bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-field evaluation of electrocuting eave tubes for the control of endophagic mosquitoes in south-east Tanzania
Authors: Shirima Ruth S. , Katusi Godfrey C. , Mmbando Arnold S. , Fanuel Gracious , Aslanis Dimitrios , Kadam Suhas , Lonji Clement Tshidibi , Sylvester Haruna A. , Lluberas Manuel , Okumu Fredros O. , Knols Bart G. J. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W.
Published: August 2024

Background

Eave spaces are major entry points through which malaria vectors enter houses. Interventions that target mosquitoes at the eaves have recently been developed. However, most of these interventions are based on insecticides for which resistance has been reported. Here we evaluated the efficacy of mosquito electrocuting eave tubes (MEETs) against Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (An. gambiae s.s.) and Anopheles funestus s.s. under semi-field conditions.

Methods

Experiments were conducted in two semi-field chambers, each containing one experimental hut. Six electrocuting eave tubes were installed in each hut to assess their impact on laboratory-reared An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus s.s.. Each species was assessed separately over 10 nights by releasing 200 unfed females per night into each chamber. One volunteer slept in each hut from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using mouth and Prokopack aspirators.

Results

The placement of MEETs significantly reduced the nightly An. gambiae s.s. indoor and outdoor biting, by 21.1% and 37.4%, respectively. Indoor-biting An. funestus s.s. were reduced by 87.5% while outdoor-biting numbers of An. funestus s.s. declined by 10.4%.

Conclusions

MEETs represent a promising tool for controlling mosquitoes at the point of house entry. Further validation of their potential under natural field conditions is necessary. Several advantages over insecticide-based eave tubes are indicated and discussed in this article.

Graphical Abstract
Bank intermediation efficiency and liquidity risk in Egypt: a two-stage non-parametric analyses
Authors: Pasha Rania
Published: August 2024

This is a pioneering study that undertakes a comparative analysis assessing the annual intermediation efficiency of public versus private banks in Egypt. Moreover, liquidity risk is a major threat facing banks in their efforts to sustain financial stability. Thus, this study is the first to model the determinants of liquidity risk in public and private banks in Egypt while examining the impact of banks’ intermediation efficiencies on their liquidity risk levels. The study employs advanced nonparametric econometric approaches on a sample of Egyptian public and private banks from 2014 to 2022. The data envelopment analysis is used in estimating banks’ intermediation efficiency scores, while the quantile regression analysis is applied to examine the impact of bank intermediation efficiency on liquidity risk under different liquidity risk quantiles. The findings indicate that public banks show consistent superiority in terms of their financial intermediation efficiency levels compared to private banks. Moreover, the paper findings demonstrate the negative significant relationship between bank intermediation efficiency and liquidity risk while highlighting the higher significant positive impact of intermediation efficiency on reducing the liquidity risk of banks that are characterized by undertaking high liquidity risk levels. Furthermore, contrary to general assumptions, this study’s findings demonstrate that the significance of micro- and macro-level determinants of a bank’s liquidity risk is dependent on its prevailing liquidity risk level. Hence, the positive impact of equity capital, asset concentration, size, and growth in gross domestic product and the negative effect of asset quality on bank liquidity risk vary under banks’ different liquidity risk quantiles.
Cognitive–behavioural therapy for complex post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Rajkumar Beena
Published: August 2024

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) was adopted as a new diagnosis in ICD-11. Trauma-focused cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in treating PTSD but with CPTSD being a recently defined diagnosis, the evidence for its effectiveness in that disorder is not as clear, but it is still promising. This article reviews the diagnosis, psychopathology and some key differential diagnoses, and looks at the two CBT approaches that are currently used in clinical practice: the phase-oriented approach and the unimodal approach. The key aims of this article are to clarify the concept of CPTSD, its differentiation from borderline personality disorder and prominent comorbidities, how it develops and how CBT is used to treat it.
Pilot Study of Plasma miRNA Signature Panel for Differentiating Single vs Multiglandular Parathyroid Disease
Authors: Goldfarb Melanie , Bustos Matias A , Moon Jamie , Jackson Katherine , Singer Frederick R , Hoon Dave S B
Published: August 2024

Context

The ability to differentiate sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (sPHPT) caused by a single parathyroid adenoma (PTA) from multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) preoperatively, as well as definitely diagnose sPHPT in difficult patients, would enhance surgical decision-making.

Objective

This work aimed to identify miRNA (miR) signatures for MGD, single- and double-PTA, as well as cell-free miRNA (cfmiR) in plasma samples from patients with single-PTAs to use as biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 47 patients with sPHPT (single-PTA n = 32, double-PTA n = 12, MGD n = 9). Preoperative plasma samples from 16 single-PTA and 29 normal healthy donors (NHDs). All specimens were processed and analyzed for 2083 miRs using HTG EdgeSeq miR whole-transcriptome assay and normalized using DESeq2 to identify differentially expressed (DE) miRs. MiR classifiers were identified using Random Forest. Main outcome measures were receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve.

Results

MiR signatures distinguished normal parathyroid from MGD and PTA as well as MGD from PTA in tissue samples. Common miRs were found in the single-PTA and double-PTAs. Data integration identified a 27-miR signature in single-PTA tissue samples compared to the rest of the tissue samples. In plasma samples analysis, significant cfmiRs were DE in single-PTA patients compared to NHD. Of those, only 9 miRNAs/cfmiRs were found DE both in tissue and plasma samples from patients diagnosed with a single PTA (AUC = 76%).

Conclusion

Twenty-seven miRs were consistently found DE in single-PTA tissue and plasma samples. Data integration showed a 9-cfmiR signature with potential clinical utility to preoperatively diagnose sPHPT caused by a single PTA, which could decrease more invasive parathyroid explorations.
Mechanistic divergences of endocytic clathrin-coated vesicle formation in mammals, yeasts and plants
Authors: Johnson Alexander
Published: August 2024

Clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs), generated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), are essential eukaryotic trafficking organelles that transport extracellular and plasma membrane-bound materials into the cell. In this Review, we explore mechanisms of CME in mammals, yeasts and plants, and highlight recent advances in the characterization of endocytosis in plants. Plants separated from mammals and yeast over 1.5 billion years ago, and plant cells have distinct biophysical parameters that can influence CME, such as extreme turgor pressure. Plants can therefore provide a wider perspective on fundamental processes in eukaryotic cells. We compare key mechanisms that drive CCV formation and explore what these mechanisms might reveal about the core principles of endocytosis across the tree of life. Fascinatingly, CME in plants appears to more closely resemble that in mammalian cells than that in yeasts, despite plants being evolutionarily further from mammals than yeast. Endocytic initiation appears to be highly conserved across these three systems, requiring similar protein domains and regulatory processes. Clathrin coat proteins and their honeycomb lattice structures are also highly conserved. However, major differences are found in membrane-bending mechanisms. Unlike in mammals or yeast, plant endocytosis occurs independently of actin, highlighting that mechanistic assumptions about CME across different systems should be made with caution.
Muscle Mitochondrial Capacity Is Impaired Immediately Following Maximal Exercise
Authors: DICKINSON CALLIE G. , MENDEZ KRISTIN M. , HOLYFIELD MAKAYLA D. , BATCHELOR NICHOLAS T. , MCCULLY KEVIN K.
Published: August 2024

Mitochondria are essential in supplying energy to skeletal muscle. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was developed to noninvasively assess mitochondrial capacity (mV̇O2max) as a rate constant of metabolic recovery after exercise.

Purpose

This study measured the time course mV̇O2max following both maximal and submaximal exercise.

Methods

Healthy male and female participants were tested (n = 12 maximal and n = 8 submaximal exercise). A NIRS device was placed on the left medial gastrocnemius. Participants performed either 1 min of maximal, rapid (~2 Hz), or submaximal (~0.37 Hz) plantar flexion exercise on a custom pneumatic ergometer. mV̇O2max was measured before and immediately after exercise. mV̇O2max measurements consisted of four incomplete recovery curves of muscle metabolism taken after 30 s of electrical muscle stimulation except in the first post-exercise to be consistent with the use of pre-exercise trial. The four recovery curves were collected 50-, 156-, 260-, and 366-s postexercise, each producing an mV̇O2max rate constant.

Results

After maximal exercise, muscle acceleration decreased to 52 ± 18% (P = 0.001) of prevalues. mV̇O2max was reduced from the pre-exercise mean at the first post-trial (2.16 ± 0.44 to 1.21 ± 0.52 min−1, P < 0.001). The fourth trial showed recovery from the first (2.2 ± 0.46 min−1 vs 1.21 ± 0.52 min−1, P < 0.001) and was not significantly different from pre-exercise values (2.2 ± 0.46 vs 2.16 ± 0.44 min−1, P = 0.41). No change in acceleration or mV̇O2max was seen after submaximal exercise (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The 56.7% reduction in mV̇O2max supports the hypothesis that in young, healthy individuals, a minute of maximal exercise transiently impairs mV̇O2max, which then recovers within 6 min. The NIRS method shows promise in tracking time course changes in mV̇O2max and warrants further investigation of the transient effects of exercise on mV̇O2max.
Assessment of Maximum Heart Rate Prediction Equations in Adults at Low and High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: BOULAY PIERRE , GHACHEM AHMED , POIRIER PAUL , SIGAL RONALD J. , KENNY GLEN P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Maximum heart rate (HRmax) is commonly used to estimate exercise intensity. Since direct measurement of HRmax is not always practical, prediction equations were developed. However, most equations have not been properly validated in adults at low and high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to: 1) assess the accuracy of commonly used equations to predict HRmax among adults at low and high CVD risk and, 2) determine if SuperLearner (SL) modeling combining base machine algorithms could improve HRmax prediction.

Methods

A total of 1208 participants (61.6 ± 7.3 yr; 62.7% male) were included. HRmax was measured during a maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test. Predicted HRmax was estimated using the following published equations: Fox, Åstrand, Tanaka, Gelish and Gulati, and a SL model. Bland-Altman analyses as well as performance indicators such as root mean squared error (RMSE) and Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient were performed.

Results

All predicted HRmax-derived equations were positively associated with measured HRmax (women: r = 0.31; men: r = 0.46, P ≤ 0.001) but to a greater extent using a SL model (women: r = 0.47; men: r = 0.59, P ≤ 0.001). Overall, all equations tended to overestimate measured HRmax, with a RMSE which varied between 10.4 and 12.3 bpm. Although the SL model outperformed other equations, with no significant difference between measured and predicted HRmax, RMSE remained high (11.3 bpm). Lack of accuracy was mainly observed among adults with low aerobic fitness and with CVD risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Conclusions

We showed that commonly used equations and the SL model have insufficient accuracy to predict HRmax among adults. The performance of the prediction equations varied considerably according to the population clinical characteristics such as the presence of CVD risk factors or a low aerobic fitness.
Consuming Whey Protein with Added Essential Amino Acids, Not Carbohydrate, Maintains Postexercise Anabolism While Underfed
Authors: GWIN JESS A. , CHURCH DAVID D. , ALLEN JILLIAN T. , WILSON MARQUES A. , CARRIGAN CHRISTOPHER T. , MURPHY NANCY E. , VARANOSKE ALYSSA N. , MARGOLIS LEE M. , WOLFE ROBERT R. , FERRANDO ARNY A. , PASIAKOS STEFAN M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Energy deficiency decreases muscle protein synthesis (MPS), possibly due to greater whole-body essential amino acid (EAA) requirements and reliance on energy stores. Whether energy deficit–induced anabolic resistance is overcome with non-nitrogenous supplemental energy or if increased energy as EAA is needed is unclear. We tested the effects of energy as EAA or carbohydrate, combined with an EAA-enriched whey protein, on postexercise MPS (%·h−1) and whole-body protein turnover (g protein·240 min−1).

Methods

Seventeen adults (mean ± SD; age: 26 ± 6 yr, body mass index: 25 ± 3 kg·m−2) completed a randomized, parallel study including two 5-d energy conditions (BAL; energy balance; daily energy requirements (DEF), −30% ± 3% energy requirements) separated by ≥7 d. Volunteers consumed EAA-enriched whey with added EAA (+EAA; 304 kcal, 56 g protein, 48 g EAA, 17 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat; n = 8) or added carbohydrate (+CHO; 311 kcal, 34 g protein, 24 g EAA, 40 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat; n = 9) following exercise. MPS and whole-body protein synthesis (PS), breakdown (PB), and net balance (NET; PS–PB) were estimated postexercise with isotope kinetics.

Results

MPS rates were greater in +EAA (0.083 ± 0.02) than +CHO (0.059 ± 0.01; P = 0.015) during daily energy requirements, but similar during BAL (P = 0.45) and across energy conditions within treatments (P = 0.056). PS rates were greater for +EAA (BAL, 117.9 ± 16.5; daily energy requirements, 110.3 ± 14.8) than +CHO (BAL, 81.6 ± 8.0; daily energy requirements, 83.8 ± 5.9 g protein·240 min−1; both P < 0.001) and greater during BAL than daily energy requirements in +EAA (P = 0.045). PB rates were less in +EAA (8.0 ± 16.5) than +CHO (37.8 ± 7.6 g protein·240 min−1; P < 0.001), and NET was greater in +EAA (106.1 ± 6.3) than +CHO (44.8 ± 8.5 g protein·240 min−1; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These data suggest that supplementing EAA-enriched whey protein with more energy as EAA, not carbohydrate, maintains postexercise MPS during energy deficit at rates comparable to those observed during energy balance.
Securitisation interactions between state and non-state actors in the Andes
Authors: Βαρδανίκα Ζωή
Published: August 2024

Η διατριβή αποσκοπεί να συμβάλει σε ένα επουσιώδες κενό στην βιβλιογραφία της Θεωρίας Ασφαλειοποίησης με το να θέσει το ζήτημα των μη κρατικών δρώντων ως ασφαλειοποιητικών δρώντων. Το ερευνητικό σχέδιο επαναπροσεγγίζει την Θεωρία Ασφαλειοποίησης ούτως ώστε να επιτρέψει την θεωρητικοποίηση τέτοιων δρώντων. Η ανάλυση διερευνά το πώς τα ζητήματα ασφαλείας γίνονται ζητήματα ασφαλείας μέσω της διεργασίας της ασφαλειοποίησης, χτίζοντας πάνω σε ένα πλαίσιο που φέρνει μαζί τις Σχολές Ασφαλείας της Κοπεγχάγης και του Παρισιού, το οποίο επιτρέπει ανάλυση τόσο των διαλεκτικών όσο και των παραστατικών διαστάσεων της ασφαλειοποίησης. Το κεντρικό επιχείρημα της διατριβής είναι ότι η σύλληψη της ασφάλειας ως έννοιας συνδεδεμένης με την επίσημη κρατική υπόσταση -στις Σπουδές Ασφάλειας γενικά, και στην Θεωρία Ασφαλειοποίησης συγκεκριμένα- περιορίζει την θεωρητική μας κατανόηση για τους μη κρατικούς δρώντες. Αυτό το ερευνητικό πλάνο αντίθετα προτείνει την επαναθεωρητικοποίηση της ασφάλειας ως έννοιας συνδεδεμένης με την κυριαρχία, και όχι την κρατικότητα -και το πράττει με αναφορά στην έννοια της κυριαρχίας όπως αναπτύχθηκε από τον Καρλ Σμιτ. Με την κατανόηση της κυριαρχίας ως το μονοπώλιο στην λήψη αποφάσεων στην εξαίρεση, συγκεκριμένοι μη κρατικοί δρώντες που ταυτοποιούνται ως κυρίαρχοι έχουν τη ικανότητα να είναι ασφαλειοποιητικοί δρώντες. Η διατριβή καταδεικνύει πώς αυτοί οι κυρίαρχοι μη κρατικοί δρώντες δρουν και αλληλοεπιδρούν ως ασφαλειοποιητικοί δρώντες, μέσω εμπειρικής ανάλυσης σε δύο ενδεικτικές περιπτώσεις ασφαλειοποιητικών διεργασιών στις Άνδεις, όπου και ταυτοποιούνται ενδεικτικοί μη κρατικοί δρώντες. Αυτές οι δύο ασφαλειοποιητικές διεργασίες είναι η ασφαλειοποίηση του συνοριακού χώρου Περού Εκουαδόρ, και η μακροασφαλειοποίηση των ναρκωτικών. Εκτός της εμπειρικής τους συνεισφοράς αναφορικά με τους μη κρατικούς δρώντες, αυτές οι δύο περιπτώσεις προσφέρουν δευτερεύουσα συνεισφορά για την Θεωρία Ασφαλειοποίησης. Η ασφαλειοποίηση του συνοριακού χώρου Περού Εκουαδόρ συνιστά μια πετυχημένη περίπτωση αποασφαλειοποίησης, παρόλο που υπήρξε πολύ διαρκής χρονικά. Η μακροασφαλειοποίηση των ναρκωτικών είναι ενδεικτική για το πώς έννοιες όπως τα «ναρκωτικά» μπορούν να έχουν διαφορετικά νοήματα σε διαφορετικά πλαίσια, και το πώς αυτές οι διαφορές ερμηνεύονται στο μάκρο επίπεδο από τους δρώντες που εμπλέκονται στις διαφορετικές ασφαλειοποιητικές διεργασίες. Εν κατακλείδι, η συνεισφορά της διατριβής είναι το ότι καταδεικνύει τους περιορισμούς της κρατικότητας ως έννοιας στην Ασφαλειοποίηση αναφορικά με τους μη κρατικούς δρώντες, αντιπροτείνοντας την έννοια της κυριαρχίας.
Code and Data Repository for PyMOSO: Software for Multi-Objective Simulation Optimization with R-PERLE and R-MinRLE
Authors: Cooper Kyle , Hunter Susan R.
Published: August 2024

PyMOSO is software for solving multi-objective simulation optimization (MOSO) problems and for creating, comparing, and testing MOSO algorithms. The initial release of PyMOSO contains solvers that implement four total algorithms, in alphabetical order: R-MinRLE, R-PE, R-PERLE, and R-SPLINE. The algorithms R-MinRLE, R-PE, R-PERLE were introduced in the following paper: Cooper, K., Hunter, S. R., and Nagaraj, K. 2020. Bi-objective simulation optimization on integer lattices using the epsilon-constraint method in a retrospective approximation framework. INFORMS Journal on Computing, https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2019.0918. The algorithm R-SPLINE was introduced in the following paper: Wang, H., Pasupathy, R., and Schmeiser, B. W. 2013. Integer-ordered simulation optimization using R-SPLINE: Retrospective Search with Piecewise-Linear Interpolation and Neighborhood Enumeration. ACM Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation, Vol. 23, No. 3, Article 17 (July 2013), 24 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2499913.2499916 We recommend reading these papers to understand the algorithms, what they return, and the algorithm parameter options that we describe in the user manual.
Code and Data Repository for Ranking Model Averaging: Ranking Based on Model Averaging
Authors: Feng Ziheng , He Baihua , Xie Tianfa , Zhang Xinyu
Published: August 2024

Ranking problems are commonly encountered in practical applications, including order priority ranking, wine quality ranking, and piston slap noise performance ranking. The responses of these ranking applications are often considered as continuous responses and there is uncertainty on which scoring function is used to model the responses. In this paper, we address the scoring function uncertainty of continuous response ranking problems by proposing a Ranking Model Averaging (RMA) method. With a set of candidate models varied by scoring functions, RMA assigns weights for each model determined by a K-fold cross-validation criterion based on pairwise loss.
Cardiac implantable electronic devices and patient care
Authors: Flatman Lewis
Published: August 2024

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, are an increasing popular treatment for arrhythmias. Patients with CIEDs are likely to appear in many clinical areas, with pacemakers being the most common type. As healthcare support workers are likely to find these patients in their care, it is vital that they understand the reasons why CIEDs are implanted and how to prepare/care for them. This article will cover the conduction system of the heart and introduce the most common types of CIED. The article also explores how the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner can support senior staff in preparation, post procedural and community care.
Activities of living, 8: controlling body temperature
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: August 2024

This article provides healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) with an understanding related to the critical activity of controlling body temperature in patients. Recognising the intricate interplay of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, environmental and politicoeconomic factors at play is imperative for the provision of holistic and patient-centred care. The article emphasises the physiological mechanisms involved in temperature regulation, as well as the significance of maintaining a stable body temperature for optimal patient wellbeing. It addresses the various methods of assessing body temperature, including oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic and skin measurements, with a focus on choosing the most appropriate method based on the patient's condition.
Cost-effectiveness of closed-incision negative pressure therapy in primary total joint arthroplasty: a break-even analysis
Authors: Luzzi Andrew J , Crockatt William K , Ferrer Xavier , Kunes Jennifer A , Shah Roshan P , Geller Jeffrey A , Cooper H John
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Surgical site complications (SSCs) are the leading cause of unplanned emergency department visits and readmissions following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has shown promise in reducing SSC occurrence. However, no study has evaluated the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT in primary TJA. The purpose of this study was to calculate the break-even absolute risk reduction (ARR) of SSCs, the break-even treatment cost of SSCs, and the break-even cost-of-use for ciNPT, based on existing literature to assess the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT in primary TJA.

Method:

Relevant values for ARR, infection treatment cost and intervention cost were obtained via literature review. A break-even analysis was conducted to investigate the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT use in primary TJA, as well as to derive the ARR, infection treatment cost (Ct) and intervention protocol cost (Cp) values at which ciNPT use becomes cost-effective.

Results:

The values derived from the literature review were as follows: Cp=$160.76 USD; Ct=$5348.78 USD; ARR=0.0375. The break-even ARR was calculated to be 3.0%, the break-even Cp was calculated to be $200.58 USD, and the break-even Ct was calculated to be $4286.93 USD. The ARR of ciNPT use was greater than the calculated break-even ARR.

Conclusion:

This analysis demonstrated that ciNPT use in primary TJA was cost-effective. By examining the difference between the calculated break-even Cp and the Cp reported in the literature, the cost saved per patient treated with ciNPT can be calculated to be $39.82 USD.
A implantação do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos numa instituição de ensino superior: potencialidades, fragilidades e desafios da gestão pública na Baixada Fluminense/RJ
Authors: Pinto Igor Samuel de Oliveira , Borges Marcio Silva , Santos Luana de Oliveira , Nascimento Anderson Leite do
Published: August 2024

Lançado em 2003 e regulamentado em 2012, o Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) foi considerado uma das principais ações estruturantes do Programa Fome Zero e representou uma inovadora política pública capaz de conciliar dois objetivos importantes: incentivar a agricultura familiar, promovendo a sua inclusão econômica e social, com o fomento à produção; e promover o acesso à alimentação em quantidade, qualidade e regularidade necessária às pessoas em situação de insegurança alimentar e nutricional. O artigo apresenta o PAA como política pública de promoção da agricultura familiar e, para tanto, objetiva-se abordar a implementação e a execução do programa no Campus Nova Iguaçu/RJ de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior (Ifes), por meio da modalidade compra institucional, em atendimento ao seu restaurante universitário, buscando apresentar as potencialidades, fragilidades e os desafios de sua implantação. A análise dos resultados da Matriz SWOT indicou que, embora o projeto não tenha atingido o percentual de 30% exigido por lei, o PAA-CI do Campus Nova Iguaçu mostrou um horizonte promissor.
O impacto das MPE sobre arrecadação e emprego dos municípios da Região Metropolitana do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Cordeiro Daniel Rodrigues , Montibeler Everlam Elias , Cruz Sérgio Siqueira da , Gomes Nicely Soares , Oliveira Beatriz da Costa
Published: August 2024

O objetivo foi estimar o impacto das Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPE), Optantes pelo Simples Nacional (OPSN), na arrecadação do Imposto Sobre Serviço (ISS) e no emprego dos municípios da Região Metropolitana do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (RMERJ). Utilizou-se o método de dados em painel para os dados de 2010 a 2019. Os resultados demonstraram um crescimento expressivo no número de OPSN nos municípios da RMERJ e uma correlação positiva entre o número de empresas OPSN e a arrecadação de ISS dos municípios da RMERJ, porém, notou-se uma correlação positiva baixa entre estas empresas e os empregos formais gerados por elas. Concluiu-se que o crescimento do número de empresas que optam pelo Simples Nacional, é diferente do crescimento de empregos gerados por estas empresas, demonstrando que o papel do Simples Nacional com a formalização dos pequenos negócios é maior do que o seu papel na geração de empregos.
Os desafios da gestão no artesanato e suas contribuições para o desenvolvimento local e regional
Authors: Santos Junio Soares dos , Santos Jaqueline Guimarães , Santos Mariana Teodoro , Meira Erondina de Farias
Published: August 2024

A gestão ordinária é um tema importante no campo da gestão e seu uso tem sido difundido nas ciências sociais aplicadas. Assim, esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar como a gestão ordinária se caracteriza no cotidiano dos artesãos vinculados a associação ARTESAL e suas contribuições para o desenvolvimento local e regional. No que se refere aos procedimentos metodológicos, foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, utilizando a entrevista semiestruturada e observação não participante, além do grupo focal, como as técnicas de coleta de dados. Os dados, por sua vez, foram analisados a partir da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os principais resultados da pesquisa apontam para a utilização de algumas práticas de gestão ordinária por artesãos e artesãs vinculadas a associação de artesanato estudada, tais como reciprocidade, solidariedade e valorização das trocas. Contudo, a partir de um olhar crítico para o fenômeno, observamos que a forma como a associação é conduzida exerce alguma força de padronização de alguns processos de gestão, condizentes aos modelos de produção capitalistas caracterizados pela padronização e massificação.
Chinese Financing and Domestic Politics in Sri Lanka—Parallel Evolution across Mid-20th vs 21st Century Episodes of Bilateral Interactions
Authors: Moramudali Umesh , Panduwawala Thilina
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This article studies the parallel evolution of Sri Lanka’s domestic politics and China’s foreign financing in Sri Lanka’s post-independence era through four lenses, namely, political opposition, political gains, economic structure, and institutions. We focus on the bilateral relationship prior to Sri Lanka’s economic liberalization and the aftermath of the middle-income transition and add three major findings to the literature. Firstly, Chinese economic engagements continue to have substantial political opposition in Sri Lanka. But the nature of such opposition evolved from ideology-based to sovereignty-based anti-China sentiments, which heavily correlate with elections. Economic relations with China have continued to evolve as political gains, which helped maintain government popularity in the short-to-medium term and exceeded the costs inflicted by political opposition. Secondly, the nature of the bilateral economic relationship has become more complex, moving from being purely government-to-government to involving multiple actors: Chinese policy banks, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the private sector. Thirdly, despite differences, Sri Lanka’s governments have utilized economic relations with China for short-term political gains and to avoid structural reforms, especially in the run-up to Sri Lanka’s sovereign default and unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. We conclude that China’s approach to ongoing debt restructuring will affect domestic politics around China’s engagements and affect how the bilateral economic relationship evolves.
Southeast Asian Civil Society Organizations and Digital Rights in the Age of China’s Digital Silk Road
Authors: Narins Thomas P.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This article analyzes the activities of Southeast Asian civil society organizations (CSOs) with regard to citizens’ online freedom of expression (digital rights) against the backdrop of China’s increasing digital investments in the region through its Digital Silk Road (DSR) concept. CSO behavior relating to citizens’ digital rights contributes to the on-the-ground, agency-driven perspective among countries that are targets of Chinese digital infrastructure investments. This perspective is underrepresented in the literature surrounding China’s contemporary global rise. Focusing specifically on Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines—three countries that rank as “high” recipients of Beijing’s media influence (one form of digital technology influence)—this article sheds light on two phenomena. First, the Southeast Asian CSO landscape currently focuses on pressing issues threatening freedom of expression in national and regional spaces, such as national government surveillance, misinformation campaigns, and internet shutdowns, more so than the “digital Chinese threat.” Second, although pushback against the threats to Southeast Asians’ digital rights often has connections to China’s digital technologies, the reality that digital repression techniques are organized and executed by Southeast Asian governmental regimes (and not by Chinese actors) generates contradictions that run counter to the democratic ideals espoused by these countries and align more closely with the Chinese states’ views relating to information organization and control.
A Thematic Analysis of Music Instructor Perceptions of Student Information Literacy
Authors: Schmidt Anna Grau , Beckendorf Andrea , Pratesi Angela L. , Wells Veronica A. , Bickley Tom
Published: August 2024

abstract: A research team of five music librarians interviewed twenty-six post-secondary music faculty and instructors to uncover their perceptions of students' information literacy skills, including perceived skill gaps and opportunities for collaboration with librarians. This qualitative study was conducted to inform the creation of the Music Companion to the Framework for Information Literacy but also revealed a number of broader trends and patterns music librarians can use to communicate effectively with music instructors about the scope and value of Framework-based music information literacy instruction. Using a thematic analysis approach, the researchers discuss three major themes that emerged from the interviews: disciplinary value placed on the dispositions of curiosity and intrinsic motivation, understanding of information literacy definitions and associations, and paradigm shifts in the field, all of which suggest avenues for outreach and collaboration with instructors. This paper explains the thematic findings of the study, highlighting music-specific information literacy knowledge and skills as well as attitudes and understandings in the field.
Electron beam welding residual height measurement by line laser illumination and telecentric imaging
Authors: Li Lulu , Huang Xiaojin , Li He , Liu Qian
Published: August 2024

Residual height significantly affects the fatigue life of electron beam welding (EBW) joints. Therefore, accurate measurement of the EBW residual height is necessary for grinding and removing it, to improve the fatigue resistance of the joint. However, there is no specific method for the EBW residual height measurement, and existing methods for other regular welds are often unsuitable due to their limitations. This paper proposes a novel EBW residual height measurement method, to the best of our knowledge, based on line laser illumination and telecentric imaging [line laser telecentric imaging (LLTI)]. Unlike regular line-structured light methods based on near-centered imaging, telecentric imaging has advantages on the simple imaging model, minimal aberration, and can avoid a complex calibration process and improve the detection accuracy. In this paper, residual height calculation algorithms for both flat and cylindrical bases of LLTI are discussed, and, for cylindrical base welds, an error analysis is conducted and a corresponding solution is proposed. A series of experiments is conducted, and the accuracy is under 0.02 mm, which proves the effectiveness of the LLTI method.
Diffraction of quasi-nondiffracting Bessel beam by an impedance disc in an anisotropic plasma
Authors: Basdemir Husnu Deniz
Published: August 2024

The diffraction of the so-called nondiffracting Bessel beam by an impedance disc immersed in an anisotropic medium is examined. The external uniform magnetic field, which makes the plasma anisotropic, is taken to be rotational as opposed to being parallel to the edge of the problem geometries in the literature. Thus, the appropriate dielectric matrix that models the anisotropic region under the rotational dc external magnetic field is derived for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Upon considering the geometric optics waves, the total scattered waves are obtained with the diffracted waves by using the definition of high-frequency asymptotic expressions associated with the scattered waves at the transition regions. The results are expressed in terms of the Fresnel functions so that the wave behaviors in the transition regions are uniform. The solutions are compared numerically with existing studies in the literature, including limit values.
Tailoring the spectral and directional emissivity of functionalized laser processed surfaces
Authors: Butler Andrew , Reicks Andrew , Alexander Dennis , Gogos George , Zuhlke Craig , Argyropoulos Christos
Published: August 2024

Development of methods to control the directional and spectral characteristics of thermal radiation from metallic surfaces is a critical factor enabling many important thermal management applications. In this paper, we study the thermal emission properties of functionalized aluminum surfaces produced through femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP). These types of surfaces have recently been found to exhibit near-unity broadband omnidirectional emissivity. However, their ultrabroadband absorption response includes visible and near-infrared (IR) radiation, in addition to the mid-IR range, which limits their use as daytime passive radiative cooling devices. Here, we present ways to solve this problem by demonstrating a new, to our knowledge, design that uses a dielectric Bragg visible light reflector to accurately control the thermal emission spectra of the FLSP surface with the goal of achieving high-performance daytime radiative cooling operation. In addition, we propose other designs based on dielectric multilayer structures to further tailor and control the spectra and thermal emission angles of the FLSP surfaces leading to narrowband and broadband directional thermal radiation. The presented photonic engineering approach combined with FLSP structures will be beneficial to various emerging applications, such as radiative cooling, thermal sensing, and thermophotovoltaics.
Combinatorial clustering with a coherent XY machine
Authors: Kim Kyungduk , Kumagai Masahito , Yamamoto Yoshihisa
Published: August 2024

We propose and numerically study the performance of an all-optical machine for tackling combinatorial clustering, one of the unsupervised machine learning problems. A problem instance is encoded into the phase of time-multiplexed optical pulses, which are coupled repulsively through optical delay lines. To maintain uniform pulse amplitudes, we utilize a nonlinear amplifier with gain saturation, enabling our optical architecture to emulate the classical XY-spin system. This solver, called the coherent XY machine, leads to the formation of clusters in an optical phase space and allows us to efficiently identify the solution with post-processing. Additionally, we implement momentum in our solver to provide a powerful mechanism for escaping local minima and searching for the global optimum. Benchmarking our approach with a most advanced Ising-spin-based solver reveals a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement in the time-to-solution of the algorithm. Furthermore, our approach exhibits scaling advantages for larger problems, which will facilitate time- and energy-efficient data clustering.
Resolution enhancement in terahertz imaging with multi-wavelength information
Authors: Li Ding , Wang Xinke , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2024

Thanks to the unique characteristics of terahertz waves, terahertz imaging has become one of the promising imaging technologies. However, due to the weak signal source and strong diffraction of terahertz waves, terahertz imaging has a significant amount of noise, which makes it is challenge to achieve satisfactory clarity in images. In this work, we propose an algorithm that uses multi-wavelength information to improve the resolution of terahertz imaging. The resolvability of the images has been improved by at least 1.4 times, and the noise has been effectively filtered out. This algorithm enhances the image resolution without requiring any hardware upgrades, benefiting the terahertz imaging system with multi-wavelength imaging capabilities.
Modeling and field demonstration of water-to-ice wireless optical communication system based on highly-sensitive detectors
Authors: Zhang Tianhao , Song Guangbin , Du Zihao , Wang Haipeng , Chen Qingrui , Liao Wendong , Wang Xiyin , Sun Shixiao , Zhang Zejun , Xu Jing
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the first water-to-ice (W2I) wireless optical communication (WOC) system model is proposed and verified by laboratory and field experiments. The Monte Carlo (MC) approach is used to simulate the optical characteristics of ice and water, resulting in the channel impulse response and received optical power (ROP) distribution. The simulation results demonstrate that the substantial absorption and scattering of the ice and ice-water interface significantly affect the cross-medium communication. A comparative study in the laboratory validated the channel characteristics obtained from the simulation. Following this, a W2I WOC system based on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) was established. Using the maximum ratio combining (MRC) technique, a net data rate of 400 Mbps was achieved in a 1-m laboratory tank, and a net data rate of 320 Mbps was achieved across a 1-m transmission distance in the reservoir. To reduce the computational complexity and realize practical system deployment, the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) approach is employed to compress the equalizer. The number of kernels in the Volterra equalizer is reduced by 36% in the laboratory experiment and 36.9% in the field experiment, respectively. The results of this study can serve as a reference for future deployment of W2I WOC systems.
Ultrabroadband coherent perfect absorption with composite graphene metasurfaces
Authors: Zou Wei , Guo Tianjing , Argyropoulos Christos
Published: August 2024

We investigate the design and performance of a new multilayer graphene metasurface for achieving ultrabroadband coherent perfect absorption (CPA) in the THz regime. The proposed structure comprises three graphene patterned metasurfaces separated by thin dielectric spacer layers. The top and bottom metasurfaces have crossed shape unit cells of varying sizes, while the middle graphene metasurface is square-shaped. This distinctive geometrical asymmetry and the presence of multiple layers within the structure facilitate the achievement of wideband asymmetric reflection under incoherent illumination. This interesting property serves as a crucial step towards achieving near-total absorption under coherent illumination across a broad frequency range. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the absorption efficiency surpasses 90% across an ultrabroadband frequency range from 2.8 to 5.7 THz, i.e., a bandwidth of 2.9 THz. The CPA effect can be selectively tuned by manipulating the phase difference between the two incident coherent beams. Moreover, the absorption response can be dynamically adjusted by altering the Fermi level of graphene. The study also examines the influence of geometric parameters on the absorption characteristics. The results of this research work offer valuable insights into the design of broadband graphene metasurfaces for coherent absorption applications, and they contribute to the advancement of sophisticated optical devices operating in the THz frequency range.
Cavity-enhanced light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy for trace-gas sensing
Authors: Zhang Dongqing , Zhang Hui , Fan Hongqiang , Hu Mengpeng , Wang Haoran , Zhou Junfeng , Lv Jinguang , Liang Jingqiu , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2024

We report a trace gas sensing technique of cavity-enhanced light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (CE-LITES) with a Fabry–Pérot (F-P) optical cavity and a high-quality-factor resonant quartz tuning fork (QTF). Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking method is used to lock the laser to the optical cavity. With only a short 9-cm optical cavity (finesse, ∼1283) and a tiny commercially available standard QTF (Q-factor, ∼38910), a CE-LITES sensor for acetylene detection was developed to demonstrate this technique, achieving a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 7.5 parts-per-billion (ppb) for a 216-s integration time and a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of as low as 1.91 × 10−10 cm−1·W·Hz−1/2. The developed technique bears promising potential for sensitive and accurate measurement that is needed for studying trace gas-phase analyte.
Effective method for photonic jet shaping in reflection mode: erratum
Authors: Yang Yu-Jing , Zhang De-Long , Xue Sai-Dong , Yuan Ning
Published: August 2024

An erratum to correct a mistake on the Funding in [Opt. Express 32(15), 26374 (2024).10.1364/OE.530252]. The corrections have no influence on the results and conclusions of the original paper.
Design of an on-chip integrated multi-channel comb filter based on the Bragg grating structure
Authors: Pu Hualin , Ye Jia , Gan Zongxin , Yan Lianshan , Zou Xihua , Pan Wei
Published: August 2024

We designed a multi-channel comb filter generation scheme with nearly consistent channel numbers and free spectral range (FSR) in standard 220-nm-thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. This scheme relies on the formation of optical microcavities using Bragg grating structures, which serve as reflectors. By precisely designing the optical path length of the microcavity, we can generate optical filters with a specific number of channels. Using this scheme, we developed and tested three devices to implement two-channel, three-channel, and four-channel comb filters, with FSRs of approximately 5.5 nm, 4 nm, and 3.3 nm, respectively. As an application, this three-channel filter can be used to implement a temperature sensor with a high temperature sensitivity of about 53 pm/K. The proposed multi-channel comb filter provides a novel, to the best of our knowledge, scheme to utilize Bragg gratings, offering a new perspective for future densely integrated silicon photonics.
End-fire optical phased array for passive beam steering on thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Wu Jiangwei , Liang Zhaokang , Wang Xueyi , Wei Zhiwei , Li Hao , Chen Yuping , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2024

Autonomous driving technology has put forward higher requirements for sensors, including light detection and ranging. An optical phased array (OPA) is a viable solution, and numerous efforts have been made in this area. For its outstanding optical properties such as linear electro-optic effect and low optical loss, lithium niobate exhibits great potential and unique advantages in solid-state light-emitting arrays. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate an end-fire optical phased array on a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) for passive beam steering. Furthermore, based on this work, we propose a three-line optical phased array to achieve a larger beam steering range. Our results provide a solution for the integrated optical phased array that shows potential in sensing and imaging with reduced size and power.
High-performance and ultra-wide bandwidth silicon TM polarizer with suppressed reflection utilizing a tailored contra-mode conversion Bragg grating
Authors: Wu Shengbao , Yu Qianli , Zhang Lei , Guo Zhenzhao , Xiao Jinbiao , Steve Yao X.
Published: August 2024

We present a compact TM polarizer with high polarization extinction ratio (PER), low loss, and suppressed reflection over an ultra-wide bandwidth on a 220 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The device utilizes a contra-mode conversion Bragg grating (CMC-BG) with strong polarization dependence embedded in a multimode waveguide. Through a sophisticated grating design incorporating tailored chirping and apodization profiles to match modal properties, we have achieved, by simulation, a compact device footprint of 34.72 × 1.22 µm2 and an ultra-wide bandwidth of 346 nm with PER > 40 dB and an insertion loss (IL) < 1 dB, a 5-fold increase over our previous design. Particularly notable is the polarizer’s ability to suppress reflection to <−15 dB across an extended bandwidth exceeding 450 nm. Experimental measurements confirm the excellent performance of the fabricated TM polarizer, with IL < 1.2 dB (0.5 dB) and PER > 30 dB over a bandwidth of 336 nm (268 nm).
Dual-comb-enhanced microwave clock synchronization over commercial fiber
Authors: Chen Ziyang , Yu Dongrui , Lu Ganbin , Zhang Yufei , Yu Song , Luo Bin , Guo Hong
Published: August 2024

The large-scale clock network is the key ingredient to obtain high
precision in many scenarios, from fundamental research to cutting-edge
applications. The advantage of the time synchronization among
microwave clocks is their cost, size, and accessibility. Here, we
demonstrate a femtosecond-level time synchronization of microwave
clocks through a commercial link of 205.86 km via dual-comb-enhanced
optical two-way time transfer, which achieves a 6.23-fs residual time
deviation between synchronized timescales at 1 s and an instability
below 6×10−18 at 10,000 s. Further, the
high-precision time synchronization of microwave clocks significantly
enhances the probe ability of subtle reciprocity changes of fiber to
the sub-picosecond level. This work provides a path toward secure
fiber time-frequency networks to support future microwave-clock-based
precise timing and sensing systems.