bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructions of agency in children’s cultural and linguistic brokering practices
Authors: Crutchley Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Constructions of children’s agency have been an influential and dominant arena for discussion since the emergence of the ‘new’ paradigm of childhood in the 1990s. Cross-disciplinary studies recognise the different social, cultural and temporal influences upon perceptions of childhood and acknowledge the impact of such constructions on how children’s agency is understood and realised. Many of the definitions of agency reflect Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states the child’s right to be involved in decisions affecting them. However, as with other articles of the convention, Article 12 is prone to subjective adult interpretation predicated on assumptions of competence and capability, and subject to the same uneasy tension between participation, protection and provision which characterises the convention more broadly. Furthermore, the presumed relationship between children’s involvement in decision making as an indicator of agency is misleading. This paper argues that children’s agency is a poorly defined concept, whose lack of clarity contributes to children being constrained as active change agents within and beyond contexts which directly affect them. Using the context of child language brokers, the paper argues that despite offering children the ‘socio-culturally mediated capacity to act’ brokering practices frequently take place in response to adult-determined objectives, rather than in contexts freely chosen by the child, potentially compromising their agentic potential. This paper draws upon the findings from Crutchley’s doctoral thesis which used Biographical Narrative Interpretive Method to explore the retrospective narratives of adults who assumed the role of cultural and linguistic brokers during their childhoods.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience: Family Resilience as a Promotive Factor in Young Children’s Flourishing
Authors: Thompson Erica M. , Corcoran Frederique , Hodges Hopewell R.
Published: December 2024

There is a well documented connection between children’s exposure to adverse childhood events (ACEs) and the risk of negative outcomes. However, many children with ACE exposure go on to perform fairly well in life, due to the support from multiple interacting systems within and around them. Resilience science has led to the development of creative interventions and policies that prevent negative outcomes for children. There is growing attention, though, to the promotion of positive outcomes such as flourishing, which matters profoundly to individual and collective well-being. Flourishing has not been well examined in young people exposed to adversity, especially in early childhood. The objective of this work is to identify family-level mechanisms that support children’s flourishing amid adversity. It draws from a nationally representative sample of children from the United States under the age of six ( n = 8,174) who were included in the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). In addition to surveys on ACE exposure, the NSCH used a four-item index to measure children’s flourishing, which was operationalized as positive emotionality, relational health, and emotional resilience. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with path analysis, this work found that exposure to ACEs was negatively and directly associated with children’s flourishing, but that children in families with higher family resilience showed higher levels of flourishing. Furthermore, there were indirect associations between ACEs and flourishing, where about 60% of the effect of ACEs on flourishing was mediated through family resilience. We offer program- and policy-level suggestions for enhancing young children’s flourishing through promotion of family resilience and prevention of ACEs.
Roles of Attribution and Government Intervention in the Trust Repair Process During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Jyh-Jeng , Talley Paul C. , Xiao Shen-Wen , Kuo Kuang-Ming
Published: December 2024

This study, bases on both the attribution theory and trust repair theory, and explores the effects of attribution and government intervention in the trust repair process, willingness to reconcile and one’s intention to share during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questionnaires are distributed online, and 799 responses are collected, as based on convenience sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to conduct analysis. Results show that controllability, stability, affective repair, functional repair, and informational repair have a positive and significant effect on individuals’ willingness to reconcile, but the locus of causality does not have a significant effect. Willingness to reconcile has a positive effect on individuals’ intention to share. Based on these findings, it is recommended that governments develop appropriate strategies to repair peoples’ levels of trust and eliminate the chance of any major crisis event recurrence. Moreover, the findings further confirm that governments and public sector organizations can use the attribution theory and trust repair strategies to affect positive change.
Outcomes of Open-Globe Injuries With Associated Retinal Detachment: Experience at an Ocular Trauma Center
Authors: Sheth Neil , Chang Arthur Y. , Bryan John M. , Massengill Michael T. , Lim Jennifer I.
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To characterize the clinical features and outcomes of open-globe injuries with associated retinal detachment (RD). Methods: A retrospective review was performed. Results: Thirty-six patients with open-globe injuries and subsequent rhegmatogenous RD were analyzed between January 2016 and September 2021. The median time to diagnosis and to the initial vitrectomy repair was 2.5 days and 20 days, respectively. Six months postoperatively, the median Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from light perception to hand motions. The logMAR BCVAs were significantly higher (worse) for patients who had more than 20 days between their injury and the initial vitrectomy repair ( P = .01) and if their retinal detachment after open-globe injury score was higher than 5 ( P = .03). The number of days between the open-globe injury and the initial vitrectomy repair was directly correlated with the final logMAR BCVA ( P = .03). On multivariate analysis, a duration of more than 20 days between the open-globe injury and the initial vitrectomy repair was statistically significant for predicting the 6-month logMAR BCVA ( P = .02). Conclusions: The final visual outcome for cases of RD associated with open-globe injury may be improved by minimizing the time between the injury and the initial vitrectomy repair.
Influence of antiplatelet medication and anticoagulation therapy after dental extractions on hospitalization: a retrospective 10-year study
Authors: Katz Marie Sophie , Benidamou Rajae , Ooms Mark , Heitzer Marius , Bock Anna , Elvers Dirk , Steiner Timm , Peters Florian , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: December 2024

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify high-risk dental extraction patients and the timing of postoperative hemorrhage to evaluate whether preventive hospitalization should be considered in patients on antiplatelet medication (AP) or anticoagulants.

Methods

Our study included 1595 procedures; 1319 were conducted under monotherapy (Group I: AP; Group II: indirect oral anticoagulant [IAC]; Group III: direct oral anticoagulant [DOAC]) and 276 under dual therapy (Group IV: double AP; Group V: AP and IAC; Group VI: AP and DOAC). We evaluated the incidence, frequency and timing of hemorrhage, hospitalization rate, and treatment of bleeding incidents.

Results

The incidence of hemorrhagic events was significantly higher in the dual therapy groups compared to the monotherapy groups (p < 0.001). Comparing the procedures under monotherapy, those on DOAC (Group III) had a significantly higher risk of postoperative bleeding than Groups I and II (p < 0.001) and a higher rate of repeated bleeding episodes (p = 0.035). Regarding bleeding incidents, 44% (dual therapy) vs. 51.1% (monotherapy) occurred on the day of surgery.

Conclusions

The bleeding risk after dental extractions is overall low and patients were often hospitalized preventively due to their comorbidities rather than actual bleeding risk. Patients should be instructed about local compression, and surgeries should be completed in the morning to avoid emergency visits. However, patients with cardiovascular diseases and dual therapy had a higher risk of postoperative hemorrhage. Thus, hospitalization is to be considered in these cases.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen (Decision Number 24-136). This was a retrospective clinical study designed to analyze postoperative bleeding and hospitalization rates after dental extractions in patients on AP or anticoagulation therapy.
Retrospective longitudinal study on the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection on polysomnographic evaluation in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Braun Sina , Laemmer Constanze , Schulte Sandra , Gohlke Bettina
Published: December 2024

Background

To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on polysomnographic evaluation in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Patients and methods

A retrospective cohort study of two consecutive overnight polysomnograms (PSG) in 92 PWS patients (mean age 9.1, range 3.1–22 years). 57/92 participants (35 female) had a COVID-19 infection between the two consecutive examinations. 35 patients (21 female) had no infection (control group). Distribution of genetics was as follows: 13/57 (22.8%) deletion, 19/57 (33.3%) uniparental disomy, 2/57 (3,5%) imprinting defect, 3/57 (5.3%) non-deletion, 20/57 (35.1%) diagnosed by analyses of the methylation pattern of chromosome 15q11-13. Mean time interval between COVID-19 infection and post-COVID-19 evaluation was 96.2 days.

Results

Course of COVID-19 infection was asymptomatic 8/82 (9.8%), mild 63/82 (76.8%), medium 11/84 (13.4%). The five most frequently experienced symptoms in PWS patients were fever (56.1%); headache (45.1%); cold (42.7%); cough (31.7%) and body aches (21.95%). PWS patients who had COVID-19 infection had significantly lower mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured by pulse oximetry (post 94.8% vs. pre 95.7%, p = 0.001), lower detected lowermost SpO2 (post 86.2 vs. pre 87.3%, p = 0.003), and higher occurrence of hypopnoea (post 13.9 vs. pre 10.7, p = 0.001). Time in optimal SpO2 (95–100%) decreased significantly (post 54.3% vs. pre 73.8%, p = 0.001), whereas an increase was observed in time in suboptimal SpO2 (90–95%) (post 45.5% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.001) and in time in poor SpO2 (< 90%) (post 0.7% vs. pre 0.2%, p = 0.030). Body-Mass-Index (BMI)-SDS for PWS showed no differences between the groups at any time. BMI-SDS-differences showed no influence on differences in SpO2 evaluations. In the genetic subgroup with deletion there was a statistically significant effect on an increased number of OSA (p = 0.027). The genetic subgroup with uniparental disomy (UPD) was associated with a reduced risk of higher HF (p = 0.035) and less hypopnea (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

PWS patients predominantly experienced only mild to medium symptoms during COVID-19 infection without necessity of hospitalisation. However, on average three months after infection, differences in PSG evaluations were still apparent, manifesting in lower SpO2 and more frequent hypopnea. A long-lasting impairment of the pulmonary system due to the COVID-19 infection might be responsible.
Molecular characterization and risk analysis of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in corticosteroid-treated and non-treated patients in Ismailia, Arab Republic of Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Shahira Abdelaziz Ali , Mokhtar Amira Bakr , Mohamed Samar Farag , El-Din Marwa Ibrahim Saad , Phanis Catherine O’Dowd , Kazamia Stefani , Schou Chad , Gładysz Paweł , Lass Anna , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Karanis Panagiotis , Gad Samer Eid Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Background

Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis) is an intestinal protozoan parasite of human and animal hosts. The present study investigated and compared the assemblages of G. duodenalis-infected faecal samples in patients on corticosteroid therapy (POCT) and control patients-not on corticosteroid therapy (CONT) and differentiated its assemblages and/or sub-assemblages’ relationship with associated risk factors.

Methods

Utilizing multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) with three loci targeted—triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), ꞵ-giardin (bg), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh)—G. duodenalis isolated from POCT and CONT were analyzed. Risk factors linked with Giardia infection and its assemblages were investigated.

Results

In total, 52 G. duodenalis-infected patients were enrolled: 21 POCT and 31 CONT. The mean age was 12.3 years, the majority were male (59.6%), and 73.1% lived in rural areas. The POCT group was 36 times more likely than the CONT group to have a concurrent parasitic infection. About 73% (38/52) of Giardia samples were genotyped and/or sub-genotyped in at least one of the three loci. MLST identified sixteen isolates (42.0%) as assemblage B, ten isolates (26.3%) as assemblage A, and twelve isolates (31.6%) as a mixed infection of A + B and B + E. Most individuals of the POCT group were infected with G. duodenalis assemblage A while most of the CONT group were infected with assemblage B. Sub-assemblage AII was identified by phylogenetic analysis in the isolates of both groups under investigation.

Conclusion

This research advances giardiasis epidemiology in Arab Republic of Egypt (ARE) and reflects how corticosteroid-treated patients differ from those non-treated in Giardia assemblage pattern and their susceptibility to concomitant infection. Overall, Giardia assemblage patterns in this research populations reflect anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission, emphasizing the importance of public health policy and giardiasis prevention of illness transmission, particularly among those on corticosteroid therapy in ARE.
Prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder and experiences of trauma in emerging adults living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors: Silveira Renato , Eleti Sainath , Saruchera Emily , Mwamuka Rukudzo , Whitwell Susannah , Abas Melanie A. , Jack Helen E.
Published: December 2024

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emerging adults living with HIV in low-income countries.

Aims

Determine prevalence of trauma exposure, prevalence of probable PTSD and conditional prevalence of probable PTSD for different traumatic events; and better understand the experiences of individuals with HIV and PTSD.

Method

This mixed method study used secondary data from a cross-sectional survey of people (N = 222) aged 18 to 29 living with HIV in Zimbabwe and primary qualitative data collection. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) were used to measure PTSD and exposure to traumatic events, both translated to Shona. In-depth interviews (n = 8) with participants who met the criteria for probable PTSD were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

In all, 68.3% [95% CI (61.4–74.1)] of participants reported exposure to at least one traumatic event. The observed prevalence of probable PTSD was 8.6% [95% CI (5.2–13.0)], most observed following exposure to fire or explosion 29.0% [95% CI (13.0–45.0)] and sexual assault 27.8% [95% CI (7.2–48.7)]. Probable PTSD was also more prevalent following multiple exposure to trauma; four and six events, N = 4 (21%) [95% CI (5.1–8.8)] each, two and three events N = 3 (15.7%) [95% CI (5.9–9.2)] each, and five events N = 1 (5.4%) [95% CI (7.5–9.6)]. Qualitative results indicated that HIV stigma exacerbated psychological distress from trauma.

Conclusions

Despite trauma exposure being common, prevalence of probable PTSD was not high, but was higher in those with multiple exposures. Participants described coping strategies, including social support and religious thinking.
Chemotactile perception and associative learning of amino acids in yellowjacket workers
Authors: Mattiacci Analía , Pietrantuono Ana Laura , Corley Juan C. , Masciocchi Maité
Published: December 2024

Learning and memory are fundamental processes, influencing animal foraging behaviour and fitness success. Evaluating food nutritional quality, particularly of proteins and essential amino acids, involves complex sensory mechanisms. While olfactory cues have been extensively studied, less is known about proteinaceous chemoreception, especially in invertebrates. Vespula germanica, a globally invasive social wasp species, relies heavily on foraging efficiency and nutritional assessment for colony success. Previous studies have highlighted their associative learning abilities in natural settings, but their cognitive capabilities under laboratory conditions still need to be explored. We investigated the perceptual and learning abilities of V. germanica concerning amino acids using a maxilla–labium extension response (MaLER) conditioning protocol. We aimed to determine whether these wasps can (1) perceive specific amino acids through antennal chemoreception, (2) perform associative learning with amino acids, (3) discriminate between stimuli of varying molecular and nutritional profiles, and (4) generalize among similar stimuli. Our results suggest that V. germanica can detect free amino acids and exhibit associative learning toward them. They can discriminate between amino acids with different profiles and do not generalize among similar compounds. These findings indicate that V. germanica foragers can qualitatively evaluate amino acid solutions, which translates into a natural ability to discern and learn from food sources with varying nutritional qualities. This knowledge could enhance management strategies for this invasive species, which rely on poisoned beef-based baits. Understanding the sensory and cognitive capabilities of V. germanica provides a foundation for developing more effective control methods.
Taurine efflux counters the hydrodynamic impact of anaerobic metabolism to protect cardiorespiratory function under acute thermal stress in brook char (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: El Nir , Christjansen Mathilde H. , Smallwood Ellie C. , LaHay Megan E. , McGaw Samuel P. , Pabody Claire M. , MacCormack Tyson J.
Published: December 2024

Upper thermal tolerance may be limited by convective oxygen transport in fish, but the mechanisms constraining heart function remain elusive. The activation of anaerobic metabolism imposes an osmotic stress on cardiomyocytes at high temperatures that must be countered to prevent swelling and cardiac dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that cardiac taurine efflux is required to counter the osmotic impact of anaerobic end product accumulation in brook char, Salvelinus fontinalis. Fish were fed a diet enriched in β-alanine, a competitive inhibitor of the taurine transporter, to induce taurine deficiency and inhibit transporter function. In vivo, stroke volume increased by 60% and cardiac output doubled in control fish during a 2°C h−1 thermal ramp. Stroke volume was temperature insensitive in taurine-deficient (TD) fish, so cardiac output was 30% lower at high temperatures. The thermal sensitivity of aerobic metabolism did not differ, and lactate accumulated to a similar degree in the two diet treatment groups, indicating that taurine deficiency does not impact energy metabolism. Heart taurine efflux was absent and ventricular muscle osmolality was 40 mOsmol kg−1 higher in TD brook char following thermal stress. Swelling and decreased ventricular compliance likely impair diastolic filling to constrain stroke volume in TD fish. The adrenaline sensitivity of cardiac contractility and the regulation of intracellular pH in the brain and liver were also impacted in TD brook char. Taurine efflux appears necessary to counteract the hydrodynamic impact of activating anaerobic metabolism and this process may limit heart function under acute thermal stress.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of modulating nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Authors: McMahon Mary , Maquat Lynne E.
Published: December 2024

Discovered more than four decades ago, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) plays a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression and is a major contributor to numerous diseases. With advanced technologies, several novel approaches aim to directly circumvent the effects of disease-causing frameshift and nonsense mutations. Additional therapeutics aim to globally dampen the NMD pathway in diseases associated with pathway hyperactivation, one example being Fragile X syndrome. In other cases, therapeutics have been designed to hijack or inhibit the cellular NMD machinery to either activate or obviate transcript-specific NMD by modulating pre-mRNA splicing. Here, we discuss promising approaches employed to regulate NMD for therapeutic purposes and highlight potential challenges in future clinical development. We are optimistic that the future of developing target-specific and global modulators of NMD (inhibitors as well as activators) is bright and will revolutionize the treatment of many genetic disorders, especially those with high unmet medical need.
Polskojęzyczna prasa prawosławna w Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej na przykładzie „Gazety Prawosławnej” (1936–1937)
Authors: Krasińska Izabela
Published: December 2024

W artykule omówiono ukazującą się w Warszawie w latach 1936–1937 „Gazetę Prawosławną”. Było to jedno z głównych polskojęzycznych pism adresowanych do zamieszkujących II Rzeczpospolitą wyznawców prawosławia. Dokonano analizy formalno-wydawniczej oraz zawartości treściowej periodyku, który zaprezentowano na tle innych polskojęzycznych czasopism prawosławnych; wszystkie ukazywały się w latach trzydziestych XX w., a wydawały je Warszawska Metropolia Prawosławna, Prawosławny Instytut Naukowo-Wydawniczy, Spółka Wydawnicza „Głos Prawosławia” czy podobnie jak analizowany tytuł, prawosławni Polacy przy wsparciu instytucji państwowych. Dopuszczając do druku polskojęzyczną prasę prawosławną, w tym oczywiście omawiany periodyk, władze podjęły działania zmierzające do ściślejszego zespolenia wiernych Kościoła prawosławnego z państwem.
AN EPHESIAN LOVE STORY ON A LAMP FROM NEA PAPHOS, CYPRUS
Authors: Młynarczyk Jolanta
Published: December 2024

A unique terracotta mould‑made
lamp of a late Hellenistic type was found in an early Roman context of a house at the Fabrika site, Nea
Paphos. The lamp top bears a relief depiction of an embracing couple. At the same time, the inscription ‘Ephesians’ on its base apparently
identifies the figural representation as referring to the tale about Anthia and Habrokomes from Ephesos. Their story (Ephesiaka) was
written by Xenophon of Ephesos, allegedly in the late 2nd century AD. However, the motif of an embracing couple on terracotta lamps
goes back to as early as the late 3rd century BC and was diffused in the area spread from Egypt in the south to Phoenicia in the north.
It is interesting, then, to investigate the link between the occurrence of this motif in Hellenistic terracotta lamps and the Roman Period
Ephesian tale.
HERAKLES’S GEM IMPRESSION UNVEILED: A PLAIN WARE JUG’S TALE FROM NEA PAPHOS, CYPRUS
Authors: Wicenciak Urszula , Gołyźniak Paweł
Published: December 2024

This article presents a fragment of a Hellenistic jug decorated with an impression on the handle. It was excavated in the Maloutena area in Nea Paphos, featuring Heracles dragging Cerberus out of the Underworld. It is unique because the impression was made on a plain ware vessel, probably of local production, using an engraved gem. While the motif of Heracles fighting Cerberus is a popular one in Greek iconography, its presence on plain ware is unexpected and demonstrates the considerable importance of mythology in the everyday lives of those living in Nea Paphos. This important discovery highlights the ubiquity of mythology in various spheres of life in Nea Paphos, one stretching beyond the mosaics and paintings discovered in the residences of the elite.
TWO NEW EPONYM – FABRICANT COMBINATIONS ON RHODIAN AMPHORAE FROM THE EXCAVATIONS OF TANAIS’ NECROPOLIS
Authors: Matera Marcin
Published: December 2024

This paper presents previously unknown stamps recording two eponym – fabricant combinations on Rhodian amphorae discovered at Tanais during rescue excavations of the town’s necropolis in 2012. The discovery provides new information that allows us to complete the list of fabricants cooperating with the eponyms Παυσανίας III and Ἀλεξιάδας.
Association between job satisfaction, work engagement and psychological distress among nurses in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Maqbali Mohammed , Qawasmeh Khaled Al , Shamisi Shaikha Al , Mahmoud Samah Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims

The quality of nurses' work is integral to the success of healthcare systems. Job satisfaction and work engagement contribute to nurses' ability to be efficient and effective. The nature of their work means that nurses are likely to experience psychological distress, which might affect their job satisfaction and work engagement. This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological distress experienced by nurses at work, job satisfaction and work engagement in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods

An online, cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study was conducted from August–December 2022. Work engagement was assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, while stress, anxiety and depression were measured using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, Cronbach's alpha and multiple regression analysis, all performed using IBM SPSS version 27.

Results

The study recruited a total of 316 nurses. The mean job satisfaction score was 15.17±2.89 (moderately satisfied) and the mean work engagement score was 4.67±1.03 (highly engaged). A significant positive correlation was found between job satisfaction and work engagement. Prevalence rates for stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia were 11%, 35.5%, 31.6% and 49.4% respectively. Both job satisfaction and work engagement were negatively correlated with stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. The regression model explained 57.2% of job satisfaction variance and 54.0% of work engagement variance.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of job satisfaction and work engagement in reducing psychological distress among nurses. Further interventions to enhance these factors may improve mental health outcomes in this population.
Back-to-work initiatives in primary care: lessons for the future of work and health
Authors: Pattani Shriti , Varghese Kabir , Shemtob Lara , El-Osta Austen
Published: December 2024

With large numbers of UK adults being unable to work because of ill health, providing occupational support as part of primary healthcare could benefit service users, the economy and society as a whole. In this article, the authors outline early insights from health and work support pilots in primary care.
How has healthcare improved in 2024?
Authors: Clough Isobel
Published: December 2024

In the final editorial of the year, the editor reflects on the positive developments and innovations that have featured in the journal in 2024.
Back to work
Authors: Taylor Lorna
Published: December 2024

In this second article in a series following new research showing nearly all early years staff suffer from of musculoskeletal pain, physiotherapist and founder of Jolly Back, Lorna Taylor, shares more about how to manage and prevent back pain when working with children under the age of two.
Sharenting versus safeguarding
Authors: Dave Alex
Published: December 2024

Alex Dave, Safeguarding Education officer for the edtech charity LGfL-The National Grid for Learning, shares advice for early years settings about supporting parents to help safeguard their child online.
Self-experimentation
Authors: Winter George
Published: December 2024

In this month's article, George Winter discusses examples throughout history of medical self-experimentation by researchers
making ends meet – part 4: Plate up
Authors: Jones Leah
Published: December 2024

In part 4 of our series, we look at how settings are managing the cost of meals and the strategies they are implementing. By Leah Jones
Feeding practices among infants aged 6 to 23 months in rural areas: the case of the DSs of Gahombo and Kayanza / Burundi
Authors: Baseka Michel , Niyukuri Jonathan , Ndayishimiye Alice , Az-eddine Sedki , Ntakarutimana Vestine
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and feeding practices of mothers of children aged 6 to 23 months in the area of responsibility of the Gahombo and Kayanza Health Districts. Material and methods was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of the feeding practices of mothers of children aged 6 to 23 months in the area of responsibility of the Gahombo and Kayanza Health Districts during the period from December 14 to 30, 2022.
Results Of a sample of 398 children included in this study, the age range of 12 to 23 months was more represented. The mean age was 13.69 years and the mean age of the mothers was 28.65 years. The predominant sex was female with 52.51%. The evaluation of the knowledge and practices of mothers in relation to child feeding revealed that breastfeeding within one hour after delivery was performed in 92.46% of cases, exclusive breastfeeding in 85.17% and breastfeeding until two years and more in 90.95%. It was found that complementary food was introduced at 6 months in 79.90% of cases, being in 76.63% by cereals and in 71.24% by fruits and the consumption of oils in 98.63% in children under 12 months. This study showed that the introduction of vegetables too early (before six months) was in 56.43%, family dishes in 70.35% in children from 7 to 11 months and meat was introduced late for children with an age higher than 6. Months (85.86%). Primary and higher levels of mothers were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) (P=0.01) as well as the introduction of complementary foods and higher education level influenced EBF (P=0.04 and P=0.03).
Conclusion The results of the study showed that the mothers of children aged 6-23 months did not have appropriate feeding practices to avoid deficiency malnutrition and to ensure optimal nutrition for their children to ensure good growth and cognitive development.
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Isolation, Characterization, Structural Elucidation and Antibacterial Activities of Leaves Extracts Rhus vulgaris (Kimmo)
Authors: Belew Aderaw Anteneh , Hana Getachew Mariam , Meshesha Desta Shumuye
Published: December 2024

Rhus vulgaris, commonly known as sumac, is a plant known for its various therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Medicines derived from plants significantly contribute to human health. This study aimed to screen the phytochemical constituents, isolate and elucidate the structure, and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract from the leaves of Rhus vulgaris. The concentrated fraction was purified using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography to isolate the pure compounds. The isolated compounds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Antibacterial activity was tested against four bacterial strains: Streptococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (gram-negative) using the agar well diffusion method. The methanol extract exhibited antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria, with significant inhibition zones, particularly against Streptococcus aureus (15 mm) and Salmonella typhimurium (14 mm). The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, anthraquinones, and carbohydrates were detected in all extracts. The methanolic extract of Rhus vulgaris was subjected to column chromatography and eluted with methanol: chloroform (1:8) mixture, leading to the identification of the compound 1-p-tolyl pentadeca-7,9-dien-1-ol. The methanolic extract of Rhus vulgaris has demonstrated strong antibacterial activity, indicating its potential as an effective antimicrobial agent.
Some Log Type Estimators For Estimation of Population Mean of Sensitive Variable Using Additive Scrambling Model
Authors: Yunusa Mojeed Abiodun , Adejumobi Awwal
Published: December 2024

Since it can be challenging to estimate the mean of a sensitive study changeable when direct methods of information collection are used to elicit sensitive information, through the use of the randomized response technique (RRT), protect respondents' privacy while also obtaining more valid and reliable information. The present study introduces a set of log-type estimators for calculating averages through the utilization of the additive scrambling model. The estimators' mean square error (MSE) is determined a maximum of two degrees. There are defined circumstances in which the estimators perform better. An investigation was carried out utilizing three datasets, and the findings indicated that the suggested estimators outperform estimators found in the previous research both in efficiency comparison and empirical investigations. The first table shows the Mean Square Errors (MSEs) of the proposed and existing estimators used in this research, and we found out that Zp7 has the smallest MSE, followed by the Zp1, Zp2 , Zp3 , Zp 4 and co. The second table show the same results where Zp7 is having highest Percentage Relative Efficiecy (PRE), then other estimators follows. This explain that it is the most efficient estimator in this research.
At the Qing Empire’s Taiwan Frontier: Identities of the Chinese Maritime Customs Commissioners during the Sino-French War and the First Sino-Japanese War
Authors: Tsai Weipin
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Taiwan, as a frontier territory of the Qing Empire, played a unique role in modern Chinese history. Within the Qing bureaucracy, special measures, including some relating to the appointment of personnel, were applied to Taiwan, principally due to its geographical location. From 1863, the Chinese Maritime Customs Service was established in Taiwan, operating in parallel with the island’s Qing administrators and representing Qing sovereignty through the collection of tariffs on foreign trade and other related affairs such as the building and running of lighthouses. Tensions between these two representatives of empire became fraught at times, notably during the Sino-French War and the First Sino-Japanese War.
From Private to Public: The Emmerson Collection as a Test Case
Authors: Salzman Paul
Published: December 2024

Abstract: John Emmerson's rare book collection was acquired by State Library Victoria in 2015. While the collection has a clear focus on events surrounding the English Civil War, it includes many volumes which reach beyond that theme. In this article I consider what it means for such a personal collection to enter a public library space. In particular, I explore the way the acquisition of this kind of collection clarifies the tension within rare book collections in libraries between preservation and access. I compare the arrival of the Emmerson Collection at State Library Victoria with the impact of private collections on a number of other libraries, principally the Folger Shakespeare Library, the New York Public Library, the Pierpont Morgan Library, and the University of Pennsylvania Library (which has the Furness Collection).
Gary B. Nash
Authors: Pestana Carla Gardina
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This biographical memoir commemorates the life, work, and professional legacy of eminent historian Gary B. Nash (1933-2021), who was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in 2000.
A Living Archive – 1973 Durban Strikes: Celebrating 50 Years
Authors: Tame Bianca
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: From January 26-28, 2023, scholars, activists and representatives of a variety of research or public agencies met at the Hotel School Conference Centre, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Ritson Campus to participate in a conference titled '1973 Durban Strikes: Celebrating 50 Years'. The aim of the event was to commemorate a significant turning point in South Africa's labour history. Its participants paid particular attention to South African trade unions' decisive role in the political life of the country by reflecting on the past, present and future dilemmas regarding work and organising workers. In what follows, I review some of the cross-cutting themes at the conference. While the conference had a more academic focus, I argue that the event was aptly organised as a 'living archive'. Strikingly, the event also recentred the voice of women and their role in the 1973 Durban strikes, in what is often described as the 'Durban Moment'. I conclude with a brief account of the key concerns deliberated at the end of the discussion.
Sparse polynomial chaos algorithm with a variance-adaptive design domain for the uncertainty quantification and optimization of grating structures
Authors: Papadopoulos Aristeides D. , Syvridis Dimitris , Glytsis Elias N.
Published: December 2024

In this work, an algorithm is introduced based on polynomial chaos expansions (PCEs) to tackle uncertainty quantification problems related to grating filters. Our approach adaptively constructs anisotropic PC models for the quantities of interest, accommodating varying polynomial orders. It exploits the sparsity of the PCE coefficients, which are computed using the least angles regression (LARS) sparse solver, leading to a highly efficient process. In addition, optimal experiments are designed that take advantage of the local variance of the samples, further improving the reliability of the computations. The method is applied to the uncertainty quantification of a typical resonant grating filter, demonstrating its superior efficiency, which is more than 2 orders of magnitude less usage of time demanding full-wave solvers, compared to reference techniques like Monte Carlo (MC). Specifically, the proposed method required approximately 25 calls to a full-wave solver, compared to the 20,000 calls needed by the MC approach. In addition, the constructed PCE model can very efficiently generate samples of the grating filter’s quantities of interest, compared to generation by full-wave solvers, which can be used alongside a stochastic optimizer to optimize the grating filter’s performance with respect to its design variables. Furthermore, improved optimization results are observed when the presented PCE algorithm is combined with Kriging interpolation.
Compact inverted digital holographic microscope based on common-path configuration
Authors: Javed Isma , Hassan Muhammad Bilal , Khalid Ramna , Dashtdar Masoomeh , Garcia Luis Guillermo , Fonda Carlo , Crespo Maria L. , Danailov Miltcho , Cojoc Dan , Zubair Muhammad , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Cabrera Humberto
Published: December 2024

Ongoing advancements in holographic imaging technology have a considerable impact in various fields, specifically life sciences, owing to the 3D and precise visualization of microscopic structures. However, present-day imaging technologies, such as confocal, multiphoton microscopy, and digital holography microscopy, face constraints such as tagging bulky and expensive components. Its functionality requires specific laboratory conditions and relies on relatively complicated alignment mechanics. To address these limitations, we have proposed a compact label-free, easy-to-align imaging solution, which is what we believe to be a state-of-the-art inverted holographic 3D-printed microscopy prototype based on common-path holographic configuration compatible with high numerical aperture objectives. The microscope has several advantages, including simplicity, robustness, high temporal stability, and compatibility with other imaging modalities, and it is standalone. The designed architecture is automated by using the controller and sophisticated designed stages, making it a self-focusing device along all three axes. The cutting-edge prototype presented here influences pioneering light field technology, providing simplification of the optical setup and improvement of robustness as well as real-time monitoring of live organisms and transparent samples. These features enable its applicability for in-field measurements without using an antivibration optical table. The proposed device not only overwhelms the flaws of existing technologies but also opens up new ventures for future in-field life sciences applications, to our knowledge.
Analysis of laser spot centroiding errors for laser acquisition system in gravitational wave detection missions
Authors: Gao Ruihong , Zhao Mengyang , Liu Heshan , Qi Keqi , Wang Shaoxin , Li Pan , Wang Juan , Shen Jia , Luo Ziren
Published: December 2024

In space-based gravitational wave detection, establishing ultra-long-distance and ultra-high-precision laser links between satellites is achieved through the laser acquisition and tracking system. The laser spot centroid positioning method, which offers low computational complexity and strong adaptability to beam shape, is currently the core measurement method during the laser acquisition phase. However, due to various interference factors encountered in practical tests, this algorithm often falls short of meeting the extremely high requirements. To address this challenge, this paper first defines the specific performance criteria for the centroid positioning method based on the needs of laser acquisition in gravitational wave detection. It then comprehensively analyzes how detector noise, window truncation effects, and beam wavefront aberrations impact the accuracy of angular measurements. Using derived analytical expressions, an improved centroiding algorithm is proposed to mitigate the effects of detector noise and wavefront aberrations simultaneously. Numerical simulations are conducted to design the specific parameters for the algorithm and the system, resulting in the ability to achieve an angular measurement accuracy of 60 nrad at the telescope front end.
Color-multiplexed 3D differential phase contrast microscopy with optimal annular illumination
Authors: Wang Jingfan , Zhao Xing , Wang Yan , Li Da
Published: December 2024

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has become a valuable tool in the field of biomedical research due to its ability to quantify refractive index variations of live cells and tissues. For example, three-dimensional differential phase contrast (3D DPC) imaging uses through-focus images captured under different illumination patterns deconvoluted with a computed 3D phase transfer function (PTF) to reconstruct the 3D refractive index. In conventional 3D DPC with semi-circular illumination, partially spatially coherent illumination often diminishes phase contrast, exacerbating inherent noise, and can lead to a large number of zero values in the 3D PTF, resulting in strong low-frequency artifacts and deteriorating imaging resolution. To overcome the above drawbacks, we obtain the conditions for acquiring the optimal 3D PTF based on the analysis of the 3D imaging model and the derivation of the 3D PTF calculation process and propose a 3D DPC microscopy based on optimal annular illumination. The proposed optimal annular illumination pattern minimizes the missing frequency components in the 3D Fourier space, resulting in the best noise-robustness and significantly increased phase contrast. To expedite imaging speed, we utilize a 1/2 annular multiplexed illumination, reducing data acquisition volume by 75%. The 3D refractive index tomography of a simulated 3D phase object, unstained tongue sections, and oral epithelial cells demonstrates that our proposed method achieves the above advantages. In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel 3D DPC microscope that only requires replacing the illumination of a commercial microscope with a programmable LED array. The accurate 3D refractive index tomography and the compactness of the system setup allow the method to play a significant role in the biomedical field.
Passively Q-switched 976-nm monolithic ytterbium fiber laser with 4-W power
Authors: Tsai Tzong-Yow , Song Yu-Cheng , Lee Zhi-Cheng , Wu Hung-Hsun , Lin Wen-Ting , Lin Shih-Ting
Published: December 2024

We developed a 915-nm pumped, passively Q-switched 976-nm ytterbium all-fiber laser with an average output power of 4.3 W. The laser utilizes a 16-cm Yb gain fiber, passively Q-switched by a 1.8-cm Yb fiber, delivering stable single-mode pulses with an energy of 11.3 µJ at 0.38 MHz when pumped with 35 W. A slope efficiency of 16.4% was achieved. This work is the first, to our knowledge, demonstrated watt-level 976-nm Q-switched fiber laser without employing cascaded amplifiers. In addition, we established a set of coupled rate equations to model the system and forecast the potential for achieving higher output powers.
Diffraction modeling between arbitrary non-parallel planes using angular spectrum rearrangement
Authors: Hu Yiwen , Liu Xin , Liu Xu , Hao Xiang
Published: December 2024

Numerical modeling of diffraction between tilted planes provides remarkable flexibility in computational optics, enabling convenient prediction and manipulation of light on complicated geometries. Specifically it enables, for example, efficient simulation of wave propagation through lenses, fast calculation of holograms for meshed three-dimensional objects, and trapping particles in complicated shapes. However, computational accuracy and efficiency of existing methods are often at odds with each other. Here, we present an approach that accurately and efficiently models wave propagation between two arbitrary non-parallel planes, which is realized by rearranging the angular spectrum of the source field, coupled with a Fourier transform algorithm that does not require zero-padding and uniform sampling. It applies to both scalar and vectorial diffraction modeling, achieving a 10−109 times accuracy improvement, depending on different intersection angles. Notably, our method can cope well with orthogonal-plane diffraction, which is inaccessible in previous methods. Moreover, it enables a flexible balance between accuracy and efficiency, providing potential for further acceleration and accuracy enhancement. After theoretical verification, we provide experimental demonstration in computer-generated holography.
Improving Optical Coupling in Monolithically Integrated Lasers on Silicon by Selective Area Growth
Authors: Skipper Alec , Feng Kaiyin , Koscica Rosalyn , Leake Gerald , Shang Chen , Harame David , Bowers John
Published: December 2024

The direct growth of III-V lasers on silicon has the potential to allow for low-cost production of silicon photonic integrated circuits on a 300 mm wafer-scale. However, coupling loss severely limits the performance in current implementations of direct growth processes due to the growth of undesirable polycrystalline material on silicon dioxide sidewalls. In this work, we report the use of selective area molecular beam epitaxy growth to reduce the formation of this polycrystalline material during the growth process. Furthermore, we demonstrate electrically pumped continuous wave lasers directly grown on foundry-fabricated silicon photonic integrated circuit wafers using this technique.