bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of childhood trauma and chronotype on suicide attempts in Chinese emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms
Authors: Yu Yi , Feng Yi , Xu Shicun , Wilson Amanda , Chen Chang , Ling Xi , Chen Runsen , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Studies have investigated how adults with severe depressive symptoms are more likely to attempt suicide, and these adults often have traumatic experiences and chaotic sleep/wake rhythms. Thus, this study using Latent class analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma class, chronotype, and suicide attempts among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms.

Methods

This study was conducted among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms covering 63 Universities in Jilin Province, China. A total of 1,225 emerging adults (mean age = 19.6 ± 1.78) constructed the final sample. In addition to measuring socio-demographic characteristics, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Single-Item Chronotyping, and a single item for suicide attempts were used to evaluate childhood trauma, chronotype, and suicide attempts, respectively. Latent class analysis was applied to identify the classes of childhood trauma within emerging adults who had severe depressive symptoms. Hierarchical logistic regression models were run to investigate the effects of socio-demographic characteristics, chronotype, and childhood trauma class on suicide attempts.

Results

Three latent classes were identified: the Low-risk for childhood trauma class, the Neglect class, and the High-risk for childhood abuse class. Those who suffered sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the same time were divided into the High-risk for childhood abuse class, and were significantly more likely to experience suicide attempts than those in the Neglect class (OR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.34–2.89, p < 0.001) and the Low-risk for childhood trauma class (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.50-3.46, p < 0.001). In terms of chronotype, the results showed that the chaotic type was a risk factor for suicide attempts when compared with the evening type (OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.27–0.78, p < 0.01), the moderately active type (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.31–0.89, p < 0.05), and the daytime type (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.21–0.86, p < 0.05). Overall, the significant risk factors for suicide attempts included being female, living in an urban area, having experienced sexual, emotional, and physical abuse simultaneously, and having a chaotic chronotype.

Conclusion

Emerging adults suffering sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the same time and identifying with chaotic chronotype showed a higher risk of attempting suicide. The findings provided a clinical reference to quickly identify those at high risk of suicide attempts among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms.
Bi-directional regulation of AIMP2 and its splice variant on PARP-1-dependent neuronal cell death; Therapeutic implication for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee Min Hak , Um Ki-Hwan , Lee Seok Won , Sun Ye Ji , Gu Da-Hye , Jo Young Ok , Kim Sung Hyun , Seol Wongi , Hwang Hyorin , Baek Kyunghwa , Choi Jin Woo
Published: January 2024

Background

Parthanatos represents a critical molecular aspect of Parkinson's disease, wherein AIMP2 aberrantly activates PARP-1 through direct physical interaction. Although AIMP2 ought to be a therapeutic target for the disease, regrettably, it is deemed undruggable due to its non-enzymatic nature and predominant localization within the tRNA synthetase multi-complex. Instead, AIMP2 possesses an antagonistic splice variant, designated DX2, which counteracts AIMP2-induced apoptosis in the p53 or inflammatory pathway. Consequently, we examined whether DX2 competes with AIMP2 for PARP-1 activation and is therapeutically effective in Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

The binding affinity of AIMP2 and DX2 to PARP-1 was contrasted through immunoprecipitation. The efficacy of DX2 in neuronal cell death was assessed under 6-OHDA and H2O2 in vitro conditions. Additionally, endosomal and exosomal activity of synaptic vesicles was gauged in AIMP2 or DX2 overexpressed hippocampal primary neurons utilizing optical live imaging with VAMP-vGlut1 probes. To ascertain the role of DX2 in vivo, rotenone-induced behavioral alterations were compared between wild-type and DX2 transgenic animals. A DX2-encoding self-complementary adeno-associated virus (scAAV) was intracranially injected into 6-OHDA induced in vivo animal models, and their mobility was examined. Subsequently, the isolated brain tissues were analyzed.

Results

DX2 translocates into the nucleus upon ROS stress more rapidly than AIMP2. The binding affinity of DX2 to PARP-1 appeared to be more robust compared to that of AIMP2, resulting in the inhibition of PARP-1 induced neuronal cell death. DX2 transgenic animals exhibited neuroprotective behavior in rotenone-induced neuronal damage conditions. Following a single intracranial injection of AAV-DX2, both behavior and mobility were consistently ameliorated in neurodegenerative animal models induced by 6-OHDA.

Conclusion

AIMP2 and DX2 are proposed to engage in bidirectional regulation of parthanatos. They physically interact with PARP-1. Notably, DX2's cell survival properties manifest exclusively in the context of abnormal AIMP2 accumulation, devoid of any tumorigenic effects. This suggests that DX2 could represent a distinctive therapeutic target for addressing Parkinson's disease in patients.
Evaluating an enhanced thermal response test (ETRT) with high groundwater flow
Authors: Albers Anna , Steger Hagen , Zorn Roman , Blum Philipp
Published: January 2024

Enhanced thermal response tests (ETRT) enable the evaluation of depth-specific effective thermal conductivities. Groundwater flow can significantly influence the interpretation of ETRT results. Hence, this study aims to critically evaluate an ETRT with high groundwater flow (> 0.2 m d−1). Different approaches in determining the specific heat load of an ETRT are compared. The results show that assuming constant electrical resistance of the heating cable with time can account for an inaccuracy of 12% in the determination of effective thermal conductivities. Adjusting the specific heat loads along the borehole heat exchanger (BHE) depth, the specific heat loads vary within 3%. Applying the infinite line source model (ILS) and Péclet number analysis, a depth–average hydraulic conductivity is estimated to be 3.1 × 10–3 m s−1, thereby, confirming the results of a pumping test of a previous study. For high Darcy velocities (> 0.6 m d−1), the uncertainty is higher due to experimental limitations in ensuring a sufficient temperature increase for the evaluation (ΔT > 0.6 K). In these depths, the convergence criterion of Δλeff/λeff < 0.05/20 h for the ILS sequential forward evaluation cannot be achieved. Thus, it can be concluded that time-averaging of the heat load by monitoring voltage and current during ETRT is essential. Therefore, the specific heat load adjustment along the heating cable is recommended. To improve the estimation of depth-specific effective conductivities with high groundwater flow and to reduce the sensitivity towards temperature fluctuations (ΔT ~ 0.1 K), measures for applying higher specific heat loads during the ETRT are essential, such as actions against overheating of the cable outside the BHE.
Harnessing the potential of pigeonpea and maize feedstock biochar for carbon sequestration, energy generation, and environmental sustainability
Authors: Kumar Nallagatla Vinod , Sawargaonkar Gajanan , Rani C. Sudha , Pasumarthi Rajesh , Kale Santhosh , Prakash T. Ram , Triveni S. , Singh Ajay , Davala Moses Shyam , Khopade Rohan , Karthik Rayapati , Venkatesh Bathula , Chandra Mandapelli Sharath
Published: January 2024

Crop residues in agriculture pose disposal challenges and contribute to air pollution when burned. This study aims to use pigeonpea and maize stalks to produce biochar at different pyrolysis temperatures. Biochar can serve in carbon sequestration, as a soil amendment, and as an alternative fuel source. Pyrolysis was conducted at 400, 500, and 600 °C to examine the effects on physicochemical properties, fuel, and energy related properties. Increase in temperatures resulted in decrease of biochar yield, volatile matter, and O/C and H/C atomic ratios, while ash content and essential nutrients increased. Yield was observed to be higher in pigeonpea stalks derived biochar compared to maize stalks derived biochar at same pyrolysis temperatures. The yields of pigeonpea stalks derived biochar at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C are 34, 33 and 29%, respectively, and the yields of maize biomass-derived biochar at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C are 29, 28, and 26%, respectively. The organic carbon content is found to be higher in the biochar samples prepared at 600 °C, i.e., 10.44%, and 10.39% for pigeonpea and maize-derived biochar, respectively. The essential elements of biochar were increased with an increase in pyrolysis temperature except nitrogen which is conversely related to temperature. The biochar obtained through pyrolysis at 400 °C demonstrated superior characteristics compared to biochar produced at other temperatures. It exhibited a higher biochar yield, with approximately 84.60% for pigeonpea and 64.85% for maize fixed carbon content. Additionally, the energy retention efficiency was higher, reaching 67.33% for pigeonpea and 42.70% for maize-derived biochar at a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C. The fixed carbon recovery efficiency was also notable at around 200.44% for PPS and 142.37% for maize biochar which is higher compared to biochar produced at other temperatures. Furthermore, the higher heating value (HHV) was approximately 30.75 MJ kg−1 for both the biochars, indicating their suitability as alternative solid fuels. A significant CO2 reduction potential of 84 CO2 eq kg−1 and 55 CO2 eq kg−1 was observed for pigeonpea and maize biochar, respectively. Hence, biochar is a promising and effective option for carbon sequestration, offering environmental benefits.

Graphical Abstract
Keratoconus cone location influences ocular biomechanical parameters measured by the Ocular Response Analyzer
Authors: Yuhas Phillip T. , Fortman Maddison M. , Mahmoud Ashraf M. , Roberts Cynthia J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Keratoconus is characterized by asymmetry in the biomechanical properties of the cornea, with focal weakness in the area of cone formation. We tested the hypothesis that centrally-measured biomechanical parameters differ between corneas with peripheral cones and corneas with central cones.

Methods

Fifty participants with keratoconus were prospectively recruited. The mean ± standard deviation age was 38 ± 13 years. Axial and tangential corneal topography were analyzed in both eyes, if eligible. Cones in the central 3 mm of the cornea were considered central, and cones outside the central 3 mm were considered peripheral. Each eye was then measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) tonometer. T-tests compared differences in ORA-generated waveform parameters between cohorts.

Results

Seventy-eight eyes were analyzed. According to the axial topography maps, 37 eyes had central cones and 41 eyes had peripheral cones. According to the tangential topography maps, 53 eyes had central cones, and 25 eyes had peripheral cones. For the axial-topography algorithm, wave score (WS) was significantly higher in peripheral cones than central cones (inter-cohort difference = 1.27 ± 1.87). Peripheral cones had a significantly higher area of first peak, p1area (1047 ± 1346), area of second peak, p2area (1130 ± 1478), height of first peak, h1 (102 ± 147), and height of second peak, h2 (102 ± 127), than central cones. Corneal hysteresis (CH), width of the first peak, w1, and width of the second peak, w2, did not significantly differ between cohorts. There were similar results for the tangential-topography algorithm, with a significant difference between the cohorts for p1area (855 ± 1389), p2area (860 ± 1531), h1 (81.7 ± 151), and h2 (92.1 ± 131).

Conclusions

Cone location affects the biomechanical response parameters measured under central loading of the cornea. The ORA delivers its air puff to the central cornea, so the fact that h1 and h2 and that p1area and p2area were smaller in the central cone cohort than in the peripheral cone cohort suggests that corneas with central cones are softer or more compliant centrally than corneas with peripheral cones, which is consistent with the location of the pathology. This result is evidence that corneal weakening in keratoconus is focal in nature and is consistent with localized disruption of lamellar orientation.
Genome sequencing and molecular networking analysis of the wild fungus Anthostomella pinea reveal its ability to produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites
Authors: Iacovelli R. , He T. , Allen J. L. , Hackl T. , Haslinger K.
Published: January 2024

Background

Filamentous fungi are prolific producers of bioactive molecules and enzymes with important applications in industry. Yet, the vast majority of fungal species remain undiscovered or uncharacterized. Here we focus our attention to a wild fungal isolate that we identified as Anthostomella pinea. The fungus belongs to a complex polyphyletic genus in the family of Xylariaceae, which is known to comprise endophytic and pathogenic fungi that produce a plethora of interesting secondary metabolites. Despite that, Anthostomella is largely understudied and only two species have been fully sequenced and characterized at a genomic level.

Results

In this work, we used long-read sequencing to obtain the complete 53.7 Mb genome sequence including the full mitochondrial DNA. We performed extensive structural and functional annotation of coding sequences, including genes encoding enzymes with potential applications in biotechnology. Among others, we found that the genome of A. pinea encodes 91 biosynthetic gene clusters, more than 600 CAZymes, and 164 P450s. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics and molecular networking analysis of the cultivation extracts revealed a rich secondary metabolism, and in particular an abundance of sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpene lactones. We also identified the polyketide antibiotic xanthoepocin, to which we attribute the anti–Gram-positive effect of the extracts that we observed in antibacterial plate assays.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results provide a first glimpse into the potential of Anthstomella pinea to provide new bioactive molecules and biocatalysts and will facilitate future research into these valuable metabolites.
Recommendations for successful involvement of patient partners in complex intervention research: a collaborative learning process
Authors: Skovlund Pernille Christiansen , Finderup Jeanette , Aabo Sanne , Jensen Flemming , Søndergaard Henning , Rodkjær Lotte Ørneborg
Published: January 2024

Background

Patient and public involvement in health-related research is a new discipline in Denmark. In 2021, a national conference titled 'Patient and Public Involvement in Complex Intervention Research' provided a forum for discussion between patient partners, researchers and clinicians on involving patients as partners in complex intervention research.

Methods

We aimed to describe specific challenges to and initiatives for patient partner involvement in order to develop recommendations for creating successful partnerships in complex intervention research. Through a collaborative learning process, 140 researchers identified the most important challenges for them in patient partner involvement and potential initiatives to improve such involvement. At a subsequent workshop, four patient partners identified the challenges and initiatives from their perspective as patient partners. They also gave feedback on the challenges and initiatives suggested by the researchers and helped shape three recommendations for practice. Three of the patient partners were involved in writing this paper.

Results

The five most important challenges identified by researchers were time, recruitment, ethics, power and inequality. Between four and seven initiatives to overcome these challenges were suggested. The three most important challenges identified by patient partners were communication, when you get information that is hard to handle and recruitment. They suggested three to four initiatives for improvement. Patient partners confirmed the importance of all the researcher identified challenges when presented with them, they also provided additional comments on the researchers’ initiatives. This led to the formation of recommendations for involving patient partners.

Conclusions

A collaborative learning process was shown to be a suitable method for patient partner involvement. Consistency was seen between the challenges and initiatives identified by researchers and patient partners. Based on these observations, three recommendations were developed: (1) create specific programmes that aim to involve all kind of patients (including but limited to vulnerable patients) as patient partners, (2) produce ethical guidelines for the involvement of patient partners, and (3) develop a national strategy for patient partner involvement. To build on these recommendations, a joint workshop with both researchers and patient partners is needed.
Pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus is the major factor determining the variations of adjacent vital structures
Authors: Şimşek Sadullah , İşlek Akif
Published: January 2024

Background

Sphenoid sinus (SS) is an important landmark for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESC) and endoscopic skull base surgery. This study examines the relation of the extent of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus with adjacent vital structures such as the internal carotid artery, optic canal, and Vidian nerve by using paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNSCT).

Methods

The study was designed retrospectively. PNSCT images in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes on both sides (right, R; left, L) were examined for sphenoid sinus, Vidian canal (VC), optic canal (OC), and carotid canal (CC) bilaterally.

Results

The carotid canal did not show identification on the SS wall in females compared to males bilaterally (right, p= 0.002 and left, p= 0.002). The mean age was significantly higher in patients with a presellar type of sphenoid sinus (p=0.003). The mean age was significantly lower on the right side with a VC completely within the sphenoid sinus (p=0.005). The mean age of patients with an optic canal protrudation to the SS wall was significantly higher than patients with an optic canal indentation to the SS wall (p= 0.007). On the left side, cases with an optic canal protruding to the SS wall were older than cases with an optic canal indentation to the SS wall (p= 0.008). SS variations on the sagittal plane were significantly correlated with RVC, RCC, LVC, and LCC variations. Also, SS variations on the coronal plane were significantly related to types of LVC and RVC.

Conclusions

Pneumatization of SS significantly affects the development of surrounding vital structures, especially with increasing age.
Sociodemographic factors, parental mental health and movement behaviours in the early years: the SUNRISE Finland study protocol
Authors: Engberg Elina , Ojala Amanda , Paasio Hanna , Lahti Jari , Koski Pasi , Vehviläinen-Julkunen Katri , Korpelainen Raija , Puhakka Soile , Okely Anthony , Roos Eva
Published: January 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the prevention of obesity in young children as one of its key priorities for the 21st century, and 24-hour movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) play a key role in this priority. The SUNRISE Finland Study is part of the international SUNRISE Study, which examines the movement behaviours of young children in 64 low-, middle- and high-income countries. The SUNRISE Finland Study will investigate what proportion of 3- to 4-year-old children living in Finland meet the WHO global guidelines on 24-hour movement behaviours, and how that proportion and children’s motor and cognitive skills compare with children from other countries involved in the SUNRISE Study. We also aim to identify potential correlates of children’s movement behaviours, focusing on socioeconomic factors, residential environmental features, and parents’ mental health. In addition, this study will examine the associations between children’s movement behaviours, motor and cognitive skills, adiposity, and psychosocial wellbeing. Finally, we aim to establish a cohort of families who participate in the study and conduct follow-ups in the future.

Methods

We will recruit 1,000 children aged 3.0 to 4.9 years and their caregivers through early childhood education and care centres in Finland (50% in urban and 50% in rural areas). We will assess children’s 24-h movement behaviours using two accelerometers and a parental report. Children will perform validated tests to measure gross and fine motor skills and executive functions, and their height, weight and waist circumference will be measured. Caregivers will complete questionnaires regarding sociodemographic factors, nature visits, their own movement behaviours, symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, nomophobia, social media self-control failure, and happiness, and child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Geographic Information System (GIS) will be used to examine residential environmental features.

Discussion

In addition to facilitating international comparisons on movement behaviours and motor and cognitive skills, the SUNRISE Finland Study will provide novel evidence on factors associated with movement behaviours in young children. The results of this study will help in planning actions to promote healthy levels of movement behaviours at an early age and equal opportunities for healthy development.

Clinical Trial Number

This is not a trial study.
A dataset of forest biological disasters in China from 1998 to 2019
Authors:   Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, P.R. China, PANG Yan
Published: December 2023

Forest biological disasters occur frequently in China. It is of great scientific significance to sort out and make relevant disaster datasets for the monitoring layout of forest biohazard system monitoring, risk assessment as well as prevention and control policy making. Based on the open data of China Forestry Statistical Year Book and China Forestry and Grassland Statistical Year Book from 1998 to 2019, we produced a dataset of two series of indexes, namely Forest Pest Outbreak Index (FPOI) and Forest Pest Occurrence Area Rate (FPOAR) at different time and spatial scales. The test result shows that the two indexes and their anomaly datasets can better reflect the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of forest biological disaster. This dataset can offer essential data support for analyzing the patterns and trends of forest biological disasters, studying influencing factors, and making precise decisions regarding prevention and control.
A dataset of carbon and water fluxes observations in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Jinfo Mountain from 2020 to 2021
Authors:   Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Geographical Sciences , Southwest University, Chongqing  400715, P. R. China, TANG Xuguang
Published: December 2023

Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station was officially included in the construction list of the selected national field stations in December, 2020 by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology. In its main observation field, based on the eddy covariance technique, long-term and continuous measurements of carbon and water fluxes in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem has been carried out since three years ago. Using the flux data processing system of ChinaFLUX, we conducted the strict work of data quality control and evaluation and obtained the standard dataset of carbon and water fluxes and the key meteorological data in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem at the Jinfo Station from 2020 to 2021. The dataset was comprised of net ecosystem carbon exchange, gross primary productivity, ecosystem respiration, latent heat, sensible heat, as well as air temperature/humidity, wind speed/direction, soil temperature/humidity, precipitation, downwelling shortwave radiation, net radiation and photosynthetically active radiation. This dataset can provide significant data support for analyzing the carbon source/sink of typical forest ecosystems, exploring the coupling relation between carbon and water cycles, as well as their response mechanisms to global climate change.
An Ethic of Military Uses of Artificial Intelligence: Sustaining Virtue, Granting Autonomy, and Calibrating Risk
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence in military operations comes in two kinds. First, there is narrow or specific intelligence – the autonomous ability to identify an instance of a species of target, and to track its changes of position. Second, there is broad or general intelligence – the autonomous ability to choose a species of target, identify instances, track their movements, decide when to strike them, learn from errors, and improve initial choices. These two kinds of artificial intelligence raise ethical questions mainly because of two features: the physical distance they put between the human agents deploying them and their targets, and their ability to act independently of those agents. The main ethical questions these features raise are three. First, how to maintain the traditional martial virtues of fortitude and chivalry while operating lethal weapons at a safe distance? Second, how much autonomy to grant a machine? And third, what risks to take with the possibility of technical error? This paper considers each of these questions in turn.
In Quest of Peace and its Subject
Authors: Mosinyan Davit
Published: January 2024

The dynamics of warfare have undergone significant transformations, necessitating a comprehensive reevaluation of the study of wars. It is no longer sufficient to solely focus on analyzing military operations; instead, a broader perspective is required. Postcolonial research has shed light on the changing forms of warfare that emerged after the era of military colonialism. This shift in the nature of conflicts demands the development and application of new research methods to effectively comprehend and address contemporary warfare. Of particular significance is the emergence of informational and hybrid warfare, which blurs the traditional boundaries between states of war and peace. Consequently, the concept of peace, as the desired state of coexistence, warrants closer examination from multidimensional angles. While peace has historically been considered from moral and religious viewpoints, it is imperative to critically evaluate the applicability of these perspectives and explore alternative approaches. This article seeks to unravel the complex nature of peace by integrating insights from diverse disciplines. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing moral, religious, and other disciplinary lenses, a more comprehensive understanding of peace can be achieved. Moreover, this interdisciplinary exploration enables a nuanced analysis of the intricate dynamics between war and peace, facilitating the development of effective strategies for conflict resolution. By critically examining the concept of peace and reevaluating the nature of war from this perspective, this article aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on conflicts and their potential resolutions. By combining theoretical reflections with empirical evidence, it offers a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in comprehending the complexities of contemporary conflicts and working towards the attainment and sustenance of lasting peace.
Existential Threat as a Casus Belli
Authors: Kucherenko Sergey
Published: January 2024

Existential threat is often mentioned in political rhetoric. While it is mostly used to denote threats to humanity as a whole, like climate change or AI, it is also used on a smaller scale. Existential threat to a state or a similar entity is often evoked too. Such a threat is considered grave enough to justify war and – possibly – the use of nuclear weapons. In the present article, the author aims to deconstruct the notion of “existential threat” in relation to the state and show that it should not be used as a reason to go to war. The main argument is that the state has a specific mode of existence which makes it impossible to speak of state death unambiguously. Therefore, there can be no apparent threats to its existence. The author proposes a normative interpretation of the state. The state is understood as a project of a certain group, or even an individual, therefore the discussion of “existential threat” to a state should be dropped in favor of a more grounded evaluation of potential gains and losses by different social groups and political parties.
Militarization of Everyday Life: Girls in Armed Conflicts
Authors: Rupčić Kelam Darija
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the issue of the changed nature of warfare in the last few decades of the 20th and 21st centuries, with a special emphasis on ethical aspects and the problem of using an increasing number of child soldiers. The main thesis of the paper is that the practice of using and recruiting children in armed conflicts around the world is the least recognized and most neglected form of child abuse in modern society, and that it is less a matter of culture and the lack of society’s attitude towards the values of the child, and more a matter of pragmatism and generally socioeconomic phenomenon. Several key events on the world scene played a crucial role in recognizing the problem of the existence and recruitment of children in armed conflicts around the world. But what is significant is that even in these cases it is nowhere clear and visible where the girls are in armed conflicts, what is happening to them and what are their rights? By revealing the militarization of girls’ everyday lives in armed conflicts and their role, girls must first and foremost become visible. The expected contribution of the paper will therefore move in the direction of highlighting and recognizing the ethical aspects of conflict-related sexual violence, of grave violations against children and ethical aspects of most severe forms of child abuse and the consequences of abuse, such as poor health outcomes and the destruction of their lives, and highlight the possible solutions to the mentioned problem within theoretical but also practical framework.
Nonlinear waves and solitons in media with nonlocal nonlinearity
Authors: Κουτσοκώστας Γεώργιος
Published: January 2024

Το αντικείμενο αυτής της διατριβής είναι η μελέτη της ύπαρξης, της δυναμικής, των αλληλεπιδράσεων και της ευστάθειας σολιτονίων σε μέσα που εμφανίζουν χωρική μη τοπική μη γραμμικότητα. Τέτοια μέσα περιλαμβάνουν θερμικά οπτικά μέσα, υγρά διαλύματα, πλάσμα, καθώς και νηματικούς υγρούς κρυστάλλους, διπολικά συμπυκνώματα Bose-Einstein και άλλα. Αναπτύσσουμε αναλυτικές μεθόδους, βασισμένες σε θεωρίες διαταραχών πολλαπλών κλιμάκων, για να μελετήσουμε αναλυτικά τόσο συστήματα σε 1D όσο και σε 2D, καθώς και σε συστήματα με ένα ή δύο αλληλεπιδρώντα πεδία. Προβλέπουμε νέους τύπους σολιτονίων που μπορούν να υποστηριχθούν σε μη τοπικά μέσα, όπως “αντισκοτεινά” σολιτόνια (δηλ. φωτεινά σολιτόνα πάνω σε υπόβαθρο συνεχούς κύματος), κυλινδρικά σολιτόνια, καθώς και σκοτεινά-φωτεινά, και αντισκοτεινά-φωτεινά σολιτόνια σε συστήματα με δύο αλληλεπιδρώντα πεδία. Μελετάμε επίσης αριθμητικά τη δυναμική, τις αλληλεπιδράσεις και την ευστάθεια αυτών των σολιτονίων, με τα αριθμητικά αποτελέσματα να είναι σε πολύ καλή συμφωνία με τις αναλυτικές προβλέψεις. Επιπλέον, μελετάμε την ευστάθεια των μονοδιάστατων σολιτονίων όταν εμβαπτίζονται στον δισδιάστατο χώρο, ταυτοποιούμε τύπους αστάθειας (“snaking” ή “knecking”, για σκοτεινά ή φωτεινά σολιτόνια), και αναπτύσσουμε μια αναλυτική μέθοδο για την παραγωγή του ρυθμού εκδήλωσης της αστάθειας και την παραμόρφωση των σολιτονίων, μέχρι το χρόνο διάλυσής τους.
Transformative Education and Experience-Based Learning for Refugee Empowerment and Peaceful Coexistence in European Society: Role-Playing and Drama Simulation Approaches
Authors: Kanatelia Eleftheria
Published: January 2024

This essay underscores the significance of transformative education and experience-based learning methods. In "The Path" workshop, refugees and European citizens actively engage, sharing transformative experiences through role-playing and drama simulation. These methods serve as a powerful catalyst for social change by fostering empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and harmonious coexistence. By immersing participants in these learning experiences, the transformative potential of this educational approach becomes evident, contributing to a more informed, inclusive, and empathetic European society.
Η ψυχοκοινωνική αποκατάσταση ατόμων με χρόνιες ψυχικές διαταραχές και ο ρόλος της Κοινωνικής Εργασίας
Authors: Δήμου Σοφία , Καριοφύλλη Χαρά , Παπαδημητροπούλου Παναγούλα , Βασιλόπουλος Στέφανος
Published: January 2024

Εισαγωγή: Η ψυχοκοινωνική αποκατάσταση είναι μία διαδικασία που προσφέρει ευκαιρίες σε χρόνια ψυχικά ασθενείς ώστε να αποτελέσουν ανεξάρτητες οντότητες μέσα στην κοινότητα με ουσιώδη τον ρόλο του κοινωνικού λειτουργού στην αποκατάστασή τους.

Σκοπός: Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η διερεύνηση των τρόπων που συμβάλλει η κοινωνική εργασία στην ψυχοκοινωνική αποκατάσταση ατόμων με χρόνιες ψυχικές διαταραχές.

Υλικό και Μέθοδος: Πραγματοποιήθηκε βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση στις ηλεκτρονικές βάσεις δεδομένων Pub Med, Google Scholar, SCOPUS και Science Direct (επιλεγμένα άρθρα δημοσιευμένα κατά κύριο λόγο την τελευταία πενταετία στην αγγλική γλώσσα).

Αποτελέσματα: Η κοινωνική εργασία κυρίως στοχεύει στη βελτίωση της λειτουργικότητας των ψυχικά ασθενών με την ενίσχυση των δεξιοτήτων και ανεύρεση υποστηρικτικών δικτύων, όπως η οικογένεια. Οι σημαντικότερες δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζουν οι χρόνια ψυχικά ασθενείς είναι η αδυναμία οικονομικής ανεξαρτησίας και αυτονομίας τους.

Συμπεράσματα: Απαιτείται συντονισμένη φροντίδα για την επίτευξη της ψυχοκοινωνικής αποκατάστασης των ατόμων με χρόνιες ψυχικές διαταραχές, στην οποία η κοινωνική εργασία κατέχει πρωταγωνιστικό ρόλο.
Beneficial Prospectives: Plant Annona squamosa L.
Authors: Mehta Shuchi Dave , Upadhyay Sukirti , Rathore Priyanka
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: Developed and undeveloped countries both are utilizing herbs for maintaining health wellbeing by providing proper treatment and prevention of diseases. The present review gives the Ethnobotanical information linking between plant Annona squamosa L. and human beings were also providing updated facts of phytochemical and pharmacological approaches of the above plant in the present 21st century. Annona squamosa L. is a multipurpose shrub tree that is distributed throughout tropical countries and eminently a desert fruit in India. The plant belongs to the family Annonaceae which in Hindi known as Sitaphal or Sharifa which is utilized for its medicinal properties. The ethnobotanical traditional uses include wound healing, lice repellant, treatment of dysentery and urinary tract infection. Phytochemicals includes alkaloids (benzoxyquinazoline, salsolinol, coclaurine), terpenoids (annomosin A, annosquamosin A), glycoside (quercetin-3-glucoside), essential oil (bicyclogernacrene, T-cadinol), flavonoids (kaempherol, farmarixetin) tannins, and many more responsible for pharmacologically action of plant parts are fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, and flower. Information on medicinal uses and organoleptic properties of various pharmacologically active parts is also provided. The present article discusses the updated information regarding distribution, plant parts used, chemical constituents, traditional uses, morphological and pharmacological importance of this plant hoping for exploring better medicinal value.
Aseptic In vitro Synthesis of Pinus gerardiana Ectomycorrhizae with Amanita ceciliae and Lactarius sanguifluus
Authors: Sehgal Amit Kumar , Sagar Anand
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: The present investigations are aimed to synthesize in vitro ectomycorrhizae between Pinus gerardiana and two gilled ectomycorrhizal (ECM) mushrooms (Amanita ceciliae and Lactarius sanguifluus). To carry out in vitro synthesis, pure cultures of ECM mushrooms (A. ceciliae and L. sanguifluus) were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Modified Melin-Norkans (MMN) Medium respectively. The synthesis was achieved successfully in the surfaced sterilized seedlings of P. gerardiana geminated under aseptic conditions by using vermiculite, peat, medium for ECM fungi and inoculum of each fungus in the test tubes. Mycorrhization was checked periodically in the test tubes. P. gerardiana seedlings were lifted from test tubes after five months to observe ectomycorrhizae formation on the root system with A. ceciliae and L. sanguifluus. The synthesized ectomycorrhizae were dark brown in case of A. ceciliae whereas in case of L. sanguifluus the colour of ECM roots was yellowish brown. Anatomy of synthesized ectomycorrhizae with both ECM fungi showed fully developed fungal mantle and Hartig net. The seedlings with ECM synthesis showed a significant effect on the growth and development.
Care Work and Mexican Motherhood
Authors: Limon Lilia Adriana Perez
Published: January 2024

Abstract: In Mexican society there is the entrenched belief that care work is women's work. This article takes up this gendered assumption to examine the labor of care work as both a feminist aesthetic and as an obligation that is imposed on feminized subjects. It pursues this line of inquiry through two contemporary Mexican novels, Jazmina Barrera's 2020 memoir, Linea nigra , and Brenda Navarro's 2019 fiction novel, Casas vacías . Both novels offer distinct critiques of Mexican motherhood. Whereas Barrera problematizes normative maternity discourses in Linea nigra through reflections on her privileged motherhood experience, Navarro centers her narrative on the experience of non-desired maternity. By juxtaposing the novels' opposing understandings and experiences, this article illustrates how the women portrayed in the novels strive to reach an imposed ideal of motherhood, underpinned by the role of reproductive labor. Mutually, the authors' divergent takes on whether mothers' 'deserve' to be cared for while being pregnant and after giving birth, or if women are socially obligated to continue to care for others during this time. This indicates an ongoing debate within contemporary Mexican feminist letters about how to elaborate a feminist ethics of care which harbors the potential for social change.
High-harmonic generation with a twist: all-optical characterization of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Molinero Eduardo B. , Datta Anushree , Calderón M. J. , Bascones E. , Silva Rui E. F.
Published: January 2024

If we stack up two layers of graphene while changing their respective orientation by some twisting angle, we end up with a strikingly different system when compared to single-layer graphene. For a very specific value of this twist angle, known as magic angle, twisted bilayer graphene displays a unique phase diagram that cannot be found in other systems. Recently, high-harmonic generation spectroscopy has been successfully applied to elucidate the electronic properties of quantum materials. The purpose of the present work is to exploit the nonlinear optical response of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene to unveil its electronic properties. We show that the band structure of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene is imprinted onto its high-harmonic spectrum. Specifically, we observe a drastic decrease of harmonic signal as we approach the magic angle. Our results show that high-harmonic generation can be used as a spectroscopy tool for measuring the twist angle and also the electronic properties of twisted bilayer graphene, paving the way for an all-optical characterization of moiré materials.
Deep learning-based optical aberration estimation enables offline digital adaptive optics and super-resolution imaging
Authors: Qiao Chang , Chen Haoyu , Wang Run , Jiang Tao , Wang Yuwang , Li Dong
Published: January 2024

Optical aberrations degrade the performance of fluorescence microscopy. Conventional adaptive optics (AO) leverages specific devices, such as the Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor and deformable mirror, to measure and correct optical aberrations. However, conventional AO requires either additional hardware or a more complicated imaging procedure, resulting in higher cost or a lower acquisition speed. In this study, we proposed a novel space-frequency encoding network (SFE-Net) that can directly estimate the aberrated point spread functions (PSFs) from biological images, enabling fast optical aberration estimation with high accuracy without engaging extra optics and image acquisition. We showed that with the estimated PSFs, the optical aberration can be computationally removed by the deconvolution algorithm. Furthermore, to fully exploit the benefits of SFE-Net, we incorporated the estimated PSF with neural network architecture design to devise an aberration-aware deep-learning super-resolution model, dubbed SFT-DFCAN. We demonstrated that the combination of SFE-Net and SFT-DFCAN enables instant digital AO and optical aberration-aware super-resolution reconstruction for live-cell imaging.
Mode-insensitive and mode-selective optical switch based on asymmetric Y-junctions and MMI couplers
Authors: Sun Shijie , Yu Qidong , Che Yuanhua , Lian Tianhang , Xie Yuhang , Zhang Daming , Wang Xibin
Published: January 2024

Driven by the large volume demands of data in transmission systems, the number of spatial modes supported by mode-division multiplexing (MDM) systems is being increased to take full advantage of the parallelism of the signals in different spatial modes. As a key element for photonic integrated circuits, the multimode waveguide optical switch (MWOS) is playing an important role for data exchange and signal switching. However, the function of the traditional MWOS is simple, which could only implement the mode-insensitive or mode-selective switching function; it is also difficult to scale to accommodate more spatial modes because of the limitation of the device structure. Therefore, it is still challenging to realize a multifunctional and scalable MWOS that could support multiple modes with low power consumption and high flexibility. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a multifunctional MWOS based on asymmetric Y-junctions and multimode interference (MMI) couplers fabricated on a polymer waveguide platform. Both mode-insensitive and mode-selective switching functions can be achieved via selectively heating different electrode heaters. The fabricated device with the total length of ∼0.8  cm shows an insertion loss of less than 12.1 dB, and an extinction ratio of larger than 8.4 dB with a power consumption of ∼32  mW for both mode-insensitive and mode-selective switching functions, at 1550 nm wavelength. The proposed MWOS can also be scaled to accommodate more spatial modes flexibly and easily, which can serve as an important building block for MDM systems.
Varifocal occlusion in an optical see-through near-eye display with a single phase-only liquid crystal on silicon
Authors: Han Woongseob , Lee Jae-Won , Shin Jung-Yeop , Choi Myeong-Ho , Kim Hak-Rin , Park Jae-Hyeung
Published: January 2024

We propose a near-eye display optics system that supports three-dimensional mutual occlusion. By exploiting the polarization-control properties of a phase-only liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), we achieve real see-through scene masking as well as virtual digital scene imaging using a single LCoS. Dynamic depth control of the real scene mask and virtual digital image is also achieved by using a focus tunable lens (FTL) pair of opposite curvatures. The proposed configuration using a single LCoS and opposite curvature FTL pair enables the self-alignment of the mask and image at an arbitrary depth without distorting the see-through view of the real scene. We verified the feasibility of the proposed optics using two optical benchtop setups: one with two off-the-shelf FTLs for continuous depth control, and the other with a single Pancharatnam–Berry phase-type FTL for the improved form factor.
Usability and acceptability of oral fluid- and blood-based hepatitis C virus self-testing among the general population and men who have sex with men in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Huan-Keat , Sem Xiaohui , Ivanova Reipold Elena , Pannir Selvam Sheela Bai A/P , Salleh Narul Aida , Mohamad Gani Abdul Hafiz Bin , Fajardo Emmanuel , Shilton Sonjelle , Abu Hassan Muhammad Radzi
Published: January 2024

Hepatitis C self-testing (HCVST) is emerging as an additional strategy that could help to expand access to HCV testing. We conducted a study to assess the usability and acceptability of two types of HCVST, oral fluid- and blood-based, among the general population and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia. An observational study was conducted in three primary care centres in Malaysia. Participants who were layman users performed the oral fluid- and blood-based HCVST sequentially. Usability was assessed by calculating the rate of errors observed, the rate of difficulties faced by participants as well as inter-reader (self-test interpreted by self-tester vs interpreted by trained user) and inter-operator concordances (self-test vs test performed by trained user). The acceptability of HCV self-testing was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were also required to read contrived test results which included “positive”, “negative”, and “invalid”. There was a total of 200 participants (100 general population, 100 MSM; mean age 33.6 ± 14.0 years). We found a high acceptability of oral fluid- and blood-based HCVST across both general population and MSM. User errors, related to timekeeping and reading within stipulated time, were common. However, the majority of the participants were still able to obtain and interpret results correctly, including that of contrived results, although there was substantial difficulty interpreting weak positive results. The high acceptability of HCVST among the participants did not appreciably change after they had experienced both tests, with 97.0% of all participants indicating they would be willing to use HCVST again and 98.5% of them indicating they would recommend it to people they knew. There was no significant difference between the general population and MSM in these aspects. Our study demonstrates that both oral fluid- and blood-based HCVST are highly acceptable among both the general population and MSM. Both populations also showed comparable ability to conduct the tests and interpret the results. Overall, this study suggests that HCVST could be introduced as an addition to existing HCV testing services in Malaysia. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal positioning of self-testing alongside facility-based testing to expand access to HCV diagnosis in the country.