bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discussing the Reform of Physical Education Instruction Based on the Basic Skills Competition for Physical Education Majors in Chongqing Municipality's General Colleges and Universities
Authors: Cheng Guangxin , Zhongchen Zhang  , Zhiming Shi
Published: January 2025

Purpose:In order to provide theoretical support for the basic skills competition of college and university students, the reform of physical education instruction in colleges and universities, and the talent development system for physical education majors, we analyze and research the basic skills competition in order to identify the issues that currently exist and propose solutions.
Methodology:The fundamental skills competition of physical education majors in regular higher education institutions in Chongqing in 2024 is thoroughly examined in this study using the literature approach, mathematical statistics method, observation method, and comparative analysis method.
Description of state of knowledge: A test of college and university physical education majors' training, the basic skills competition serves as a vital platform for advancing the caliber of college and university physical education majors, the caliber of students' physical education instruction, the depth of physical education majors' training, and the overall proficiency of students.
Conclusion:1. It is necessary to enhance the competition elements and score weighting, as well as to reinforce the uniformity of the student selection process and judging criteria. 2. Improve the basic skills competition's content and score distribution, create a scientific method for choosing pupils to compete, and fortify the impartiality of the performance evaluation criteria. 3. In order to increase the learning motivation of college and university students studying physical education, it is important to emphasize the value of teaching the fundamentals of various physical education topics. Additionally, the teaching of physical education should improve students' practical and application skills.
Theophylline Revisited. Mechanisms, Challenges, and New Horizons
Authors: Szarłowicz Jakub , Mazur Michał , Waz Dorota , Goliszek Zofia , Sobek Karolina Łucja , Tabin-Barczak Wiktoria , Sokołowska Aldona , Fikas Klaudia , Chwaliszewski Kamil , Samuła Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Introduction and Purpose
Theophylline, used for over a century in asthma and COPD treatment, provides anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects via phosphodiesterase inhibition and adenosine receptor antagonism. This review examines its mechanisms, clinical uses, and emerging applications.
Materials and Methods
A detailed analysis of 23 peer-reviewed studies from scientific databases, including PubMed, focused on theophylline’s pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical safety, and novel applications in areas such as immunomodulation, metabolic disorders, and regenerative medicine.
Results
Theophylline shows anti-inflammatory effects, mitochondrial support, and modulation of key pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, NF-κB). It demonstrates potential in COVID-19-related ARDS, promoting muscle regeneration, and treating infertility. However, its narrow therapeutic index and variability in pharmacokinetics remain significant challenges.
Conclusion
Theophylline remains a cost-effective option in asthma and COPD and shows promise in broader applications like immunomodulation and metabolic disorders. Further research and advanced drug formulations are needed to enhance its safety and therapeutic potential.
DUCHOWNI WOBEC OSÓB W KRYZYSIE SUICYDALNYM. ANALIZA PRZYPADKU – PERSPEKTYWA MEDIOZNAWCZA
Authors: Gralczyk Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Kryzys suicydalny to niezwykle trudny moment w życiu człowieka. Charakteryzuje się silnym poczuciem beznadziei i myślami samobójczymi. Wymaga wsparcia na wielu płaszczyznach – emocjonalnej, psychologicznej i duchowej. Osoby wierzące, przeżywające kryzys suicydalny, nie rzadko zwracają się o pomoc do osób duchownych, które mogą mieć kluczową rolę w radzeniu sobie z kryzysem. Rola duchownego w takim trudnym momencie życia może polegać nie tylko na wsparciu duchowym, ale i praktycznej pomocy na wielu płaszczyznach życia. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza teoretyczna i praktyczna wsparcia osób w kryzysie suicydalnym przez osoby duchowne, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem specyficznych kompetencji i wyzwań, które stoją przed księżmi w tej roli oraz wykorzystaniem mediów społecznościowych jako miejsca edukacyjno-pomocowego.
PAŃSTWO WOBEC DOMU ZGROMADZENIA SIÓSTR ŚW. ELŻBIETY W SOPOCIE PO DRUGIEJ WOJNIE ŚWIATOWEJ. STUDIUM PRZYPADKU
Authors: Krupa Andrzej B.
Published: January 2025

Zgromadzenie Sióstr św. Elżbiety od 1920 roku posiadało dom przy ul. Obrońców Westerplatte 3 w Sopocie. Prowadziło tam szpital. W 1945 roku w budynku urządzono szpital miejski. W 1952 roku siostry wyeksmitowano z ich posesji do domu zakonnego w Gdańsku, nie zapewniając lokalu zastępczego w Sopocie. W 1957 roku elżbietanki wygrały sprawę sądową o zapłatę czynszu za bezumowne korzystanie z ich nieruchomości. Wyrok uchylił jednak Sąd Najwyższy. Siostry, pomimo że nie rozporządzały nieruchomością, pozostały jednak jej właścicielkami. Elżbietanki ponownie otworzyły tam dom zakonny w 1990 roku.
DZIECKO I JEGO EDUKACYJNO-KULTUROWE „STAWANIE SIĘ” W RODZINIE
Authors: Trzos Paweł A.
Published: January 2025

Rodzina we współczesnej myśli społecznej jest analizowana w badaniach wielu nauk: psychologii, socjologii, pedagogiki, antropologii. Udział rodziny w procesach tworzenia społeczeństwa i jej rola w publicznej przestrzeni kultury, religii i edukacji jest wciąż aktualnym problemem. Rodzina staje się miejscem powstawania i doświadczania wartości, kultury, relacji i wzorów osobowych. W opracowaniu tym przyjmuje się pojęcie rodziny jako środowiska edukacyjnego, którego kluczową funkcją jest „rodzenie” człowieka w wielorakim sensie: biologicznym, duchowym, kulturowym, aksjologicznym i społecznym. Refleksja wpisuje się w ważny i aktualny dyskurs o rodzinie, środowisku kształtowania się dziecka we współczesnym i zmieniającym się świecie.
BIBLIJNE INSPIRACJE ORĘDZI PAPIEŻA FRANCISZKA NA ŚWIATOWY DZIEŃ CHOREGO
Authors: Wanat Zbigniew
Published: January 2025

Papież Franciszek kontynuuje tradycję swoich poprzedników i publikuje orędzia na Światowy Dzień Chorego. Zawarte w nich rozważania odwołują się do licznych tekstów biblijnych. Stanowią one punkt wyjścia, a zarazem uzasadnienie papieskiego przesłania do osób chorych i ich rodzin, do pracowników służby zdrowia, duszpasterzy, osób konsekrowanych i wolontariuszy. Szczególne znaczenie ma tu przypowieść o miłosiernym Samarytaninie. Obrazuje ona postawę Chrystusa wobec osób chorych i cierpiących, a jednocześnie stanowi wezwanie do naśladowania Go. Podobną rolę spełniają ewangeliczne opisy wybranych wydarzeń z życia Maryi. Artykuł prezentuje wskazania, do których prowadzi biblijna inspiracja skupiona na osobach Jezusa i Jego Matki.
KILKA UWAG NA TEMAT ZJAWISKA SYMONII W ŚWIETLE PÓŹNOANTYCZNYCH I WCZESNOŚREDNIOWIECZNYCH DOKUMENTÓW NORMATYWNYCH KOŚCIOŁA. PRÓBA OSZACOWANIA SKALI PROBLEMU
Authors: Wojcieszak Maciej
Published: January 2025

Symonia, czyli handel godnościami kościelnymi, towarzyszy Kościołowi od samych początków (wystarczy wspomnieć przypadek Szymona Maga). W tym artykule zająłem się omówieniem przypadków symonii od IV do VIII wieku w świetle dokumentów normatywnych Kościoła (kanonów wydawanych na synodach i soborach). Na podstawie analizowanych źródeł podjąłem się próby oszacowania skali problemu oraz ukazania przez to, jak zjawisko symonii kształtowało się w omawianym okresie. Jako literaturę uzupełniającą wykorzystałem wybrane pisma autorów chrześcijańskich. Główną linię argumentacji oparłem na kanonach, gdyż to w nich znajdujemy potwierdzenie istnienia zjawiska symonii na gruncie prawnym (powtarzanie zakazów świadczy zazwyczaj o niskiej skuteczności wcześniejszych zaleceń). W omawianych dokumentach widoczne jest, że problem symonii istniał, zwiększając się wraz z rozrostem instytucji Kościoła. W artykule zarysowałem też pewne problemy, których rozwinięcie stanowiłoby przyszłe postulaty badawcze (jak chociażby ceny stanowisk kościelnych, przyczyny, dla których nimi handlowano, ewentualne konsekwencje takiego handlu czy krytyka symonii przez pisarzy chrześcijańskich). Dlaczego zaproponowałem okres IV-VIII wieku? W kwestii pierwszej cezury – wówczas pojawiają się kanony przeciwko symonii oraz od czasu edyktu mediolańskiego w 313 roku chrześcijaństwo stało się religią tolerowaną, zyskując coraz większą przychylność rzymskich władz, by następnie, od rządów Teodozjusza, stać się obowiązującą religią ówczesnego świata Imperium Romanum. Cezura zamykająca to VIII wiek, dlatego że wtedy odbył się niezwykle istotny dla chrześcijaństwa II sobór nicejski w 787 roku, ponadto był to czas ekspansji islamu oraz następował powolny koniec kształtowania się epoki średniowiecznej (niektórzy badacze, jak M. Banniard, datują późny antyk właśnie do VIII stulecia). Chciałbym też zauważyć, że na temat symonii powstało wiele opracowań dotyczących późniejszych okresów, a wybrany przeze mnie czas IV-VIII wiek nie doczekał się całościowego spojrzenia na omówienie skali problemu i kształtowania się zjawiska symonii. Zadaniem niniejszego studium jest rozpocząć proces uzupełnienia istniejącej luki w badaniach nad symonią, jednocześnie zaczynając dyskusję na ten temat.
Differential Game Theoretic Models for Designing Water Conservation Incentives
Authors: Momeni Behnam , Mohebbi Shima
Published: January 2025

The growing concern over water scarcity and the management of freshwater is common worldwide. Voluntary incentives, such as payments offered to water users, are recognized as a strategy for reducing conflicts and water consumption. A primary challenge lies in determining the allocation of these incentives among water users, taking into account socio-environmental factors. This study leverages differential game theoretic models to design incentive schemes for the network of water users, geographically distributed across a river network. Two networks of water users are considered: those who utilize groundwater and those who rely on surface water for agricultural purposes. A nongovernmental organization (NGO) participates as another key player, providing conservation incentives to encourage water users to reduce their consumption. The proposed model considers both vertical and horizontal interactions within the network of players. By considering the unique characteristics of each water user, the NGO aims to introduce an incentive scheme designed for each water user. Addressing the challenge of model scalability becomes crucial as the number of players or water users within each network increases, in order to identify optimal decisions. Thus, we propose solution methods for both convex and nonconvex decision problems using Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, Value Iteration, and Basis Function Approximation methods. Finally, we perform parametric analyses to examine how parameters influence the choice of solution methods and affect the decision-making processes.

Funding: Financial support from the U.S. National Science Foundation [Grant 2108003] is gratefully acknowledged.
Microplastic Contamination in Marine Ecosystem of Peninsular Malaysia: A Review in Marine Water, Sediment, and Marine Fish
Authors: Ezraneti Riri , Hasan Noor Artika , Miskon Mohd Fuad , Mohamed Juliana
Published: January 2025

This study discusses the numbers, types, shapes, and sizes of microplastics (MPs) in marine surface waters, sediments, and marine fish in Peninsular Malaysia. Research publications were gathered and organized utilizing Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink from 2015 to 2024. The review findings indicate a lack of evidence about microplastic contamination in Kelantan, Perlis, Johor, and Melaka, highlighting the necessity for more research in these regions. Moreover, research on microplastics in surface waters, sediments, and marine life, including fish, requires the standardization of methodologies and equipment. Currently, investigations on microplastics in fish flesh are still limited and require more studies concerning human health risk assessment. Ultimately, focused mitigation strategies and comprehensive research through the development of standardized equipment and methodologies are required to assess microplastic contamination in the marine environment to protect marine ecosystems and humans, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia.
LC-MS-Based Metabolite Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity Assessment of Ipomoea eriocarpa Extract
Authors: Manwani Komal , Porwal Mayur
Published: January 2025

The objective of the research was to investigate the phytochemical analysis, total phenolic, total flavonoid, total alkaloid, in-vitro antioxidant profile and LC-MS analysis of Ipomoea eriocarpa whole plant extract. The process of extraction took place utilizing a Soxhlet apparatus with a hydroalcoholic solvent. An examination of qualitative phytochemicals showed the existence of phenolic, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, and unsaturated steroids The study determined the quantities of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total alkaloids present were 94.6 ± 1.7 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample, 81.25 ± 2.2 mg quercetin equivalent/g, 44.32 ± 2.8 mg atropine equivalent/g. The evaluation of antioxidant properties was conducted using multiple methods, including DPPH assay, ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP), reactive nitrogen oxide, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging method. The IC50 values in DPPH assay of standard (ascorbic acid) and sample were found to be 14.04 ± 0.02 and 36.12 ± 0.11 and FRAP scavenging assay of standard (ascorbic acid) and sample were found to be 3.167 ± 0.02 and 1.548 ± 2.75 respectively. The LC-MS (ES+) analysis of extract reported the presence of twelve phytoconstituents along with seven phytoconstituents in LC-MS (ES-). The study concluded that the I. eriocarpa hydroalcoholic extract possess antioxidant properties due to the existence of phenols and flavonoids and thus can be a valuable agent to prevent the development of various diseases.
Hydration and Determination of Hydrodynamic Radii of Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate: A Viscometric and Conductometric Study
Authors: Kandpal Narain Datt , Aneja Anchal , Loshali Renu , Kandpal Asha
Published: January 2025

The viscosity and conductivity data of zinc sulphate heptahydrate are measured at temperature 303K and 308K in aqueous solution over the concentration range 0.1 moldm-3 to 1.0 moldm-3. The variation in viscosity with the molarity of the salt in water depicts nature of hydration of ions taking place in three different regions low concentration region, middle concentration region and higher concentration region of solution. The value of dissociation constant (Kc), degree of dissociation (α), molar conductivity at infinite dilution ( ) and hydrodynamic radii (r) have been calculated at both the temperatures. Results indicated that hydrophilic interactions are dominant in the hydration process of zinc sulphate heptahydrate followed by the formation of hydrated ion-pairs surrounded by the water molecules.
Design and Synthesis of Novel 2, 5-Substituted Pyrido[4,3-d]Pyrimidines: In silico, Anti-diabetic and Anti-inflammatory Studies
Authors: Mareedu Rajendra Swami , M Pandeeswaran
Published: January 2025

Recently, there has been a growing interest in small drug molecules due to their ability to be easily customized with specific active sites of biomolecules. Sulfonyl-based compounds, in particular, have shown promise for various pharmacological applications and many of these drug molecules are now available in the commercial market. As a result, there is a significant increase in demand for small molecule compounds and their studies in pharmacological applications. In this context, we have presented a range of pyridopyrimidine derivatives functionalized with piperazine sulfonamides and various O-benzyl derivatives, characterized using various analytical tools. These compounds have demonstrated anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The therapeutic activity of the compounds was also assessed through molecular docking studies, which supported the obtained results.
Comparative Study of Phytochemical Composition and in vitro Antioxidant Activities of Pseudocedrela kotschyi Leaf, Trunk and Root Barks
Authors: Anoumou Kodjo , Novidzro Kosi Mawuéna , Kanabiya Essodjolon Prospère , Melila Mamatchi , Koumaglo Kossi Honoré
Published: January 2025

The current work aimed to compare phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of leaf versus trunk and root barks of Pseudocedrela kotschyi to discover whether the leave can be used effectively in traditional medicine instead of trunk and root in order to combat the extinction of the plant. Leave, trunk and root barks of P. kotschyi were successively extracted by maceration with hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol. Qualitative phytochemical composition and phytophenol contents of three ethanolic extracts were investigated. Antiradical activities and reducing power of the ethanolic extracts were evaluated to appreciate their antioxidant properties. The findings revealed that the leave has almost the same phytochemical composition compared to trunk and root barks of P. kotschyi, but its phenolic compound contents are lower and related to its antioxidant activities. A probable increase in the concentration of leaf recipes can probably allow their effective exploitation instead of trunk and root.
Bio-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Utilizing Aqueous Leaf Extract of Lantana camera and their Application as Nanophotocatalyst and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Nine Syed Julkar , Uddin Md. Akkas , Khan Sabur Ahammad , Roy Arup Kumer , Hyder M. K. Mohammad Ziaul
Published: January 2025

This present study aimed toward the bio-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by utilizing aqueous leaf extract of Lantana camera with silver nitrate (AgNO3) as the precursor. The color transformation from light yellow to the dark brown of the reaction media was initially inveterate of synthesized silver nanoparticles which further examined by observing the characteristics Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band peak of silver nanoparticles at 458 nm. Presence of any functional groups in silver nanoparticles were determined using Fourier Transformed Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy with the stretch of bonds of functional groups. Surface morphology and dispersity of nanoparticles were characterized with a Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and the spherical poly dispersed nanoparticles were observed with the particle size in between 15 to 35 nm. The crystallinity and purity of AgNPs were revealed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Photocatalytic activity of AgNPs was observed against Methylene blue (MB) dye under solar light irradiation. The AgNPs efficiently degraded the dye by nearly 95% by the exposure time. The degradation of dye with time was fitted to pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models where the data best fit the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Synthesized AgNPs showed moderate anti-microbial activity against four gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strain while they showed very good activity against two anti-fungal strains.
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Effluent under Natural sunlight
Authors: Shaikh Sana Mohd Salim , Hate Manish Shamrao , Chaughule Ramesh
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and use of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for degrading water sample from a common effluent treatment plant (WSCETP) and a specific industrial source (Water Sample from Padmaja Laboratories, abbreviated as WSPL). Zinc oxide nanoparticles were produced through a green microwave-assisted approach with Moringa Oleifera Lam and analysed using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. UV-Visible spectroscopy identified a peak at 308 nm and a band gap of 3.06 eV. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed Zn-O stretching and various organic groups. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a crystal size of 21 nm, while Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy revealed a uniform, spherical morphology, and high purity. Photocatalytic tests showed optimal Chemical Oxygen Demand reductions at 7.5 g/L for Water Sample from Common Effluent Treatment Plant and 10 g/L for Water Sample from Padmaja Laboratories, with pH values of 8.2 and 8.0, respectively. Recyclability tests demonstrated significant activity retention, with Chemical Oxygen Demand reductions of 18% and 62% after four cycles for Water Sample from Common Effluent Treatment Plant and Water Sample from Padmaja Laboratories, respectively. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are effective, recyclable, providing a cost-efficient method for industrial effluent treatment.
Fabrication of Thin Film Solar Cell Sensitized by Dye: Making Affordable via Natural Dye Extracted from Chenopodium album (Bathua)
Authors: Prajapat Madhuri , Lalita Jai , Rajoriya Varsha , Ram Amit, Birama , Genwa K.R.
Published: January 2025

Dye-sensitized solar cell is an application of solar cell technology based on electrochemical principles. In these cells TiO2 photoelectrode layer absorbs the sensitive dye. The present study investigated the mechanism of this eco-friendly solar cell's fabrication sensitized by a natural dye Chenopodium album. The pigment, chlorophyll, was isolated from Chenopodium album (Bathua) and subjected to FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, and FESEM analysis. The solar cell's current-voltage (I-V) properties were tested using three different solvents: ethanol, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and isopropanol. The energy conversion efficiency η of the fabricated DSSC found 1.37%, 1.07%, and 1.44%, respectively.
How can political conflict in adversarial policy networks promote their coordination?
Authors: Lee Jeongyoon , Lee David
Published: January 2025

This article advances a new and important perspective on networks, focusing on political conflicts rather than the mainstream focus on positive aspects such as trust, collaboration and cooperation. The aim of the research is to provide insights into the factors that intensify competition, and propose strategies that can mitigate its effects, thereby enhancing network coordination. It uses the case of local fracking policy networks in the US. Drawing on a range of policy theories, the research findings advance our understanding of the underlying factors contributing to dysfunctional political competition within adversarial policy networks and offer practical insights into their coordination.
What defines deservingness? Specifying the criteria for target groups constructions in public policy
Authors: Blum Sonja , Kuhlmann Johanna
Published: January 2025

As policies are rarely enacted universally for the entire population, an essential part of policy design is to decide which target groups are addressed by policy benefits or burdens, and which are not. For this, next to the power position of different groups, their ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ construction has proven to be essential – famously captured in the Schneider/Ingram typology of target populations (advantaged, contenders, dependents, deviants). While it is thus crucial to understand the processes of target group constructions, the specific criteria guiding these constructions have remained rather elusive. This article argues that the CARIN criteria developed in the welfare deservingness literature provide a clear analytical frame for understanding positive and negative target group constructions. By integrating the CARIN criteria with the Schneider/Ingram typology of deservingness, this article makes several contributions. Conceptually, it enriches the notion of deservingness within public policy research, and demonstrates the applicability of the CARIN criteria across different policy types. Empirically, the article presents a case study on regulatory policies, investigating target group constructions in Germany’s containment and vaccination policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thereby, the CARIN criteria – which have to date been used in public opinion research – are harnessed for meso-level policy research.
Visualizando la narrativa galdosiana: De Fortunata y Jacinta a Desperate Housewives
Authors: Borrallo-Solís Adela
Published: January 2025

Resumen: Este artículo propone un análisis comparativo entre la serie televisiva Desperate Housewives y la narrativa de Benito Pérez Galdós, centrándose específicamente en su novela Fortunata y Jacinta . El marco teórico se fundamenta en dos conceptos clave: la noción de afinidad literaria desarrollada por Gonzalo Sobejano y el concepto de utilizing propuesto por Linda Willem, el cual se expande para examinar las conexiones temáticas y estéticas entre productos culturales más allá de la adaptación directa. A través de una reinterpretación de la teoría de adaptación de Linda Hutcheon, este estudio explora las resonancias transatlánticas y anacrónicas entre ambas obras. El artículo presenta un análisis detallado de las analogías narrativas y temáticas entre estos textos, y propone metodologías innovadoras para su aplicación pedagógica en el aula universitaria. El objetivo fundamental es establecer nuevas perspectivas de análisis literario-cultural que enriquezcan la enseñanza de la literatura española a través del diálogo con productos culturales contemporáneos. Abstract: This article proposes a comparative analysis between the television series Desperate Housewives and the narrative of Benito Pérez Galdós, focusing specifically on his novel Fortunata y Jacinta . The theoretical framework is grounded in two key concepts: the notion of literary affinity developed by Gonzalo Sobejano and the concept of "utilizing" proposed by Linda Willem, which is expanded to examine thematic and aesthetic connections between cultural products beyond direct adaptation. Through a reinterpretation of Linda Hutcheon's adaptation theory, this study explores the transatlantic and anachronistic resonances between both works. The article presents a detailed analysis of the narrative and thematic analogies between these texts and proposes innovative methodologies for their pedagogical application in university classrooms. The fundamental aim is to establish new perspectives of literary-cultural analysis that enrich the teaching of Spanish literature through dialogue with contemporary cultural products.
Oswald de Andrade and the Cannibalist Science of Others' Blood
Authors: Barletta Vincent , Gupta-Rastogi Arhaan
Published: January 2025

Abstract: In the present essay, we offer a close examination of Oswald de Andrade's call for blood transfusers in the "Manifesto antropófago." Documenting specific forms of scientific innovation and references to blood transfusion in the broader cultural field, we argue for an approach to the "Manifesto" that considers Haroldo de Campos's arguments regarding the national/universal dialectic at the center of Oswald's text while also addressing more fully the material conditions of anthropophagy and its mediating means. In the end, we link transfusion and transfusores to Oswald's desire to subvert European and Anglo-American ideas of hybridity and to employ frameworks external to Hegelian dialectic that both engage in post-colonial critique and preserve more robust forms of alterity.
On-demand spatial modes and vortex beams from a visible Pr:YLF orbital Poincaré laser with a hybrid pumping scheme
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Shixin , Qi Yaoyao , Lü Jia-Qi , Liu Zehua , Li Junchen , Lin Xuechun , Lu Zhiwei
Published: January 2025

The controlled visible spatial modes and vortex beams with tunable properties are highly sought after in cutting-edge applications, such as optical communication. In this study, by utilizing a hybrid pumping scheme, we demonstrate an ultra-compact, 607 nm orbital Poincaré laser based on a diode-pumped Pr:YLF laser. The system can generate various structured modes, including Laguerre-Gaussian (LG), Hermite-Gaussian (HG), and Hermite-Laguerre-Gaussian (HLG), all of which are mapped onto a first-order orbital Poincaré sphere. A numerical analysis of the coherent superposition of HG modes with varying phases is in complete agreement with the experimental results. The handedness of the generated vortex beam can be selectively controlled by precisely adjusting the angle of output coupler. In comparison to other schemes, the hybrid pumping scheme offers advantages of high precision and excellent tunability, enabling the emitting of high-order HG modes, LG modes, along with a wide range of spatial modes on the orbital Poincaré sphere. Our scheme can also be extended to different gain media, which could lead to the creation of structured beams with richer wavelength, offering a promising platform for innovative studies on multidimensional light-field control.
Design of a high transmission illumination optics for anamorphic EUV lithography optics using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Li Tong , Chen Yuqing , Li Yanqiu , Liu Lihui
Published: January 2025

The design of the illumination optics for high numerical aperture (NA) anamorphic extreme ultraviolet (EUV) projection optics is a critical challenge to EUV lithography in advanced technology node. However, the EUV illumination optics design using conventional methods have flaws in illumination efficiency and illumination uniformity due to the limitations of relay configuration and matching method that can only consider one factor affecting illumination uniformity. One-mirror configuration can improve illumination efficiency by reducing the number of mirrors. Deep reinforcement learning (RL) can solve the limitations by considering multiple factors simultaneously. In this paper, a design method for a high transmission relay system and a matching method for double facets using deep RL are proposed to design NA 0.55 anamorphic EUV illumination optics. The one-mirror relay system is designed by first calculating its coaxial spherical initial configuration using matrix optics; then the one off-axis relay mirror, which is tilted and decentered to eliminate ray obscuration, is fitted into a conic surface. To satisfy the requirements of multiple factors that affect illumination uniformity, the assignment relationships between the field facets and the pupil facets are determined using deep RL under a certain illumination mode. Simulation results show that the illumination efficiency is 26.24%, and the illumination uniformity can reach 99% on the mask under different illumination modes.
High-contrast and noise-robust image reconstruction with regularization minimizing entropy for diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Shahzad Qaisar , Yamada Yukio , Hoshi Yoko , Okawa Shinpei
Published: January 2025

The image reconstruction for diffuse optical tomography (DOT) employing a regularization method that minimizes entropy of the reconstructed optical property distribution was proposed to improve the contrast and noise robustness. We demonstrated the performance of the entropy regularization as compared to the l1-norm and l2-norm regularizations with numerical simulations and a phantom experiment. The entropy regularization provided the reconstructed images with improved contrast with artifacts caused by measurement noise suppressed. Our results indicate that entropy regularization has a potential to improve DOT imaging.
Approach to joint wireless powering and communication with electronic implantable medical devices based on near-infrared light
Authors: Fuada Syifaul , Särestöniemi Mariella , Katz Marcos
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes what we believe to be a novel approach using near-infrared (NIR) light to jointly provide wireless communication and energy transfer to electronic implantable medical devices (IMDs). The proof-of-concept was implemented on a test bed constructed with commercially available components, including a single-beam 810 nm NIR LED, a monocrystalline photovoltaic cell (PV), a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a photodetector amplifier (PDA), and a supercapacitor for energy storage. Three different experiments were conducted using a 1 cm thickness optical phantom mimicking the human soft tissue. First, we demonstrated optical power transfer capability. Second, we demonstrated data transmission capability utilizing Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) modulation to carry the data. Third, we demonstrated joint data and power to IMDs. In terms of wireless energy transfer, the result shows that the supercapacitor achieves a full charge in approximately five hours with a constant NIR light exposure of 200 mW/cm2 across the optical phantom. Concerning wireless data transfer, data rates of approximately 100 kb/s are achieved. We show that combining wireless power transfer and data communication through a single beam NIR LED is feasible. Our approach aims to significantly enhance clinical applications and patient care in the field of biomedical engineering, especially in the context of providing secure and safe wireless communication links and power transfer techniques for IMDs.
Multi-channel RF-optical receiver enabled by a high performance p-i-n InP-InGaAs based photodetector array
Authors: YAN YUNJIE , Yang Mingxiang , Han Shaoshuai , Kang Chengpeng , Salmanian Hasan , Wu Zhenlin , Gu Yiying , Zhao Mingshan , Morthier Geert
Published: January 2025

We propose an integrated back-illuminated InP/InGaAs p-i-n photodetector array (PDA) with high responsivity and external quantum efficiency. The photodetector array was characterized and packaged for small-signal
response and transmission experiments. At the bias voltage of -5V, the dark current is below 0.35nA and the average optical responsivity reaches up to 1 A/W for each ∅ = 50μm element at 1550nm. The external quantum efficiency is as high as 81% at -5V at 1550nm. Under the photocurrent of 63μA at -5V bias, the proposed InP/InGaAs PDA exhibits an average 3dB bandwidth of 3.6GHz. We finally demonstrate a BER below 10−12 at a 2.25Gbit/s data rate. The compact size and large photosensitive area of the PDA will enable new applications for Radio on Free Space Optical communications(RoFSO).
Polygyny and intimate partner violence among married women: Sub-national estimates from a cross-sectional study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Tsala Dimbuene Zacharie , Opoku Ahinkorah Bright , Amugsi Dickson Abanimi
Published: January 2025

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue with several social and health consequences. Global estimates indicate that one-third of women have experienced lifetime IPV. In 2013, sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest rates of IPV. Furthermore, previous research showed that polygyny is positively associated with IPV. This study examined associations between polygyny and IPV in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a special attention to geographical variations. The paper used a subsample of 3,749 married women from 2013–2014 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in the DRC. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to test statistical significance between polygyny and IPV and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings showed spatial variations for polygyny and the three types of IPV. Overall, 19.0% of married women were in polygynous unions. This percentage ranged from 5.7% in North Kivu to 29.4% in Kasai occidental. In the last 12 months, 28.6%, 27.8%, and 19.6% of married women reported physical, emotional, and sexual violence, respectively, while 43.2% reported any form of IPV. IPV rates ranged from 18.1% in Kongo central to 58.3% in Kasai occidental. Net of controls, women in polygynous unions living Bandundu [AOR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.38–3.38], Katanga [AOR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.09–2.89], North Kivu [AOR = 6.22, 95%CI = 1.67–23.22], and South Kivu [AOR = 2.79, 95%CI = 1.03–7.54] had higher rates of IPV than their counterparts in monogamous unions. Spatial analyses showed that Kasai Occidental had the highest rates of IPV. Overall, being in polygynous increased significantly the odds of IPV. Programmatically, policymakers and stakeholders need to devise more effective policies and IPV interventions targeting polygynous families in DRC to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5.2, that aimed to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.
The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 drove broadly increased seroprevalence in a public university setting
Authors: Hou Ching-Wen , Williams Stacy , Trivino-Soto Guillermo , Boyle Veronica , Rainford David , Vicino Selina , Magee Mitch , Chung Yunro , LaBaer Joshua , Murugan Vel
Published: January 2025

Omicron is the comparatively most transmissible and contagious variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We conducted a seroprevalence study from March 1–3, 2022, to investigate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals aged 18 years and older after the Omicron outbreak. The seroprevalence of anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies was found to be 96.3% (95% CI 95.2–97.2%) compared to 88.2% (95% CI 86.1–90%) in our previous serosurvey. For anti-nucleocapsid (NC) antibodies, the seroprevalence was 39.1% (95% CI 36.6–41.7%) compared to 19.7% (95% CI 17.5–22.2%) earlier. Individuals that experienced breakthrough infections exhibited the highest levels of anti-RBD antibodies. Additionally, saliva samples showed promise as a potential diagnostic biofluid for measuring antibody levels, as they exhibited a strong agreement with the data obtained from serum samples. The near doubling of anti-NC reactivity, a proxy for history of infection, reflects the contagiousness of the omicron variant, but may also have been influenced by a more relaxed approach to precautions in the spring of 2022. Serosurveys repeated at regular intervals monitor the trend of infections in the community, delineate the geographical spread of the infection, and may guide containment measures in communities, and prompt response to future outbreaks.
Demographic, social and health system factors associated with maternal mortality in Pakistan: A nested case-control study
Authors: Maqbool Ahmad Ahsan , Shah Iqbal H. , Mir Ali Muhammad , Sadiq Maqsood , Bosan Muddassir Altaf
Published: January 2025

Background

Pakistan has experienced a significant reduction in maternal mortality with a decline of 33 percent between 2006 and 2019. However, the country still grapples with a high number (186 per 100,000 live births) of maternal deaths each year. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health system related factors associated with maternal mortality.

Methods

Using the nested case-control design, we conducted an in-depth analysis of Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019. We identified 147 maternal deaths occurring within three years prior to the PMMS 2019 as “cases” and 724 women who gave birth and were alive during the same period as “controls”. Socio-demographic characteristics of cases and controls were compared, and multivariate regression was employed to investigate the predictors of maternal mortality in Pakistan.

Results

Cases and controls were similar on access to antenatal care (ANC) and ANC provider but differed on age, education, number of pregnancies, type of delivery, tetanus toxoid vaccination during last pregnancy, and contraceptive usage. A higher proportion of cases had deliveries by skilled birth attendants (83% compared to 63% among controls) while home deliveries were more common among controls (32% compared to 25% among cases). Odds of maternal death were lowest among women aged 20–29 years (odds ratio–OR: 0.5; 95% CI 0.23–1.07) and those with secondary or higher education (OR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.74). Surprisingly, deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants were associated with higher odds of maternal death (OR: 4.07; 95% CI 2.19–7.57) compared to those who were not.

Conclusion

This study identifies secondary or higher maternal education, having had tetanus injection during the last pregnancy, ever-used contraception or being in the age group of 20–29 years were factors associated with lower risk of maternal mortality. Conversely, skilled birth attendance increases the risk of maternal death in Pakistan. Further investigation is needed into the determinants of high maternal mortality.
Social media-based Health Education plus Exercise Program (SHEEP) to improve muscle function among young-old adults with possible sarcopenia in the community: A feasibility study protocol
Authors: Shi Ya , Stanmore Emma , McGarrigle Lisa , Todd Chris
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite the comparatively high prevalence of possible sarcopenia among young-old adults in the community, there is currently no available and effective social media-based intervention to increase the awareness and change the behavior of the target population to prevent sarcopenia. Using co-design methodology, we developed a multicomponent intervention strategy of health education and exercise for sarcopenia prevention utilizing the TikTok platform.

Objectives

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the social media-based intervention to enhance muscle function in community-dwelling young-old adults with possible sarcopenia.

Methods

This protocol outlines the entire research procedure for a prospective single-arm pre-post feasibility study employing a mixed-method design, which will be conducted between May 2024 and September 2024. Thirty-five older adults aged 60–69 years with possible sarcopenia will be recruited from two communities in Changsha, China. Using the TikTok platform, participants will be required to view a total of seven health education videos in the first week, and each video lasts four to six minutes. Then, participants will receive six-week multi-component exercise through TikTok, with at least three sessions/week, 30 minutes/session, and moderate intensity. Data collection will be conducted in baseline, week 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13. The primary outcomes will include evaluating recruitment capability, data collection procedure, outcome measurement, intervention procedures’ acceptability, researchers’ ability to manage and implement the study, among others. The secondary outcome is to compare standard measures for muscle function (e.g. handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass, physical performance), body composition (e.g. body fat, body mass index, bone mineral), and other measures (e.g. perceived knowledge, personal motivation, behavioral skills). Finally, all participants will be offered a semi-structured interview to assess their in-depth experiences with the intervention and research process.

Discussion

This study will be the first social-media based multicomponent intervention program for community young-old adults with possible sarcopenia to improve their muscle function, awareness and behavior of preventing sarcopenia. Findings will generate new evidence regarding the use of social media in health education for improving awareness of sarcopenia prevention, as well as the feasibility of using social media to influence participants’ behavioral changes through exercise. This may help researchers identify ways to optimize acceptability and efficacy of the SHEEP intervention for the targeted population.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN17269170, Registered 14 September 2023.
The privacy protection of the internet of vehicles resource transaction details based on blockchain
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Tao , Huang Min
Published: January 2025

The rapid development of Internet of Things technology has promoted the popularization of Internet of Vehicles, and its safety and reliability have become the focus of intelligent transportation system research. Vehicle-road collaboration relies on the collaborative computing and storage resources of the vehicle on-board unit (OBU), which are usually limited. When the vehicle in the edge area needs to do computing tasks such as intelligent driving, but its own computing resources are insufficient. Therefore, it needs other computing resources from idle vehicles and road side unit (RSU). This resource sharing can get additional computing resources to complete the task, and can be more convenient to complete the computing task quickly. Most current studies consider this type of resource sharing as a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) network transaction, aiming to stimulate the enthusiasm of vehicle sharing and optimize the utilization of computing resources in edge areas. However, the traditional blockchain transaction mode exposes serious privacy disclosure risks in vehicle networking resource transactions, including the openness and transparency of user identity, transaction details, and transaction addresses, which poses great challenges to data security. Therefore, this study innovatively proposed a blockchain-based privacy protection scheme for vehicle networking resource transaction details. By introducing committed value protection, zero-knowledge proof technology and constructing temporary transaction addressed mechanism. The scheme realized the comprehensive privacy protection of transaction funds, transaction details and transaction addresses, which could effectively avoid the disclosure of users’ sensitive information. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed scheme not only greatly enhanced the privacy protection capability, but also ensured the efficiency and security of transaction verification through zero-knowledge proof, avoiding the direct exposure of private keys. Meanwhile, the experimental verification demonstrates that the scheme not only enhances the level of privacy protection but also does not augment the supplementary processing burden. Furthermore, it is evident that the scheme meets the rigorous requirements for real-time resource transactions in the Internet of Vehicles.
Weeds and agro by-products for sustainable farming of edible field cricket, Gryllus madagascarensis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Magara Henlay J. O. , Solofondranohatra Cédrique L. , Hugel Sylvain , Fisher Brian L.
Published: January 2025

Gryllus madagascarensis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) is a cricket species that shows promise to mitigate food insecurity and malnutrition. But whether this species will accept low- to no-cost weeds and agro by-products as feed, and how these feeds affect its performance, remains unknown. This study assessed the acceptability of 66 weed species and agro by-products (derived from a single plant species) by adult G. madagascarensis and compared the results to a reference feed (chicken feed). We further examined how the 11 top acceptable single plant products affected growth parameters of G. madagascarensis. The parameters assessed included development, survivorship, body mass and body length and reproductive fitness of the crickets on each of these diets. Finally, the costs of the 11 top accepted single plant products were compared. Our results demonstrated that the cricket accepted all 66 single plant products at varying degrees. Tropical white morning glory (Ipomoea alba), cassava tops (Manhot esculentum), taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta), cowpea bran (Vigna unguiculata), American hog-peanut (Afroamphica africana), gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora), wheat bran (Triticum aestivum), glycine (Neonotonia wightii), silver leaf Desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum), maize bran (Zea mays) and rice bran (Oryza sativa) were the most accepted. The analysed nutrient content varied across the top 11 accepted single plant products and the reference feed. The shortest development and highest survival rate were recorded with gallant soldier and cowpea bran powders. Wet body mass and body length were highly impacted by various single plant products tested compared to the reference feed. Reproductive parameters were significantly briefer on tropical white morning glory compared to other feeds and the reference diet. Single plant products cost two- to four-fold less than reference feed. The findings are valuable for developing blended diets that balance performance, cost and availability for household and commercial production of crickets as a “green” technology for producing edible sources of protein.