bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A EDUCAÇÃO DAS RELAÇÕES ÉTNICO-RACIAIS NO PLANO MUNICIPAL DE EDUCAÇÃO DE SANTANA-AP: DO CONTEXTO NACIONAL À EFETIVAÇÃO DE METAS E ESTRATÉGIAS
Authors: Serrão Custódio Elivaldo , Aguiar Lima Adaíles
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo discutir acerca da Educação das Relações Étnico-Raciais no âmbito do Plano Municipal de Educação de Santana-AP (PME), especificamente sobre a estratégia “8.13” que propõe a implementação e consolidação do Projeto Político Pedagógico (PPP), em 100% das escolas, nos 2 primeiros anos de vigência do Plano. Trata-se de pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa exploratória do tipo bibliográfica e documental. Foi realizado, ainda, levantamento de dados empíricos, através de entrevista com a responsável pela pasta na Secretaria Municipal de Educação. Para análise dos resultados, optou-se pela Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Os resultados apontam que há necessidade de se aprofundar estudos que contemplem a trajetória histórica do município de Santana-AP, diretamente relacionada com a contribuição histórica da população negra, oriunda de diversos locais da África e que adentrou as terras amapaenses como escravizada e contribuiu solidamente na construção dessa história regional.
"Are We the Normal Ones?": International Students' Perceptions of US Politics and Policies in 2020–2021
Authors: Yao Christina W. , Hall Kaitlyn , Gause Simone
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The years 2020–2021 were filled with contention, including politicizing a global virus, a US presidential election, and the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Yet, much of the research on college student responses has tended to focus on US domestic students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine international students' perceptions of US politics and policies during that time. Findings from the study included concerns about the politicized pandemic, excitement and trepidation at presidential changes, and disbelief over the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Autistic Undergraduates' Experiences and Intentions to Persist in College
Authors: Kim So Yoon , LaPoint Shannon , Bottema-Beutel Kristen
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This study examined autistic undergraduate students' college experiences and their perceptions about their intentions to persist in college. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 27 autistic undergraduate students (mean age = 21.8 years; 40.7% men), and their responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Students discussed their perspectives about revealing their autism diagnosis, the value of the social community or lack thereof, the process of getting accommodations from professors, and autism acceptance on campus. Students perceived that their intentions to persist in college were related to their desire to learn, the practical utility of a college degree, the symbolic value of a degree, and the value placed on education by their families.
A Study of Pattern Path Expressions in Mandarin Chinese From the Perspective of Motion Event Typology
Authors: Ma Sai
Published: November 2024

Given that pattern paths, one type of fictive motion, have been understudied so far, this paper examines pattern path expressions from the perspective of motion event typology. Through manually collecting Mandarin pattern path data from books and magazines, we first explored the semantic elements in pattern path expressions with a focus on the Figure and the Ground, and then investigated their lexicalization pattern by studying the grammatical slots encoding the Path, the semantic elements integrated in the verb, the expression of manner information, and the complexity of Ground information. The results showed that, in Mandarin pattern path expressions, typical semantic elements include the Figure, the Ground, the Motion, the Path, and the Cause, among which Figural entities are usually large-scale geographical or architectural entities, and the Ground is often left out linguistically; second, the Path is encoded in both the verb and the satellite, but more frequently in the verb; third, the number of manner verbs is low in both type and token while that of path verbs is high, and accordingly, alternative expressions of manner information usually modify path verbs rather than manner verbs. Our findings suggest that pattern path expressions are an economical way to express the state change of large-scale entities and that Mandarin Chinese behaves more like a V-language when expressing pattern paths.
Cosmopolitanism and Coexistence in Ottoman Jewish History: The Case of Shopkeeper Yeuda Macha
Authors: Danon Dina
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This piece takes the life of Yeuda Macha, a Jewish shopkeeper in Izmir, as its starting point. Focusing on a late nineteenth-century source detailing the settling of his accounts after his death, the article reconstructs the links, contacts, and partnerships that punctuated his daily life both within and outside of the Jewish community. With its emphasis on the mundane, this source offers a point of entry into the rhythm of everyday life in the eastern Sephardi diaspora and the centrality of the esnaf, or urban shopkeepers and petty traders, who made up so much of the Sephardi labor force. It also offers crucial tools to evaluate and refine categories that are so often applied reflexively in the study of the modern Mediterranean and its Jewish communities, such as “cosmopolitanism” and “coexistence,” and the opportunity to concretely probe the nature of both real and imagined boundaries between religio-ethnic groups in an Ottoman port like Izmir.
Paper Trail
Authors: Berg Nancy E.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The photocopy of a Passover Haggadah, a modest edition glossed in the Arabic of Iraqi Jews (written, as is customary, in Hebrew letters) leads to the contemplation of the recent and current status of the language and wades gently into the question of the hyphen. A few examples from literature, life, and especially life literature, are offered to illustrate the tongue’s afterlife. The conclusion reveals partiality for continuity over rupture and finds in the language continued expressions of identity and memory.
Self, Narrative, and First-Person Narration in the Babylonian Talmud
Authors: Rosenfeld Eliyahu
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The Babylonian Talmud is filled with personal stories about its heroes and their experiences, attitudes, thoughts, and adventures. However, quite surprisingly, these stories are rarely narrated by their protagonists. Rabbinic stories usually conform to the aesthetic norm of using third-person narration, told by another sage or by the sugya’s anonymous narrator. This article examines the poetics of stories in the Babylonian Talmud that deviate from this norm by utilizing an internal first-person narrator and attempts to establish the cultural significance of avoiding this mode of narration. Through identifying the places where the sages make use of first-person narration and examining their qualities, I claim that first-person narration, where one’s own self becomes an object of knowledge and storytelling, is limited to experiences of an individualized esoteric nature, and not of day-to-day life routine, shared, and common life experiences. Furthermore, I argue that within rabbinic culture, only the collective, represented by the third person, can mediate the personal produce valid knowledge and preserve the individual’s conflicts, thoughts, and adventures.
Navigating Loss in Healthcare Teams: We Are in This Together
Authors: Mendenhall Tai J.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This commentary highlights the vulnerability, lived-experience, and wisdom gained by providers who have navigated extraordinary stress and painful loss(es) at work. Their narratives serve to remind us that we—physicians, psychologists, nurses, chaplains, and others—are just as human as the patients and families that seek our help. The stoicism indoctrinated into us through our training is not helpful. Instead, as we reach out to each other, providers are able to offer and receive support from loved-ones and professional peers, colleagues, and mentors in a myriad of ways. As we do this together, we do better—personally and professionally.
Diagnostic Odysseys of New Daily Persistent Headache
Authors: Bharadwaj Archana , Cascio M. Ariel , Cullis Paul A.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The term diagnostic odyssey refers to patients' difficult journeys to obtain a diagnosis, particular in the case of rare or contested illnesses. This paper describes the diagnostic odyssey of patients with New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH), a rare headache disorder notable for its persistence, resistance to treatment, and impact on quality of life. Studies conducted to date have taken a medical perspective focusing on characterizing NDPH as opposed to patient construction of the illness experience. This study fills that gap by analyzing 17 semi-structured interviews with participants with NDPH, using the McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI). Their narratives detail significant moments of headache onset and when they realized that their condition was called NDPH. Thematic analysis identified themes including relief and devastation upon receiving a diagnosis, the importance of headache as singular, negative and positive experiences with providers, the impact of online support group, choosing friends with complex medical conditions, the cyclical nature of treatment, and maintaining hope. Participants utilized social media and social networks to navigate their illness experiences. Numerous participants also reported negative experiences with providers, which created opportunities for reinforcing identity through social networks, and cyclical interactions when medicalization of their condition was necessary for access to treatments and services. This paper advances narrative bioethics scholarship on diagnostic odysseys by arguing that social networks and cyclical engagement with medical systems support patient autonomy in terms of decision-making around uncertain treatments. It concludes with implications for physician-patient relationships that create epistemic justice for all patients, including patients with NDPH.
Spatial structure of light fields at Gaussian beam transmission through multilayer dielectrics under total internal reflection and waveguide excitation
Authors: Serdyuk Vladimir M.
Published: November 2024

An approximate analytic model is proposed to describe the field of a Gaussian beam, passing through a multilayer dielectric medium, when the process of its propagation is accompanied by the phenomena of total internal reflection (TIR) and waveguide excitation in specific media. The model assumes that the beam width is much greater than the radiation wavelength and the thickness of all bounded layers of the dielectric structure. As an example, the transmission of a Gaussian beam through a four-layer planar dielectric system is considered in order to simulate a prism scheme of waveguide mode excitation in a thin dielectric film under conditions of frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR).
Wide shadow inpainting in retinal OCT images based on recursive sparse representation
Authors: Liu Jiali , Lv Fukang , He Ni , Li Liming , Dai Cuixia
Published: November 2024

Shadow artifacts caused by high scattering of the superficial vessels will cause structural and vascular discontinuities in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Large blood vessels can cause more severe shadows, leading to clinical misinterpretations. Traditional sequence-based methods for inpainting shadowed regions meet challenges in dealing with large missing areas. Deep learning-based methods typically require relatively large datasets and high computational costs for training. In this paper, we proposed a shadow inpainting algorithm based on recursive sparse representation to remove retinal shadows for random single B-scan frames collected in different systems. Experimental results demonstrate that shadow artifacts in OCT images, including wide ones, are effectively repaired. Compared with conventional existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm demonstrates superior efficacy in wide shadow inpainting and reduces sensitivity to shadow width variations. As shadow size increases, the proposed method achieves a reduction in PSNR of just 2.74 dB while delivering a performance improvement of 7 to 10 dB. The mean intralayer contrast (ILC) of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), photoreceptor layer (PR), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layers improves by 62.2%, 80.81%, and 77.56%, respectively. The proposed method provides an effective scheme for removing wide artifacts in retinal OCT imaging at low system cost, showing great potential for clinical application.
Bandwidth-tunable narrowband perfect absorption enabled by quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Liu Yang , Deng Yan , Cao Guangtao , Dong Shaohua , Cui Liyong , He Hairong , Yu Tao , Ouyang Yilin , Li Yanbei , Liu Hui , Gao Enduo , Yang Hui
Published: November 2024

The performance of optoelectronic devices is especially dependent on the intensity of light absorption. However, it is quite challenging to realize perfect absorption using materials with low intrinsic loss, and the bandwidths of the perfect absorption peaks assisted by Fano resonances are usually on the order of 10 nm. Here, we demonstrate the achievement of perfect absorption in the optical communication band by introducing a quasi-bound state in the continuum (QBIC) in a composite structure consisting of monolayer graphene and germanium (Ge) metasurface. According to the coupled mode theory (CMT) and the comprehensive analysis of the field distributions, the basic physical mechanisms underlying perfect absorption are clearly elucidated. Notably, the bandwidth of the perfect absorption peak is flexibly adjusted within the range of 3.2∼20.7 nm. The modulation mechanisms lie in the intrinsic dependence of bandwidth on the relationship between the controllable radiation loss and absorption loss, which are achieved by manipulating the inner radius of the annulus and the Fermi level of graphene, respectively. Such bandwidth-tunable narrowband perfect absorbers have the potential to make breakthroughs in advanced compact photonic and optoelectronic devices.
Two-dimensional integrated optical phased array with high fill-factor antennas
Authors: Kut King Kan Warren , Guerber Sylvain , Garcia Stéphanie , Fowler Daivid , Koompai Natnicha , Melati Daniele , Alonso-Ramos Carlos
Published: November 2024

A silicon photonics optical phased array with a two-dimensional matrix of antennas is experimentally demonstrated in which the unitary antennas are optimized such that light can be emitted over a high fraction of the overall array surface. This design strategy can be used to obtain a low divergence emitted beam containing a significant fraction of the total emitted power, at the expense of a reduced beam steering range. This type of device can be suited to phase front correction in optical wireless communications systems.
Robust real-time single-pixel imaging based on a spinning mask via differential detection
Authors: Zhang Yue-Xi , Li Ming-Fei , Zhao Zi-Qing , Liu Xin-An , Lian Wen-Xin , Quan Bao-Gao , Wu Ling-An
Published: November 2024

Single-pixel imaging (SPI) has gained considerable attention over the past two decades but is still inadequate for imaging moving objects in practical scenarios. Recently, spinning masks have been employed for real-time SPI due to their fast modulation speeds. However, the intensity fluctuations caused by ambient light can overlap with the desired modulation from the mask, leading to a significant degradation in image quality, making it unable to function properly in environments with unstable lighting. Here we propose a rotating disc encoded with cyclic S-matrices, leveraging both reflective and transmissive signals for differential detection. Simulations and experiments demonstrate interference-resistant real-time SPI, achieving 31 fps at about 60 kHz modulation rates. This approach effectively suppresses external noise and is extendable to infrared and terahertz bands, advancing SPI’s practical applications.
InAs-based interband cascade lasers operated close to room temperature with emission wavelengths near 8 µm
Authors: Lin Yuzhe , Xie Jinglong , Ma Yuan , Zheng Wanhua , Lu Hong , Shen Yixuan , Yang Rui Q.
Published: November 2024

We report substantial progress in developing InAs-based interband cascade lasers (ICLs) based on a hybrid cladding configuration with near room temperature operation in an emission wavelength range from 7.5 to 8.5 µm. An ICL device was demonstrated in a pulsed mode at temperatures up to 280 K at 7.71 µm, while another ICL device from a different wafer achieved pulsed lasing operation at temperatures up to 275 K at 8.22 µm. They are more than 50 K higher than the previous record for ICLs at similar wavelengths, representing the highest operating temperatures for ICLs in this wavelength region. These ICL devices exhibited threshold current densities as low as 2.3 A/cm2 at 80 K, indicating excellent material quality. Analysis and discussion suggest room for further advances.
Boundary-artifact-free quantitative phase imaging with Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Jin Yao , Shu Yefeng , Zhang Yuzhen , Sun Jiasong , Zuo Chao
Published: November 2024

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) enables high-resolution, wide-field imaging of both amplitude and phase, presenting significant potential for applications in digital pathology and cell biology. However, artifacts commonly observed at the boundaries of reconstructed images can significantly degrade imaging quality and phase retrieval accuracy. These boundary artifacts are typically attributed to the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) on non-periodic images. Another significant physical factor that should not be overlooked is the transverse diffraction of light across boundaries. Here, we introduce a boundary extension reconstruction framework for FPM, termed BE-FPM, which provides boundary-artifact-free quantitative phase imaging (QPI) with minimal computational overhead. In this method, the reconstructed image is initialized with zero-padding and then self-extrapolated during the subsequent iterative reconstruction process. This approach allows for partial restoration of the sample beyond the boundary, ensuring sample consistency around the boundary and addressing the boundary artifact problem fundamentally. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed BE-FPM on both microlens array and live cells, establishing it as an effective FPM solver for boundary-artifact-free QPI and accurate phase characterization for various types of samples.
Sidewall defect suppression of 620 nm AlGaInP-based red µLED devices using HfO2 ALD passivation
Authors: Prechatavanich Natchanon , Wu Ming-June , Yee Chee-Keong , Sutheebanjerd Theeradech , Tseng Yi-Tzu , Yang Yun-Cheng , Lee Chia-An , Lin Kuan-Heng , Wu Chao-Hsin
Published: November 2024

Micro light-emitting diodes (µLEDs), crucial for advanced displays and communication systems, face efficiency challenges due to sidewall defects. This study investigates the impact of various passivation layers, including SiO2, Al2O3, and HfO2, on AlGaInP-based 620 nm red µLEDs. We fabricated devices with two mesa sizes and demonstrated that atomic layer deposition (ALD) passivation, especially with HfO2, significantly enhances performance. HfO2 passivation shows improvement in external quantum efficiency (EQE) by up to 57.9% for a 13 × 20 µm2 device size and 43.9% for a 26 × 40 µm2 device size, compared to µLEDs with SiO2. Furthermore, it reduces surface recombination velocity (SRV) by 19.7% compared to SiO2. These findings highlight the potential of HfO2, via ALD, in advancing µLED technology by improving efficiency and performance through effective defect mitigation.
Integrated electromagnetic sensing system based on a deep-neural-network-intervened genetic algorithm
Authors: Wu Borui , Liu Tonghao , Wang Guangming , Cui Xingshuo , Jia Yuxin , Wang Yani , Zhai Huiqing
Published: November 2024

With the deepening integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in daily life, electromagnetic sensing presents both attraction and increasing challenges, especially in the diversification, accuracy, and integration of sensing technologies. The remarkable ability of metasurfaces to manipulate electromagnetic waves offers promising solutions to these challenges. Herein, an integrated system for electromagnetic sensing and beam shaping is proposed. Improved genetic algorithms (GAs) are employed to design the metasurface with desired beams, while spatial electromagnetic signals sensitized by the metasurface are input into the GA enhanced by deep neural networks to sense the number of targets, their azimuths, and elevations. Subsequently, the metasurface device is designed as the hybrid mode combining tracking and avoidance in alignment with practical requirements and sensing outcomes. Simulation and experimental results validate the efficiency and accuracy of each module within the integrated system. Notably, the target sensing module demonstrates the capability to precisely sense more than 10 targets simultaneously, achieving an accuracy exceeding 98% and a minimum angular resolution of 0.5°. Our work opens, to our knowledge, a new avenue for electromagnetic sensing, and has tremendous application potential in smart cities, smart homes, autonomous driving, and secure communication.
Deep learning-based screening for locomotive syndrome using single-camera walking video: Development and validation study
Authors: Kushioka Junichi , Tada Satoru , Takemura Noriko , Fujimoto Taku , Nagahara Hajime , Onoe Masahiko , Yamada Keiko , Navarro-Ramirez Rodrigo , Oda Takenori , Mochizuki Hideki , Nakata Ken , Okada Seiji , Moriguchi Yu
Published: November 2024

Locomotive Syndrome (LS) is defined by decreased walking and standing abilities due to musculoskeletal issues. Early diagnosis is vital as LS can be reversed with appropriate intervention. Although diagnosing LS using standardized charts is straightforward, the labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of the process limits its widespread implementation. To address this, we introduced a Deep Learning (DL)-based computer vision model that employs OpenPose for pose estimation and MS-G3D for spatial-temporal graph analysis. This model objectively assesses gait patterns through single-camera video captures, offering a novel and efficient method for LS prediction and analysis. Our model was trained and validated using a dataset of 186 walking videos, plus 65 additional videos for external validation. The model achieved an average sensitivity of 0.86, demonstrating high effectiveness in identifying individuals with LS. The model’s positive predictive value was 0.85, affirming its reliable LS detection, and it reached an overall accuracy rate of 0.77. External validation using an independent dataset confirmed strong generalizability with an Area Under the Curve of 0.75. Although the model accurately diagnosed LS cases, it was less precise in identifying non-LS cases. This study pioneers in diagnosing LS using computer vision technology for pose estimation. Our accessible, non-invasive model serves as a tool that can accurately diagnose the labor-intensive LS tests using only visual assessments, streamlining LS detection and expediting treatment initiation. This significantly improves patient outcomes and marks a crucial advancement in digital health, addressing key challenges in management and care of LS.
Genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in hilly regions of China: Using the complete mitochondrial genome
Authors: Song Jing , Wang Hongqiong , Li Shizhu , Qian Peijun , Wang Wenya , Shen Meifen , Zhang Zongya , Zhou Jihua , Li Chunying , Yang Zaogai , Hao Yuwan , Du Chunhong , Dong Yi
Published: November 2024

Objective

Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni is the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in hilly regions of south-west China, which plays a key role during the transmission of Schistosomiasis. This study aimed to sequence the complete mitochondrial genome of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and analyze genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni.

Methods

Samples were from 13 villages in Yunnan Province of China, with 30 Oncomelania hupensis snails per village, and the complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced. A comprehensive analysis of the genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni was conducted by constructing phylogenetic trees, calculating genetic distances, and analyzing identity.

Results

A total of 26 complete mitochondrial sequences were determined. The length of genome ranged from 15,181 to 15,187 bp, and the base composition of the genome was A+T (67.5%) and G+C content (32.5%). This genome encoded 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic trees and identity analysis confirmed that Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni was subdivided into Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni Yunnan strain and Sichuan strain, with a genetic distance of 0.0834. Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni Yunnan strain was further subdivided into two sub-branches, corresponding to "Yunnan North" and "Yunnan South", with a genetic distance of 0.0216, and the samples exhibited over 97% identity.

Conclusion

Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni is subdivided into Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni Yunnan strain and Sichuan strain. Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni Yunnan strain exhibits a higher level of genetic identity and clear north-south differentiation. This work reported the first mitochondrial genome of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni Yunnan strain, which could be used as an important reference genome for Oncomelania hupensis, and also provide the important information for explaining the distribution pattern of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and control of Schistosoma japonicum.
Assessing plasticity in the primary sensory cortex and its relation with atypical tactile reactivity in autism: A TMS-EEG protocol
Authors: Kariminezhad Shohreh , Zomorrodi Reza , Zrenner Christoph , Blumberger Daniel M. , Ameis Stephanie H. , Lin Hsiang-Yuan , Lai Meng-Chuan , Rajji Tarek K. , Lunsky Yona , Sanches Marcos , Desarkar Pushpal
Published: November 2024

Background

Atypical sensory reactivity is a cardinal presentation in autism. Within the tactile domain, atypical tactile reactivity (TR) is common, it emerges early, persists into adulthood, and impedes social interaction and daily functioning. Hence, atypical TR is a key target for biological intervention to improve outcomes. Brain mechanisms informing biological interventions for atypical TR remains elusive. We previously reported hyper-plasticity in the motor cortex in autistic adults and found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), designed to strengthen inhibitory processes in the brain, reduced hyper-plasticity. Whether the primary sensory cortex (S1) is characterized by hyper-plasticity, which may underlie atypical TR in autism is unknown.

Objectives

We aim to test whether hyper-plasticity in the S1 underlies atypical TR in autism, and investigate if a single session of rTMS can safely reduce hyper-plasticity in S1 in autistic adults.

Method

Plasticity will be assessed in the left S1 with integrated paired associative stimulation and electroencephalography (PAS-EEG) paradigm in 32 autistic adults and 32 age-, sex-, and intelligence quotient-matched controls. Autistic participants will be further randomized (double-blind, 1:1) to receive a single-session of either sham or active 20 Hz bilateral rTMS over the S1 and the plasticity will be re-assessed over the left S1 on the same day.

Conclusions

Atypical TR has been identified as one of the top clinical research priorities that can influence outcome in autistic population. The study findings can be highly valuable to further elucidate the mechanism underlying atypical TR, which in turn can help with developing a mechanism-driven intervention.
Comprehensive characterization of mitochondrial bioenergetics at different larval stages reveals novel insights about the developmental metabolism of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mello Danielle F. , Perez Luiza , Bergemann Christina M. , Morton Katherine S. , Ryde Ian T. , Meyer Joel N.
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial bioenergetic processes are fundamental to development, stress responses, and health. Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used to study developmental biology, mitochondrial disease, and mitochondrial toxicity. Oxidative phosphorylation generally increases during development in many species, and genetic and environmental factors may alter this normal trajectory. Altered mitochondrial function during development can lead to both drastic, short-term responses including arrested development and death, and subtle consequences that may persist throughout life and into subsequent generations. Understanding normal and altered developmental mitochondrial biology in C. elegans is currently constrained by incomplete and conflicting reports on how mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters change during development in this species. We used a Seahorse XFe24 Extracellular Flux (XF) Analyzer to carry out a comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCR) throughout larval development in C. elegans. We optimized and describe conditions for analysis of basal OCR, basal mitochondrial OCR, ATP-linked OCR, spare and maximal respiratory capacity, proton leak, and non-mitochondrial OCR. A key consideration is normalization, and we present and discuss results as normalized per individual worm, protein content, worm volume, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) count, nuclear DNA (ncDNA) count, and mtDNA:ncDNA ratio. Which normalization process is best depends on the question being asked, and differences in normalization explain some of the discrepancies in previously reported developmental changes in OCR in C. elegans. Broadly, when normalized to worm number, our results agree with previous reports in showing dramatic increases in OCR throughout development. However, when normalized to total protein, worm volume, or ncDNA or mtDNA count, after a significant 2-3-fold increase from L1 to L2 stages, we found small or no changes in most OCR parameters from the L2 to the L4 stage, other than a marginal increase at L3 in spare and maximal respiratory capacity. Overall, our results indicate an earlier cellular shift to oxidative metabolism than suggested in most previous literature.
Deep learning-enhanced automated mitochondrial segmentation in FIB-SEM images using an entropy-weighted ensemble approach
Authors: Gupta Yubraj , Heintzmann Rainer , Costa Carlos , Jesus Rui , Pinho Eduardo
Published: November 2024

Mitochondria are intracellular organelles that act as powerhouses by breaking down nutrition molecules to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as cellular fuel. They have their own genetic material called mitochondrial DNA. Alterations in mitochondrial DNA can result in primary mitochondrial diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Early detection of these abnormalities is crucial in slowing disease progression. With recent advances in data acquisition techniques such as focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, it has become feasible to capture large intracellular organelle volumes at data rates reaching 4Tb/minute, each containing numerous cells. However, manually segmenting large data volumes (gigapixels) can be time-consuming for pathologists. Therefore, there is an urgent need for automated tools that can efficiently segment mitochondria with minimal user intervention. Our article proposes an ensemble of two automatic segmentation pipelines to predict regions of interest specific to mitochondria. This architecture combines the predicted outputs from both pipelines using an ensemble learning-based entropy-weighted fusion technique. The methodology minimizes the impact of individual predictions and enhances the overall segmentation results. The performance of the segmentation task is evaluated using various metrics, ensuring the reliability of our results. We used four publicly available datasets to evaluate our proposed method’s effectiveness. Our proposed fusion method has achieved a high score in terms of the mean Jaccard index and dice coefficient for all four datasets. For instance, in the UroCell dataset, our proposed fusion method achieved scores of 0.9644 for the mean Jaccard index and 0.9749 for the Dice coefficient. The mean error rate and pixel accuracy were 0.0062 and 0.9938, respectively. Later, we compared it with state-of-the-art methods like 2D and 3D CNN algorithms. Our ensemble approach shows promising segmentation efficiency with minimal intervention and can potentially aid in the early detection and mitigation of mitochondrial diseases.
An accurate semi-empirical model for PMT pulse signal analysis
Authors: Li Shuo , Lyu Xudong , Wang Fei , Sun Chao
Published: November 2024

The energy information of pulse signals is significantly important for applications such as computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and research on defects in condensed matter. Time-over-threshold (TOT) and multi-voltage threshold (MVT) are commonly used digitization methods in sampling pulse signal. However, both approaches rely on a mathematical model of the pulse signal to derive energy information. This study proposes a semi-empirical mathematical model for pulse signals formation process in scintillation crystal-coupled photomultiplier tube(PMT) probes, by utilizing the CR-RC shaping method. This mathematical model accurately describes output of the PMT pulse signals. This study analyzes a substantial dataset of pulse signals, comparing the performance of the newly designed mathematical model with that of the double exponential function in terms of their ability to fit pulse signals. The results indicate that the mathematical model developed herein achieves an average R2 of 0.9255, significantly surpassing the 0.9155 of the double exponential function, thereby demonstrating its superior fitting efficacy.
Synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles stabilized with oxyethylated alkylphenol (neonol) for potential modification of fabric materials
Authors: Rekhman Zafar , Blinov Andrey , Gvozdenko Alexey , Golik Alexey , Nagdalian Andrey , Blinova Anastasia , Serov Alexander , Pirogov Maxim , Askerova Alina , Nazaretova Ekaterina , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Al Zahrani Afnan A. , AL-Farga Ammar , Al-maaqar Saleh M.
Published: November 2024

This work demonstrates the first time synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) stabilized with neonol. The synthesis method was optimized using a multifactorial experiment with three input parameters. The most stable sample had a radius of 15 nm and a ζ-potential of -36.76 mV. It was found that the optimal parameters for the synthesis of Se NPs stabilized with neonol are the following concentration values: 0.12 mol/L selenic acid, 0.095 mol/L neonol and 0.95 mol/L ascorbic acid. Quantum chemical modeling of Se-neonol molecular complex formation showed that interaction of Se with neonol occurs through a hydroxyl group. Difference in the total energy of the neonol molecule and Se-neonol molecular complex is more than 2399 kcal/mol, which indicates that formation of chemical bond between Se and neonol is energetically advantageous. It was found that all samples exhibit stability over the entire pH range from 1.81 to 11.98, and the particle size is in the range of 25–30 nm. The analysis of the study of the influence of the ionic force showed that cations do not significantly affect the Se NPs radius, but anions have a significant effect, increasing the average hydrodynamic radius up to 2750 nm. For modification with Se NPs, silk, gauze, wool, cotton and cardboard samples were used. Elemental mapping of the samples showed an ambiguous distribution of Se NPs over the surface of fabric material. Assessment of potential antibacterial activity of modified fabric materials revealed inhibition zones of Micrococcus luteus growth from 12 to 16 mm for silk, gauze, wool and cotton. Notably, the most intense inhibition of Micrococcus luteus was observed in wool treated be Se NPs stabilized with neonol. Cardboard did not express Micrococcus luteus growth inhibition action because of weak interaction of cellulose filaments with Se NPs and neonol and possible microbial digestion of cellulose and xylan.
O neofascismo é macho?
Authors: Silva Rodrigo
Published: November 2024

O objetivo desse ensaio é refletir acerca das relações entre o neofascismo, sobretudo da experiência brasileira do governo de Jair Bolsonaro, e o ressentimento de uma parcela representante da masculinidade conhecida nos estudos de gênero como masculinidade hegemônica. Essa masculinidade é representada pelo homem branco, heterossexual, cisgênero e viril. O texto faz uma breve introdução ao fenômeno fascista, sua atualização no neofascismo a partir de contextos diferentes e procura ampliar a análise da conjuntura política, econômica e social da experiência do neofascismo brasileiro utilizando a perspectiva de gênero a partir de diversos autores e o relacionando a performance de “imbrochável” de Jair Bolsonaro e de sua necessidade de constante afirmação, da desqualificação da mulher, da exaltação da força e a ocultação das emoções.
Seasonal Patterns in Eosinophilic Esophagitis-Related Emergency Department Visits: A National Database Analysis
Authors: Pan Chun-Wei , Dominguez Alejandro Nieto , Guifarro Daniel , Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Pang Maoyin
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

This study investigates seasonal variations in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)-related emergency department visits among adults.

METHODS:

We analyzed the National Emergency Department Sample (2016–2021), identifying adult patients with EoE using ICD-10 codes. Generalized additive models assessed seasonal patterns.

RESULTS:

Among 18,791 EoE-related emergency department visits, a significant seasonal variation was observed, peaking in summer and nadiring in winter. This pattern was consistent across all US regions.

CONCLUSION:

Seasonal dietary habits and social behaviors likely contribute to EoE exacerbations. Healthcare providers should emphasize management strategies during high-risk periods, particularly summer months and weekends.
Celiac Disease Is Common in Adults With Cryptogenic Cirrhosis and Responds Favorably to Gluten-Free Diet
Authors: Pachisia Aditya Vikram , Agarwal Ankit , Mehta Shubham , Kumari Alka , Dwarakanathan Vignesh , Sharma Sonu , Kumar Sambuddha , Mehra Lalita , Dutta Rimlee , Das Prasenjit , Agarwal Samagra , Shalimar  , Ahuja Vineet , Makharia Govind K.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Liver involvement is common in celiac disease (CeD), and up to 4.6% of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis have CeD. We investigated the prevalence of CeD in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis and assessed liver-related outcomes in them on GFD when compared with a propensity score–matched cohort of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis without CeD.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis were screened for CeD using IgA anti–tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) followed by antiendomysial antibody and duodenal and liver biopsies, on which IgA/anti-tTG colocalization studies were performed. These patients and a cohort of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis without CeD (1:4 CeD: no CeD matched using propensity score matched for age, sex, Child–Turcotte–Pugh [CTP] and model for end-stage liver disease [MELD]) were initiated on GFD plus standard of care and standard of care, respectively, and followed up for liver-related outcomes for 1 year.

RESULTS:

Of 232 patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, 14 had high anti-tTG Ab (16.9 ± 10.5 fold rise), with 9 antiendomysial antibody–positive and 11 (4.7%) biopsy-proven CeD. IgA/anti-tTG Ab colocalization was demonstrated in 7/8 liver and 10/11 duodenal biopsies. Patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis with definite CeD (n = 11) and matched cohort without CeD (n = 44) were similar at baseline (age: 31.3 ± 7.7 vs 31.8 ± 9.3 years; 5 [45.5%] vs 15 [34.1%] females; MELDNa 9 [interquartile-range: 8–15.5] vs 12 [9–15]; CTP 7 [6–7.5] vs 6 [5.75–7]). Patients with CeD on GFD improved significantly on follow-up compared with those without CeD (follow-up MELDNa: 9 [7.5–10.5] vs 18.5 [12-20]; P = 0.001 and follow-up CTP: 5 [5-5] vs 8 [7–9]; P < 0.001) with less frequent further decompensations and similar mortality (9.1% vs 18.2%; P = 0.67).

DISCUSSION:

Approximately 4.7% of patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis have biopsy-proven CeD, and their liver-related outcomes improve with GFD.
Development and Characterization of Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composites Through Microwave Processing and Extrusion
Authors: Chikkaputtaiah Honnaiah , Sridharmurthy Srinath Mandya , Hebbale Ajit Manohar , Marahadige Shashank Lingappa , Puttegowda Madhu
Published: November 2024

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptionally lightweight nature, adaptability for a wide range of applications, and exceptional mechanical properties. This investigation delves into the tribological characteristics of aluminum-silicon carbide (Al-SiC) microelectrodes. These MMCs were refined through extrusion after being fabricated using a novel microwave-assisted powder metallurgy process. The impact of reinforcement content on the material's mechanical strength and wear resistance was assessed by varying the weight percentages of SiC (10%, 15%, and 20%). The results indicate that the uniform distribution of SiC within the aluminum matrix significantly enhances the composite's hardness and wear resistance. The addition of 20% SiC resulted in a 28% reduction in the wear rate compared to pure aluminum. In addition, the extrusion procedure improved these properties by aligning the SiC particulates in the direction of extrusion and reducing porosity. This investigation demonstrates that the combination of microwave sintering and extrusion can produce high-performance Al-SiC MMCs with enhanced abrasion resistance and mechanical properties, making them suitable for industrial applications that require lightweight materials and durability.
Gamifikacja* kursu na uczelni wyższej – studium przypadku
Authors: Zielińska-Nowak Kamila
Published: November 2024

W artykule zostało opisane studium przypadku gamifikacji kursu na Uniwersytecie Wrocławskim. Przedstawiono także wyniki dwóch ankiet – jedna dotyczyła podejścia studentów do przedmiotu i ich doświadczenia z gamifikacją edukacji, druga natomiast odnosiła się do oceny mechanizmów gamifikacji. Artykuł prezentuje analizę zachowań studentów oraz wnioski na temat wprowadzenia elementów znanych, z gier na zajęciach zalety takich działań, jak również potencjalne zagrożenia oraz problemy, które się pojawiły, zarówno po stronie studenta, jak i po stronie prowadzącej zajęcia.
Performatyka i gry komputerowe w służbie edukacji. Wprowadzenie do zagadnienia
Authors: Szymala Jacek
Published: November 2024

Celem tego opracowania jest analiza głównych prac polskojęzycznych dotyczących performatyki w związku z ich potencjalnym wykorzystaniem do badania gier komputerowych, zwłaszcza w aspekcie edukacyjnym. Proponuję spojrzenie na gry komputerowe z perspektywy performansu w rozumieniu Jona McKenziego jako „nowego sposobu kształtowania władzy i wiedzy”; autor wyróżnił performans kulturowy, organizacyjny i techniczny. Praktyczne zastosowanie upatruję w edukacji performatycznej. Przyszłością edukacji, w tym edukacji performatywnej, mogą i powinny być gry komputerowe (gry w edukacji performatycznej).
Transpozycja modelu ojcostwa w przestrzeni życia społecznego. Obszary, implikacje oraz potrzeba edukacyjnych wzmocnień
Authors: Ratajczak Łukasz P.
Published: November 2024

Artykuł kompiluje informacje dotyczące transformacji modelu ojcostwa, która odnosi się do zmian obserwowanych w stopniowym, a w ostatnich dekadach intensyfikującym się odchodzeniu od tradycyjnych wzorców i oczekiwań wobec roli ojca na rzecz tworzenia nowych stylów funkcjonowania rodzicielskiego współczesnych mężczyzn. Nowy model ojcostwa przynosi korzyści wszystkim członkom rodziny, zwłaszcza dzieciom. Biorąc pod uwagę mocno zakorzeniony model tradycyjnego ojcostwa, istnieje potrzeba wzmocnienia tego nowego konstruktu. W wyniku działań edukacyjnych i wspierających dąży się, z jednej strony, do zwiększenia zaangażowania ojców w obowiązki opiekuńcze i jednoczesnego przezwyciężania nierówności w relacjach rodzinnych, a z drugiej strony, do zwiększenia społecznej i kulturowej akceptacji modelu aktywnego ojcostwa.
Podwójnie wyjątkowi – osoby z ADHD jako uczniowie zdolni
Authors: Racka Marianna
Published: November 2024

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie zjawiska uczniów dwukrotnie wyjątkowych – osób, które są uzdolnione, a jednocześnie zmagają się z trudnościami wynikającymi z takich schorzeń jak ADHD. Pierwsza część artykułu zawiera przegląd badań i literatury, podkreślając trudności w diagnozowaniu tych uczniów z powodu zjawiska maskowania ich drugiej wyjątkowości. Zwrócono uwagę na istnienie stereotypów związanych z określonymi diagnozami oraz znaczenie kontekstu zachowań ocenianych przez nauczycieli i diagnostów. W artykule wprowadzono koncepcję ADHG (Attention Divergent Hyperactive Gifted) – uczniów, którzy są jednocześnie uzdolnieni i mają ADHD. Wskazano na potrzebę zmiany paradygmatu, polegającej na przesunięciu uwagi z trudności, z jakimi mierzą się ci uczniowie, na podkreślanie ich potencjału. Artykuł akcentuje konieczność zwiększenia świadomości istnienia uczniów ADHG oraz kontynuowania badań nad metodami diagnozowania i wspierania ich rozwoju.
Zadania domowe – zło konieczne czy szansa na rozwój? Międzynarodowe spojrzenie na istotę zadań domowych w świetle badań komparatystycznych
Authors: Mańkowska Anna
Published: November 2024

Artykuł analizuje istniejące badania porównawcze w dziedzinie edukacji dotyczące pracy domowej, przedstawiając zarówno jej pozytywne, jak i negatywne aspekty z perspektywy szkoły, ucznia oraz rodziny. Analiza opiera się na badaniach krajowych i międzynarodowych, tworząc tabelę porównawczą argumentów. Mimo fragmentarycznego charakteru tych badań pozwala to zrozumieć główne kierunki analiz w literaturze przedmiotu. W artykule zastosowano metodę analizy treści dokumentów pisanych, takich jak artykuły, książki i publikacje. Omówiono również historię pracy domowej i jej ewolucję w kontekście zmian w kulturze edukacji i życia rodzinnego. Badania międzynarodowe, w tym badania PISA, pokazują zróżnicowane podejścia do pracy domowej oraz ich wpływ na wyniki uczniów. Poruszono także kwestie pozytywnych praktyk związanych z pracą domową, takich jak organizowanie świetlic naukowych po zajęciach, które mogą zmniejszać nierówności społeczno-ekonomiczne w osiągnięciach uczniów. Dyskusja na temat pracy domowej podkreśla potrzebę kontekstualizacji praktyk edukacyjnych oraz uwzględnienia różnych perspektyw i wartości społecznych. Wnioski z analizy wskazują na złożoność debaty dotyczącej pracy domowej i potrzebę uwzględniania lokalnych uwarunkowań oraz potrzeb społecznych przy podejmowaniu decyzji dotyczących edukacji.
Proces readaptacji skazanych w perspektywie podejścia systemowego
Authors: Dzierzyńska-Breś Sonia
Published: November 2024

Przez wiele lat badania nad negatywnymi skutkami więzienia koncentrowały się wyłącznie na doświadczeniach bliskich osób osadzonych. Badania te jednak zazwyczaj opisują problem z perspektywy poszczególnych członków rodziny, nie uwzględniając jej całościowego kontekstu. Skupiają się na jednostkach, nie analizując dynamicznych relacji między nimi ani nie uwzględniając zmieniającego się kontekstu rodziny, zależnego od etapu procesu odbywania kary pozbawienia wolności lub cyklu życia rodziny. Celem tego artykułu jest podkreślenie perspektywy podejścia systemowego. Jego założenia są cenne i mogą pomóc w zrozumieniu funkcjonowania rodziny w tej skomplikowanej sytuacji.