bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact photonic device based on chalcogenide glass loaded lithium niobate on insulator
Authors: Shen Zhiqiang , Wang Zhiyuan , Shen Yelu , Yang Lei , Niu Lei , Wang Haoxian , Zhang Wei , Xu Peipeng , Gan Fuwan
Published: December 2024

We propose a hybrid photonic platform based on chalcogenide glass (GeSbSe) integrated with lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI), providing enhanced performance and compactness for integrated photonics. Key photonic components, including grating couplers (GCs), micro-ring resonators, multimode interference (MMI), and the Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI), are designed and fabricated on this platform. The micro-ring resonator achieves an intrinsic quality factor of 72,000 and a propagation loss of ∼3 dB/cm. The multimode interference couplers demonstrate minimal excess loss, while the MZI exhibits an extinction ratio exceeding 30 dB over a bandwidth of 50 nm. This hybrid platform, leveraging the unique optical properties of GeSbSe and LNOI, offers scalability and low-loss photonic integrated circuits, with promising applications in high-speed optical communications and signal processing.
Continuous relativistic high-harmonic generation from a kHz liquid-sheet plasma mirror
Authors: Cavagna Antoine , Eder Milo , Chowdhury Enam , Kalouguine André , Kaur Jaismeen , Mourou Gérard , Haessler Stefan , Lopez-Martens Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

We report on continuous high-harmonic generation (HHG) at 1 kHz
repetition rate from a liquid-sheet plasma mirror driven by
relativistic-intensity near-single-cycle light transients. Through
precise control of both the surface plasma density gradient and the
driving light waveform, we can produce highly stable and reproducible
extreme ultraviolet spectral quasi-continua, expected to correspond to
the generation of stable kHz-trains of isolated attosecond pulses in
the time domain. This confirms the exciting potential of liquid-sheet
targets as one of the building blocks of future high-power attosecond
lasers.
Sculpting isolated optical vortex knots on demand
Authors: Tsvetkov Dmitrii , G. Pires Danilo , Barati Sedeh Hooman , M. Litchinitser Natalia
Published: December 2024

The rapid development of optical technologies, including optical trapping, enhanced imaging, and microscopy, necessitates fundamentally new approaches to higher-dimensional optical beam shaping. We introduce a rigorous theoretical approach for sculpting three-dimensional, topological particle-like objects, such as optical knots or links, including precise control of their individual parts. Universally applicable to knots created using braided zero lines, our method is validated through theoretical analysis and experimental measurements. The proposed approach enables new degrees of freedom in multi-dimensional singularities shaping, including rotations, shifts, and rescaling of their parts for enhanced stability in complex media. These results may find applications in the fields of three-dimensional optical trapping, manipulation, and subwavelength microscopy, as well as probing and imaging through atmospheric or underwater turbulence.
Experimental demonstration of complete quantum e-commerce based on an efficient quantum digital payment
Authors: Liu Shuaishuai , Zhang Yu , Ren Shaobo , Qiu Si , Lu Zhenguo , Wang Xuyang , Li Yongmin
Published: December 2024

With the rapid spread of Internet technology, e-commerce is gradually becoming an integral part of the modern business models. The e-commerce transactions should obey integrity, authentication, nonrepudiation, traceability, and impartiality. Here, we propose and demonstrate a complete continuous-variable quantum e-commerce scheme, which involves subscription, payment, transport, and reception protocols among five parties. To this end, a simple, efficient quantum digital payment scheme is proposed. Furthermore, we streamline the entire e-commerce process by eliminating the private amplification step in the pre-distribution of keys. We achieve a contract signing rate of 1.51×103 times per second for a 33 kilobits contract, and a payment rate of 2.70×103 times per second over 80 km of single-mode fiber. Our results can support 411 times complete transactions per second, including three contract signings and two separate monetary payments. The proposed scheme takes into account the compatibility with existing e-commerce platforms to ensure a smooth transition and provides a practical solution for quantum e-commerce at metropolitan distances.
Multi-frequency terahertz Smith–Purcell radiation via momentum-mismatch-driven quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Zhang Zi-Wen , Zhu Juan-Feng , Han Feng-Yuan , Lin Xiao , Du Chao-Hai
Published: December 2024

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) have gained considerable attention for their ability to strengthen light–matter interactions, enabling applications in lasing, sensing, and imaging. These properties also show great promise for intensifying free-electron radiation. Recently, researchers realized momentum-mismatch-driven quasi-BICs in compound grating waveguides. This category of quasi-BICs exhibits high Q factors over a broad frequency spectrum. In this paper, we explore the possibility of achieving multi-frequency terahertz Smith–Purcell radiation empowered by momentum-mismatch-driven quasi-BICs in silicon compound grating waveguides. By leveraging the low-loss properties of silicon in the terahertz range, quasi-BICs are achieved through guided-mode resonance, delivering exceptionally high Q factors over a broad frequency spectrum. The broadband nature of these quasi-BICs enables efficient energy extraction from electron beams across varying voltages, while their multimode characteristics support simultaneous interactions with multiple modes, further boosting radiation intensity. The findings demonstrate significant enhancement of free-electron radiation at multiple frequencies, addressing the limitations of narrowband methods and high-loss metallic systems. By integrating broadband performance with the advantages of low-loss dielectric platforms, this work advances the development of compact, tunable terahertz free-electron radiation sources and provides valuable insights into optimizing quasi-BIC systems for practical applications.
The usefulness of an application-supported nutritional intervention on non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people with a risk of lifestyle-related diseases
Authors: Noda Yuko , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Nomura Akihiro , Noda Masao , Oka Rie , Kadono Mayuko , Yoneda Takashi
Published: December 2024

Lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes, are mostly caused by poor lifestyle habits; therefore, modifying these habits is important. In Japan, a system of specific health checkups (SHC) and specific health guidance (SHG) was introduced in 2008. The challenges faced include low retention rates and difficulty in maintaining results. Digital technologies can support self-management and increase patient convenience, although evidence of the usefulness of this technology for SHG is limited. This study evaluated the usefulness of nutritional guidance using a smartphone application (app) added to conventional SHG. We recruited eligible participants for SHG in Japan from November 2018 to March 2020. We assigned them to “Intervention Group: Application-Supported Nutrition Therapy” or “Control Group: Human Nutrition Therapy” based on their desire to use the app. The primary outcome was a change in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels post-intervention. The secondary outcomes were a change in lipid profile, metabolic indices, and frequency of logins to the app. We assessed 109 participants in two cohorts: 3-month (short-term) and 6-month (long-term). The short-term cohort had 23 intervention and 29 control participants, while the long-term cohort had 35 and 22, respectively. There was a significant improvement in non-HDL-C levels in the short-term intervention group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in non-HDL-C levels in the long-term groups or at 1 year. There were significant improvements in body weight (BW) in the short-term cohort until 1 year compared within the groups. The retention rate remained high in the short-term cohort (92%) but decreased to 57.8% at 6 months in the long-term cohort. Using an app system to facilitate dietary recordings and guidance for patients at risk of lifestyle-related diseases led to improved lipid levels and BW. These benefits persisted to some extent after 1 year. This app may partially supplement conventional SHG.
Micro-costing analysis of a combination intervention for improved mental health and HIV risk behaviors among school-going adolescent girls in Uganda
Authors: Tozan Yesim , Kiyingi Joshua , Kim Sooyoung , Namuwonge Flavia , Namuli Florence , Ssentumbwe Vicent , Namirembe Rashida , Kasidi Edwinnah , Sensoy Bahar Ozge , Mckay Mary M. , Ssewamala Fred M.
Published: December 2024

Suubi4Her is a combination intervention that integrates a savings-led family-based economic empowerment intervention through youth development accounts with a family strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family groups. It aims to improve mental health and reduce HIV risk behaviors among school-going adolescent girls in Uganda. This micro-costing study was conducted as part of a three-armed randomized control trial between 2017–2022, involving 1,260 participants aged 14–17 years across 47 secondary schools. Adopting a provider perspective, we prospectively identified, measured, and computed the costs associated with all program activities. These costs were then aggregated and divided by the actual number of adolescent girls in each study arm to conservatively obtain the per-adolescent costs for each arm. The per-adolescent costs of economic empowerment intervention alone and in combination with the family strengthening intervention were US$476 and US$812, respectively. Personnel costs were the key cost driver due to the intensive supervision of intervention delivery and quality assurance efforts. This study is the first to estimate the economic costs of an evidence-based combination intervention targeting the multifaceted risk factors underlying HIV risk among adolescent girls in a low-resource setting. The per-adolescent cost of US$812 for the Suubi4Her intervention falls within the cost range reported for other family-based interventions (US$500-US$900); however, published comparisons are limited. Accurate and reliable cost estimates are key to assessing the feasibility, affordability, and economic value of interventions. There is a pressing need for more costing studies on evidence-based combination interventions, especially in low-resource settings (Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT03307226; IRB approvals: Washington University in St. Louis (IRB #201703102), the Uganda Virus Research Institute (GC/127/17/07/619), and the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (SS4406).
Exploring sexual and reproductive health needs, barriers, and coping strategies of internally displaced women of reproductive ages in north-central Nigeria: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Okorafor Kwala Adline , Okeibunor Joseph , Oyinlola Funmilola Folasade , Ouedraogo Leopold , Tinuola Femi Rufus
Published: December 2024

Context

Women and girls form a substantial proportion of the population of internally displaced people (IDP) in Nigeria, these vulnerable populations are at risk of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights violations and greater risk of unsafe abortion and high maternal deaths. IDP women’s living conditions are often precarious, exposing them to health risks, challenges are often faced due to lack of finance and other related factors to access health care services leading to them improvising health care services which is considered dangerous to their health. There is a gap in the study regarding the SRH needs of the IDP women and the alternative they opt for in meeting their sexual needs.

Objective

This study explores the SRH needs, barriers and coping strategies of women of reproductive age in North Central IDP camps.

Data and methods

A qualitative study was conducted between January 8th and February 28th, 2024, in 4 internally displaced camps in Abuja and Benue among women of reproductive age. Using a well-structured interview guide for an in-depth interview, 14 respondents were purposively selected for the study. The women were interviewed to provide insight into the SRH needs, coping strategies and barriers to utilizing SRH services in the selected camps. Data analysis was conducted using Nvivo version 11.

Results

The study revealed the SRH needs for specific family planning methods, free SRH services and antenatal facilities in the camp and the need for toilets. Without the SRH services women cope using herbs and concoctions, they also patronize traditional birth attendants and some of the barriers include finance, husbands’ approval and distance to health facilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, women in the IDP camp have SRH needs that need to be met as their coping strategies are not adequate but could complicate their sexual health. It therefore recommended the government should provide adequate medical personnel in the camp for easy access to SRH services.
Effects of vermicompost and lime on acidic soil properties and malt barley (Hordeum Distichum L.) productivity in Mecha district, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Terefe Zenebe , Feyisa Tesfaye , Molla Eyayu , Ejigu Workineh
Published: December 2024

Due to continuous cultivation, high soil acidity, and low nutrient inputs, soil fertility depletion has been a major threat to northwest Ethiopia’s crop productivity and food security. This study aimed to examine the effects of vermicompost and lime rates on soil properties and malt barley (Hordeum distichum L.) productivity under a furrow irrigation system on acidic soil in the Mecha district, northwest Ethiopia. The treatments were combinations of three levels of vermicompost (0, 2.66-, and 5.31-tons ha-1) and three levels of lime (0-, 2.16-, and 3.24-tons ha-1) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the integrated application of 5.31 tons of vermicompost and 3.24 tons of lime ha-1 provided the highest soil pH (6.20), available phosphorus (8.55 mg kg-1), total nitrogen (0.25%), and organic carbon (3.40%). On the other hand, adding vermicompost and lime in combination or separately noticeably decreased the exchangeable acidity and aluminum toxicity. Besides, the integrated application of 5.31 tons vermicompost (VC) and 3.24 tons lime (L ha-1 provided the highest dry biomass (12.22 tons ha-1), grain yield (5.30 tons ha-1), and net benefit (197, 246 Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Overall, the integrated application of vermicompost and lime can substantially increase soil fertility and crop yields. However, this study needs further testing and validation at varied rates in other areas.
Dosage suppressors of gpn2ts mutants and functional insights into the role of Gpn2 in budding yeast
Authors: Wang Le , Li Pan , Zeng Pei , Xie Debao , Gao Mengdi , Ma Lujie , Sohail Aamir , Zeng Fanli
Published: December 2024

Gpn2 is a highly conserved protein essential for the assembly of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in eukaryotic cells. Mutations in Gpn2, specifically Phe105Tyr and Leu164Pro, confer temperature sensitivity and significantly impair RNAPII assembly. Despite its crucial role, the complete range of Gpn2 functions remains to be elucidated. To further explore these functions, we conducted large-scale multicopy suppressor screening in budding yeast, aiming to identify genes whose overexpression could mitigate the growth defects of a temperature-sensitive gpn2 mutant (gpn2ts) at restrictive temperatures. We screened over 30,000 colonies harboring plasmids from a multicopy genetic library and identified 31 genes that rescued the growth defects of gpn2ts to various extents. Notably, we found that PAB1, CDC5, and RGS2 reduced the drug sensitivity of gpn2ts mutants. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for future studies on the function of Gpn2 in RNAPII assembly.
Nonlinear relationship between Hemoglobin-to-Age Ratio and all-cause mortality in patients with septic shock: A retrospective cohort study in the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Yang Chao , Xue Yimin , You Zhebin , Huang Tingfeng , He Xiaofang , Jiang Xinda , Huang Jianmin , Chen Yu , Zhou Xiao-Fen
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown that both age and hemoglobin are closely associated with the prognosis of septic shock. A recent study found that hemoglobin may change with age. Hemoglobin-to-Age Ratio (HAR) takes both age and hemoglobin into consideration as essential factors. So far, the effect of HAR on the prognosis of septic shock is still unclear. This research aimed to investigate the association between the HAR and the prognosis of patients with septic shock.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, restricted cubic spline, Kaplan-Meier survivor analysis and stratified interaction analysis were used to elucidate the relationship between the HAR and prognosis of patients with septic shock.

Results

There is a nonlinear association between the HAR and mortality within 28 days after intensive care unit admission. When the HAR was lower than 0.13, mortality within 28 days after ICU admission decreased significantly as the HAR increased. When the HAR was higher than 0.13, the HAR was not a protective factor for mortality within 28 days after ICU admission. In patients with septic shock, the HAR was more effective in reducing the risk of death in patients with atrial fibrillation than in patients without atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

There is a nonlinear association between the HAR and mortality within 28 days after intensive care unit admission. When the HAR was at a low level, mortality within 28 days after ICU admission decreased significantly as the HAR increased. When the HAR was at high levels, the HAR might not be a protective factor for mortality within 28 days after ICU admission. In patients with septic shock, the HAR was more effective in reducing the risk of death in patients with atrial fibrillation than in patients without atrial fibrillation.
Control strategy of the novel stator free speed regulating wind turbine generation system
Authors: Li Yanan , Cui Jianhui , Li Hongna , Zhao Bin
Published: December 2024

Building a high-proportion renewable energy power system is a key measure to address the challenges of the energy revolution and climate change. However, current high-proportion renewable energy systems face issues of frequency instability and voltage fluctuations. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel topology for a stator free speed regulating wind turbine generation system. The stator free speed regulating machine connects a gearbox and a synchronous generator, forming a flexible drive chain that increases system inertia and enhances frequency stability in high-proportion renewable energy power systems. The synchronous generator at the end of the drive chain can be directly connected to the grid without the converter, thanks to the speed regulation provided by the stator free speed regulating machine, thus avoiding harmonic pollution caused by power electronic devices in traditional wind turbines, enhancing the reactive power support capability, and improving voltage stability in high-proportion renewable energy systems. Given that the proposed stator free speed regulating machine consists solely of a rotating inner and outer rotor without a stator, traditional motor control strategies are not applicable. Therefore, this paper focuses on developing control strategies for the stator free speed regulating machine, employing a dual closed-loop PI control strategy with an outer loop for speed and an inner loop for current, based on flux orientation of the outer rotor. Simulation experiments will validate the feasibility of the proposed stator free speed regulating wind turbine generation system topology and the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Social norms and maternal health information-seeking behavior among adolescent girls: A qualitative study in a slum of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md. Ashraful , Ananna Rabeena Sultana , Hasan Nayeem , Aktar Mst. Farhana , Zakaria A. F. M.
Published: December 2024

Adolescent girls of reproductive age who actively seek information on maternal health often tend to have better health-seeking behaviors and maternal health outcomes. Due to scant research on reproductive aged adolescent girls’ maternal health information seeking behavior in slum, in connection with social norms, we aimed for this particular study. Adopting an explorative qualitative research approach, we collected data from purposively selected married and unmarried adolescent girls aged 15–19 of different occupation by implying 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs), 2 focus group discussions (FGDs) with the same categories employed for IDIs, and 2 key informant interviews (KIIs) with a traditional birth attendant and a drug seller. Furthermore, the data were subjected to thematic analysis. Care’s Social Norms Analysis Plot (SNAP) framework was undertaken as an interpretative tool for data that was emerging rather than serving as the foundation for the study’s conduct and design. Thematic analysis was followed to analyze primary data. Findings show that most girls rely on maternal health-related information from unverified sources, including family members, traditional birth attendants, and drug sellers, which increases health risks. The majority reported that adolescent girls need professional healthcare providers in their area who would work according to their work schedule as most of the girls are engaged in income-generating work for about 9–11 hours, and the scope of work (daily wagers) hardly supports ‘leave with pay’. Therefore, there is a critical need for professional healthcare services tailored to the girls’ work schedules. Social norms and stigma further restrict access to reliable health information, especially for unmarried girls. Socioeconomic disparities also shape health-seeking behaviors, with wealthier adolescents having greater access to formal healthcare services. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes. The results might be useful for informed policy formulation and program design to ensure better health outcomes for marginalized adolescents.
Somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis in peanut cv. ‘Georgia-12Y’ and successful transfer to the soil
Authors: Khatri Poonam , Joshee Nirmal
Published: December 2024

An efficient regeneration system was established through somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis using mature embryos explants of peanut cultivar ‘Georgia-12Y’. The role of plant growth regulator combinations was investigated for embryogenic callus and somatic embryo induction. Results showed that Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 20 μM picloram (4-amino 3, 5, 6-trichloropicolinic acid), casein hydrolysate (0.2 g/L), sucrose (30 g/L) and sorbitol (10 g/L) supported callus induction in dark and higher number of somatic embryos in light. No somatic embryos were induced at 0.1 μM to 10.0 μM of 2,4-Dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and picloram individually. The highest regeneration frequency of 90% was recorded on 40 μM 2,4-D + casein hydrolysate (0.2 g/L), sucrose (30 g/L) and sorbitol (10 g/L). The plantlets regenerated via somatic embryogenesis did not exhibit any morphological abnormalities. Double staining with acetocarmine and Evans blue distinguished between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus. Histological observations confirmed distinct developmental stages of somatic embryos. On the other hand, highest number of shoots were induced in response to MS + 15 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) among various treatments tested. Incubation of shoots on plant growth regulator free MS medium induced in-vitro flowering after 12 weeks under light conditions. The induction of embryogenic and morphogenic callus and production of fertile peanut plants using manipulations of various plant growth regulators is reported on peanut cultivar ‘Georgia- 12Y’.
Regulation of corneal epithelial differentiation: miR-141-3p promotes the arrest of cell proliferation and enhances the expression of terminal phenotype
Authors: Ortiz-Melo María Teresa , Campos Jorge E. , Sánchez-Guzmán Erika , Herrera-Aguirre María Esther , Castro-Muñozledo Federico
Published: December 2024

In recent years, different laboratories have provided evidence on the role of miRNAs in regulation of corneal epithelial metabolism, permeability and wound healing, as well as their alteration after surgery and in some ocular pathologies. We searched the available databases reporting miRNA expression in the human eye, looking for miRNAs highly expressed in central cornea, which could be crucial for maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. Using the rabbit RCE1(5T5) cell line as a model of corneal epithelial differentiation, we describe the participation of miR-141-3p as a possible negative regulator of the proliferative/migratory phenotype in corneal epithelial cells. The expression of miR-141-3p followed a time course similar to the differentiation-linked KRT3 cytokeratin, being delayed 24–48 hours relative to PAX6 expression; such result suggested that miR-141-3p only regulates the expression of terminal phenotype. Inhibition of miR-141-3p led to increased cell proliferation and motility, and induced the expression of molecular makers characteristic of an Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Comparison between the transcriptional profile of cells in which miR-141-3p was knocked down, and the transcriptomes from proliferative non-differentiated and differentiated stratified epithelia suggest that miR-141-3p is involved in the expression of terminal differentiation mediating the arrest of cell proliferation and inhibiting the EMT in highly motile early differentiating cells.
Study on the coupling coordination characteristics and influencing factors of ecological environmental civilization and resident public health in China—based on a modified coupling coordination model
Authors: Xie Qian , Wang Yongkai , Zhang Yingchun
Published: December 2024

As industrial technologies advance, climate change and environmental pollution increasingly pose threats to human health. This study examines the coupling coordination characteristics between ecological environmental civilization (EEC) and resident public health (RPH) to promote both higher public health standards and enhanced societal sustainability. Utilizing panel data from 31 provinces in China spanning from 2010 to 2022, this paper constructs evaluation indices for EEC and RPH. Initially, the entropy method is employed to determine the development levels of each domain. Subsequently, a modified coupling coordination degree (CCD) model is applied to assess the CCD between EEC and RPH. This research further investigates the spatiotemporal evolution trends of the CCD using methods such as the Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation (KDE), and Markov chains. Finally, the panel Tobit model is utilized to analyze factors influencing the CCD. Findings reveal that during the study period, both EEC and RPH in China exhibited a stable upward trend, although the overall development level remained relatively low. The CCD showed consistent growth both nationally and across three major regions. Overall inequality in coupling coordination, as measured by Dagum Gini coefficient, has decreased, with the coefficient reducing from 0.0316 in 2010 to 0.0199 in 2022. KDE results indicate a rightward shift in the density curve of the CCD, suggesting a significant reduction in absolute disparities. Panel Tobit regression analysis shows that economic development, urbanization, and education levels significantly and positively influence the CCD on a national scale, with urbanization having the most substantial impact, followed by economic development and education levels.
Invisible labour and in-kind contribution in dance and theatre productions: Embodied impacts and hidden somatic costs
Authors: Dennis Rea , Charalambous Erica
Published: December 2024

The performing arts sector is in crisis as it confronts its reliance on unpaid immaterial labour and in-kind contributions by individual artists. Independent performing artists become good at balancing financial benefits with pleasure and esteem measures within their creative lives. However, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more and more challenging to sustain a sector that relies on this generosity. This article seeks to better understand the impact of the long-term reliance on the goodwill of independent artists on the artists themselves. It shares artists’ stories and identifies the various types of labour that fall into the unpaid category for independent artists and artist-led companies producing dance and theatre in Melbourne, Australia. The article considers how the practitioner’s body endures the cost of this labour as a somatic load and how this impacts their well-being, health and creative lives.
Editorial
Authors: Brown Natalie Garrett , Crawley Marie-Louise , Hayward-Smith Lily , Kim Eugenia S. , Stamp Kathryn
Published: December 2024

The editorial for the 16.1&2 Special Issue, ‘6th International Dance and Somatic Practices Conference – Reconnections: Looking back, moving forward, enacting change’, welcomes readers to this issue with some Journal of Dance & Somatic Practices updates and follows with an outline of why and how this Special Issue has been curated, reflecting on the sixth Dance and Somatic Practices Conference held in July 2023. The editorial continues with a summary of each of the contributions to the issue, including papers presented at the conference, additional submissions addressing the conference themes and book reviews.
Benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations improve the in silico dimerization of hookworm tubulin: An additional resistance mechanism
Authors: Tenorio Jan Clyden B. , Heikal Muhammad Fikri , Kafle Alok , Saichua Prasert , Suttiprapa Sutas
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim: Mutations in the β-tubulin genes of helminths confer benzimidazole (BZ) resistance by reducing the drug’s binding efficiency to the expressed protein. However, the effects of these resistance-associated mutations on tubulin dimer formation in soil-transmitted helminths remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of these mutations on the in silico dimerization of hookworm α- and β-tubulins using open-source bioinformatics tools.

Materials and Methods: Using AlphaFold 3, the α- and β-tubulin amino acid sequences of Ancylostoma ceylanicum were used to predict the structural fold of the hookworm tubulin heterodimer. The modeled complexes were subjected to several protein structure quality assurance checks. The binding free energies, overall binding affinity, dissociation constant, and interacting amino acids of the complex were determined. The dimer’s structural flexibility and motion were simulated through molecular dynamics.

Results: BZ resistance-associated amino acid substitutions in the β-tubulin isotype 1 protein of hookworms altered tubulin dimerization. The E198K, E198V, and F200Y mutations conferred the strongest and most stable binding between the α and β subunits, surpassing that of the wild-type. In contrast, complexes with the Q134H and F200L mutations exhibited the opposite effect. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that wild-type and mutant tubulin dimers exhibited similar dynamic behavior, with slight deviations in those carrying the F200L and E198K mutations.

Conclusion: Resistance-associated mutations in hookworms impair BZ binding to β-tubulin and enhance tubulin dimer interactions, thereby increasing the parasite’s ability to withstand treatment. Conversely, other mutations weaken these interactions, potentially compromising hookworm viability. These findings offer novel insights into helminth tubulin dimerization and provide a valuable foundation for developing anthelmintics targeting this crucial biological process.

Keywords: Ancylostoma, anthelmintic resistance, microtubules, soil-transmitted helminths.
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli: Epidemiology, virulence and pathogenesis, diagnosis, pathophysiology, transmission, vaccination, and control
Authors: Khairullah Aswin Rafif , Afnani Daniah Ashri , Riwu Katty Hendriana Priscilia , Widodo Agus , Yanestria Sheila Marty , Moses Ikechukwu Benjamin , Effendi Mustofa Helmi , Ramandinianto Sancaka Chasyer , Wibowo Syahputra , Fauziah Ima , Kusala Muhammad Khaliim Jati , Fauzia Kartika Afrida , Furqoni Abdul Hadi , Raissa Ricadonna
Published: December 2024

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in poultry; this type of bacteria is an extraintestinal pathogen E. coli. Unlike other E. coli pathogen groups, the characteristics of APECs cannot be identified by a single group. Serotyping and biotyping are frequently performed for isolates found in colibacillosis infections. The establishment, transmission, and persistence of this pathogenic strain in chicken populations are determined by the intricate interactions of multiple elements that make up the epidemiology of APEC. APEC employs many virulence and pathogenesis factors or mechanisms to infect chickens with colibacillosis. These factors include invasives, protectins, adhesins, iron acquisition, and toxins. In addition, the pathogenicity of APEC strains can be evaluated in 2–4 week-old chicks. The impact of unfavorable environmental conditions has also been documented, despite direct contact being demonstrated to be a significant element in transmission in APEC. Chickens are immunized against colibacillosis using a variety of vaccines. Nevertheless, commercially available vaccinations do not offer sufficient immunity to protect birds from APEC strains. Hatching egg contamination is one of the main ways that APECs spread throughout chicken flocks. Farmers also need to be mindful of storing discarded materials near the manure-watering area, removing them when necessary, and replacing wet materials with dry materials when needed. This review aimed to explain the characteristics, epidemiology, virulence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, pathophysiology, transmission, vaccination, and control of APEC.

Keywords: avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, colibacillosis, Escherichia coli, poultry, public health.
Numerical modeling of concrete beams subjected to partial wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Krátký Štěpán , Havlásek Petr
Published: December 2024

Concrete structures are commonly subjected to cycles of wetting and drying, which can have a significant impact on their behavior. However, experimental data on the effects of wetting and drying on concrete beams are scarce. This study presents the results of a 4-year experimental program on 2.5 m span concrete beams with heights of 100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm subjected to one-sided wetting and drying cycles. Vertical deflection of the beams was monitored throughout the experiment, and moisture mass balance was measured on companion specimens.The behavior of the specimens was experimentally assessed, and subsequently numerical models using coupled hygromechanical finite element simulations were developed. The purpose of the simulations was to verify the prediction capabilities of the established constitutive models for moisture transport and creep and shrinkage of concrete and, if needed, to propose necessary corrections to the constitutive models.
Die urbane Mobilitätswende messbar machen? Konzeption und Anwendung eines Mobilitätswendeindex am Beispiel der Städte Darmstadt, Frankfurt und Wiesbaden
Authors: Bücher Julius , Aertker Johannes , Neumann Christian , Klinger Thomas , Lanzendorf Martin
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses an index based on the concept of mobility cultures for measuring the socio-ecological transformation of urban mobility, also referred to as the mobility transition. This index, termed the Mobility Transition Index, aims to enable municipal policymakers and planners to quantitatively assess progress in implementing the mobility transition. The uniqueness of the index lies in the consideration of both objective and subjective data, as well as the goal of incorporating as many open data sources as possible. In workshops with local experts of statistics and transport planning, the indicator set was discussed in terms of its applicability and the availability of additional data. Finally, a set of 78 measurement indicators and 16 core indicators for calculating the Mobility Transition Index emerged. Next, the index was calculated for three cities (Darmstadt, Frankfurt am Main, Wiesbaden), and discussed with experts again. The results demonstrate the potential of the index for analysing changes in urban mobility cultures. Furthermore, we identified a predominance of data related to the built environment and travel behaviour, but a lack of data for transport policy and planning, as well as for discourses and communication. We concluded that additionally to the necessity for collecting such data more extensively, a need arises for the critical examination of existing datasets and their contribution for the urban transformation of transport.
Modulation of physical exercise intensity in motor‐cognitive training of adults using the SKILLCOURT technology
Authors: Erdogan Gülsa , Karsten Bettina , Vogt Lutz , Mierau Andreas , Hülsdünker Thorben
Published: December 2024

Motor‐cognitive training and exergaming often only reach low‐to‐medium intensities that limits their training efficiency. This study evaluated the physiological profile of different exercises on a novel motor‐cognitive training technology designed to cover a broad range of exercise intensities. Twenty‐six healthy trained adults (17 males, 23.7 ± 3.8 years) performed five motor‐cognitive training tasks on the SKILLCOURT technology. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood [lactate], perceived physical exertion (RPE) responses, and metabolic equivalent (MET) were assessed and compared to an incremental treadmill ramp test determining the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax). Computer‐based cognitive training served as control condition. Motor‐cognitive exercises reached a higher %VO2max and %HRmax levels when compared to computer‐based training (p < 0.001). Average intensity varied significantly between motor‐cognitive tasks, with %VO2max ranging from 22% to 81% (p < 0.001), %HRmax from 49% to 89% (p < 0.001), METs from 3.57 to 13.37 (p < 0.001), blood [lactate] from 0.93 to 7.81 mmol·L−1 (p < 0.001), and RPE from 8.5 to 16.4 (p < 0.001). Motor‐cognitive training covers a wide range of exercise intensities. This supports individual training subscription and allows high‐intensity training to facilitate cardio‐vascular adaptations and neural plasticity.
Biomacromolecules as green corrosion inhibitors: a review based on mild steel corrosion in acidic media
Authors: Talha Mohd
Published: December 2024

Green corrosion inhibitors are produced from economical and renewable sources and concurrently offer high inhibition efficiency and very low negative effects on environment. Various naturally occurring biomacromolecules are employed as corrosion inhibitors for steels. In contrast to small molecule corrosion inhibitors, polymers possess superior film-forming abilities and multifunctional chemistries that have the potential to enhance protective barrier characteristics greatly. Moreover, the biomacromolecules have many sites of attachment which further enhance their inhibition ability. This featured article is dedicated to summarizing the inhibition performance of biomacromolecules to mitigate mild steel corrosion in acidic media. It began by describing the green corrosion inhibitors and the advantages of using biomacromolecules as inhibitors. All naturally occurring macromolecules such as such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, have been focused as inhibitors for mild steel in acidic media with their inhibition action. The factors affecting inhibition efficiency like temperature, inhibitor concentration, exposure time, etc. are also discussed. In the last, the synergistic effect of other ions with macromolecules in corrosion inhibition was also taken into consideration. This review offers insightful observations into the development of biomacromolecules as green corrosion inhibitors.
Gender Differences in Acoustic-Perceptual Mapping of Emotional Prosody in Mandarin Speech
Authors: Wang Xuyi , Fang Ruomei , Ding Hongwei
Published: December 2024

The discrepancies in existing literature regarding the gender/sex effect on voice-emotion mapping have left the nature of the cross-gender differences unclear. To enrich the knowledge of gender differences in acoustic-perceptual mapping in emotional communication, the present study employed an acoustic-integrated approach to investigate how Mandarin speech prosody is perceived by male and female listeners. One hundred native Mandarin participants recognized the affective states and rated the emotional intensity for 4,500 audio files conveying five basic emotional prosody (i.e., anger, joy, sadness, fear, neutrality) from a female speaker. The results showed that females generally identified emotions more accurately and rated them relatively lower in intensity than males. Meanwhile, acoustic-perceptual analysis revealed a higher predictive power of acoustic measures on male performance. The research extends previous findings by showing a general female advantage in emotion detection, especially in high-arousal emotions like anger, joy, and sadness. The current study suggested that the female sensitivity to minimal affective cues should be sourced to a high-level enhancement with a subjective empathetic filter instead of a low-level superiority on objective acoustic sensation. The complicated mechanism of gender differences in emotional communication and the importance of explaining recognition ability with an acoustic-integrated perspective are highlighted.
Walks on tiled boards
Authors: Németh László
Published: December 2024

Several articles deal with tilings with various shapes, and also a very frequent type of combinatorics is to examine the walks on graphs or on grids. We combine these two things and give the numbers of the shortest walks crossing the tiled (1 × n) and (2 × n) square grids by covering them with squares and dominoes. We describe these numbers not only recursively, but also as rational polynomial linear combinations of Fibonacci numbers.
Composition on FL
ew
-algebras
Authors: Nganou Jean B.
Published: December 2024

We introduce the notion of CFL
ew
-algebras, which are bounded commutative integral residuated lattices equipped with an additional operation that mimics the composition of functions. We obtain and study some of the basic properties of CFL
ew
-algebras. In particular, we characterize semi-divisible CFL
ew
-algebras and prove that Boolean algebras are the only CFL
ew
-algebras having sub-CFL
ew
-algebras of order 4. Finally, we study the effect of the composition on the filters/congruences of CFL
ew
-algebras and also investigate the usual constructions of subalgebras, quotient algebras, as well as related classes of filters.
On a periodic problem for super-linear second-order ODEs
Authors: Šremr Jiří
Published: December 2024

The present paper concerns the periodic problem

u
″

=
p
(
t
)
u
−
q
(
t
,
u
)
u
+
f
(
t
)
;

u
(
0
)
=
u
(
ω
)
,

u
′

(
0
)
=

u
′

(
ω
)
,

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
u''=p(t)u-q(t,u)u+f(t);\quad u(0)=u(\omega),\, u'(0)=u'(\omega),
\end{array}$$

where p, f : [0, ω] → ℝ are Lebesgue integrable functions and q : [0, ω] × ℝ → ℝ is a Carathéodory function. We assume that the anti-maximum principle holds for the corresponding linear problem and provide sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence and uniqueness of a positive solution to the given non-linear problem. The general results obtained are applied to the non-autonomous Duffing type equation with a super-linear power non-linearity.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for Fractional Dynamic Equations with Impulse Effects
Authors: Georgiev Svetlin G. , Akgöl Sibel Doğru
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study is to establish sufficient conditions to ensure the existence and uniqueness of solutions for nonlinear Riemann-Liouville fractional dynamic equations under impulse effects. The current state of the literature reveals a visible gap in the investigation of the existence-uniqueness aspects of such equations, and this research makes a significant contribution to filling this gap. To highlight the practical implications of our results, we present an illustrative example that exemplifies the applicability of the established conditions.
Maps on self-adjoint operators preserving some relations related to commutativity
Authors: Karder Mahdi , Petek Tatjana
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we give the complete description of maps on self-adjoint bounded operators on Hilbert space which preserve a triadic relation involving the difference of operators and either commutativity or quasi-commutativity in both directions. We show that those maps are implemented by unitary or antiunitary equivalence and possible additive perturbation by a scalar operator.
Relative versions of first and second countability in hyperspaces
Authors: Díaz-Reyes Jesús , Tenorio Jesús F.
Published: December 2024

Let CL(X) be the collection of all non-empty closed subsets of X, and Δ any subfamily of CL(X). By

τ
Δ

=

τ
V
−

∨

τ
Δ
+

$\tau_\Delta = \tau_V^- \lor \tau_\Delta^+$

, we denote the hit-and-miss topology on CL(X). In 1995, Arhangel’skii focused his attention on the following general problem was formulated: given any subspace Y of X, study the subspace Y
+ of CL(X) in the Vietoris topology and the other natural topologies, where Y
+ is the subspace of CL(X) consisting of all non-empty closed subsets of X which are contained in Y. In this paper, we investigate when Y
+ is first (second) countable in (CL(X), τ), for

τ
∈
{

τ
Δ

,

τ
V
−

,

τ
Δ
+

}

$ \tau\in \{\tau_\Delta,\tau_V^- ,\tau_\Delta^+\} $

. All content of this work extend some results of the theory of hyperspaces, when Y=X or when Δ coincides with CL(X) or when is equal to the collection of all non-empty compact subsets of X.
The effect of MWCNT concentration on the electrical resistance change characteristic of glass/fiber epoxy composites under low cycle fatigue loading
Authors: Turan Fatih
Published: December 2024

In this study, the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube concentration on the electrical resistance change characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotube filled glass/epoxy composites under low-cycle fatigue loading was experimentally investigated. For this purpose, multi-walled carbon nanotube concentrations of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 wt.% within composites were utilized to ensure electrical conductivity. The rectangular specimens for fatigue tests were manufactured by vacuum bagging method. The fatigue tests were conducted in a load-controlled manner with an ultimate strength ratio of 0.6 and at a stress ratio of 0.1. The results showed that the alteration in electrical resistance within the composites experiences a sharp and exponential rise when the concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotube reach 0.2 and 0.3 wt.%, whereas the rate of this increase in electrical resistance is more gradual at 0.4 wt.%. multi-walled carbon nanotube concentration. The electrical resistance change curves of multi-walled carbon nanotube filled composites at various fatigue life levels were determined for statistical analysis using the Weibull distribution method. Finally, the average stiffness loss and the average residual fatigue life were determined at the electrical resistance changes corresponding to 95, 80, and 50 % Weibull reliabilities at various fatigue life levels and various multi-walled carbon nanotube concentrations.
Crystal structure of isoxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-amine, C6H5N3O
Authors: Wang Litong , Wang Jinfang , Meng Fanchao , Zheng Xiaoxin , Han Quanxiang
Published: December 2024

C6H5N3O, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 5.2140(2) Å, b = 6.8527(2) Å, c = 16.3538(5) Å, β = 97.335(3)°, V = 579.54(3) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0336, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0881, T = 293(2) K.