bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interaction of in vivo muscle operating lengths and passive stiffness in rat hindlimbs
Authors: Horner Angela M. , Azizi Emanuel , Roberts Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

The operating length of a muscle is a key determinant of its ability to produce force in vivo. Muscles that operate near the peak of their force–length relationship will generate higher forces whereas muscle operating at relatively short length may be safe from sudden lengthening perturbations and subsequent damage. At longer lengths, passive mechanical properties have the potential to contribute to force or constrain operating length with stiffer muscle–tendon units theoretically being restricted to shorter lengths. Connective tissues typically increase in density during aging, thus increasing passive muscle stiffness and potentially limiting the operating lengths of muscle during locomotion. Here, we compare in vivo and in situ muscle strain from the medial gastrocnemius in young (7 months old) and aged (30–32 months old) rats presumed to have varying passive tissue stiffness to test the hypothesis that stiffer muscles operate at shorter lengths relative to their force–length relationship. We measured in vivo muscle operating length during voluntary locomotion on inclines and flat trackways and characterized the muscle force–length relationship of the medial gastrocnemius using fluoromicrometry. Although no age-related results were evident, rats of both age groups demonstrated a clear relationship between passive stiffness and in vivo operating length, such that shorter operating lengths were significantly correlated with greater passive stiffness. Our results suggest that increased passive stiffness may restrict muscles to operating lengths shorter than optimal lengths, potentially limiting force capacity during locomotion.
Η τριαντάχρονη δημογραφική και διοικητική απεικόνιση του Ιονίου Πανεπιστημίου (1984-2018)
Authors: Κουρή Μαρίνα
Published: February 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή έχει ως αντικείμενο τη διερεύνηση και αποτύπωση των δημογραφικών και διοικητικών αλλαγών στο Ιόνιο Πανεπιστήμιο την περίοδο 1984-2018, οι οποίες συνέβαλλαν στη διαμόρφωση της φυσιογνωμίας του. Η έρευνα στηρίχθηκε στο αρχειακό υλικό του Ιονίου Πανεπιστημίου. Ειδικότερα αξιοποιήθηκαν τα βιβλία μητρώου των φοιτητών, του διοικητικού και διδακτικού προσωπικού καθώς και τα πρακτικά των συνεδριάσεων των οργάνων διοίκησης του Πανεπιστημίου. Τα στοιχεία που συγκεντρώθηκαν επέτρεψαν την καταγραφή της εξελικτικής πορείας της διοικητικής δομής του Ιδρύματος. Επίσης, από τις δημογραφικές παραμέτρους που καταγράφονται στα βιβλία αυτά και τη στατιστική επεξεργασία και ανάλυσή τους, διαμορφώθηκαν τα χαρακτηριστικά του ανθρώπινου δυναμικού του. Επιπλέον, αξιοποιήθηκε και το ψηφιακό αρχείο του Εθνικού Τυπογραφείου, όπου ερευνήθηκαν τα σχετικά με το Ιόνιο Πανεπιστήμιο ΦΕΚ, τα οποία φώτισαν τις εκπαιδευτικές διαδικασίες και βοήθησαν να γίνει κατανοητή η εκπαιδευτική του δομή. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώθηκε με την εξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων, που αφορούν στη δομή και λειτουργία του Ιδρύματος τα πρώτα τριάντα τρία χρόνια της παρουσίας του στην ανώτατη εκπαίδευση.
Η ασφάλεια τροφίμων μέσα από το πρίσμα του δικαιώματος στο περιβάλλον, του δικαιώματος στην υγεία και της προστασίας των καταναλωτών
Authors: Γκέτσιου Δήμητρα
Published: February 2024

Αντικείμενο της εργασίας είναι το ζήτημα της ασφάλειας και υγιεινής των τροφίμων μέσα από το πρίσμα του δικαιώματος στο περιβάλλον, του δικαιώματος στην υγεία και στην προστασία των καταναλωτών. Ειδικότερα, εξετάζεται η αλληλεπίδραση του κλάδου των τροφίμων, σε όλα τα στάδια της αγροδιατροφικής αλυσίδας με το δικαίωμα στην προστασία του περιβάλλοντος, στην υγεία και στην προστασία των καταναλωτών. Γι’ αυτό η μελέτη χωρίζεται σε τρία (3) μέρη. Αρχικά εξετάζεται η ασφάλεια των τροφίμων σε συνάρτηση του δικαιώματος σε ένα υγιεινό και οικολογικά ισόρροπο περιβάλλον (Πρώτο Μέρος), εν συνεχεία το δικαίωμα στην υγεία σε σχέση με την ασφάλεια των τροφίμων (Δεύτερο Μέρος) και εν κατακλείδι η προστασία των καταναλωτών μέσω της υγιεινής ασφάλειας των τροφίμων (Τρίτο Μέρος).
Μελέτη του πάχους του ενδοθηλιακού γλυκοκάλυκα και δεικτών αγγειακής λειτουργίας σε ασθενείς με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 2 και λευκωματινουρία μετά απο χορήγηση ντουλαγλουτίδης και δαπαγλιφοζίνης έναντι DPP-4 αναστολέων
Authors: Κόρακας Εμμανουήλ
Published: February 2024

ΕΙΣΑΓΩΓΗ: Η σχέση μεταξύ του Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη και της διαβητικής νεφροπάθειας με αγγειακές και ενδοθηλιακές παραμέτρους είναι γνωστή. Σε αυτή τη μελέτη, συγκρίναμε την επίδραση της θεραπείας με το συνδυασμό ντουλαγλουτίδης και δαπαγλιφλοζίνης έναντι των DPP-4 αναστολέων στον ενδοθηλιακό γλυκοκάλυκα, την αρτηριακή σκληρία, τη μυοκαρδιακή λειτουργία και την αλβουμινουρία σε ασθενείς με διαβήτη τύπου 2 και λευκωματουρία. ΜΕΘΟΔΟΙ: Συνολικά 60 ασθενείς με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη τύπου 2 και λευκωματουρία εντάχθηκαν στη μελέτη και έλαβαν είτε συνδυαστική θεραπεία με ντουλαγλουτίδη και δαπαγλιφλοζίνη (n=30) ή DPP-4 αναστολείς (DPP-4is, n=30). Κατά την έναρξη, καθώς και στους 4 και 12 μήνες θεραπείας μετρήθηκαν τα εξής: (α) το perfused boundary region των υπογλώσσιων αγγείων (δείκτης του πάχους του ενδοθηλιακού γλυκοκάλυκα), (β) η ταχύτητα σφυγμικού κύματος (PWV) και η κεντρική συστολική αρτηριακή πίεση (cSBP), (γ) η ολική επιμήκης μυοκαρδιακή παραμόρφωση (GLS), (δ) ο λόγος αλβουμίνη/κρεατινίνη στα ούρα (UACR). ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Στους 12 μήνες θεραπείας, ο συνδυασμός ντουλαγλουτίδης και δαπαγλιφλοζίνης έδειξε πολύ μεγαλύτερη βελτίωση σε όλους τους μετρούμενους δείκτες συγκριτικά με τους DPP-4is, παρά την παρόμοια μείωση στη γλυκοζυλιωμένη αιμοσφαιρίνη. Συγκεκριμένα, η διπλήθεραπεία έδειξε μεγαλύτερες μειώσεις συγκριτικά με τους DPP-4is στο PBR (από 2,10±0,31 σε 1,93±0,23 μm έναντι 2,11±0,31 σε 2,08±0,28 μm, pστο UACR (από 326±61 σε 142±47 mg/g έναντι 345±48 σε 306±60 mg/g, σε 10,54±2,84 m/s, pcSBP (από 130,21±17,23 σε 123,36±18,42 mmHg). Αναφορικά με το GLS, και τα 2 σκέλη θεραπείας ήταν αποτελεσματικά, αλλά η διπλή θεραπεία έδειξε πολύ μεγαλύτερη ποσοστιαία βελτίωση συγκριτικά με τους DPP-4is (18,19% έναντι 6,01%, αντίστοιχα). ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ: Η θεραπεία για 12 μήνες με το συνδυασμό ντουλαγλουτίδης και δαπαγλιφλοζίνης έδειξε μεγαλύτερη βελτίωση στους αγγειακούς δείκτες και την αλβουμινουρία συγκριτικά με τους DPP-4 αναστολείς σε ασθενείς με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη τύπου 2 και λευκωματουρία. Η πρώιμη έναρξη της συνδυαστικής αγωγής ως επιπρόσθετη αγωγή στη μετφορμίνη θα πρέπει να εξετάζεται σοβαρά σε αυτούς τους ασθενείς.
Biopsychosocial factors associated with depression in the elderly: A systematic literature review
Authors: Harjono Hadiwiardjo Yanti , Damayanti Rita
Published: February 2024

Background One of the most common mental illnesses worldwide and that has significant negative effects on well-being and physical health, is depression. Many factors that affect the occurrence of depression are biopsychosocial. Elderly people have high risk factors for depression. This study aims to review and find a gap in current evidence of biopsychosocial factors affecting depression in the elderly. Methods We conducted an advanced search on PubMed database between October and November 2021. We screened the bibliographies of the articles from the database search using a set of inclusion criteria: studies with quantitative design; elderly population sample; exploration of at least one biopsychosocial factor; depression as the outcome or dependent variable; written in English; and published between 2011 and 2021. Results We found 54 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, five papers discussed biopsychosocial factors, 18 discussed biological and psychological/social factors, five discussed psychosocial factors, and the rest of the studies discussed one component of biopsychosocial factors. Biological factors influencing elderly depression include being female, having health problems or low health status, older age, genetics, brain structure, and biomarkers, taking certain drugs, and lack of or inability to carry out daily activities. Psychosocial factors include lack of social support, low education level, financial problems, single/unmarried, lack of contact with family/friends, living alone, low self-perceived health, stressful life events, loneliness, and losing hobbies. From the literature search, it was also found that there are biopsychosocial factors that have not been studied and are expected to be able to make references for future research. From this literature review, we found gaps in the availability of evidence about biopsychosocial factors that require further research. Conclusions Knowing the biopsychosocial factors that affect them can help to prevent depression in the elderly.
Utilising blood-derived products for guided tissue regeneration in periradicular surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baniulyte Gabriele , Burns Lorna , Ali Kamran
Published: February 2024

Background Since 1982, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has become increasingly popular. The recent progress in GTR research focuses on the application of blood-derived products. However, no comprehensive systematic review has been conducted to assess its effectiveness specifically in periradicular surgery. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyse the outcomes of root-end surgery compared to periapical surgery incorporating GTR using blood-derived products. Methods This review involved randomised controlled trials exploring the comparison between GTR utilising blood-derived products and the conventional periapical surgery. The databases Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source were searched, with the most recent search conducted on December 16th, 2022. Additionally, reference lists of similar systematic reviews were examined, while international trials registries and repositories were consulted for unpublished studies. Two blinded independent reviewers carried out the screening and the included studies underwent critical appraisal. The findings are reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Results A total of 261 publications were initially reviewed based on their title and abstract, resulting in seventeen studies that underwent full-text screening. At this stage, 14 studies were excluded, leaving three randomised controlled trials to be included. These trials involved a combined total of 85 patients. A meta-analysis was conducted for the outcome of healing. The overall treatment effect was 0.78 (95% CI 0.18 to 3.34), indicating a preference towards the control group. Conclusion Based on a meta-analysis of three studies, there was no statistically significant distinction observed in terms of healing between the GTR involving blood-derived products and standard procedure groups. However, critical appraisal revealed indirectness and imprecision, resulting in a certainty rating of 'low'. Thus, additional robust evidence is necessary to support the utilisation of blood-derived products in GTR techniques to enhance periradicular surgery outcomes. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO CRD42020222663.
Taking proactive steps: conservation and leadership in a changing world
Authors: Okpalanozie Ogechukwu Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

This paper seeks to understand and interpret the challenges facing conservators and conservation leadership in non-Western countries particularly Africa. Western conservation practice is embedded in professionalism, theories and natural science. Good as these rudiments of the profession may be, there is need to broaden these key elements to shift to an inclusive, sustainable approach, especially in an ever changing world. This is necessary for the common good and attainment of goals. Sometimes, conservation in its emphasis on academic-oriented professionalism excludes the voice of the ‘Other’ and promotes the dominant voice of the conservator. This approach can negate growth, achievement of goals and equity. Change is constant as long as the world exists. It can be positive or negative and it can move at varying paces. In Africa change is fast paced and it is therefore necessary for conservation profession to position itself well for positive change and/or take proactive steps in the midst of negative change. Presently, change is expressed in many ways in the conservation field with various terms such as climate change, sustainability, decolonisation, restitution and community engagement among others. On the other hand, leadership in its different forms is one of the ways of making a positive change or adapting to change; it is a tool that can be used to reverse an existing narrative or approach. Leadership can be explored in many ways such as inclusion, shared experiences and resources, adopting a people-centred approach, understanding and shared authority. This type of change is commendable, it is not only a way of responding to the present societal realities (change) but is also change in itself (a shift away from the existing dominance).
SOME ASPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW STANDARDS IN THE FIELD OF CAPTIVITY OF WAR IN RUSSIAN LEGISLATION AT THE PRESENT STAGE
Authors: Kiritsa Oleg S.
Published: February 2024

Issues of legal regulation of military captivity are very relevant. At different times, humanity has experienced many wars and military conflicts, with which came experience and the realization that even during armed confrontation it is necessary to respect the law, show mercy and humanity towards an enemy who is helpless or does not want to fight. The emergence of norms in the field of military captivity in international humanitarian law dictated the necessary desire of countries to implement these norms into national legislation. The rapid development of modern law and legal policy determines the increase in the culture of society, and at the same time the preservation of humanity and respect for the human dignity of prisoners of war. Our country, being a highly developed and rule-of-law state, has always strived to implement the norms of international law in the field of military captivity, both in Soviet and Russian legislation. However, in the history of domestic law to this day, organizational, political and legal problems arise in the implementation of the norms of international humanitarian law relating to military captivity into national legislation. The above problems are a consequence of a complex of social reasons, both objective and private. Continuing research into the dynamics of the process of implementing the norms of international law in the field of military captivity into Russian legislation, a comprehensive study of the issue of legal implementation of the implemented norms will allow us to find ways to solve problems in this area, as well as draw a conclusion regarding the further development of legal norms relating to military captivity in our country.
Turkish folk songs in Greek musical collections of the late Ottoman era
Authors: Chaldæaki Evangelia
Published: February 2024

During the late Ottoman period, there was a great deal of interest in folk culture. After all, this was a period when the various ethno-religious communities of the Ottoman Empire began to form national states, such as Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Serbia. At the same time, the Ottoman state turned its attention to the Turkish people and began to shape the Turkish national identity in order to create a sense of unity among the Turkish-speaking Muslim community. In this effort to cultivate the national identity of the people, religion and folk culture were fully exploited. This study examines the musical collections published by the Greek Orthodox Christian community of the Ottoman Empire, specifically the Efterpi (1830), Pandora (1843), Mecmua-yı Makamat (1856 & 1872-1873), Kallifonos Sirin (1859 & 1888) and Music Journal (1896) editions. These collections were printed in Istanbul and addressed to Greek-speaking Orthodox Christians. They consist mainly of Greek Orthodox ecclesiastical music, Greek secular music, and some Greek folk songs. Interestingly, the collections additionally include Ottoman music and Turkish folk music. It should be noted that the main language of the collections is Greek, and some Karamanlidika, and the musical transcriptions have been written down in Byzantine notation. This paper presents data on these transcriptions. The songs are transnotated from Byzantine notation to Turkish staff notation. 3 of these transnotations are presented here. After this process, different results are obtained regarding the way the songs were transcribed by the Rum musicians in comparison to their transcriptions by Turkish musicians of a later period.
La família de Pascual Duarte de Camil José Cela i ¡Vivir! de Iu Hua: una anàlisi comparada de la temàtica
Authors: Sun Min
Published: February 2024

En aquest treball, s’ofereix un estudi comparatiu de dues novel·les contemporànies, La família de Pascual Duarte (1942) de Camilo José Cela i ¡Vivir! de Yu Hua (1993), amb l’objectiu de ressaltar els seus elements rectors en comú: el realisme, l’existencialisme i la vida dels marginats. Amb aquesta fita al cap, l’anàlisi parteix dels quatre temes fonamentals que desenvolupen les dues novel·les: la violència, la mort, la pobresa i el destí.
Com definir l’eix ruralitat/urbanitat?
Authors: Romero Moreno Aran
Published: February 2024

En aquest article proposo discutir els límits d’allò rural i allò urbà emprant el cas d’estudi particular de la República Popular de la Xina (RPX). L’objectiu és il·lustrar les interaccions entre els nivells ideològics i pragmàtics que acaben retallant i definint ambdóspols de l’espectre ruralitat-urbanitat. Utilitzo el concepte d’habitus tradicional, seguint el terme original habitus de Pierre Bourdieu, per parlar del mode d’existència tradicional a la Xina agrària. A continuació defineixo la modernitat urbana com un contrapès fonamentalment ideològic d’aquest model existencial. Concloc, mirant de transcendir el context local de la Xina, parlant del canvi de paradigma que s’està experimentant en el món contemporani, on les lògiques del mercat han passat de ser residuals i acotades simbòlicament i espacialment, a impregnar gairebé totes les esferes de la nostra socialització. Es tracta d’unnou moment d’escala global d’allò que Karl Polanyi denominà «la gran transformació».
Rurbanisme o la mirada integral
Authors: Franquesa Jordi
Published: February 2024

Els nuclis rurals i el seu entorn mostren una gran complexitat, però sovint s’interpreten com el negatiu de les ciutats consolidades. Si bé ambdues realitats tenen avantatges i inconvenients, és només des d’una lectura omnicomprensiva del territori que faci una lectura integral dels dos escenaris de manera simultània, atenent les seves sinergies, que es poden establir les bases per poder fer front a les seves disfuncions i plantejar estratègies suggeridores que permetin abordar amb èxit una mirada territorial equilibrada i estimulant.
Exploring Tolkien’s Literary Universe in the EFL classroom. Ap-proaching Literature through Robotics-enhanced Inquiry-based learning
Authors: García Vaquero Alexander Frank , Diaz Maria Alcantud
Published: February 2024

This article examines how technology-enhanced inquiry-based learning (IBL) affected students’ language acquisition and the evolution of motivation in the subject of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Furthermore, this study presents a proposal for the collaboration of the subjects of Spanish and English, using translanguaging to establish connections between students’ L1 and L2 and reducing curricular duplications. EFL presents itself as an opportunity for learners to engage with a broader scope of authentic resources, using Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) as the main driving force of problem-solving situations. Thus, the investigation used Tolkien’s literary world as the main theme and topic of research, and robotics (Ozobot), IBL and a gamified learning management system (Classcraft) as the main methodologies. Through a series of diagnostic and proficiency tests (which included a robotic-supported storytelling activity and an ARCS motivation test), quantitative data were gathered concerning the two analysed variables. Results indicated improved language acquisition and motivation in all four parameters. Furthermore, Ozobot showed to have a quick adaptation period for student use at basic levels of functioning, as well as aiding in creative storytelling. Results will contribute to closing the knowledge gap detected in EFL learning since has been mostly used for scientific learning.
Citizens’ reflections on an open, distance intergenerational program for online risk prevention
Authors: Torres-Hernández Norma , Gallego-Arrufat María-Jesús , García-Ruiz María del Mar
Published: February 2024

Online risks are a concern for citizens in the digital society. Many sectors of the population lack training to face, prevent and solve problematic situations arising from Internet use. University researchers and innovation agents in small towns in southern Spain are carrying out an educational programme of 13 intergenerational workshops to strengthen digital competence and citizenship involving 239 participants.  The main objective of this article is to describe and interpret shared reflections on various problematic situations related to the use of the Internet and technology. A content analysis of 864 reflections and experiences contained in seven dimensions and 31 categories is carried out. The results show that the participating citizens are characterised by a high awareness of online risks, they tend to seek help and concrete solutions on issues related to data security, excessive use of mobile phones and online scams and frauds. We propose the need for training to develop a fully digital, responsible and tech-savvy citizenship and an integrated digital model of education focused on protecting the well-being and online rights of citizens.
Transformacions i resiliències en el poblament de Catalunya a l’edat mitjana
Authors: Bolòs Jordi
Published: February 2024

Al llarg dels deu segles de l’edat mitjana, a Catalunya hi hagué molts canvis en el poblament. Es van produir trencaments importants en la continuïtat, encara que, alhora, també hi va haver algunes pervivències notables. En l’alta edat mitjana es va crear una xarxa de vilars, al mateix temps que s’abandonaven les villae romanes (però de vegades no s’esborrà el record dels fundi que hi havia hagut). Aquests hàbitats s’hagueren d’adaptar a unes noves realitats polítiques i econòmiques, després de les conquestes dels àrabs i berbers (713-721) i les dels francs carolingis (759-801). Durant l’edat mitjana central hi hagué transformacions importants en la societat i en el poblament: van edificar-se pobles de sagrera, pobles castrals i vilanoves planificades. Al mateix temps, en algunes comarques va créixer molt el nombre de masos dispersos. Alhora, van continuar existint vilars a les terres pirinenques i alguns antics nuclis de població (vil·les i vilars) de la resta de Catalunya esdevingueren pobles i masos.
Petrogenesis of the late Miocene Chenar volcanism in the southeast Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, Kerman, Iran: evidence from geochemical, U-Pb geochronologic, and Hf isotopic constraints
Authors: Salehi Hamideh , Shahosinie Elham
Published: February 2024

The Chenar volcanic cone intruded the southeastern part of the Dehaj-Sarduiyeh volcano-sedimentary belt, in the southeast Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc in Iran. The adakitic rocks, with porphyritic texture, mainly consist of rhyodacites and dacites,commonly comprised of phenocrysts of plagioclase, hornblende and biotite, with rare K-feldspar in a groundmass composed of plagioclase, K-feldspar and quartz. They yielded U-Pb zircon ages of 5.52±0.099Ma, 5.46±0.12Ma, and 6.44±0.12Ma, and radiogenic ɛHf(t) values ranging from +3.1 to +12.7. The whole-rock geochemical analysis of these rocks reveals transitional calc-alkaline to shoshonitic characteristics.
The geochemical characteristics of the study rocks, particularly their high Sr/Y (⁓51.6-136.8) at low Y (⁓4.43–16.2ppm) and high La/Yb (⁓28.4–118.4ppm) at low Yb (⁓0.2–1.3ppm), are coherent with a high silica adakitic signature. The whole-rock positive Eu/Eu* anomaly and zircon Ce/Ce* anomaly reflect the effects of an oxidized magmatic signature where the rocks of the study area originated from a mantle source. The high silica adakite geochemical characteristics of the Chenar volcanic cone support formation by partial melting of the modified mantle under the influence of metasomatized subducted oceanic slab in a post-collisional environment.
Single-double-band switchable optical circular polarizers based on surface plasmon resonance: publisher’s note
Authors: Zhang Mingdi , Zhang Zhili , Yang Zhiyong , Cai Wei , Zhong Qiyuan , Luo Lina , Chen Enqing , Zhang Chenyun
Published: February 2024

This publisher’s note reports a correction in Appl. Opt. 63, 1153 (2024)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.513837.
PoT quantization and rotational update mechanism for optimizing equalization in passive optical networks
Authors: Sang Bohan , Wang Yikai , Liu Jiaxuan , Zhang Long , Wang Kaihui , Jiang Luhan , Ge Jingtao , Zhao Li , Zhou Wen , Yu Jianjun
Published: February 2024

We propose a low-complexity real-time equalization scheme for passive optical networks (PONs), which provides equalization with similar performance and ultra-low digital signal processing (DSP) resource usage compared to traditional schemes in experimental verification. With the help of the proposed scheme, FIR equalizers with multiple taps can be equivalent to equalizers with only two active taps, while other taps are quantified and stored, which can replace complex multiplications with simple shift operations. We introduce powers-of-two (PoT) non-uniform quantization technology to real-time transmission at the physical layer, which helps to save quantization precision and simplify multiplication complexity. We propose the rotational update mechanism (RUM), which solves the problem that the weight value after PoT non-uniform quantization is difficult to update. The proposed scheme with PoT and RUM greatly reduces the required hardware resources and power consumption, and the optical modules can use existing resources to support the additional number of taps required for higher baud rates. We verified the proposed scheme in decision-directed least mean square (DDLMS) equalization. The improved equalization scheme is implemented in the XCVU9P-FLGB2104-2-I Xilinx FPGA with a clock frequency of 230.4 MHz. The results show that the proposed equalization scheme can reduce up to 99.5% DSP resource usage compared to a normal DDLMS equalizer with 15 taps. We successfully realized 29.4912 Gbit/s PAM4 real-time IM/DD transmission over 25-km SSMF with a BER below the KP4 threshold utilizing the proposed DDLMS with PoT and RUM. The innovation of this paper lies in two aspects: (1) the introduction of the PoT quantization method in real-time equalization of PON transmission and (2) proposing RUM for real-time updating of weights in equalizers, which moves the quantification process from offline to real time, making the equalizers more robust for time-varying channels.
Picosecond laser filament-guided electrical discharges in air at 1 kHz repetition rate
Authors: Dehne K. , Higginson A. , Wang Y. , Tomasel F. , Capeluto M. G. , Shlyaptsev V. N. , Rocca J. J.
Published: February 2024

Laser-induced filaments have been shown to reduce the voltage necessary to initiate electrical discharges in atmospheric air and guide their propagation over long distances. Here we demonstrate the stable generation of laser filament-guided electrical discharge columns in air initiated by high energy (up to 250 mJ) 1030 nm wavelength laser pulses of 7 ps duration at repetition rates up to 1 kHz and we discuss the processes leading to breakdown. A current proportional to the laser pulse energy is observed to arise as soon as the laser pulse arrives, initiating a high impedance phase of the discharge. Full breakdown, characterized by impedance collapse, occurs 100 ns to several µs later. A record 4.7-fold reduction in breakdown voltage for dc-biased discharges, which remains practically independent of the repetition rate up to 1 kHz, is observed to be primarily caused by a single laser pulse that produces a large (∼80%) density depression. The radial gaps between the filamentary plasma channel and the hollowed electrodes employed are shown to play a significant role in the breakdown dynamics. A rapid increase of 3-4 orders of magnitude in current is observed to follow the formation of localized radial current channels linking the filament to the electrodes. The increased understanding and control of kHz repetition rate filament-guided discharges can aid their use in applications.
Remarkable emission enhancement of CsPbBr3 quantum dots based on an Ag nanoparticle-Ag film plasmonic coupling structure
Authors: Ning Shuya , Liu Zhihui , Wang Shuo , Zhang Naming , Yang Bin , Wang Xin , Zhang Fanghui
Published: February 2024

All-inorganic halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have recently received much attention due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. And their emission properties still need to be improved for further applications. Here, we demonstrated a remarkable emission enhancement of the CsPbBr3 QDs based on an Ag nanoparticle-Ag film plasmonic coupling structure. Through precise control of the gap distance between Ag nanoparticle and Ag film, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak was tuned to match the emission wavelength of the CsPbBr3 QDs. We achieved a 30-fold fluorescence intensity enhancement and a lower lasing threshold, which is 25% of that of the CsPbBr3 QDs without plasmonic coupling structure. It is attributed to that the plasmonic coupling structure exhibits an extremely strong local electric field owing to the coupling between LSPR of Ag nanoparticle and surface plasmon polariton of Ag film. This work provides an effective way to enhance the optical emission of perovskite QDs and promotes the further exploration of on-chip light source.
Azimuthal polarized quasi-bound states in the continuum based on rotational symmetry breaking
Authors: Deng Ting , Peng Chen , He Junzhang , Chang Yan , Zhu Yanlin , Xiang Jin
Published: February 2024

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) allow to obtain an ultrahigh-quality-factor optical cavity. Nevertheless, BICs must be extended in one or more directions, substantially increasing the device footprint. Although super-cavity mode quasi-BICs supported by single nanopillars have been demonstrated recently, their low-quality factor and localized electromagnetic field inside the dielectric nanopillar are insufficient for high-sensitivity refractive index sensing applications. We propose a ring structure rotated by a dielectric sectorial nanostructure, which can achieve a high quality factor by breaking the rotational symmetry of the ring structure with a footprint as small as 3 µm2. As a straightforward application, we demonstrate high performance local refractive index and nanoscale film thickness sensing based on rotational symmetry breaking induced BICs. These BICs reach quality factor and sensitivity of one order of magnitude better than those of conventional super-cavity mode BICs. The proposed method provides insights into the design of compact high quality factor photonic devices, opening up new possibilities for applications in refractive index and nanoscale film thickness sensing.
Compatible camouflage for dual-band guided-laser radar and infrared via a metamaterial perfect absorber
Authors: Luo Mingyu , Xie Tong , Li Xin , Zheng Lin , Du Te , Zhang Zhenrong , Yang Junbo
Published: February 2024

Laser-guided detector and infrared detection have attracted increasing attention in a wide range of research fields, including multispectral detection, radiative cooling, and thermal management. Previously reported absorbers presented shortcomings of lacking either tunability or compatibility. In this study, a metamaterial perfect absorber based on a Helmholtz resonator and fractal structure is proposed, which realizes tunable perfect absorptivity (α1.06μm>0.99,α10.6μm>0.99) of guided-laser radar dual operating bands (1.06 µm and 10.6 µm) and a low infrared average emissivity (ε¯3−5μm=0.03,ε¯8−14μm=0.31) in two atmospheric windows for compatible camouflage. The proposed perfect absorber provides a dynamically tunable absorptivity without structural changes and can be applied to optical communication, military stealth or protection, and electromagnetic detection.
Determinants of Dutch public health professionals’ intention to use digital contact tracing support tools: A cross-sectional online questionnaire study
Authors: Helms Yannick B. , Stein Mart L. , Hamdiui Nora , van der Meer Akke , Ferreira José A. , Crutzen Rik , Timen Aura , Kretzschmar Mirjam E. E.
Published: February 2024

Contact tracing (CT) can be a resource intensive task for public health services. To alleviate their workload and potentially accelerate the CT-process, public health professionals (PHPs) may transfer some tasks in the identification, notification, and monitoring of contacts to cases and their contacts themselves, using ‘digital contact tracing support tools’ (DCTS-tools). In this study, we aimed to identify determinants of PHPs’ intention to use DCTS-tools. Between February and April 2022, we performed a cross-sectional online questionnaire study among PHPs involved in CT for COVID-19 in the Netherlands. We built three random forest models to identify determinants of PHPs’ intention to use DCTS-tools for the identification, notification, and monitoring of contacts, respectively. The online questionnaire was completed by 641 PHPs. Most respondents had a positive intention towards using DCTS-tools for the identification (64.5%), notification (58%), and monitoring (55.2%) of contacts. Random forest models were able to correctly predict the intention of 81%, 80%, and 81% of respondents to use DCTS-tools for the identification, notification, and monitoring of contacts, respectively. Top-determinants of having a positive intention are the anticipated effect of DCTS-tools on the feasibility and efficiency of CT (speed, workload, difficulty), the degree to which PHPs anticipated that cases and contacts may find it pleasant and may be willing to participate in CT using DCTS-tools, and the degree to which PHPs anticipated that cases and contacts are sufficiently supported in CT when using DCTS-tools. Most PHPs have a positive intention to involve cases and their contacts in the identification, notification, and monitoring stages of the CT-process through DCTS-tools. The identified top-determinants should be prioritized in the (future) development and implementation of DCTS-tools in public health practice. Citizens’ perspectives on the use of DCTS-tools should be investigated in future research.
Assembling a global health image: Ethical and pragmatic tensions through the lenses of photographers
Authors: Alenichev Arsenii , de Laat Sonya , Solomon Nassisse , Suwalowska Halina , Peeters Grietens Koen , Parker Michael , Kingori Patricia
Published: February 2024

Background

Recently, global health has been confronting its visual culture, historically modulated by colonialism, racism and abusive representation. There have been international calls to promote ethicality of visual practices. However, despite this focus on the history and the institutional use of global health images, little is known about how in practice contemporary images are created in communities, and how consent to be in photographs is obtained.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 global health photographers about the ethical and practical challenges they experience in creating global health images, and thematically analysed the findings.

Findings

The following themes were identified: (1) global health photography is undergoing a marketing transformation and images are being increasingly moderated; (2) photographers routinely negotiate stereotypical and abusive tropes purposefully sought by organisations; (3) local scenes are modified, enhanced and staged to achieve a desired marketing effect; (4) ‘empowerment’ is becoming an increasingly prominent dehumanising visual trope; (5) consent to be photographed can be jeopardised by power imbalances, illiteracy, fears and trust; (6) organisations sometimes problematically recycle images.

Interpretation/Discussion

This research has identified practical and ethical issues experienced by global health photographers, suggesting that the production cycle of global health images can be easily abused. The detected themes raise questions of responsibility and accountability, and require further transdisciplinary discussion, especially if promoting ethical photojournalism is the goal for 21st century global health.
Combined administration of anisodamine and neostigmine alleviated colitis by inducing autophagy and inhibiting inflammation
Authors: Liu Mengzhen , Zhu Danni , Yan Hui , Dong Zhiwei , Zhang Jingjing , Kong Ni , Zhang Guangyu , Xu Qin , Han Ting , Ke Ping , Liu Chong
Published: February 2024

Our previous work demonstrated that the anisodamine (ANI) and neostigmine (NEO) combination produced an antiseptic shock effect and rescued acute lethal crush syndrome by activating the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). This study documents the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms of the ANI/NEO combination in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Treating mice with ANI and NEO at a ratio of 500:1 alleviated the DSS-induced colitis symptoms, reduced body weight loss, improved the disease activity index, enhanced colon length, and alleviated colon inflammation. The combination treatment also enhanced autophagy in the colon of mice with DSS-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide/DSS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Besides, the ANI/NEO treatment significantly reduced INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-22 expression in colon tissues and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA levels in Caco-2 cells. Meanwhile, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and ATG5 siRNA attenuated these effects. Furthermore, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and the α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) weakened the ANI/NEO-induced protection on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Overall, these results indicate that the ANI/NEO combination exerts therapeutic effects through autophagy and α7nAChR in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
Partners’ experiences of their loved ones’ trauma and PTSD: An ongoing journey of loss and gain
Authors: Powling Rosie , Brown Dora , Tekin Sahra , Billings Jo
Published: February 2024

Background

Traumatic life events can have a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of not only those who directly experience them, but others who are indirectly affected, such as victims’ partners.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the experiences and views of partners of individuals who have a history of trauma and diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six partners of people who had experienced trauma and were diagnosed with PTSD and awaiting or receiving treatment at a specialist Trauma Service. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

One overarching theme resulted from the data: partners experienced trauma and PTSD as an ongoing journey of loss and gain. This was supported by three superordinate themes: making sense of the trauma and ensuing consequences, shifting identities, and accessing and experiencing outside resources. Partners’ journeys were characterised by striving and struggling to make sense of the trauma and its ensuing consequences, whilst grappling with the identities of themselves, their partners and relationships shifting over time. Participants navigated their journeys in the context of external resources and support from friends, family, colleagues and professionals.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the need for greater information and support for partners of people with PTSD.
Public and commercial more of the same? The characteristics of the opening monologues of public and commercial channels during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Laor Tal
Published: February 2024

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, rapidly spread across the globe and resulted in significant public concern. In response, numerous countries have implemented guidelines aimed at promoting social distancing, limiting movement and gatherings, instituting lockdowns and curfews, and closing institutions. As a result, the media, including news releases, has become a primary source of information for many individuals (Laor & Lissitsa, 2022). The present study seeks to investigate differences between major television programs featured on public and commercial channels in Israel, utilizing the lens of framing theory. Specifically, twelve monologues broadcast simultaneously on both channels were analyzed to compare differences in content, topics, format, and accompanying visuals. The study’s results indicate that both commercial and public channels exhibited similar behavior in shaping public opinion during the crisis period. Specifically, both channels displayed criticism of the government’s conduct and utilized negative framing techniques while neglecting to provide space for popular voices. Nevertheless, certain distinctions between the commercial and public broadcasting spheres still persist, particularly in the realm of visual presentation, as some long-standing elements that typify each channel have endured over time.
Evaluation of the DN-Mini (miniaturized double net) trap for sampling host-seeking Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria-endemic villages of southern Tanzania
Authors: Limwagu Alex J. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Kilalangongono Masoud M. , Mwalugelo Yohana A. , Okumu Fredros O. , Lyimo Issa N. , Ngasala Billy E.
Published: February 2024

Background

Surveillance of malaria vectors is crucial for assessing the transmission risk and impact of control measures. Human landing catches (HLC) directly estimate the biting rates but raise ethical concerns due to the exposure of volunteers to mosquito-borne pathogens. A common alternative is the CDC-light trap, which is effective for catching host-seeking mosquitoes indoors but not outdoors. New, exposure-free methods are needed for sampling mosquitoes indoors and outdoors in ways that reflect their natural risk profiles. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy of the miniaturized double net trap (DN-Mini) for sampling host-seeking mosquitoes in south-eastern Tanzania, where malaria transmission is dominated by Anopheles funestus.

Methods

Adult mosquitoes were collected from 222 randomly selected houses across three villages (74 per village) in Ulanga district, south-eastern Tanzania, using the DN-Mini traps, CDC-Light traps, and Prokopack aspirators. First, we compared CDC-light and DN-Mini traps for collecting indoor host-seeking mosquitoes, while Prokopack aspirators were used for indoor-resting mosquitoes. Second, we deployed the DN-Mini and Prokopack aspirators to collect host-seeking and resting mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with a negative binomial distribution were used to compare the effectiveness of the traps for catching different mosquito species.

Results

The DN-Mini was 1.53 times more efficient in collecting An. funestus indoors (RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.190–1.98) compared to the CDC-Light trap. However, for Anopheles arabiensis, the DN-Mini caught only 0.32 times as many mosquitoes indoors as the CDC-Light traps (RR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.183–0.567). Both An. funestus and An. arabiensis were found to be more abundant indoors than outdoors when collected using the DN-Mini trap. Similarly, the Prokopack aspirator was greater indoors than outdoors for both An. funestus and An. arabiensis.

Conclusion

The DN-Mini outperformed the CDC-light trap in sampling the dominant malaria vector, An. funestus species, but was less effective in capturing An. arabiensis, and for both vector species, the biting risk was greater indoors than outdoors when measured using the DN-Mini trap. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate trapping methods based on mosquito species and behaviors.
Enhancing speaker identification through reverberation modeling and cancelable techniques using ANNs
Authors: Hassan Emad S. , Neyazi Badawi , Seddeq H. S. , Mahmoud Adel Zaghloul , Oshaba Ahmed S. , El-Emary Atef , Abd El‑Samie Fathi E.
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a method aiming at enhancing the efficacy of speaker identification systems within challenging acoustic environments characterized by noise and reverberation. The methodology encompasses the utilization of diverse feature extraction techniques, including Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) and discrete transforms, such as Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Discrete Sine Transform (DST), and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Additionally, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) serves as the classifier for this method. Reverberation is modeled using varying-length comb filters, and its impact on pitch frequency estimation is explored via the Auto Correlation Function (ACF). This paper also contributes to the field of cancelable speaker identification in both open and reverberation environments. The proposed method depends on comb filtering at the feature level, deliberately distorting MFCCs. This distortion, incorporated within a cancelable framework, serves to obscure speaker identities, rendering the system resilient to potential intruders. Three systems are presented in this work; a reverberation-affected speaker identification system, a system depending on cancelable features through comb filtering, and a novel cancelable speaker identification system within reverbration environments. The findings revealed that, in both scenarios with and without reverberation effects, the DWT-based features exhibited superior performance within the speaker identification system. Conversely, within the cancelable speaker identification system, the DCT-based features represent the top-performing choice.
Holiday effect on childbirth: A population-based analysis of 21,869,652 birth records, 1979–2018
Authors: Sassa Miho , Kinoshita Ryo , Murano Yayoi , Shoji Hiromichi , Yoneoka Daisuke
Published: February 2024

Maternity and neonatal services always have to operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and require well preparedness to guarantee safe deliveries for both mothers and babies. However, the evidence of holiday effect from large-scale data is still insufficient from the obstetrics perspective. We analyzed data of over 21 million births in Japan from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2018. We revealed that the number of births is lower on holidays, and especially among high-risk births such as low birthweight and preterm births. The frequency of high-risk birth has been increasing over the study period, and the variation by the day of week and between holiday and non-holiday have become more prevalent in recent years.