bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using machine learning to enlarge the measurement range and promote the compactness of the optical fiber torsion sensor based on the Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Cao Jiaqi , Wang Xin , Huang Bingsen , Lou Shuqin , Chu Paul K. , Sheng Zhufeng
Published: February 2024

The support vector regression (SVR) algorithm is presented to demodulate the torsion angle of an optical fiber torsion sensor based on the Sagnac interferometer with the panda fiber. Experimental results demonstrate that with the aid of SVR algorithm, the information in the transmission spectrum of the sensor can be used fully to realize the regression prediction of the directional torsion angle. The full torsion angle ranges from −360° to 360° can be predicted with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.24° and determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9996. The impact of the angle sampling interval and wavelength resolution of the spectrometer on the prediction accuracy of the directional torsion angle and the suitability of the SVR algorithm for compact optical fiber sensor and other optical fiber torsion sensors based on the Sagnac interferometer are discussed. Moreover, the multi-objective SVR algorithm is used to eliminate the interference of strain during torsion angle measurement. The SVR algorithm can efficiently enlarge the measurement range of the torsion angle and break through the challenge of demodulating sensing signal for compact fiber torsion sensor. Compared to the prediction accuracy of common machine learning algorithms of artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm, random forest (RF) algorithm, and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm, the SVR algorithm has the advantages of higher measurement accuracy and shorter testing time.
Performance enhancement via XPM suppression of a linear all-PM mode-locked fiber oscillator
Authors: Edelmann Marvin , Hua Yi , Pergament Mikhail , Kärtner Franz X.
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate the strong performance enhancement of an all-polarization-maintaining mode-locked fiber oscillator using a linear self-stabilized fiber interferometer via the suppression of the cross-phase modulation (XPM). Numerical simulations reveal that XPM significantly affects the saturable absorber dynamics resulting in strong distortions of the mode-locked steady-states and output pulse quality. For experimental verification, we construct an oscillator with XPM suppression, employing an intra-cavity YVO4 crystal to obtain a differential walk-off effect and compare its characteristics with a reference oscillator in a standard configuration. It is shown, that the XPM suppression not only lowers the mode-locking threshold by more than 45% but further results in improved pulse quality at the output ports and reduced nonlinear loss in the artificial saturable absorber.
Covering Hierarchical Dirichlet Mixture Models on binary data to enhance genomic stratifications in onco-hematology
Authors: Dall’Olio Daniele , Sträng Eric , Turki Amin T. , Tettero Jesse M. , Barbus Martje , Schulze-Rath Renate , Elicegui Javier Martinez , Matteuzzi Tommaso , Merlotti Alessandra , Carota Luciana , Sala Claudia , Della Porta Matteo G. , Giampieri Enrico , Hernández-Rivas Jesús María , Bullinger Lars , Castellani Gastone ,   with the HARMONY Healthcare Alliance Consortium
Published: February 2024

Onco-hematological studies are increasingly adopting statistical mixture models to support the advancement of the genomically-driven classification systems for blood cancer. Targeting enhanced patients stratification based on the sole role of molecular biology attracted much interest and contributes to bring personalized medicine closer to reality. In onco-hematology, Hierarchical Dirichlet Mixture Models (HDMM) have become one of the preferred method to cluster the genomics data, that include the presence or absence of gene mutations and cytogenetics anomalies, into components. This work unfolds the standard workflow used in onco-hematology to improve patient stratification and proposes alternative approaches to characterize the components and to assign patient to them, as they are crucial tasks usually supported by a priori clinical knowledge. We propose (a) to compute the parameters of the multinomial components of the HDMM or (b) to estimate the parameters of the HDMM components as if they were Multivariate Fisher’s Non-Central Hypergeometric (MFNCH) distributions. Then, our approach to perform patients assignments to the HDMM components is designed to essentially determine for each patient its most likely component. We show on simulated data that the patients assignment using the MFNCH-based approach can be superior, if not comparable, to using the multinomial-based approach. Lastly, we illustrate on real Acute Myeloid Leukemia data how the utilization of MFNCH-based approach emerges as a good trade-off between the rigorous multinomial-based characterization of the HDMM components and the common refinement of them based on a priori clinical knowledge.
The shapes of elongating gastruloids are consistent with convergent extension driven by a combination of active cell crawling and differential adhesion
Authors: de Jong Martijn A. , Adegeest Esmée , Bérenger-Currias Noémie M. L. P. , Mircea Maria , Merks Roeland M. H. , Semrau Stefan
Published: February 2024

Gastruloids have emerged as highly useful in vitro models of mammalian gastrulation. One of the most striking features of 3D gastruloids is their elongation, which mimics the extension of the embryonic anterior-posterior axis. Although axis extension is crucial for development, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated in mammalian species. Gastruloids provide an opportunity to study this morphogenic process in vitro. Here, we measure and quantify the shapes of elongating gastruloids and show, by Cellular Potts model simulations based on a novel, optimized algorithm, that convergent extension, driven by a combination of active cell crawling and differential adhesion can explain the observed shapes. We reveal that differential adhesion alone is insufficient and also directly observe hallmarks of convergent extension by time-lapse imaging of gastruloids. Finally, we show that gastruloid elongation can be abrogated by inhibition of the Rho kinase pathway, which is involved in convergent extension in vivo. All in all, our study demonstrates, how gastruloids can be used to elucidate morphogenic processes in embryonic development.
Prevalence and correlates of intimate partner sexual violence among pregnant women in Napak district, Northeastern Uganda
Authors: Amodoi Godfrey Patrick , Taremwa Ivan Mugisha , Nakakande Joan , Akugizibwe Pardon , Mugambe Samuel , Nanyingi Miisa
Published: February 2024

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) during pregnancy is of key reproductive health concern as it is associated with various risks linked to severe intrapartum complications. This study assessed the prevalence and the correlates of intimate partner sexual violence among pregnant women in Napak district, Northeastern Uganda. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 284 pregnant women who were obtained by systematic sampling in Napak district between November and December 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data, and this was analyzed using STATA version 15. The correlates of IPSV were determined at a multivariable level using a Poisson regression model with robust variance at the individual, relationship, and societal levels of the socio-ecological model. The study enrolled 284 pregnant women of whom, 65.5% were aged between 18 and 28 years and 62.0% were not formally educated. Also, 56% of the pregnant women had experienced IPSV during their current pregnancies, the most prevalent form (35.6%) being unwanted sexual advances. Factors of women being in their third or subsequent pregnancies, primiparity, women who rated their communication with their partners as low, being in a relationship for less than five years, lower age of the spouse, and a lower level of education (primary) among women showed a statistical association with IPSV. This study reports a high prevalence of IPSV during pregnancy, and it was associated with individual, relationship, and societal factors. Based on this, concerted efforts through sensitization on the dangers of IPSV are required to avert the practice.
Periodontal health status in systemic sclerosis patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sredojevic Stefan , Colak Dejana , Gaspersic Rok , Pavlov Dolijanovic Slavica , Jakovljevic Aleksandar , Nikolic-Jakoba Natasa
Published: February 2024

Objective

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the periodontal health of systemic sclerosis patients compared with non-systemic sclerosis controls.

Materials and methods

Online databases were searched for eligible studies on February 24, 2023. The primary outcomes of interest in systemic sclerosis patients and controls included the clinical attachment level, periodontal probing depth, recession depth, plaque index, bleeding on probing score, gingival index, number of teeth with periodontitis, prevalence of periodontitis and gingivitis, and extent and severity of periodontitis.

Results

Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria and were incorporated in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. In comparison with the controls, systemic sclerosis patients had a higher prevalence of periodontitis (OR = 7.63 (1.74–33.50), p = 0.04, I2 = 69%), including more severe forms of periodontitis (OR = 6.68 (3.39–13.15), p = 0.85, I2 = 0%), as well as higher periodontal probing depth ((0.88 (0.45–1.31), p = 0.02, I2 = 99%)), clinical attachment level (1.22 (0.8–1.64), p = 0.003, I2 = 98%), and plaque presence (0.83 (0.13–1.53), p = 0.03, I2 = 96%). There was no statistically significant difference in gingival inflammation (1.14 (0.07–2.21), p = 0.04, I2 = 98%).

Conclusions

The systematic review and the meta-analysis showed that systemic sclerosis patients suffer from worse periodontal health than non-systemic sclerosis individuals.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine COVID-19 vaccination intentions and behavior among international and domestic college students in the United States
Authors: Liu Cheng-Ching , Ling Jiying , Zahry Nagwan R. , Liu Charles , Ammigan Ravichandran , Kaur Loveleen
Published: February 2024

Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing infectious diseases such as COVID-19. College students are important targets for COVID-19 vaccines given this population’s lower intentions to be vaccinated; however, limited research has focused on international college students’ vaccination status. This study explored how psychosocial factors from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions) related to students’ receipt of the full course of COVID-19 vaccines and their plans to receive a booster. Students were recruited via Amazon mTurk and the Office of the Registrar at a U.S. state university. We used binary logistic regression to examine associations between students’ psychosocial factors and full COVID-19 vaccination status. Hierarchical multiple regression was employed to evaluate relationships between these factors and students’ intentions to receive a booster. The majority of students in our sample (81% of international students and 55% of domestic students) received the complete vaccination series. Attitudes were significantly associated with all students’ full vaccination status, while perceived behavioral control was significantly associated with domestic students’ status. Students’ intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccines were significantly correlated with their intentions to receive a booster, with international students scoring higher on booster intentions. Among the combined college student population, attitudes, intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccines, and subjective norms were significantly related to students’ intentions to receive a booster. Findings support the TPB’s potential utility in evidence-based interventions to enhance college students’ COVID-19 vaccination rates. Implications for stakeholders and future research directions are discussed.
Phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis versus phacoemulsification alone for patients with primary angle‑closure disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Lin , Wang Haitao , Wang Yunxiao , Zhao Pengpeng , Bai Haiqing
Published: February 2024

This meta-analysis aims to systematically compare the efficacy between phacoemulsification (PE) combined with goniosynechialysis (GSL) and PE alone for primary angle-closure disease (PACD) patients. All the data were searched from the PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Additionally, this meta-analysis was performed by using the Revman 5.4 software. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this study. Compared with PE alone group, PE+GSL could result significant reduction in the IOP (MD, 1.81; p = 0.002). In the instrumental subgroup, also more reduction of IOP was shown in the PE+GSL group (MD, 2.11; p = 0.02). In the viscogonioplasty (VGP) subgroup, there was not no statistical difference between PE alone group and PE+GSL group (MD, 1.53; p = 0.11). Also, more reduction of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) was shown in the PE+GSL group (MD,59.15; p<0.00001). For the change in angle open distance (AOD)500, AOD 750, trabecular-iris space (TISA)500, number of glaucoma medications and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), there was no difference between two groups (p = 0.25, 0.35, 0.17, 0.56, 0.08). For TISA 750, more improvement was shown in the PE+GSL group (p<0.00001). Instrumental separation had better effect on lowering IOP when it combined with PE. Both instrumental separation and VGP could reduce postoperative PAS. The operation of GSL has no obvious effect on postoperative vision.
A systematic literature review on the applications of recurrent neural networks in code clone research
Authors: Quradaa Fahmi H. , Shahzad Sara , Almoqbily Rashad S.
Published: February 2024

Code clones, referring to code fragments that are either similar or identical and are copied and pasted within software systems, have negative effects on both software quality and maintenance. The objective of this work is to systematically review and analyze recurrent neural network techniques used to detect code clones to shed light on the current techniques and offer valuable knowledge to the research community. Upon applying the review protocol, we have successfully identified 20 primary studies within this field from a total of 2099 studies. A deep investigation of these studies reveals that nine recurrent neural network techniques have been utilized for code clone detection, with a notable preference for LSTM techniques. These techniques have demonstrated their efficacy in detecting both syntactic and semantic clones, often utilizing abstract syntax trees for source code representation. Moreover, we observed that most studies applied evaluation metrics like F-score, precision, and recall. Additionally, these studies frequently utilized datasets extracted from open-source systems coded in Java and C programming languages. Notably, the Graph-LSTM technique exhibited superior performance. PyTorch and TensorFlow emerged as popular tools for implementing RNN models. To advance code clone detection research, further exploration of techniques like parallel LSTM, sentence-level LSTM, and Tree-Structured GRU is imperative. In addition, more research is needed to investigate the capabilities of the recurrent neural network techniques for identifying semantic clones across different programming languages and binary codes. The development of standardized benchmarks for languages like Python, Scratch, and C#, along with cross-language comparisons, is essential. Therefore, the utilization of recurrent neural network techniques for clone identification is a promising area that demands further research.
The interplay between the entrepreneurial leadership identity, entrepreneurial leadership competency and venture growth intentions of women in rural Australia
Authors: Dhakal Purushottam , Wiesner Retha , Maraseni Tek
Published: February 2024

Cultivating business growth intentions in rural, regional, and remote women entrepreneurs is crucial, considering the unique challenges they face in rural areas. The growth intentions of rural, regional, and remote women entrepreneurs remain understudied. This study pioneers research on the interplay between entrepreneurial leadership competency, identity, and growth intentions of rural, regional, and remote Australian women. We surveyed rural, regional, and remote women entrepreneurs in Queensland, Australia, using structural equation modeling for analysis. Results revealed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial leader identity, business growth intentions, and entrepreneurial leadership competency. Moreover, entrepreneurial leadership competency positively correlated with growth intentions. The study indicated that entrepreneurial leadership competency partially mediates the link between identity and growth intentions. This research addresses a theoretical gap by introducing a new model showcasing the relationships between entrepreneurial leadership identity, entrepreneurial leadership competency, and venture growth intentions. From a practical standpoint, our findings strengthen the business case for improving tailor-made rural, regional, and remote entrepreneurial development programs.
Multiyear study of pollinator efficiency and importance of a wide array of pollinators in a field-cultivated strawberry plot
Authors: Kandori Ikuo , Shimaoka Ryouji , Tsukamoto Taro , Kamiya Kenta , Yokoi Tomoyuki
Published: February 2024

Using wild pollinators to pollinate crops without introducing human-managed pollinators is cost-effective and friendly to native ecosystems. To maintain stable, good-quality yields in crops that mainly use wild pollinators, it is essential to determine which flower visitors are important pollinators and their degree of importance. In this study, we observed flower-visiting insects for 5 years in outdoor cultivated strawberries surrounded by a semi-natural environment in central Japan. We estimated the pollination effectiveness and efficiency of the 10 main flower-visiting insect taxa on strawberries by examining the relationship between the number of visits per flower and subsequent achene fertilization rates per berry. Finally, the pollinator importance (%) to the total pollination service was estimated for each of the 10 main taxa and for all others. Among the 10 main insect taxa, 6 were effective pollinators, i.e., they significantly increased achene fertilization rates by increasing their number of visits to a flower. Considering the 5-year mean, these six taxa accounted for the top six important pollinators. Andrena (subgenus Micrandrena) spp. were the most important and three other bee taxa, including Apis mellifera and Ceratina spp., were the next most important pollinators; one fly and one butterfly species were also important pollinators. This indicates that strawberry pollinators were diverse in the study area. The flower-visit frequency and importance of many pollinators fluctuated from year to year, implying that various pollinators pollinate strawberry flowers each year, and in field surveys of crop-pollinator communities multiyear investigations are needed to identify important pollinators and to estimate their importance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to quantify the proportional importance of each pollinator to the total pollination service for a crop.
Modelling HIV/AIDS epidemiological complexity: A scoping review of Agent-Based Models and their application
Authors: Anderle Rodrigo Volmir , de Oliveira Robson Bruniera , Rubio Felipe Alves , Macinko James , Dourado Ines , Rasella Davide
Published: February 2024

Objective

To end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, despite the increasing poverty and inequalities, policies should be designed to deal with population heterogeneity and environmental changes. Bottom-up designs, such as the Agent-Based Model (ABM), can model these features, dealing with such complexity. HIV/AIDS has a complex dynamic of structural factors, risk behaviors, biomedical characteristics and interventions. All embedded in unequal, stigmatized and heterogeneous social structure. To understand how ABMs can model this complexity, we performed a scoping review of HIV applications, highlighting their potentialities.

Methods

We searched on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus repositories following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Our inclusion criteria were HIV/AIDS studies with an ABM application. We identified the main articles using a local co-citation analysis and categorized the overall literature aims, (sub)populations, regions, and if the papers declared the use of ODD protocol and limitations.

Results

We found 154 articles. We identified eleven main papers, and discussed them using the overall category results. Most studies model Transmission Dynamics (37/154), about Men who have sex with Men (MSM) (41/154), or individuals living in the US or South Africa (84/154). Recent studies applied ABM to model PrEP interventions (17/154) and Racial Disparities (12/154). Only six papers declared the use of ODD Protocol (6/154), and 34/154 didn’t mention the study limitations.

Conclusions

While ABM is among the most sophisticated techniques available to model HIV/AIDS complexity. Their applications are still restricted to some realities. However, researchers are challenged to think about social structure due model characteristics, the inclusion of these features is still restricted to case-specific. Data and computational power availability can enhance this feature providing insightful results.
Deworming coverage and its determinants among 12–59 months old children in East Africa: A population-based study
Authors: Terefe Bewuketu , Jembere Mahlet Moges , Assimamaw Nega Tezera , Chekole Bogale
Published: February 2024

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections are the world’s largest public health issue, primarily in developing nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends deworming as a preventative or therapeutic measure for all vulnerable people residing in endemic areas. Despite this issue, there is little data on the prevalence and associated factors of deworming drug use among children under five years of age in East Africa.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and contributing factors of deworming coverage among children under the age of five in East Africa using the most available national health survey data.

Methods

Data from the Demographic and Health Survey, which included 103,865 weighted children between the ages of 12–59 months, were used in this investigation. Our outcome of interest was taking deworming medicine six months before the interview. A logistic regression model was then fitted. A cutoff P value of 0.2 was used in the binary logistic regression analysis. To identify significant variables, a 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a value < 0.05 were used.

Results

The prevalence of deworming in East Africa was 54.13% (95% CI: 53.83%–54.43%). The maternal age group of 24–34 years, and from 35–49 years (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI, 1.32,1.42), and (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI, 1.62,1.79), employed women (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.58,1.67), being from rural(AOR = 1.11,95% CI,1.07,1.15), unmarried mothers (AOR = 1.12,95% CI,1.09,1.15), mothers from poorer, middle, richer, and richest households (AOR = 1.16,95% CI, 1.12,1.21), (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.18,1.28), (AOR = 1.22,95% CI, 1.16,1.27), and (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.21,1.34) having at least one antenatal care follow up(AOR = 2.90, 95% CI, 2.63,3.16), health facility delivery(AOR = 1.69, 95% CI,1.64,1.75), mass media exposure AOR = 1.32, 955 CI, 1.29,1.36), having of 3–5 children (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.86,0.93), more than five children (AOR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.73,0.86), and parity of 2nd or 3rd birth order (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.01,1.09) as compared to primi mothers were associated with the deworming among under five children in east Africa respectively.

Conclusion

The under-five population in East Africa had a lower prevalence of deworming medication per the most recent DHS findings. Promoting mother and child health services (antenatal care, institutional delivery, family planning), as well as women’s empowerment, should be prioritized.
Does institutional quality matter for financial inclusion? International evidence
Authors: Vo Duc Hong
Published: February 2024

Financial inclusion is pivotal in supporting sustainable economic growth and social transformation. It is a key enabler for reducing poverty and uplifting prosperity. Improving financial inclusion has attracted significant attention from practitioners, academics, and governments. However, the asymmetric effect of institutional quality on financial inclusion contingent upon the income level has largely been neglected in the existing literature. As such, this study examines this asymmetric effect using the panel smooth transition regression for a sample of 110 countries globally from 2004 to 2020. Our empirical findings confirm the asymmetric effect of institutional quality on financial inclusion depending on the income level. Improved institutional quality is associated with extended financial inclusion in high-income and middle-income countries. However, low-income countries may not benefit from their institutional reform. Policy implications have emerged based on these empirical findings.
Exercise induced plasma volume expansion lowers cardiovascular strain during 15-km cycling time-trial in acute normobaric hypoxia
Authors: Gorini Pereira Felipe , Greenfield Andrew M. , Kuennen Matthew , Gillum Trevor L.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of our study was to assess the influence of a single high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) bout in normoxia on plasma volume (PV) and consequent cycling performance in normobaric hypoxia (0.15 FiO2, simulating ~2,500 m). Eight males (VO2peak: 48.8 ± 3.4 mL/kg/min, 24.0 ± 1.6 years) completed a hypoxic 15 km cycling time trial (TT), followed by a crossover intervention of either HIIE (8x4 min cycling bouts at 85% of VO2peak) or CON (matched kJ production from HIIE at 50% of VO2peak). 48 hours post intervention, an identical TT was performed. Cardiovascular parameters were measured via impedance cardiography during each TT. Changes in PV was measured 24 and 48 hours post HIIE and CON. HIIE increased PV at 24 (4.1 ± 3.9%, P = 0.031) and 48 (6.7 ± 1.7, P = 0.006) hours post, while no difference was observed following the CON (1.3 ± 1.1% and 0.3 ± 2.8%). The higher PV led to an increased stroke volume (P = 0.03) and cardiac output (P = 0.02) during the hypoxic TT, while heart rate was not changed (P = 0.49). We observed no changes in time to completion (−0.63 ± 0.57 min, P = 0.054) and power output (7.37 ± 7.98 W, P = 0.078) between TTs. In the absence of environmental stress, a single bout of HIIE was an effective strategy to increase PV and reduce the cardiovascular strain during a cycling TT at moderate simulated altitude but did not impact hypoxic exercise performance.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials ID: NCT05800808
Arqueología de una guerra larga (1936-1952): aproximaciones desde la materialidad
Authors: Ayan Vila Xurxo , Santamarina Otaola Josu
Published: February 2024

El ejército sublevado en julio de 1936 concibió el conflicto armado como una guerra colonial destinada a ocupar militarmente el territorio. Esta idea clave define la propia naturaleza de la guerra civil como hecho fundacional de un nuevo orden social (la "Nueva España"), de un nuevo Estado y, en consecuencia, de un nuevo orden material. En este sentido, desde la arqueología, participamos del enfoque historiográfico manejado por una nueva generación de historiadores contemporaneístas (Jorge Marco, David Alegre, Carlos Píriz o Arnau Fernández) que defienden la tesis de que la guerra no terminó en 1939. En este artículo, abordamos las materialidades generadas por esta guerra larga, que solo termina con la aniquilación de las últimas agrupaciones guerrilleras alrededor de 1952. A partir de nuestros proyectos arqueológicos de campo en Euskadi, Galicia y Norte de Portugal nos centramos en la construcción material del frente-frontera durante la propia guerra y la postguerra, en el paisaje modelado por la guerra irregular (resistencia y represión) en la década de 1940 y en las recientes aportaciones de la hoy pujante (y bastante desconocida) arqueología de la guerrilla antifranquista.
El caso “Gernika” en la investigación alemana de la postguerra y la evasión de responsabilidades
Authors: Viñas Ángel
Published: February 2024

Lo que en el presente texto  se denomina el Informe Drum es el comentario, de una parte muy limitada del mismo, relacionada con el bombardeo de Gernika. El informe abarca otras experiencias nazis en la guerra civil española. Se encuentran algunas referencias al mismo en libros pioneros de historiadores alemanes. Me he centrado en el más importante, el del profesor Manfred Merkes, porque en numerosos puntos no ha sido superado en su conjunto.
La tesis defendida es que, como era frecuente en la época, los aviadores alemanes esquivaron, a decir verdad, ocultaron su responsabilidad en la destrucción de Gernika. Dado que el informe fue encargado por la U.S. Air Force al comienzo de los años cincuenta, interesaba a los autores subrayar el carácter anticomunista de su intervención en la guerra civil, dado el acercamiento entre Estados Unidos y la dictadura española.
Casas en la ruta y la narración como hogar: sentido de pertenencia transnacional en "El árbol de la gitana" (1997) de Alicia Dujovne Ortiz
Authors: Nohe Hanna
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo se enfoca en la ambivalencia que obtiene la casa en cuanto hogar en El árbol de la gitana (1997) de Alicia Dujovne Ortiz como motor de la búsqueda de un sentido de pertenencia, por tanto del desplazamiento y, en fin, de la narración, que conduce a las rutas que la protagonista emprende para acercarse a sus raíces. Basándose en el concepto de la casa según Gaston Bachelard y el de la topografía transnacional según Federico Besserer, el análisis subraya la importancia que representa la ausencia de casas de infancia para los desplazamientos y los cuentos de la protagonista. Se pondrá en evidencia cómo el motivo de la casa como lugar anhelado, pero irrealizable, está inherentemente vinculado a la actividad de escribir como necesidad existencial, actividad que se convierte en una reconstrucción transnacional de la historia familiar. Se demostrará, además, cómo el árbol al revés sirve de metáfora de la topografía transnacional familiar y por ende del sentido de pertenencia que la propia narradora reconstruye.
El exilio como frontera: "La morada en el tiempo" (1981) de Esther Seligson
Authors: Romano Hurtado Berenice
Published: February 2024

El artículo revisa la novela de Esther Seligson La morada en el tiempo como un texto representativo del tema del exilio, por un lado, y como una obra que carga rasgos importantes de la poética de la autora, por otro. A partir de la crítica hecha en torno a la novela, se muestra cómo para esta escritora la idea de frontera, que se trata de vincular con la vivencia de un exilio emocional, está presente en su obra desde distintos aspectos como: la traducción, la ruptura de fronteras genéricas, los viajes. Para esta revisión aludo a otros textos de la autora, así como a estudiosos de la obra de Seligson, como Angelina Muñiz Huberman y Jacobo Sefamí, entre otros; en quienes me apoyo para subrayar la vinculación que yace en la obra de Seligson entre escritura, identidad y exilio.
Challenges Facing Private Solar Energy Firms in Egypt: A Microeconomic Perspective
Authors: El Hini Maha , Ibrahim Nooran , Younes Kareem , Hassaballa Hoda
Published: February 2024

The need for the use of renewable energy sources in general and solar energy in particular is immensely increasing over time. It is true that our planet’s future relies to a great extent on the speed of shifting to renewables instead of the use of fossil fuels for energy supply.  Accordingly, the Egyptian government has put sustainable development as a priority in its 2030 vision. But to achieve sustainability, various obstacles that impede this process should be carefully identified and addressed.  For that, this research work is studying various challenges and barriers that face private solar energy suppliers in Egypt. This is conducted by using an exploratory approach that relies on detailed interviews with private solar energy firms. Results highlight that private solar energy firms are challenged by trade barriers, market barriers, organisational barriers from New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), macroeconomic barriers and legal barriers.  Furthermore, this study provides policy solutions to partially address the identified barriers and to further speed up the transition to solar energy production and usage. 

Keywords: Solar energy market, Egypt, Barriers and challenges, Semi structured interviews, renewables.

JEL: O1, Q2, Q4
2D FDTD Electromagnetic Simulation of an Ultracompact All Optical Logic Gate Based on 2D Photonic Crystal for Ultrafast Applications
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (UFOPA), de Almeida Léo César , de Sousa Fabio B. ,   Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Paschoal Jr. Waldomiro ,   Universidade Federal do Pará, Costa Marcos ,   Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the concept of photonic crystals (PhCs) is fundamental to designing and simulating an all-optical logic gate device. We proposed an all-optical switch composed of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal waveguides with a central photonic crystal ring resonator (PCRR). The new all-optical NAND logic gate device comprises two linear waveguides coupled to each other through a single compact PCRR. The plane wave expansion (PWE) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods are applied to simulate the properties of the system. The structure is implemented on the operational wavelength of 1700 nm on an air wafer of only 12 μm × 12 μm. Indeed, the simulation results show that the proposed all-optical NAND gate is a strong candidate for ultrafast photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for applications in optical communications, being advantageous with high transmitting power, with simple design, and without the use of optical amplifiers and nonlinear materials.
Regularidades Discursivas em uma Coleção Didática de Biologia: O Ensino de Genética em sua Relação “Forma-Conteúdo”
Authors: Lopo Montalvão Neto Alberto
Published: February 2024

Como se tem discutido na pesquisa em Educação em Biologia, o Ensino de Genética é um dos mais desafiadores, não apenas devido à complexidade e aos níveis de abstração de seus conceitos, como também devido às próprias características da área, que, nos últimos anos, se destaca pelo desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias referentes às técnicas moleculares e (bio)tecnológicas. Outrossim, cabe à escola formalizar esses conhecimentos, que, muitas vezes, circulam em distintos âmbitos sociais. Pensando no livro didático como um material importante para as práticas escolares realizadas por professores e estudantes, e sendo este material, por vezes, o único disponível, pautados na Análise de Discurso de linha francesa, que tem Michel Pêcheux como um de seus precursores, e principalmente em trabalhos de Eni Orlandi, analisamos as regularidades discursivas de uma coleção didática de Biologia. Temos como objetivo compreender de que maneira os discursos de Genética são apresentados numa coleção didática de Biologia, bem como entender que efeitos de sentidos podem ser produzidos a partir da interação texto-leitor. Como resultado, apontamos para a alternância de três tipologias discursivas na produção de sentidos, as quais influenciam as formas de apresentação dos conteúdos no livro didático: o discurso cotidiano, o discurso pedagógico e o discurso científico, sendo este último o predominante. Ademais, o texto do livro didático muitas vezes apresenta características de neutralidade e objetividade científica, além de silenciamentos de questões sócio-históricas. Diante dos resultados, compreendemos que há a necessidade de um (re)pensar (sobre) o Ensino de Biologia, indo de encontro aos discursos autoritários e abrindo margens para sentidos outros.
Destination image mediated by experience quality-the residents’ perspective
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia, Guan Li-Ping ,   Faculty of Economics and Management, Weifang Institute of Technology, China, Ayob Norazirah ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia, Puah Chin-Hong ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia, Arip Mohammad Affendy ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Published: February 2024

As consumers increasingly seek experiences, this study employs experience quality as a mediator between cognition and affection in the well accepted cognition-affection-overall image framework. Compared with previous studies of destination image which carries the double identity of residents being visitors and people living in the destination, this study takes them as local visitors for pleasure. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied and this was followed by a disjointed two-stage approach in PLS-SEM. Findings verified the mediating effect of experience quality on destination image in Qingzhou City, China. For each cognitive attribute, the evaluation of its on-stage experience is conceptualized as experience quality, which makes experience quality measurable. Thus, from the perspective of resident visitors, this study contributes to the theoretical framework of destination image by introducing a mediator; and it makes the proposed framework measurable. The findings can empirically guide the practices of destination image perception management for resident visitors, which may different with that of tourists.
Dampak Pencemaran Mikroplastik di wilayah Pesisir dan Kelautan
Authors: Jamika Fadel Ikrar
Published: February 2024

Permasalahan lingkungan hidup di dunia sangat beragam, tak terkecuali terkait pencemaran di wilayah pesisir dan kelautan. Pengelolaan pesisir dan kelautan memiliki kompleksitas masalah, peluang, dan tantangan tersendiri yang berbeda di setiap daerah. Masalah utama dalam pengelolaan pesisir dan kelautan adalah masalah pencemaran sampah plastik khususnya mikroplastik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan gambaran dan dampak pencemaran mikroplastik di wilayah pesisir dan kelautan. Metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif atau literatur review. Mikroplastik merupakan plastik yang mengalami degradasi dan berukuran diameter < 5 mm. Sumber mikroplastik terdiri dari yaitu primer dan sekunder. Mikroplastik masuk ke wilayah pesisir dan laut melalui beberapa cara seperti aliran air dari sungai, angin, dan terbawa oleh arus dan beberapa masuk ke laut melalui limpasan. Pencemaran mikroplastik mempunyai dampak luas, diantaranya kesehatan manusia, ekonomi, pariwisata dan estetika pantai. Mikroplastik di lingkungan pesisir dan laut menyebabkan kerusakan serius pada kehidupan laut, ikan, kematian hewan laut melalui lilitan dan menelan puing-puing plastik
The United Right and Rights of Polish Women
Authors: Kaczmarek Jolanta
Published: February 2024

The election victories of the United Right in 2015 and 2019 are associated with limiting women’s rights. This applies mainly to reproduction, security in the home place, the labour market or politics. Changes in the situation of the Polish women under the rule of the conservative coalition are the subject of this article. Its aim is to present the process of implementing the right-wing vision of the role of women in society. The researchers asked the following questions: Do legal regulations sufficiently protect the safety of Polish women under the rule of United Right? What is the process of changes taking place in the labour market from the point of view of women? Is there a slight but systematic increase in the number of women in parliament and their promotion to other high political positions? In order to obtain answers to the above questions, an analysis of the texts of documents and magazines was used. The analysis showed a radical restriction of women’s rights.
Cognitive and Emotional Disorders during Multiple Sclerosis – Exogenous and Endogenous Conditions, Contemporary Methods of Treatment and Prevention
Authors: Zdankiewicz Alicja , Konaszczuk Wiktoria , Pawłowski Piotr , Kościołek Aneta , Przylepa Katarzyna
Published: February 2024

Multiple sclerosis (SM) is an autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The disease affects patients of all ages, with a higher incidence in women. The etiopathogenesis of SM is not fully understood — it is believed that autoreactive lymphocytes play a key role in the development of the disease, although genetic predisposition and environmental factors also play a role. Diagnosis is based on the McDonald criteria, and the disease has different clinical presentations. Treatment is based on immunomodulation, aims to control the disease, and prevent recurrence. Frequent symptoms of the disease are motor, sensory, and cognitive disorders. Cognitive impairment, which is common in multiple sclerosis patients, has numerous consequences in everyday life (mental, social, economic) that significantly reduce the quality of life. Psycho-cognitive dysfunction, which can occur at any stage of the disease, is associated with changes in the central nervous system. Prevention of these disorders includes the early application of treatment methods that modify the natural course of the disease and the implication of pro-health behaviors, such as quitting smoking, proper diet and physical exercise. Pharmacological treatment shows limited effectiveness. Rehabilitation involving the use of compensatory strategies, remedial methods aimed at brain neuroplasticity and cognitive training shaping new functional networks of the brain is important. The aim of this work is to present the problem of cognitive and emotional disorders in the course of multiple sclerosis, with particular emphasis on endo- and exogenous conditions, together with modern methods of their treatment and prevention. (JNNN 2023;12(3):140–146)
Modelo de resiliencia y expresión artística en niños, niñas y adolescentes de zonas rurales contiguas a espacios territoriales de capacitación y reincorporación
Authors: Velásquez Ángel Ana Milena , Milena Alvarán Sandra , Paniagua Suárez Ramón Eugenio
Published: February 2024

The Colombian population has experienced an important series of violent events that affect the health of the population, especially rural children. The objective of this mixed study with two narrative and prevalence components was to determine the effect of a dialogic and reflective model between artistic creation, experiential narratives and resilience, in a sample of 130 school children and youth in rural areas of departments affected by the armed conflict. Among the instruments applied were the JJ46 Resilience Test and a narrative interview before and after the intervention; the OR prevalence ratio was calculated with SPSS. The significant differences obtained in the results it is possible to affirm that the artistic intervention increased self-esteem, assertiveness and adaptability, that is, resilience, especially in women in five of the six dimensions. As part of the conclusions it is possible to affirm that in this population art and culture contribute to the transformation of individual and social wellbeing states of children and adolescents, therefore its application can be projected in areas of economically and socially disadvantaged population.
Construcción de significados frente al cuidado en familias monoparentales con jefatura femenina: política pública en familia
Authors: Rodríguez Paula Andrea , López Rodríguez Claudia Johana , Román Cárdenas Angie Paola
Published: February 2024

The general objective of this project was to understand the processes of care in single-parent families headed by women in Bogotá, from interactional, contextual and narrative readings, in conjunction with the Public Policy for families in Bogotá, that favors the construction of meanings and interactions generating well-being for its members. It was based on a qualitative methodology with phenomenological design since it sought to know the meanings and personal experience of each family around care and public family policies, from its subjectivity. Similarly, it is framed from the research/intervention model.  Three single-parent families headed by women participated in an active process in the SAP Psychological Care Service of the Santo Tomás University. Three group and individual meetings were held based on previously established methodological designs. An analysis was performed with the help of atlas.it software. It is noted that there is recursion of personal care and care with the other, understanding the co-responsibility among members; In addition, the development of care tasks in everyday family life are the most frequent expressions and tend to be linked to the meanings of motherhood; likewise, in mothers there is an overload of linking functions and roles in different contexts.
Validación del cuestionario de bienestar laboral general (QBLG) en una muestra de docentes colombianos
Authors: Enríquez-Villota María Fernanda , Garzón-Velásquez Guido Fernando , Herrera-López Harvey Mauricio
Published: February 2024

The study of well-being at school is a priority, taking into account that the quality of life of educational communities and especially of teachers is affected by the current and demanding working conditions. This justifies the need for suitable evaluation instruments. The objective of the study was to validate the General Occupational Well-being Questionnaire – qBLG- Blanch, Cervantes, Cantera and Sahagún (2010), through the analysis of its psychometric properties. The incidental sample consisted of 604 teachers from Pasto, Colombia, (M = 48 years, SD = 11.7). The internal consistency analysis and the confirmatory factorial analysis of the original structure of 6 factors showed optimal values ​​and adjustments, confirming that the original model has reliability and validity, and that the factorization of the scale is the most appropriate to measure labor well-being in Colombia and particularly in San Juan de Pasto. The invariance analysis corroborates the robustness of the theoretical model, suggesting the quality of the measure regardless of gender. The analysis of results suggests that aspects such as Physical Exhaustion, Mental Saturation and the Perception of Incapacity have a relevant impact on the well-being of the teachers evaluated.