bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar Energy: A Key to the Decarbonization and Development Conundrum
Authors: Venkatesh Janani
Published: April 2024

India has planned to achieve net-zero energy by 2070, and decarbonizing the power sector is a critical goal. Currently, India is dependent on power from coal and other fossil fuels. However, India also has ambitious development goals and is parallelly fighting other challenges like poverty, unemployment, and economic growth. Among others, solar energy is available in abundance in India and rapid solarization has been identified as the best way to achieve India’s renewable energy targets at a mass scale. However, this also goes hand in hand with India’s development goals. India is attempting to build local capacity to manufacture solar energy products and incentivizing local manufacturers to expand their production. At a tariff level, solar energy is cheaper than energy from fossil fuels, enabling access to renewable energy to the lower strata of society. Offgrid solar has been used as a solution to address local problems like power cuts at households with solar torchlights and safety at night with solar streetlights. Furthermore, India is an active player in the trade of solar Photovoltaics (PV) panels, with growing exports not only improving its trade bills but also creating economic opportunities for local manufacturers. Solar energy could be India’s holy grail to achieve decarbonization as well as economic growth. This paper is a review of how India’s decarbonization ef-forts through solar energy is also contributing to economic growth.
El ordenamiento territorial en la transición hacia la paz: entre el ordenamiento institucional y el comunitario
Authors: Suelt Cock Vanessa Andrea
Published: April 2024

Con este objetivo, este capítulo propone, en primer lugar, acoger un concepto de territorio ampliado en el que desde cada contexto estatal se pueden reconocer las disputas territoriales entre actores legales e ilegales por el territorio y sus recursos, para así poder identificar sus necesidades ambientales, sociales, económicas y políticas. En segundo lugar, se describe cómo la tensión entre las visiones institucionalistas y comunitarias del ordenamiento territorial están relacionadas con el diseño estatal. En tercer lugar, se presentan algunos problemas derivados de la tensión entre las visiones institucionalistas y las comunitarias del ordenamiento territorial; y, por último, cómo la planeación prevista en el Acuerdo de Paz, los planes de desarrollo con enfoque territorial (PDET), puede reparar el territorio de las disputas territoriales violentas y aliviar la tensión entre la planeación institucionalista y uniforme hacia una gestada desde los territorios.
¿Está jurídicamente prohibida la fumigación aérea de cultivos ilícitos con glifosato en Colombia?
Authors: Arenas Mendoza Hugo Andrés
Published: April 2024

Las metodologías utilizadas para la construcción de este texto son tanto la histórico-jurídica como la dogmática. Así, en la primera fase se hará un análisis histórico general de las principales normas sobre glifosato, con el fin tanto de exponer su evolución como de determinar los lineamientos actuales; en un segundo momento, se lleva a cabo un estudio jurisprudencial que expone la manera en que tanto la Corte Constitucional como el Consejo de Estado han reconducido la interpretación normativa sobre el glifosato; y, finalmente, se presentarán algunas conclusiones que permitan demostrar el estado jurídico actual del tema en nuestro país. Para esto, se efectuó una recopilación de la principal doctrina acerca del tema desarrollada en artículos científicos, capítulos y libros, con lo que se analizó el estado del arte sobre lo relativo al glifosato en Colombia. Además, se revisó toda la normatividad sobre el objeto de estudio; y, finalmente, fue necesario recurrir tanto al buscador de la relatoría de la Corte Constitucional como a la del Consejo de Estado. Por último, se debe recordar que el presente capítulo contiene los siguientes apartes: 1. la historia sociojurídica de las tensiones entre las visiones de los regímenes internacionales y locales por las fumigaciones a los cultivos ilícitos con glifosato en Colombia; 2. los lineamientos de la Corte Constitucional y del Consejo de Estado de Colombia en materia de aspersiones con glifosato en los últimos años; y las conclusiones.
El principio de igualdad en los contratos del Estado: un criterio aparentemente abandonado que tiene plena vigencia
Authors: Güechá Medina Ciro Nolberto
Published: April 2024

En este escrito se analizan dos temas fundamentales: las ventajas de la administración como consecuencia del ejercicio de las cláusulas excepcionales y las compensaciones derivadas del principio del equilibrio económico del contrato, en una manifestación del principio de igualdad.
Una aproximación al derecho urbanístico, el sistema jurídico que contribuye a la construcción de mejores ciudades
Authors: Henao González Gloria Eugenia
Published: April 2024

En los próximos apartes, presentaremos un recuento de los principales principios, objetivos e instrumentos de planificación, gestión, control y financiación, que le dan contenido y alcance al derecho urbanístico, como el sistema jurídico que busca el adecuado ordenamiento del territorio, entendido como desarrollo físico territorial, especialmente de las ciudades, para alcanzar el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida, principal finalidad del ordenamiento territorial.
Physico-Chemical Properties and Antioxidant Stability of Liquid and Powdered Red Ginger Aquaresin: Modification of Plating Method with Silicon Dioxide and γ-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Nurhadi Bambang , Rezaharsamto Bayu , Subroto Edy , Nurhasanah Siti , Saputra Rudy Adi
Published: April 2024

Red ginger extract (RGE) boasts high antioxidant activity due to its bioactive compounds but suffers from poor water solubility and dispersibility. This study aimed to improve these properties by converting RGE into liquid and powdered aquaresins. Diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) were used as emulsifiers due to their balanced hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB). Aquaresins were prepared using plating methods due to their practicability and vacuum methods for the powdered form. The optimal RGE:DATEM ratio and characteristics of the aquaresins were investigated. A 45% RGE and 5% DATEM formulation yielded the highest levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and 6-gingerol, while maintaining potent antioxidant activity over 60 days. The plating method significantly enhanced bioactive compound concentration compared to the vacuum method. Adding silicon dioxide and γ-cyclodextrin improved physical properties and antioxidant stability. The 45:5 RGE:DATEM ratio offered superior chemical properties and antioxidant activity in liquid aquaresin, while the plating method contributed to better chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity in powdered form. This study paves the way for incorporating RGE into various food and pharmaceutical applications.
Effect of Ayambil (A Type of Jain Intermittent Fasting) on Plasma Glucose, Lipid Profile, Anthropometric and Psychological parameters: An Observational Study
Authors: Lakhani Jitendra , Shah Ashish , Shah Sudhir , Shah Bhaumil , Sanchetee Pratap , Shah Pinkal , Parmar Ghanshyam , Jasani Jasmin , Doshi Palak
Published: April 2024

The practice of voluntary abstinence from food and drink for 16 to 48 hours is known as intermittent fasting (IF). Jain Ayambil is, a type of intermittent fasting, where a special meal of boiled grains without spice, oil, milk, ghee, sugar, curd, fruits, or raw vegetables is taken once during the daytime. The aim of the study was to find out safety and its effect on plasma glucose, lipid profile, anthropometric and psychological parameters. We are reporting first ever scientific study on effect of Aymabil intermittent fasting on health parameters.
The present study was carried out on 52 volunteers who did 9 days Ayambil fasting. Physical, and psychological assessment were done on the pre-fasting day (day 0), 4th day, and 9th day whereas biochemical examinations were carried out on pre-fasting (day 0) and 9th day of Ayambil fasting.
Out of the total 52 participants (mean age of 52.77 ± 13.51 years), there were 28 (53.85%) females (51.54 ± 12.94) and 24 (46.15%) males (54.21 ± 14.30). A statistically significant reduction was observed for fasting blood glucose (p=0.002), HbA1c (p=0.002), body weight (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.001), diastolic BP (p=0.005), serum creatinine (p= 0.036), and a positive correlation was noted for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) (p=0.001) noted during Ayambil fasting. However, there was no significant change in lipid profile.
Our findings suggest that Ayambil fasting is beneficial to metabolic, psychological, and holistic health with no health-related hazards. It is a safe fasting method and exploration of more clinical studies on this can open newer futuristic directions as one of the therapeutic options for a variety of clinical situations.
Modified Bamboo Shoots Flour Derived from the Ampel Gading Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad var. Striata): Physicochemical Properties and Potential Applications as a Thickening Agent
Authors: R Rohadi , Sampurno Adi , S Sudjatinah , Azkia Mita Nurul , Huda Nurul
Published: April 2024

Modified flour is widely used in the food industry to enhance viscosity and texture. Previous research has investigated fermenting Bamboo Shoots Flour from Ampel Gading Bamboo which is rich in fiber. Physical process combination, like temperature changes, and chemical modifications using acids or bases, may alter the flour's gel-forming properties, thereby expanding its applications, including as a thickening agent. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical properties and potential applications of Modified Bamboo Shoots Flour (MBFS) as a thickening agent. The analysis demonstrated that MBSF comprises 28.41% carbohydrates, with 4.88% crude fiber and 18.68% starch, featuring 4.74% amylose and 13.94% amylopectin (wet basis). Additionally, it contains 28.10% protein and 11.17% fat (wet basis), maintaining the characteristic form of MBSF. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) evaluation revealed the presence of ovate-shaped, rough and irregular surface starch granules. Heating a 2% MBSF suspension to 100°C increases viscosity, solubility, and swelling power. Low acidity (pH 10) enhances swelling power without affecting viscosity significantly. Both low acidity and heat treatments enhance the thickening properties of the MBFS. This study offers fundamental insights into the physical and chemical characteristics of MBFS, thereby facilitating its potential application in final products.
Antioxidant and Physical Characteristics of Anthocyanin Extract from Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Nanoencapsulation: Effect of Maltodextrin and Whey Protein Isolate Ratios
Authors: Tamaroh Siti , Sari Yuli Perwita
Published: April 2024

Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities. This bioactive compound is susceptible to changes in temperature and pH conditions. Its use in food products is also limited. Therefore, protection efforts that can bring anthocyanins into the food system through encapsulation are needed. Encapsulation is a technique for protecting bioactive compounds by coating the mixtures using biomaterials. The spray drying encapsulation process does not require difficult preparation and has good protection capabilities. The goal of this study was to investigate the encapsulating properties of the ratio of whey protein isolate to maltodextrin. This study used maltodextrin : whey protein isolate ratios (MD: WPI) 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 (w/w). Anthocyanin extract was added 30% (w/w). The mixtures were powdered by drying them with a spray drier. The results showed that MD: WPI = 1:3 can retain more bioactive components than other treatments. The characteristics of nanoencapsulants in antioxidant activity, total phenol content, and anthocyanin were 65.16 + 2.87 %RSA, 776.25 + 45.23 mg GAE/100 g, 60.83 + 1.56 mg/100 g, respectively. The nanoencapsulations had irregular round morphology, particle size and zeta-potential were 301.3 nm and -31.9 mV, respectively. Therefore, anthocyanin encapsulation from purple yam extract was successfully produced with lower-cost material for food and pharmaceutical use.
Synbiotic Biscuit Potential Reducing Blood Sugar Levels In Wistar White Rats
Authors: Moody Sumanti Debby , Hanidah In-In , Lembong Elazmanawati , Wulandari Endah , Harlina Putri Widyanti , Kharisma Safia Farah , Yarlina Vira Putri , Lani Mohd Nizam
Published: April 2024

Nutraceuticals, or functional foods, are foods that have been altered or designed to have certain nutritional or physiological effects. Synbiotic biscuit represents an effort in the development of functional food products. A synbiotic biscuit contains both prebiotic ingredients and probiotic bacteria. Created with Lactobacillus acidophilus and a composite flour mix of sweet potatoes, banana corm, and black soybeans, this synbiotic biscuit offers a synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics potentially lowering blood glucose levels. This study investigates the impact of the Glycemic Index (GI), Glycemic Load (GL), and the relationship between the quantity of synbiotic biscuits consumed and the reduction of blood glucose levels in Wistar rats. The descriptive approach was utilized as the experimental method, followed by correlation and regression analysis. The experiment used standard meal consumption as a negative control, metformin 45 mg/kg body weight intake as a positive control, synbiotic biscuit 5 g in 10 ml aquades intake, and synbiotic biscuit 10 g in 10 ml aquades intake were employed in the experiment. The study demonstrated a relationship between the intake of synbiotic cookies and blood glucose levels in Wistar rats. The synbiotic biscuits showed that GI and GL at 65.38 and 13.38, respectively. After 15 days of feeding synbiotic biscuit 10 g in 10 ml per day, body weight increased to 216.33 g, and blood glucose levels decreased to 96.97 mg/dl. Total L. acidophilus was discovered in rat faeces at a concentration of 6.56 log CFU/g.
POLÍTICA E INCLUSÃO:
Authors: Plaisance Eric
Published: April 2024

O artigo propõe duas abordagens complementares: uma pessoal e biográfica com uma dimensão histórica e outra conceitual. Na primeira parte será mostrado a evolução do meu engajamento profissional na França, no Centro Nacional de Pedagogia Especial, que se ocupava da formação de professores da educação dita "especial". Em seguida minhas atividades no CRESAS, organismo de investigação sobre a escolarização. E finalmente, na Universidade Paris Descartes, com várias colaborações internacionais e compromissos políticos e sociais militantes. Através desta evolução pessoal, vemos as transformações das políticas nacionais que ultrapassaram a educação especial e valorizam atualmente a educação inclusiva. Na segunda parte, são analisados os conceitos de inclusão e de educação inclusiva, tendo como referência principal os documentos da UNESCO. A relativização da relação entre o normal e o patológico abre novas representações da deficiência e das necessidades educativas especiais. A última questão abordada é a das dimensões internacionais e nacionais das políticas de educação inclusiva. Recomendações práticas são formuladas com vista à aplicação concreta do direito à educação para todos.
 
Palavras chaves:Educação;Política;Especial; Inclusão.
PAPEL DA TECNOLOGIA ASSISTIVA NA MEDIAÇÃO DA APRENDIZAGEM
Authors: Barbosa Sandra Regina , Fernandes Edicléa Mascarenhas , Orrico Helio Ferreira
Published: April 2024

A presença das tecnologias e das telecomunicações trouxe nova dinâmica sobre a forma de comunicar, informar e, sobretudo, aprender. A partir das novas linguagens, meios de comunicação e das novas metodologias, o papel do professor volta-se não apenas para a relação professor-aluno, mas, sobretudo, para a relação entre professor-conhecimento-aluno, na qual o docente não é mais visto apenas como transmissor de conhecimentos, mas possuidor de uma atitude e um comportamento de “mediador”, um facilitador, incentivador ou motivador da aprendizagem, que ativamente colabora para que o aprendiz chegue aos seus objetivos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desse estudo é apresentar e discutir como as novas metodologias e recursos, a partir da Tecnologia Assistiva (TA), podem colaborar para a melhoria da aprendizagem, envolvendo docentes e discentes. Para subsidiar esse estudo, utilizou-se como recurso metodológico, a pesquisa bibliográfica de cunho exploratório com a finalidade de contribuir para uma análise reflexiva sobre o tema. Tendo como base a pesquisa realizada, foi possível perceber que os recursos e serviços caracterizados como TA, utilizados pelos professores, oferecem várias estratégias pedagógicas que podem otimizar suas práticas, enquanto mediadores do processo e que muitas vezes são imprescindíveis para facilitar, ou até mesmo para superar barreiras físicas e atitudinais que podem dificultar a escolarização, as adaptações curriculares e o desenvolvimento do aluno. Entretanto, em relação aos processos de formação, eles ainda necessitam de inovações e novas dinâmicas de aproveitamento e tem sido uma das grandes preocupações para o desenvolvimento da prática inclusiva.
SIMULANDO A ESQUIZOFRENIA ATRAVÉS DA REALIDADE VIRTUAL E INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL
Authors: Alves Rodrigo Henrique Risso Aires
Published: April 2024

O presente trabalho traz seu objeto de pesquisa centrado no uso de Inteligência Artificial, com o objetivo de inserir o usuário em um mundo virtual para que experencie os sintomas de uma pessoa com Esquizofrenia. O projeto se desenvolve em uma série de tarefas que o indivíduo precisa realizar sob os efeitos da doença, como alucinações visuais e auditivas. Existe uma narrativa interativa atrelada à interface, aumentando a imersão. O estudo foi com alunos de enfermagem da Universidade de Malta no intuito de aumentar a empatia pelas pessoas que vivem com a condição, estendendo assim sua compreensão pelo distúrbio.
EVALUASI PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH BAHAN BERBAHAYA DAN BERACUN DI PT PUPUK KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Nugroho Oktasyavitto Adhitya , Wilujeng Susi Agustina
Published: April 2024

Peningkatan kapasitas produksi suatu industri berbanding lurus dengan jumlah limbah B3 yang dihasilkan. PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur sebagai produsen pupuk NPK dan urea terbesar di Asia tentunya juga menghasilkan limbah yang salah satunya adalah limbah B3. Limbah B3 memerlukan pengelolaan khusus sebelum dikembalikan ke lingkungan mengingat bahaya serta dampak yang ditimbulkan, mulai dari sumber limbah B3 dihasilkan sampai dengan ditimbun. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi dan mengevaluasi pengelolaan limbah B3 dengan cara membandingkan pengelolaan limbah B3 yang dilakukan perusahaan dengan peraturan yang berlaku serta memberi saran dan rekomendasi dan memberikan estimasi biaya yang diperlukan untuk pembangunan TPS limbah B3. Berdasarkan penelitian ini masih terdapat beberapa ketidaksesuaian pelaksanaan pengelolaan limbah B3 dengan peraturan yang berlaku yaitu pada kegiatan penyimpanan dan pengangkutan. Jumlah limbah B3 yang dihasilkan dalam kurun waktu 3 bulan adalah sebesar 115.662 kg atau setara dengan 152 palet. Dengan kapasitas Tempat Penyimpanan Sementara Limbah B3 (TPSLB3) yang ada hanya dapat menampung palet sebanyak 228 dengan adanya peningkatan kapasitas produksi maka TPS yang ada tidak dapat menampung seluruh limbah yang dihasilkan sehingga diperlukan bangunan TPS limbah B3 baru dengan kapasitas yang sesuai. TPSLB3 yang direncanakan memiliki dimensi 26 m x 12 m x 5 m dengan kapasitas tampung sebanyak 112 palet. TPSLB3 tersebut sudah dilengkapi dengan fasilitas pendukung seperti bak penampung, safety shower, APAR, pintu darurat dan penangkal petir dan sudah sesuai dengan standar dan peraturan yang berlaku. Pembangunan TPS limbah B3 memerlukan biaya sebesar Rp 893.039.000.
The blurring of problems
Authors: Ellwood Fiona
Published: April 2024

Fiona Ellwood, on behalf of the Society of British Dental Nurses, outlines the challenges of confusing current issues in dentistry, and having the wrong conversations at the wrong table.
Your patients' unique tongue prints
Authors: Silver Philip
Published: April 2024

Philip Silver highlights the benefits of artificial intelligence when it comes to monitoring tongue anatomy.
The fluoride debate
Authors: Wake Charlotte
Published: April 2024

Charlotte Wake reflects on fluoride usage in dentistry.

Aim

For dental nurses to have a better understanding of how fluoride is used in dentistry.

Objectives

To understand what the recommendations are for current use of Fluoride in toothpastes. To have a better understanding of the ethical issues around fluoride use.
Striving for the best
Authors: Cumper Steven
Published: April 2024

Steven Cumper gives a guide for infection control best practices.
Discussing ymddiddan : The dialogue poems of the Black Book of Carmarthen
Authors: Williams Myriah
Published: April 2024

abstract: The term ymddiddan has been used by editors and scholars to refer to a body of medieval Welsh poetry usually containing or composed of dialogue. This paper begins by addressing the use and misuse of the term, assessing the meaning of ymddiddan and demonstrating how editors' application of the term to titles of poems that are frequently untitled in their manuscript context has shaped perceptions of a genre of medieval Welsh dialogue poetry. Arguments about the performance of ymddiddanau made in connection with evidence from prose tales such as Owein are also considered. The rest of the paper seeks to reach an understanding of the nature of medieval Welsh dialogue poetry by analyzing the poems themselves. For this, the Black Book of Carmarthen (NLW Peniarth MS 1) is used to provide parameters for investigation. Not only do the poems in this manuscript have a concrete historical connection, but the high proportion of them that have been designated as ymddiddan means that the Black Book scribe's idiosyncrasies and editorial decisions may have impacted our understanding of the corpus. With the form and features of dialogue poems clarified, the issue of a genre is re-evaluated. The results of this study form the basis of a sister article, in which the most famous Welsh dialogue poem, Ymddiddan Myrddin a Thaliesin , is tested against the definition of dialogue poetry established here.
The Influence of "Greek Lifestyle" Perceptions on Polish Migration and Settlement on Zakynthos
Authors: Lidzbarski Tomasz
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Polish migrants on Zakynthos, who form a largely understudied group within the broader category of non-Greek Europeans residing long-term in Greece, craft intricate views of what they consider the "Greek lifestyle." Ethnographic fieldwork not only reveals how the Polish community on Zakynthos defines this specific way of life but also highlights how these particular perceptions significantly influence decisions to migrate and settle on the island.
Attention LSTM U-Net model for Drosophila melanogaster heart tube segmentation in optical coherence microscopy images
Authors: Ouyang Xiangping , Matt Abigail , Wang Fei , Gracheva Elena , Migunova Ekaterina , Rajamani Saathvika , Dubrovsky Edward B. , Zhou Chao
Published: April 2024

Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) imaging of the Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) heart tube has enabled the non-invasive characterization of fly heart physiology in vivo. OCM generates large volumes of data, making it necessary to automate image analysis. Deep-learning-based neural network models have been developed to improve the efficiency of fly heart image segmentation. However, image artifacts caused by sample motion or reflections reduce the accuracy of the analysis. To improve the precision and efficiency of image data analysis, we developed an Attention LSTM U-Net model (FlyNet3.0), which incorporates an attention learning mechanism to track the beating fly heart in OCM images. The new model has improved the intersection over union (IOU) compared to FlyNet2.0 + with reflection artifacts from 86% to 89% and with movement from 81% to 89%. We also extended the capabilities of OCM analysis through the introduction of an automated, in vivo heart wall thickness measurement method, which has been validated on a Drosophila model of cardiac hypertrophy. This work will enable the comprehensive, non-invasive characterization of fly heart physiology in a high-throughput manner.
480 nm InGaN-based cyan laser diode grown on Si by interface engineering of active region
Authors: Dai Yayu , Liu Jianxun , Sun Xiujian , Lv Xiaocui , Feng Meixin , Zhang Shuming , Sun Qian , Wang Liangji , Ji Yun , Ikeda Masao , Yang Hui
Published: April 2024

InGaN-based long wavelength laser diodes (LDs) grown on Si are highly desirable for expanding the applications in laser display and lighting. Proper interface engineering of high In-content InGaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) is urgently required for the epitaxial growth of InGaN-based long wavelength LD on Si, because the deteriorated interfaces and crystalline quality of InGaN MQWs can severely increase the photon scattering and further exacerbate the internal absorption loss of LDs, which prevents the lasing wavelength of InGaN-based LDs from extending. In this work, a significantly improved morphology and sharp interface of the InGaN active region are obtained by using a graded-compositional InGaN lower waveguide (LWG) capped with a 10-nm-thick Al0.1Ga0.9N layer. The V-pits density of the InGaN LWG was one order of magnitude reduction from 4.8 × 108 to 3.6 × 107 cm-2 along with the root-mean-square surface roughness decreasing from 0.3 to 0.1 nm. Therefore, a room-temperature electrically injected 480 nm InGaN-based cyan LD grown on Si under pulsed current operation was successfully achieved with a threshold current density of 18.3 kA/cm2.
Theoretical and experimental investigations of speckle features based on free-space surface scattering
Authors: Cai Di , Xu Qiyong , Le Zichun , Mao Haolei , Cao Yujia , Zhou Janan , Mo Yipeng , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2024

Speckle is a significant challenge for laser imaging systems, as it degrades the image quality. In this study, an improved theoretical model is established to describe the speckle features in free-space optical path. The model quantitatively defines the relationship between speckle contrast and five parameters: wavelength, screen surface roughness, light-spot diameter, incidence angle, and observation angle. Subsequently, the theoretical results are experimentally verified. This study enhances the theory of speckle suppression in free-space optical path, and thus enriches the existing speckle suppression theory. The speckle features based on free-space surface-scattered fields have the potential for applications related to non-imaging optics.
Sub-terahertz optomechanics
Authors: Xie Jiacheng , Shen Mohan , Tang Hong X.
Published: April 2024

We demonstrate optomechanics in the sub-terahertz regime. An optical racetrack resonator, patterned from thin-film lithium niobate, is suspended to support mechanical structures oscillating at these extremely high frequencies, which are read out through cavity optomechanical coupling. Our hybrid platform paves the way for advancing mechanical systems in the quantum regime at elevated temperatures.
MetaHDR: Single Shot High-Dynamic Range Imaging and Sensing using a Multifunctional Metasurface
Authors: Brookshire Charles , Liu Yuxuan , Chen Yuanrui , Chen Wei-Ting , Guo Qi
Published: April 2024

We present MetaHDR, which is a single-shot high-dynamic range (HDR) imaging and sensing system using a multifunctional metasurface. The metasurface is capable of splitting an incident beam into multiple focusing beams with different amounts of power, simultaneously forming multiple low dynamic range (LDR) images with distinct irradiance on a photosensor. Then, the LDR images are jointly processed using a gradient-based HDR fusion algorithm, which is shown to be effective in attenuating the residual light artifacts incurred by the metasurface and the lens flare. MetaHDR achieves single-shot HDR photography and videography that increases the dynamic range by at least 50 dB compared to the original dynamic range of the photosensor. It can also perform single-shot HDR sensing, including reflectance calibration and surface curvature estimation of reflective materials. MetaHDR's demonstrated functionalities could be broadly applied in surveillance and security, microscopic imaging, advanced manufacturing, etc.
The human AAA-ATPase VPS4A isoform and its co-factor VTA1 have a unique function in regulating mammalian cytokinesis abscission
Authors: Dvilansky Inbar , Altaras Yarin , Kamenetsky Nikita , Nachmias Dikla , Elia Natalie
Published: April 2024

Mutations in the human AAA-ATPase VPS4 isoform, VPS4A, cause severe neurodevelopmental defects and congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA). VPS4 is a crucial component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system, which drives membrane remodeling in numerous cellular processes, including receptor degradation, cell division, and neural pruning. Notably, while most organisms encode for a single VPS4 gene, human cells have 2 VPS4 paralogs, namely VPS4A and VPS4B, but the functional differences between these paralogs is mostly unknown. Here, we set out to investigate the role of the human VPS4 paralogs in cytokinetic abscission using a series of knockout cell lines. We found that VPS4A and VPS4B hold both overlapping and distinct roles in abscission. VPS4A depletion resulted in a more severe abscission delay than VPS4B and was found to be involved in earlier stages of abscission. Moreover, VPS4A and a monomeric-locked VPS4A mutant bound the abscission checkpoint proteins CHMP4C and ANCHR, while VPS4B did not, indicating a regulatory role for the VPS4A isoform in abscission. Depletion of VTA1, a co-factor of VPS4, disrupted VPS4A-ANCHR interactions and accelerated abscission, suggesting that VTA1 is also involved in the abscission regulation. Our findings reveal a dual role for VPS4A in abscission, one that is canonical and can be compensated by VPS4B, and another that is regulatory and may be delivered by its monomeric form. These observations provide a potential mechanistic explanation for the neurodevelopmental defects and other related disorders reported in VPS4A-mutated patients with a fully functional VPS4B paralog.
Blik is an extensible 3D visualisation tool for the annotation and analysis of cryo-electron tomography data
Authors: Gaifas Lorenzo , Kirchner Moritz A. , Timmins Joanna , Gutsche Irina
Published: April 2024

Powerful, workflow-agnostic and interactive visualisation is essential for the ad hoc, human-in-the-loop workflows typical of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). While several tools exist for visualisation and annotation of cryo-ET data, they are often integrated as part of monolithic processing pipelines, or focused on a specific task and offering limited reusability and extensibility. With each software suite presenting its own pros and cons and tools tailored to address specific challenges, seamless integration between available pipelines is often a difficult task. As part of the effort to enable such flexibility and move the software ecosystem towards a more collaborative and modular approach, we developed blik, an open-source napari plugin for visualisation and annotation of cryo-ET data (source code: https://github.com/brisvag/blik). blik offers fast, interactive, and user-friendly 3D visualisation thanks to napari, and is built with extensibility and modularity at the core. Data is handled and exposed through well-established scientific Python libraries such as numpy arrays and pandas dataframes. Reusable components (such as data structures, file read/write, and annotation tools) are developed as independent Python libraries to encourage reuse and community contribution. By easily integrating with established image analysis tools—even outside of the cryo-ET world—blik provides a versatile platform for interacting with cryo-ET data. On top of core visualisation features—interactive and simultaneous visualisation of tomograms, particle picks, and segmentations—blik provides an interface for interactive tools such as manual, surface-based and filament-based particle picking, and image segmentation, as well as simple filtering tools. Additional self-contained napari plugins developed as part of this work also implement interactive plotting and selection based on particle features, and label interpolation for easier segmentation. Finally, we highlight the differences with existing software and showcase blik’s applicability in biological research.
Neural populations within macaque early vestibular pathways are adapted to encode natural self-motion
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Carriot Jerome , Mackrous Isabelle , Cullen Kathleen E. , Chacron Maurice J.
Published: April 2024

How the activities of large neural populations are integrated in the brain to ensure accurate perception and behavior remains a central problem in systems neuroscience. Here, we investigated population coding of naturalistic self-motion by neurons within early vestibular pathways in rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta). While vestibular neurons displayed similar dynamic tuning to self-motion, inspection of their spike trains revealed significant heterogeneity. Further analysis revealed that, during natural but not artificial stimulation, heterogeneity resulted primarily from variability across neurons as opposed to trial-to-trial variability. Interestingly, vestibular neurons displayed different correlation structures during naturalistic and artificial self-motion. Specifically, while correlations due to the stimulus (i.e., signal correlations) did not differ, correlations between the trial-to-trial variabilities of neural responses (i.e., noise correlations) were instead significantly positive during naturalistic but not artificial stimulation. Using computational modeling, we show that positive noise correlations during naturalistic stimulation benefits information transmission by heterogeneous vestibular neural populations. Taken together, our results provide evidence that neurons within early vestibular pathways are adapted to the statistics of natural self-motion stimuli at the population level. We suggest that similar adaptations will be found in other systems and species.
Detection of pathogenic bacteria in ticks from Isiolo and Kwale counties of Kenya using metagenomics
Authors: Kimemia Bryson Brian , Musila Lillian , Langat Solomon , Odoyo Erick , Cinkovich Stephanie , Abuom David , Yalwala Santos , Khamadi Samoel , Johnson Jaree , Garges Eric , Ojwang Elly , Eyase Fredrick
Published: April 2024

Ticks are arachnid ectoparasites that rank second only to mosquitoes in the transmission of human diseases including bacteria responsible for anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, spotted fevers, and Lyme disease among other febrile illnesses. Due to the paucity of data on bacteria transmitted by ticks in Kenya, this study undertook a bacterial metagenomic-based characterization of ticks collected from Isiolo, a semi-arid pastoralist County in Eastern Kenya, and Kwale, a coastal County with a monsoon climate in the southern Kenyan border with Tanzania. A total of 2,918 ticks belonging to 3 genera and 10 species were pooled and screened in this study. Tick identification was confirmed through the sequencing of the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI) gene. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicons obtained from the above samples were sequenced using the MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) platform. The resulting reads were demultiplexed in Porechop, followed by trimming and filtering in Trimmomatic before clustering using Qiime2-VSearch. A SILVA database pretrained naïve Bayes classifier was used to classify the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) taxonomically. The bacteria of clinical interest detected in pooled tick assays were as follows: Rickettsia spp. 59.43% of pools, Coxiella burnetii 37.88%, Proteus mirabilis 5.08%, Cutibacterium acnes 6.08%, and Corynebacterium ulcerans 2.43%. These bacteria are responsible for spotted fevers, query fever (Q-fever), urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, eye infections, and diphtheria-like infections in humans, respectively. P. mirabilis, C. acnes, and C. ulcerans were detected only in Isiolo. Additionally, COI sequences allowed for the identification of Rickettsia and Coxiella species to strain levels in some of the pools. Diversity analysis revealed that the tick genera had high levels of Alpha diversity but the differences between the microbiomes of the three tick genera studied were not significant. The detection of C. acnes, commonly associated with human skin flora suggests that the ticks may have contact with humans potentially exposing them to bacterial infections. The findings in this study highlight the need for further investigation into the viability of these bacteria and the competency of ticks to transmit them. Clinicians in these high-risk areas also need to be appraised for them to include Rickettsial diseases and Q-fever as part of their differential diagnosis.
Drug use and COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and infection among underserved, minority communities in Miami, Florida
Authors: Tamargo Javier A. , Martin Haley R. , Diaz-Martinez Janet , Delgado-Enciso Ivan , Johnson Angelique , Bastida Rodriguez Jose A. , Trepka Mary Jo , Brown David R. , Garba Nana A. , Roldan Eneida O. , Hernandez Suarez Yolangel , Marty Aileen M. , Bursac Zoran , Campa Adriana , Baum Marianna K.
Published: April 2024

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately impacted people who use drugs (PWUD). This study explored relationships between drug use, COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and infection. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Miami, Florida between March 2021 and October 2022 as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative and the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. Users of cannabis, cocaine/crack, heroin/fentanyl, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, and/or prescription drug misuse in the previous 12 months were considered PWUD. Sociodemographic data, COVID-19 testing history, and vaccination-related beliefs were self-reported. Vaccinations were confirmed with medical records and positivity was determined with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression. Of 1,780 participants, median age was 57 years, 50.7% were male, 50.2% Non-Hispanic Black, and 66.0% reported an annual income less than $15,000. Nearly 28.0% used drugs. PWUD were less likely than non-users to self-report ever testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (14.7% vs. 21.0%, p = 0.006). However, 2.6% of participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with no significant differences between PWUD and non-users (3.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.076). PWUD were more likely than non-users to experience difficulties accessing testing (10.2% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.033), vaccine hesitancy (58.9% vs. 43.4%, p = 0.002) and had lower odds of receiving any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine compared to non-users (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49–0.81; p<0.001). PWUD presented with greater difficulties accessing COVID-19 testing, greater vaccine hesitancy, and lower odds of vaccination. Testing and immunization plans that are tailored to the needs of PWUD and consider access, trust-building campaigns, and education may be needed.
Increase in blood pressure precedes distress behavior in nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Boockvar Kenneth S. , Huan Tianwen , Curyto Kimberly , Lee Sei , Intrator Orna
Published: April 2024

Background

Distress behaviors in dementia (DBD) likely increase sympathetic nervous system activity. The aim of this study was to examine the associations among DBD, blood pressure (BP), and intensity of antihypertensive treatment, in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia.

Methods

We identified long-stay Veterans Affairs NH residents with dementia in 2019–20 electronic health data. Each individual with a BP reading and a DBD incident according to a structured behavior note on a calendar day (DBD group) was compared with an individual with a BP reading but without a DBD incident on that same day (comparison group). In each group we calculated daily mean BP from 14 days before to 7 days after the DBD incident day. We then calculated the change in BP between the DBD incident day and, as baseline, the 7-day average of BP 1 week prior, and tested for differences between DBD and comparison groups in a generalized estimating equations multivariate model.

Results

The DBD and comparison groups consisted of 707 and 2328 individuals, respectively. The DBD group was older (74 vs. 72 y), was more likely to have severe cognitive impairment (13% vs. 8%), and had worse physical function scores (15 vs. 13 on 28-point scale). In the DBD group, mean systolic BP on the DBD incident day was 1.6 mmHg higher than baseline (p < .001), a change that was not observed in the comparison group. After adjusting for covariates, residents in the DBD group, but not the comparison group, had increased likelihood of having systolic BP > = 160 mmHg on DBD incident days (OR 1.02; 95%CI 1.00–1.03). Systolic BP in the DBD group began to rise 7 days before the DBD incident day and this rise persisted 1 week after. There were no significant changes in mean number of antihypertensive medications over this time period in either group.

Conclusions

NH residents with dementia have higher BP when they experience DBD, and BP rises 7 days before the DBD incident. Clinicians should be aware of these findings when deciding intensity of BP treatment.
The study on setting priorities of zoonotic agents for medical preparedness and allocation of research resources
Authors: Wang Kung-Ching , Chang Chia-Lin , Wei Sung-Hsi , Chang Chao-Chin
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to develop a scoring platform to be used as a reference for both medical preparedness and research resource allocation in the prioritization of zoonoses. Using a case-control design, a comprehensive analysis of 46 zoonoses was conducted to identify factors influencing disease prioritization. This analysis provides a basis for constructing models and calculating prioritization scores for different diseases. The case group (n = 23) includes diseases that require immediate notification to health authorities within 24 hours of diagnosis. The control group (n = 23) includes diseases that do not require such immediate notification. Two different models were developed for primary disease prioritization: one model incorporated the four most commonly used prioritization criteria identified through an extensive literature review. The second model used the results of multiple logistic regression analysis to identify significant factors (with p-value less than 0.1) associated with 24-hour reporting, allowing for objective determination of disease prioritization criteria. These different modeling approaches may result in different weights and positive or negative effects of relevant factors within each model. Our study results highlight the variability of zoonotic disease information across time and geographic regions. It provides an objective platform to rank zoonoses and highlights the critical need for regular updates in the prioritization process to ensure timely preparedness. This study successfully established an objective framework for assessing the importance of zoonotic diseases. From a government perspective, it advocates applying principles that consider disease characteristics and medical resource preparedness in prioritization. The results of this study also emphasize the need for dynamic prioritization to effectively improve preparedness to prevent and control disease.
HEBE project: Healthy aging versus inflamm-aging: The role of physical exercise in modulating the biomarkers of age-associated and environmentally determined chronic diseases, study protocol
Authors: Bianchi Francesca , Biganzoli Elia Mario , Bollati Valentina , Clerici Mario , Lucini Daniela , Mandò Chiara , Rota Federica ,   on behalf of the HEBE Consortium
Published: April 2024

Inflamm-aging refers to the chronic low-grade inflammation that occurs with aging and cellular senescence, and it is linked to various diseases. Understanding the markers involved in inflammation and aging, as well as their interaction with environmental factors and bodily control mechanisms, can provide crucial tools for assessing the resilience (i.e. the ability to adapt and improve) of the human body, particularly in the presence of chronic degenerative conditions or vulnerable life stages, that place the individual and the community to which he belongs in a state of potential fragility. HEBE focuses on physical exercise, along with nutritional and lifestyle recommendations, to reduce systemic inflammation and promote healthy aging. HEBE encompasses multiple research lines (LR). In the ongoing LR1 (“proof of concept”), healthy lifestyle recommendations were provided to University of Milan employees, and changes in quality of life and well-being were assessed using a specialized questionnaire. The first 100 eligible subjects, who expressed their willingness to participate, underwent a personalized physical exercise protocol based on clinical and objective assessments. Biomedical samples were collected at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1) to establish a shared biobank and identify non-invasive biomarkers that monitor the impact of physical exercise on individual characteristics such as cardiovascular and metabolic health. Subsequently (LR2-LR10), the proof of concept findings will be expanded to include various conditions of vulnerability such as obesity, cancer, endocrine disorders, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, functional syndromes, respiratory disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune conditions. The research lines will leverage the expertise of the 94 participating investigators to form a collaborative network that maximizes the potential for investigation and knowledge exchange. This approach fosters a culture of health promotion and disease prevention.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05815732.