bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impacts of lockdown restrictions on children's and adolescents' physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour including gender differences: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Tianwei , Wang Lei , Yu Songmao
Published: January 2025

The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has caused a global public health emergency. In addition to preventing the spread of the disease, restrictions such as school closures may reduce children and adolescents' opportunities for physical activity and increase the prevalence of sedentary behaviour. However, the current evidence regarding the effects of COVID-19 on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents is insufficiently clear. A total of five databases were searched. In addition, grey literature, reference list and registries were also checked. A total of 26 studies were included in the systematic review. Total physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity, sedentary and ST were analysed separately using random effects models. Additionally, this study also used meta-analysis to investigate the differences between boys and girls, objective measures and subjective measures, cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies.
Results: The results of the meta-analysis showed that children and adolescents had a significant decrease in total physical activity (SMD= -0.76, 95% CI= -1.46 to -0.06, I2= 99.5%), moderate to vigorous physical activity (SMD= -0.36, 95% CI= -0.6 to -0.11, I2= 94.7%), sedentary behaviour (SMD= 1.44, 95% CI= 0.31 to 2.56, I2= 98.6%), and a significant increase in screen time (SMD= 0.75, 95% CI= 0.49 to 1.02, I2= 97.3%). Meta-analysis results showed a significant decline in moderate to vigorous physical activity in boys, but no change was found in girls. However, results from the systematic review suggested that girls are more likely to develop more screen time than boys. Children and adolescents' physical activity and sedentary behaviour are negatively impacted by restrictions associated with Covid-19. In addition, girls' screen time is more likely to increase than boys'.
Multitask Learning and Bandits via Robust Statistics
Authors: Xu Kan , Bastani Hamsa
Published: January 2025

Decision makers often simultaneously face many related but heterogeneous learning problems. For instance, a large retailer may wish to learn product demand at different stores to solve pricing or inventory problems, making it desirable to learn jointly for stores serving similar customers; alternatively, a hospital network may wish to learn patient risk at different providers to allocate personalized interventions, making it desirable to learn jointly for hospitals serving similar patient populations. Motivated by real data sets, we study a natural setting where the unknown parameter in each learning instance can be decomposed into a shared global parameter plus a sparse instance-specific term. We propose a novel two-stage multitask learning estimator that exploits this structure in a sample-efficient way, using a unique combination of robust statistics (to learn across similar instances) and LASSO regression (to debias the results). Our estimator yields improved sample complexity bounds in the feature dimension d relative to commonly employed estimators; this improvement is exponential for “data-poor” instances, which benefit the most from multitask learning. We illustrate the utility of these results for online learning by embedding our multitask estimator within simultaneous contextual bandit algorithms. We specify a dynamic calibration of our estimator to appropriately balance the bias-variance trade-off over time, improving the resulting regret bounds in the context dimension d. Finally, we illustrate the value of our approach on synthetic and real data sets.

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, data science.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00490 .
Entre Rio e Paris
Authors: Garbaccio Grace Ladeira , Pratlong Florent , L. F. Gonçalves Dias Sylmara , F. de Melo Brito Ana Carolina
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: A abordagem humanista sobre a inovação, aqui adotada como meio de melhorar a vida das pessoas e sua relação com a natureza e a cidade, é utilizada neste artigo com o objetivo de analisar como as legislações do Brasil e da França sobre plásticos de uso único (PDU) se comparam, especialmente no contexto das Olimpíadas de Paris 2024 e Rio de Janeiro 2016, e como isso se relaciona ao Direito à Cidade.
Método: Este estudo adota uma metodologia de revisão bibliográfica, análise comparativa, proporcionando uma visão jurídica sobre as estratégias de redução do uso de plástico e suas implicações ambientais para a cidade.   Sendo assim, a metodologia utilizada é a descrição analítica, com observância dos diversos posicionamentos na aplicação dos instrumentos jurídicos em questão.
Resultados: Os resultados indicam que o banimento do PDU nas Olimpíadas de Paris 2024 representa um avanço significativo na direção de práticas mais sustentáveis, alinhando-se com os princípios do Direito à Cidade. Tais efeitos transcendem o evento esportivo e podem torná-lo um catalisador para a inovação ambiental e um exemplo a ser seguido, especialmente na organização de grandes eventos.
Contribuições finais: A partir desse recorte, pretende-se apresentar de que forma os grandes eventos internacionais, como as Olimpíadas, pode influenciar políticas ambientais que promovam inovação significativa para o desenvolvimento de cidades mais inclusivas e sustentáveis. Entre esses megaeventos, ocorreu a pandemia da covid-19, que não somente impulsionou inovações, como também colocou no topo da agenda de discussão novas questões ambientais, tais como as consequências deletérias ao meio ambiente decorrentes do uso de PDUs.
A distribuição desigual do luto e da precariedade: um estudo teórico-crítico sobre a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil
Authors: Hoffmam Fernando , Dos Santos Aimi Mayara
Published: January 2025

A pandemia da Covid-19 expôs, não só, a vulnerabilidade que atinge todas as pessoas igualmente, mas também, a condição precária que atua desproporcionalmente sobre os corpos. Isto porque, embora todas as vidas sejam precárias, algumas pessoas estão expostas a condições maximizadas de precariedade em razão de raça, gênero e classe. Estas últimas, desde o nascimento, são enquadradas como vidas não passíveis de luto e não recebem auxílios destinados à manutenção da vida. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho parte do seguinte questionamento: como o enfrentamento à pandemia da Covid-19 pelo Estado brasileiro acentuou a produção de precariedade, violando direitos humano-fundamentais, e em que medida o luto, enquanto conceito jurídico-político, opera nesse cenário? Para responder a essa questão, utiliza-se o método de abordagem fenomenológico, buscando entender o fenômeno em sua essência. Assim, em um primeiro momento, realiza-se uma análise histórica do desenvolvimento da pandemia da Covid-19, em especial no Brasil. Em um segundo momento, é apresentada a base teórica da filosofia política de Judith Butler, de modo a entender os conceitos de luto e precariedade. Posteriormente, analisa-se a atuação do governo federal na gestão da pandemia e a possibilidade de, por meio do luto de público, produzir resistência. Os métodos de procedimento são o histórico e comparativo. Ao fim, a conclusão foi de que o governo brasileiro adotou uma postura ativa na disseminação do vírus no território nacional, intensificando a precariedade que já atingia inúmeras pessoas e violando, consequentemente, seus direitos humano-fundamentais, de modo que a reivindicação pelo direito ao luto público mostra-se como um caminho para a resistência da multidão.
An Updated Review of Curcumin in Health Applications: In-vivo Studies and Clinical Trials
Authors: Sasongko Heru , Maharani Aulia Hanundita , Hutasoit Joshua Arianto , Riatma Darmawan Lahru , Ningsih Hardian , Sukaridhoto Sritrusta , Mufid Mohammad Robihul , Mufid Mohammad Robihul , Ismar MH. Ramdhani , Atmaja Ardian Prima , Salim Alfi Tranggono Agus , Martien Ronny
Published: January 2025

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) are known to contain curcumin, a lipophilic polyphenol from the curcuminoid group. Curcumin has been used for generations in traditional medicine, due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardio-protective, antimicrobial, nephroprotective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-rheumatic, anti-cancer, and anti-fibrotic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to determine pharmacological activity potential of curcumin using selected test parameters. Several journals were collected from PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct for this review, limiting the time frame to the last 8 years. The findings are then presented in the form of figures and tables, followed by a full discussion based on the appropriate reference. The results showed that curcumin had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These effects contributed to various mechanisms of action in numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, arthritis, brain injury, Alzheimer's, digestive disorders, anti-aging, and hepatoprotection. Several external factors that influenced test results included curcumin dosage, duration of administration, and pain- or disease-inducing ingredients. In long-term therapy with certain drugs, the administration of curcumin could be considered at the right dose to avoid dangerous side effects.
Phytochemistry and Potential Pharmacological Properties of Morus alba Plant for Health Benefits: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mishra Anuja , Kumar Rajeev Natesh , Pandey Swaroop Kumar , Shukla Mamta , Singh Pankaj
Published: January 2025

Morus alba L. is a fast-growing shrub or moderate height tree and considered as Ayurvedic medicinal plant due to its medicinal uses. M. alba has high concentrations of phenols, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carbohydrates. In this review, approximately 200 papers were reviewed, and finally 96 papers were used to explore the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the Morus alba plant. The aim of this study is to provide an insightful exploration of biologically active compounds present in the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits of the M. alba plant, and its potential pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anthelmintic, anti-obesity, anxiolytic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nephroprotective activity. Phytocompounds present in M. alba extracts also have various biological activities, including blood coagulation factors, vasodilation, cytotoxic responses, cytokine storming, sympathetic responses, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, skin, gastrointestinal, skin whitening, and fibrosis, among others. The findings of this review paper showed that different parts of M. alba have various pharmacological and therapeutic potential and hence can be used in various herbal formulations as well as health care products.
Prevalence of Genital Herpes: Insights from Outpatient Clinic Patients
Authors: Alshrari Ahmed Subeh , Hudu Shuaibu Abdullahi , Jimoh Abdulgafar Olayiwola , Badr Bahaa Mohammed
Published: January 2025

Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus infection type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most common STDs that causes a substantial illness burden globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence rate of HSV-2 in patients who presented at a Sokoto speciality hospital with fever. We collected 184 blood samples from consenting patients and used an ELISA to analyze them for HSV-2 antibodies. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also obtained from the patients via questionnaires before sample collection. The study found HSV-2 seroprevalence to be 54.3% (100 out of 184 patients). All patients aged 43-47 years (100%, 6 out of 6) tested positive for HSV-2 antibodies, while only two patients over the age of 53 tested positive (p = 0.729). The prevalence was higher among males (67.7%, 42 out of 62) compared to females (47.5%, 55 out of 122) (p = 0.066), and higher in single individuals (63.9%, 46 out of 72) than in married individuals (48.2%, 54 out of 112) (p = 0.141). Regarding occupational status, the highest prevalence was observed among employed patients (68.2%, 30 out of 44), followed by self-employed individuals (55.1%, 54 out of 98). More than half of the patients were infected with HSV-2, indicating a need for further studies to identify the risk factors associated with acquiring the virus. Increasing awareness about transmission routes and the potential consequences of HSV-2 infection is also crucial.
Citicoline Administration Increases the Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) Expression in the Trigeminal Ganglion of Rats Post-mental Nerve Injury
Authors: Susilowati Rina , Armandari Inna , Arindra Pingky Krisna , Pakaya David , Nyengaard Jens Randel
Published: January 2025

The number of neurons in the sensory ganglion decreases after a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) caused by oral trauma or maxillofacial surgery, resulting in an incomplete nerve regeneration process. Thus, there is an urgent need to reduce the risk for potential complications after PNI, including neuropathic/ectopic pain and allodynia. Citicoline administration reportedly can improve motor function and prevent neuropathic pain in a rat model of PNI. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of citicoline administration on Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) expression, which is an early indicator of an ongoing nerve regeneration process, and the number of trigeminal neurons at the chronic phase after a PNI in a rat model. The PNI model was established by clamping the mental nerve of Wistar rats with a non-serrated clamp for 30 s. The animals were divided into the following three groups: sham-operated; clamp-injured rats receiving saline as the controls; and clamp-injured rats receiving a daily dose citicoline 50 mg/100g body weight intraperitoneally immediately after surgery for 7 days. They were sacrificed on days 1,3, and 7 for the acute phase analysis to examine the changes in Bdnf expression using quantitative reverse transcriptio polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, the chronic phase analysis was done by counting the neuron number in the trigeminal ganglion on day 28 post-injury using the stereological method. In the acute phase, citicoline administration increased the Bdnf expression by 2.19 times only on the third-day post-injury, indicating the start of an early regenerative process. However, in the chronic phase, the total number of neurons in the trigeminal ganglion remained similar in all groups, suggesting the possibility of inadequate injury level. In conclusion, although there was no neuronal loss after a mental nerve injury, citicoline administration increased the Bdnf expression at the trigeminal ganglion immediately after the nerve injury, and this may accelerate nerve regeneration.
Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment in Osteosarcoma: A Pathway to Overcome Therapeutic Resistance
Authors: Pandi Kaniga , Cheriyan Binoy Varghese , Sooriyaprakash Rithika , Sakthivel Pradhosh , Thirupathi Rajeshkumar
Published: January 2025

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Despite advances in conventional therapies like chemotherapy and surgical resection, the survival rate has remained stagnant due to therapeutic resistance and high rates of metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex network of cellular and non-cellular components, plays a pivotal role in osteosarcoma progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Understanding the dynamics within the TME is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies that can overcome these challenges. This review explores the key elements of the osteosarcoma TME, including immune cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and extracellular matrix (ECM). It examines the roles of cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes secreted by osteosarcoma cells in modifying the TME to foster tumor growth, evade immune surveillance, and promote angiogenesis. Furthermore, the review critically assesses current therapeutic approaches that target TME components, with a focus on disrupting the interactions between the tumor and its microenvironment. This analysis includes a review of clinical trials and preclinical studies evaluating TME-targeting therapies. The findings highlight that the TME actively contributes to osteosarcoma progression by promoting immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and metastasis, while also enhancing resistance to standard treatments such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Various therapeutic strategies targeting the TME, such as inhibiting angiogenesis, modulating immune responses, and disrupting CAF and ECM interactions, have shown promise in preclinical models. However, clinical outcomes remain variable, underscoring the complexity of the TME and the need for more comprehensive approaches. Targeting the TME represents a promising pathway to overcome therapeutic resistance in osteosarcoma. While significant progress has been made in understanding the role of the TME in tumor development and resistance mechanisms, further research is required to optimize TME-targeting therapies. A deeper comprehension of the intricate interactions between osteosarcoma cells and their microenvironment may lead to more effective, personalized treatments, improving clinical outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma.
Therapeutic Potential of Luteolin in Periodontal Therapy- A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: B. R Premalatha , Basavaraju Suman , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Kumar S Hemanth , H. R Veena , Hegde Usha
Published: January 2025

Objective: This scoping review is aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of luteolin in periodontal therapy. Introduction: Periodontal disease is a destructive, inflammatory process of the tooth-supporting tissues resulting frequently in tooth loss. Current periodontal therapy includes surgical and non-surgical strategies. Plant-based adjuvant therapies have recently gained popularity due to their potent pharmacological qualities and negligible side effects. Luteolin is a flavonoid found in many herbs, vegetables, and fruits. It exhibits several biological activities useful in fighting periodontal diseases. Considering luteolin’s promising biological properties, its anti-periodontal disease potential needs further investigation. In this article, we present the protocol of the planned scoping review which will map currently available research on luteolin’s therapeutic potential in periodontal disease management. Methods: The scoping review is planned to be performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (PRISMA-ScR). This review will include any study design in English that investigates the effects of luteolin in periodontal disease management. No date restrictions will be applied. A comprehensive literature review will be executed by screening relevant electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science as well as grey literature and hand screening of pertinent article reference lists and citations. A three-step synthesis process will be employed. Screening of the articles will be conducted by qualified reviewers who will extract information into a predesigned data collection instrument. Results: We shall present the data in tabular format along with the narrative summary. Conclusion: Our proposed scoping review will outline the biological properties of luteolin that are beneficial in periodontal therapy and identify gaps in the scientific literature that require further research.
Bacteriological Profile, Drug Resistance Pattern and its Molecular Characterisation Among Patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Saikumar Chitralekha , Velmurugan Punithavathi , Ramalingam Aishwarya Jothi
Published: January 2025

Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a recurrent infection of the ear that is particularly common in low-resource environments. Although there are several etiological factors, bacterial infection is a significant one. The two most frequently isolated bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Due to the emergence and spread of bacterial resistance to several antimicrobial agents and also their ability to form biofilms, treatment and recovery are made more challenging. Our aim was to identify the clinico-bacteriological profile, their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and a molecular method to identify the antibiotic resistance genes of the most common isolates in this study. Following approval from the Institutional Human Ethics Committee (IHEC) and patient informed consent, we obtained ear discharge samples from 100 CSOM patients over a two-year period. The isolates were recognized by conventional microbiological methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for molecular characterisation in order to identify genes linked to antibiotic resistance (e.g., efflux pump-related genes associated with P. aeruginosa and mecA for S. aureus). Of the 100 patient samples, 84 samples showed positive results for culture; 58% of the Gram-positive cocci were S. aureus and 42% of Gram-negative bacilli were P. aeruginosa. Methicillin resistance in S. aureus is indicated by the presence of the mecA gene (43%) and carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa is indicated by the presence of the blaVIM gene (22%), according to genotypic study. Our work provides insight with regard to the genetic makeup of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in CSOM patients, which demonstrates that these bacteria have several resistance genes that enable them to withstand antimicrobial therapy.
Evaluation of Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System from Qusthul Hindi (Saussurea lappa) Extract: In vitro Release and Absorption Assessment
Authors: Annisa Rahmi , Muti’ah Roihatul , Fitrianingsih Avin Ainur , Fauziyah Begum , Rahmadani Nabila , Anggraini Wirda
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to determine the release and absorption flux values of qusthul Hindi (Saussurea lappa) self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system using the template formula for the optimal D-optimal design approach. The method is emulsification. The in vitro release test used the dialysis bag method. The absorption test was carried out through the intestinal membrane using the Crane and Wilson tube method. The levels released and absorbed were measured using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The results showed that in vitro release and absorption values in SNEDDS were higher than the qusthul Hindi (Saussurea lappa) extract solution in both artificial intestinal fluid media at pH 6.8 ± 0.05 and artificial gastric fluid at pH 1.2 ± 0.05. The analysis found a significant difference in flux for both release (p=0.02) and absorption (p=0.01). The SNEDDS formula provided in vitro release flux results that were 4.20 times higher in AGF media and 5.62 times higher in AIF media compared to the extract solution. In vitroabsorption results also indicated a 4.02 times increase in AGF media and 3.32 times higher in AIF compared to the extract solution. The selected formulas using miglyol 812, Tween 80, and Polyethylenflycol 400 components at concentrations of 2.13%, 5.81%, and 2.06% can be used for SNEDDS formulations of qusthul Hindi (Saussurea lappa). These formulations showed superior in vitro release and absorption results compared to the extract solution in both AIF media at pH 6.8 ± 0.05 and AGF media at pH 1.2 ± 0.05.
Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Withania Somnifera Methanol Extract
Authors: Ncibi Saida S. , abdelrahman Heba , Sahhari Jawaher Ali Ghalfan , Thubab AlHanouf Mohammed , Shawk Khadijah Ahmed Abdullah , Gharwai Weam Ali , Hakami Atyaf Ali , Zaid Mabrouk A Abo- , Rehman Zia ur , Dawood Rehab
Published: January 2025

Across the globe, human civilizations share knowledge about the therapeutic potential of plants. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is frequently used in traditional medicine, particularly in the Jazan province of Saudi Arabia. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the leaf extract from this plant. Withania somnifera was collected from Jazan Province. Methanol-water extract was prepared and tested for its antimicrobial capacities. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans fungus were the subjects of this investigation. In addition, its chemical composition was explored through Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results proved that the extract has an important antimicrobial effect against the tested microorganisms, compared to tetracycline. Besides, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed several bioactive molecules within this extract. Amongst, an Amphetamine-like compound was detected. This may explain the antidepressant effect of this plant. These findings illustrate the effectiveness of this plant in treating a variety of illnesses, including skin conditions, in the Jazan community. The outcomes of this study argue the necessity of further research on Withania somnifera, endemic to the province of Jazan, to identify its bioactive compounds and convert them into pharmaceutical products.
CONHECIMENTO DOS ALUNOS DE FISIOERAPIA : conhecimento dos alunos de fisioterapia sobre Lian Gong em 18 terapias
Authors: Gonçalves Reinaldo , Veras de Sandes-Guimarães Luisa , Bueno Lima Leandro
Published: January 2025

Introdução: Ao longo do tempo, a visão holística da saúde e doença, que considera o ser humano como uma unidade de corpo e mente, tem sido moldada por diversos fatores. O conceito multicausal abriu novas possibilidades para os profissionais de saúde. Em 2006, o SUS aprovou a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares. Incluindo a acupuntura e o Lian Gong em 18 Terapias, uma prática corporal que promove uma experiência ativa. Objetivos: Este estudo investigou o conhecimento dos alunos de fisioterapia sobre o Lian Gong em 18 Terapias como técnica viável para a prática profissional. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa com coleta de dados de grupos focais, composta por um moderador e um observador. As sessões foram gravadas em áudio e vídeo para posterior transcrição. A coleta de dados utilizou um questionário semiestruturado com 10 perguntas, aplicado a 50 alunos do último ano de fisioterapia da Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul. Resultados: A análise mostrou que o conhecimento dos alunos sobre o Lian Gong é superficial. A prática não é amplamente conhecida ou utilizada. No entanto, o interesse e a curiosidade dos participantes indicam um potencial para maior divulgação e expansão dessa prática integrativa. Conclusão: A pesquisa revelou que o conhecimento dos alunos de fisioterapia sobre o Lian Gong em 18 Terapias é limitado. Apesar disso, o interesse demonstrado sugere um potencial significativo para a ampliação e maior divulgação dessa prática, indicando a necessidade de incluir mais informações sobre o Lian Gong nos currículos de fisioterapia.
Species Richness and Abundance of Social Wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) Associated with Shaded Cocoa Agroforests (Theobroma cacao L.) in Southern Bahia State, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira José Victor Alves , Morante-Filho José Carlos , Somavilla Alexandre , Storck-Tonon Danielle , Benchimol Maíra
Published: January 2025

Traditional cocoa agroforests of southern Bahia in Brazil, locally known as “cabrucas”, are highly relevant for sheltering forest species, being thus recognized as a biodiversity-friendly agricultural system. However, despite their role in biodiversity conservation, little is known about the ability of cocoa agroforests to maintain social wasp assemblages in human-modified landscapes. Here, we present the first list of social wasp species recorded in shaded cocoa agroforests in southern Bahia. In total, we collected 25 species of social wasps belonging to nine genera, representing 20% of the known species richness for the entire northeastern region of Brazil. In particular, Angiopolybia pallens (Lepeletier), Agelaia angulata (Fabricius), and Agelaia centralis (Cameron) were the most abundant species, with 186, 70, and 36 individuals, respectively. Notably, we report six previously unrecorded species from Bahia state: Agelaia flavipennis (Ducke), Polybia emaciata Lucas, Polybia quadricincta (Saussure), Agelaia angulicollis (Spinola), Parachartegus smithii (Saussure) and Protopolybia acutiscutis (Cameron). Of these six species, three are recorded for the first time in the Northeast region of Brazil and two for the Atlantic Forest biome. Based on our findings, we emphasize that cocoa agroforests can contribute to maintaining the diversity of social wasps in human-modified landscapes.
Legitimising policy knowledge in autocratising contexts: the case of Hungary
Authors: Krizsán Andrea , Fekete Dorottya
Published: January 2025

In contexts of autocratisation and political polarisation, maintaining the legitimacy of policy expertise is cumbersome. Experts are clustered on two sides of the political divide: those not aligned with either side are excluded from regular policy processes, while those aligned to the regime are too close to the government to be seen as legitimate. This article analyses how policy-knowledge producers work towards achieving legitimacy for the knowledge they produce in such highly politicised contexts. It identifies three sets of legitimacy-building practices used to navigate the dominance of the political. First, knowledge producers increasingly embrace values-driven practices rather than insisting on neutrality and independence. Second, boundaries between political arenas and epistemic authority are tightened by the separation of individual and organisational identities. Third, the relevance of policy knowledge is reframed by diversifying audiences and outcomes to maintain usefulness. The practices identified are not specific to autocratising contexts, but they are exacerbated and become coerced responses to the hard constraints of an incrementally closing regime. Based on interview data with think tanks in Hungary’s polarised autocracy and highly politicised policy making, this research examines populist tendencies of questioning truth and neutrality of knowledge and expertise – all hallmarks of today’s turbulent policy environments. This makes it a valuable contribution to the broader literature on how think tanks negotiate legitimacy in contexts of de-democratisation.
Why did the influence of experts erode during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Lemor Antoine Claude , Costa María Alejandra , Beaulieu-Guay Louis-Robert , Montpetit Éric
Published: January 2025

In the face of protracted crises like climate change or pandemics, the influence of expert scientific projections on public policy is crucial yet evolves over time. This study offers an empirical demonstration of a previously fragmented theory: the diminishing influence of scientific projections on policy over time. Using a comprehensive mixed-method analysis, the article studies the relationship between expert projections, policy stringency and public support in Quebec during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific projections that put forward worst-case scenarios have a considerable impact on policies made in the early stages of a crisis. However, as these catastrophic projections instil a sense of fatalism as the crisis lasts, they inadvertently lead to diminished public support for both the policies and the scientific projections themselves. The implications of these findings for scientists and experts are discussed, highlighting the importance of adapting projections and knowledge communication strategies as the crisis unfolds.
Microtopographic evolution and damage characteristics of sapphire fiber under high temperatures
Authors: Zheng Zhixuan , Chen Jiamin , He Fan , Cao Yan , Cao Shengjie , Wang Hejin , Zheng Yongqiu , Xue Chenyang
Published: January 2025

Sapphire fibers exposed to air exhibit performance degradation during
high-temperature in-situ testing.
Therefore, analyzing the damage characteristics of sapphire fibers
under high-temperature conditions and developing effective protective
measures are essential. This study investigates the damage
characteristics and microtopographic evolution of sapphire fibers
annealed at temperatures ranging from 1400°C to 1600°C, with 100°C
intervals. The high-temperature damage characteristics of the sapphire
fibers were analyzed using a size threshold filtering method combined
with thresholding and connected component labeling techniques. The
results indicate that both the size and density of bubble-like damage
on the sapphire fiber increase with higher annealing temperatures.
Furthermore, the O: Al (oxygen: aluminum) ratio was calculated to
study the high-temperature damage products of the sapphire fibers. The
findings suggest that the damaged products exist as a mixture of
hydrated alumina. Additionally, transverse etched lines, initially
present on the pristine sapphire fiber surface, transform into
longitudinal etched lines during annealing due to the release of
internal stress. The width of these longitudinal etched lines
increases progressively with higher annealing temperatures. To prevent
damage at high temperatures, a vacuum annealing method was employed,
and gradient annealing effectively suppressed the expansion of etched
lines. This study provides further insight into the damage mechanisms
and microtopography evolution of sapphire fibers under
high-temperature conditions while also providing a theoretical
foundation for the packaging and protective technologies used in
high-temperature applications of sapphire fibers.
Detection of ceramic stress intensity factor based on digital holography
Authors: Lu Haihua , Zhang Changxing , Xu Wei , Zhang Yongan
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the application of digital holography in investigating fracture problems of the ceramic material magnesium oxide under three-point bending fracture experiments. A digital holographic optical path system was constructed for this purpose. Three-point bending experiments were performed on magnesium oxide samples using the system, with holograms of the specimens recorded both before and after the application of loads. By utilizing the angular spectrum diffraction reconstruction algorithm, we obtained the complex amplitude of the object wave under varying load conditions and computed the phase changes of the object wave corresponding to different loads. Subsequently, we derived interference fringes from these phase changes, enabling the measurement of the stress intensity factor of magnesium oxide through holographic interferometry and plane stress theory. A comparison of the experimental measurements with theoretical values demonstrates that digital holographic technology is a viable method for measuring the stress intensity factor of ceramic magnesium oxide.
Extended network applications of coherent pluggable transceivers [Invited]
Authors: Pedro João , Hosseini Mohammad M. , Napoli Antonio
Published: January 2025

Over the past 15 years, coherent optical transceiver evolution has been driving the increase of capacity in optical networks, enabling the cost-effective transport of higher traffic volumes across submarine, long-haul, regional, and (a fraction of) metro networks. Until recently, these devices have been proprietary and embedded in dedicated line cards, which are deployed and managed within the transport network domain. With the emergence of both implementation and multi-source agreements for coherent optical transceivers in pluggable form factors, significant savings in cost, power consumption, and footprint are now achievable, e.g., in high-speed data center interconnect (DCI) and metro applications. Furthermore, by installing these transceivers directly in routers/switches, the long-envisioned IP over-DWDM architecture can be materialized. Importantly, recent progress in coherent pluggable transceivers’ performance and feature sets is expanding the number of network segments where their benefits can be leveraged. This paper overviews the range of applications of coherent pluggable optical transceivers and investigates in detail how they can (i) meet the stringent requirements of regional/long-haul networks and (ii) further simplify and reduce the capital expenditures of metro-aggregation networks. Particularly, it reports a comparison of the deployment in a reference regional network of coherent pluggable transceivers that retain full interoperability (at the expense of limited performance) and coherent pluggable transceivers designed for best-in-class performance. The network simulation analysis focuses on the key design metrics in this network segment—usable capacity and number of required transceivers—and highlights the importance of adopting high-performance devices. Moreover, it describes how a low-cost filterless architecture can be combined with coherent pluggable transceivers featuring point-to-multipoint (P2MP) capabilities via digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) to reduce capital expenditures in metro-aggregation networks. It is shown that, by exploiting a transmitter-based launch power control, the number of optical amplifiers can be minimized while guaranteeing that the power unbalance associated with the different paths traversed by upstream subcarriers (SCs) can be kept below a target threshold.
All-polarization-maintaining dual-comb Er-fiber laser with combined figure-8 and figure-9 architectures
Authors: Lin Wei-Ting , Liu Yuan-Ting , Hsieh Zhi-Ming , Chen Ching-Ming , Hsu Hsun , Peng Jin-Long , Hsiang Wei-Wei , Lee Ray-Kung
Published: January 2025

We propose and demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, an all-polarization-maintaining (all-PM) dual-comb Er-fiber laser based on combined figure-8 and figure-9 architectures. The opposite signs of the non-reciprocal phase shifts required for figure-8 and figure-9 architectures in the shared nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM) are achieved using a single non-reciprocal phase shifter (NRPS) that operates in two orthogonal polarizations. The capability of common mode noise cancellation, environmental stability, long-term reliability, and the tunable range of the repetition rate difference Δf
rep
between two combs has been investigated and characterized. In addition, the dual-comb spectroscopy measurement with our dual-comb fiber laser is demonstrated to resolve the transmission spectrum of a flat-top DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexer) demultiplexer, with a passband of ∼50 GHz at 1564.5 nm. Our experimental results indicate that the combined-architecture all-PM fiber laser, with its large tunable range of 100 kHz in Δf
rep
, shows significant potential for dual-comb applications in precise and rapid metrology outside the laboratory.
High-performance chalcogenide fiber bundle for mid-wave infrared imaging
Authors: Qiu Yu , Qi Sisheng , Li Lei , Xie Na , Yang Haibo , Guo Meng , Feng Xian , Yang Yan , Yang Zhiyong
Published: January 2025

Flexible infrared image fiber bundles (FBs) are capable of delivering thermal images of areas that are difficult for ordinary thermal cameras to access while making the imaging systems compact and lightweight. Thus, FB-based thermal imaging systems show great potential in some important applications, such as infrared endoscopy, aircraft infrared warning, and satellite remote sensing. In most applications, FBs are required to have high overall transmittance (OT) and high spatial resolution (R), but the fabrication of such high-performance FBs is still a challenge. In this work, we demonstrate a new design of flexible mid-wave infrared chalcogenide FB with high OT and decent R by optimizing the composition of glass cladding and geometric parameters of single fibers. The FB is fabricated by a modified approach combining the stack-and-draw technique and layer-stacking method, and the thermal image delivery performance of the FB is comprehensively characterized. It is shown that the core diameter (dcore) and core/cladding diameter ratio (Rcc) of single fibers can be balanced to reduce leakage of the light propagating in the single fibers while making the FB retain a reasonably high filling factor. Thus a high-performance FB can be achieved. The fabricated FB consists of 124,200 single fibers featuring an As40S60 core, an As38.9S61.1 cladding, and a polyetherimide (PEI) protective coating, with a dcore of ∼22.8 µm and an Rcc of 0.8. It has a length of ∼52 cm and a filling factor of ∼50.2%. The FB presents excellent thermal image delivery performance, including an OT of 40.5%, a single-fiber loss of 1.71 dB/m at 4.6 µm, and an R of 20.2 lp/mm, which compares favorably to previously reported FBs. These findings provide new insights for the development of high-performance thermal imaging FBs and lay a foundation for their practical applications.
Impact of grain boundary on photogalvanic effect in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayer
Authors: Zhou Wenlin , Sun Naizhang , Sun Yuxuan , Ye Han , Liu Yumin
Published: January 2025

The photogalvanic effect (PGE) has emerged as a promising mechanism for generating photocurrent in 2D materials with broken inversion symmetry. In this study, we systematically investigate the influence of grain boundaries (GBs) on the performance of self-powered photodetectors based on monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using quantum transport simulations. Under the illumination of linearly polarized light, we focus on six types of GBs along armchair and zigzag directions, composed of 4|8 and 4|4 membered rings. Within the visible light regime, the theoretical results demonstrate pronounced enhancement of PGE photocurrent in MoS2 monolayer with GBs. The average enhancement ratios for 4|8a/b, 4|8c/d and 4|4a/b GBs are approximately 39, 14, 11, 17, 11 and 22, respectively. The enhancement can be primarily attributed to the reduction of symmetry in the dual-probe device, underscoring the important role of GBs in self-powered 2D photodetectors.
Fast and high-resolution polarization error test of large aperture optics using polarization-tunable interferometric methods
Authors: Tan Min , Hu Haixiang , Zhang Xin , Li Mingzhuo , Zhang Xuejun
Published: January 2025

As optical systems evolve toward larger apertures, higher precision, and broader frequency bands, sub-nanometer accuracy and sub-millimeter resolution residual birefringence metrology play a crucial role in the preparation and manufacturing of large-aperture optical materials. Traditionally, polarization errors in optical elements are evaluated using specialized instruments based on the photoelastic effect. However, these high-precision instruments are expensive, have slow testing speeds, and restrict the resolution and aperture size. In this paper, we propose an efficient method to achieve a high-resolution polarization error test of large aperture optical material quickly. The polarization-tunable test optical path was modeled using the Jones matrix, and a detailed mathematical analysis was provided based on this model. To validate the method's feasibility, experiments were conducted using a Fizeau interferometer to test a flat optical element with an effective diameter of 230 mm. The results were compared with those obtained from commercial instruments, demonstrating consistency between the two methods and achieving a repeatability of 0.1 nm/cm in the peak-to-valley (PV) value with a standard deviation of 0.029 nm/cm. This method represents a substantial advancement in polarization error testing, as a guide, a Φ200 mm synthetic quartz achieves a phase delay of residual birefringence better than 0.32 nm/cm. Thus, the result demonstrates the method's potential in facilitating the achievement of ultra-high precision optical systems.
Carrier-envelope-phase-independent field sampling of single-cycle transients using homochromatic attosecond streaking
Authors: Kim H. Y. , Pi Z. , Goulielmakis E.
Published: January 2025

The recent development of homochromatic attosecond streaking (HAS) has enabled a novel, highly precise method for ultrafast metrology of attosecond electron pulses as well as for real-time sampling of the instantaneous field waveforms of light transients. Here, we evaluate the potential of HAS as a method for precisely sampling the field waveform of non-phase-stabilized single-cycle transients of light. We show that the extreme nonlinearity of field emission and the core properties of HAS as a field sampling technique allow one to track the waveform of a single carrier-envelope phase (CEP) setting whose field dynamics results in the most energetic electron cutoff. Our results establish HAS as a robust, compact, all-solid-state method for characterizing light fields with attosecond-level precision and as a powerful tool in light field synthesis.
Achromatic arbitrary polarization control in the terahertz band by tunable phase compensation
Authors: Chen Hao , Yang Shengxin , Wang Sheng , Guo Hangbing , Wang Tianwu , Hu Min , Jin Biaobing , Wu Jingbo , Fang Guangyou , Chen Xuequan
Published: January 2025

Polarization is a key parameter in light–matter interactions and is consequently closely linked to light manipulation, detection, and analysis. Terahertz (THz) waves, characterized by their broad bandwidth and long wavelength, pose significant challenges to efficient polarization control with existing technologies. Here, we leverage the mesoscale wavelength characteristics of THz waves and employ a mirror-coupled total internal reflection structure to mechanically modulate the phase difference between p- and s-waves by up to 289°. By incorporating a liquid crystal phase shifter to provide adaptive phase compensation, dispersion is eliminated across a broad bandwidth. We demonstrate active switching of orthogonal linear polarizations and handedness-selective quarter-wave conversions in the 1.6–3.4 THz range, achieving an average degree of linear/circular polarization exceeding 0.996. Furthermore, arbitrary polarization at any center frequency is achieved with a fractional bandwidth exceeding 90%. This customizable-bandwidth and multifunctional device offers an accurate and universal polarization control solution for various THz systems, paving the way for numerous polarization-sensitive applications.
Plasmon-Induced Transparency in Square Ring Resonator Structures for Optical Switch and Slow-Light Applications
Authors: Jafari Behnam , Gholizadeh Elnaz , Adibnia Ehsan , Salari Yasamin , Abbasi Mehran , Abbasifakher Ali , Oregani Hesam Karimi , Golmohammadi Saeed , Soofi Hadi , sarram Iman
Published: January 2025

In this study, we introduce an innovative plasmonic structure utilizing a Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) waveguide that interacts with an A symmetric square ring resonator, designed specifically for enhanced control of slow-light effects and refractive index sensing. By leveraging the phenomenon of Plasmon-Induced Transparency (PIT), our approach addresses and overcomes key limitations associated with traditional Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT). Using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations, we explore the capabilities of this design, demonstrating significant improvements in refractive index sensitivity and notable slow-light effects. The findings highlight the potential of this structure in advancing integrated photonic devices and in applications requiring high precision. The sensitivity achieved, represented by figures of merit (FOM) for different modes, displays values of 1900, 2000, 1600, and 1600, indicating its strong performance as a versatile sensor. Additionally, when employed in slow-light applications, the group index (ng) and delay values were recorded at 95 and 34, respectively, in addition, the proposed structure has the capability to function as a sensor and switcher, along with its main function of slow light functionality, making this design a promising candidate for next-generation optical systems.