured by the auricularia auricula solid medium. The freeze-drying and carbonization activation processes made the materials present a three-dimensional porous spore carbon aerogel properties. Yeast fermentation transformed auricularia auricula from blocky structure to porous structure and introduced nitrogen-phosphorus dual-doping. The physical and chemical properties of the prepared materials were characterized in detail. Electrochemical performance of NP-PSC in Li-S batteries was systematically investigated. Porous structure and heteroatom-doping improved the electrochemical performance, which is much superior to conventional activated carbon materials.
mRNA vaccines encoding influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) elicits immunity in mice from influenza A virus challenge
Authors: Reneer Z. Beau , Bergeron Harrison C. , Reynolds Stephen , Thornhill-Wadolowski Elena , Feng Lan , Bugno Marcin , Truax Agnieszka D. , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: April 2024

Influenza viruses cause epidemics and can cause pandemics with substantial morbidity with some mortality every year. Seasonal influenza vaccines have incomplete effectiveness and elicit a narrow antibody response that often does not protect against mutations occurring in influenza viruses. Thus, various vaccine approaches have been investigated to improve safety and efficacy. Here, we evaluate an mRNA influenza vaccine encoding hemagglutinin (HA) proteins in a BALB/c mouse model. The results show that mRNA vaccination elicits neutralizing and serum antibodies to each influenza virus strain contained in the current quadrivalent vaccine that is designed to protect against four different influenza viruses including two influenza A viruses (IAV) and two influenza B (IBV), as well as several antigenically distinct influenza virus strains in both hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI) and virus neutralization assays. The quadrivalent mRNA vaccines had antibody titers comparable to the antibodies elicited by the monovalent vaccines to each tested virus regardless of dosage following an mRNA booster vaccine. Mice vaccinated with mRNA encoding an H1 HA had decreased weight loss and decreased lung viral titers compared to mice not vaccinated with an mRNA encoding an H1 HA. Overall, this study demonstrates the efficacy of mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccines are their potential to replace both the currently available split-inactivated, and live-attenuated seasonal influenza vaccines.
Validation and analysis of the metric properties of the Leadership Virtues Questionnaire in work and organizational psychologists and individuals who perform leadership functions in Chile
Authors: Livacic-Rojas Pablo , Rodríguez-Araneda María José
Published: April 2024

The literature on leadership and personal competencies exhibits limitations in terms of construct definition, behavior specifications and valid theory-based measuring strategies. An explanatory design with latent variables and the statistical software SAS 9.4 were used for the validation and adaptation to Spanish of the Leadership Virtues Questionnaire applied to work and organizational psychologists and people who exercise leadership functions in Chile. The levels of agreement between judges for the adaptation to the Spanish language and the confirmatory factor analysis of first order with four dimensions shows insufficient statistical indices for the absolute, comparative and parsimonious adjustments. However, a second-order confirmatory factor analysis with two dimensions presents a satisfactory fit for the item, model, and parameter matrices. The measurement of Virtuous Leadership would provide relevant inputs for further evaluation and training based on ethical competencies aimed at improving management, which would, in turn, allow for its treatment as an independent variable to generate an ethical organizational culture.
Design of liquid level detection circuit based on sampling probe structure capacitance
Authors: Ding Zeyu , Gong Wei
Published: April 2024

Liquid level detection system is an essential core functional component of automatic clinical medical testing instrument. The conventional liquid level detection method has low detection accuracy and sensitivity, and may have the problem of false detection, which may lead to the inaccurate test results. This paper presents a high sensitivity liquid level detection system based on the principle of variable capacitance. When the sampling probe contacts the liquid level, the probe capacitance will change. The liquid level detection circuit board judges whether the probe contacts the liquid level by sensing the change of probe capacitance. When judging the liquid level signal, the combination of slope detection and amplitude detection is used. The liquid level detection circuit board takes the phase-locked loop(PLL) circuit as the center to detect the change of the capacitance. The reference signal of the PLL is set as a square wave of 375kHz. The double tube probe is used as a part of the tuning capacitor of the voltage controlled oscillator to control the frequency of the output signal, which can realize the rapid phase locking. The experimental results show that the system has accurate detection results, high sensitivity, stable and reliable operation, good dynamic response performance in the case of large and small liquid volume. Compared with other liquid level detection methods based on machine vision, ultrasonic, optics and so on, the proposed liquid level detection system has simpler structure and lower cost, it can avoid the problems of collision, carryover contamination and empty suction by controlling the depth of sampling needle inserted into liquid.