bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of 583 fs optical pulses at 10 GHz from a regeneratively mode-locked fiber laser combining nonlinear polarization evolution
Authors: Zhou Xiangxiang , Zhou Yue , Wang Weijin , Zhang Tian , Xu Kun
Published: February 2024

A regeneratively mode-locked erbium fiber laser was numerically investigated and experimentally demonstrated, which was able to generate a 583 fs pulse train at 10 GHz via intracavity pulse compression with nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE). To excite the NPE at such a high repetition rate, a dispersion map was intentionally introduced to obtain short pulses accompanied by high peaks through soliton-like pulse shaping. Numerical simulations indicated that steady-state oscillation with pulses below 1 ps can be successfully established using this laser configuration. Experimentally, we obtained a pulse duration of 583 fs and a 3 dB spectral width of 4.5 nm at an average output power of 15.6 mW. Simultaneously, supermode suppression of more than 80 dB was also obtained from the appropriate biased NPE.
Nonlinear dynamics of cavity optomechanical-thermal systems
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Zhu Huatao , Chen Shuwen , Li Feiyu , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2024

Cavity optomechanics is concerned with the interaction between optical cavities and mechanical resonators. Here, we present systematic research on the dynamic behaviors of cavity optomechanical systems incorporating the influence of thermal nonlinearity. A dimensionless theoretical model was established to describe the system and numerical simulations were performed to study the dynamic behaviors. We theoretically identify the staircase effect, which can abruptly alter the system parameters when adiabatically sweeping the pump laser frequency across the optical cavity resonance and driving the mechanical resonator into oscillation. Moreover, we found bistability effects in several detuning intervals when sweeping the laser forward and backward. Both effects are analyzed theoretically and the roots lie in the thermal instability between averaged cavity energy and laser detuning. Our study shows the dynamic behaviors in an optomechanical-thermal system and provides guidance in leveraging the systems for applications in optical frequency comb, phonon laser, etc.
Highly efficient and widely tunable Si3N4 waveguide-based optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Gao Ming , Lüpken Niklas M. , Fallnich Carsten
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate an efficient and widely tunable synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) exploiting four-wave mixing (FWM) in a silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguide with inverted tapers. At a pump pulse duration of 2 ps, the waveguide-based OPO (WOPO) exhibited a high external pump-to-idler conversion efficiency of up to −7.64 dB at 74% pump depletion and a generation of up to 387 pJ output idler pulse energy around 1.13 μm wavelength. Additionally, the parametric oscillation resulted in a 64 dB amplification of idler power spectral density in comparison to spontaneous FWM, allowing for a wide idler wavelength tunability of 191 nm around 1.15 μm. Our WOPO represents a significant improvement of conversion efficiency as well as output energy among χ3 WOPOs, rendering an important step towards a highly efficient and widely tunable chip-based light source for, e.g., coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering.
Sensitivity-enhanced strain sensor based on a shape-modulated multimode fiber
Authors: Zhao Zhiyuan , Li Xinruo , Yan Shihao , Tian Ke , Wang Xin , Zhao Haiyan , Lewis Elfed , Farrell Gerald , Wang Pengfei
Published: February 2024

In this Letter, we demonstrate a sensitivity-enhanced strain sensor based on a shape-modulated multimode fiber (MMF). In contrast to conventional single-mode–multimode–single-mode (SMS) fiber structures, which typically contain a single cylindrical homogeneous MMF section, the shape of the MMF section in this investigation is modulated by lateral offset splicing of multiple MMF segments. Simulation results show that the designed shape-modulated MMF has a higher peak mechanical strain than that of a cylindrical MMF. Experimental results demonstrate that the strain sensitivity achieved by the shaped-modulated MMF-formed SMS fiber structure is as high as −55.63 pm/µε, which is 33 times higher than that for a cylindrical MMF-formed conventional SMS fiber structure at −1.65 pm/µε. This high sensitivity and low-fabrication cost SMS fiber sensor has the potential to be a promising candidate in precise strain measurement applications.
Flexible 2 × 2 multiple access visible light communication system based on an integrated parallel GaN/InGaN micro-photodetector array module
Authors: Xu Zengyi , Lin Xianhao , Luo Zhiteng , Lin Qianying , Zhang Jianli , Wang Guangxu , Wang Xiaolan , Jiang Fengyi , Li Ziwei , Shi Jianyang , Zhang Junwen , Shen Chao , Chi Nan
Published: February 2024

In recent studies, visible light communication (VLC) has been predicted to be a prospective technique in the future 6G communication systems. To suit the trend of exponentially growing connectivity, researchers have intensively studied techniques that enable multiple access (MA) in VLC systems, such as the MIMO system based on LED devices to support potential applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) or edge computing in the next-generation access network. However, their transmission rate is limited due to the intrinsic bandwidth of LED. Unfortunately, the majority of visible light laser communication (VLLC) research with beyond 10 Gb/s data rates concentrates on point-to-point links, or using discrete photodetector (PD) devices instead of an integrated array PD. In this paper, we demonstrated an integrated PD array device fabricated with a Si-substrated GaN/InGaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure, which has a 4×4 array of 50  μm×50  μm micro-PD units with a common cathode and anode. This single-integrated array successfully provides access for two different transmitters simultaneously in the experiment, implementing a 2×2 MIMO-VLLC link at 405 nm. The highest data rate achieved is 13.2 Gb/s, and the corresponding net data rate (NDR) achieved is 12.27 Gb/s after deducing the FEC overhead, using 2.2 GHz bandwidth and superposed PAM signals. Furthermore, we assess the Huffman-coded coding scheme, which brings a fine-grain adjustment in access capacity and enhances the overall data throughput when the user signal power varies drastically due to distance, weather, or other challenges in the channel condition. As far as we know, this is the first demonstration of multiple visible light laser source access based on a single integrated GaN/InGaN receiver module.
Systematic mapping of climate and environmental framing experiments and re-analysis with computational methods points to omitted interaction bias
Authors: Fesenfeld Lukas , Beiser-McGrath Liam , Sun Yixian , Wicki Michael , Bernauer Thomas
Published: February 2024

Ambitious climate policy requires acceptance by millions of people whose daily lives would be affected in costly ways. In turn, this requires an understanding of how to get the mass public on board and prevent a political backlash against costly climate policies. Many scholars regard ‘framing’, specially tailored messages emphasizing specific subsets of political arguments to certain population subgroups, as an effective communication strategy for changing climate beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. In contrast, other scholars argue that people hold relatively stable opinions and doubt that framing can alter public opinion on salient issues like climate change. We contribute to this debate in two ways: First, we conduct a systematic mapping of 121 experimental studies on climate and environmental policy framing, published in 46 peer-reviewed journals and present results of a survey with authors of these studies. Second, we illustrate the use of novel computational methods to check for the robustness of subgroup effects and identify omitted interaction bias. We find that most experiments report significant main and subgroup effects but rarely use advanced methods to account for potential omitted interaction bias. Moreover, only a few studies make their data publicly available to easily replicate them. Our survey of framing researchers suggests that when scholars successfully publish non-significant effects, these were typically bundled together with other, significant effects to increase publication chances. Finally, using a Bayesian computational sparse regression technique, we offer an illustrative re-analysis of 10 studies focusing on subgroup framing differences by partisanship (a key driver of climate change attitudes) and show that these effects are often not robust when accounting for omitted interaction bias.
Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR in ophiocordyceps sinensis under different experimental conditions
Authors: He Li , Wang Jin Yi , Su Qiang Jun , Chen Zhao He , Xie Fang
Published: February 2024

The Chinese caterpillar mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis), is a rarely medicinal fungus in traditional chinese herbal medicine due to its unique medicinal values, and the expression stability of reference genes is essential to normalize its gene expression analysis. In this study, BestKeeper, NormFinder and geNorm, three authoritative statistical arithmetics, were applied to evaluate the expression stability of sixteen candidate reference genes (CRGs) in O. sinensis under different stress [low temperature (4°C), light treatment (300 lx), NaCl (3.8%)] and different development stages (mycelia, primordia and fruit bodies) and formation of morphologic mycelium (aeriasubstrate, hyphae knot mycelium). The paired variation values indicated that two genes could be enough to accurate standardization exposed to different conditions of O.sinensis. Among these sixteen CRGs, 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and beta-Tubulin (β-TUB) showed the topmost expression stability in O.sinensis exposed to all conditions, while glutathione hydrolase proenzym (GGT) and Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) showed the least expression stability. The optimal reference gene in different conditions was various. β-TUB and Ubiquitin (UBQ) were identified as the two most stable genes in different primordia developmental stage, while phosphoglucomutase (PGM) with elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) and 18S rRNA with UBQ were the most stably expressed for differentially morphologic mycelium stages and different stresses, respectively. These results will contribute to more accurate evaluation of the gene relative expression levels in O.sinensis under different conditions using the optimal reference gene in real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis.
Proteomics and life-history variability of Endogenous Phospholipases A2 Inhibitors (PLIs) in Bothrops jararaca plasma
Authors: Serino-Silva Caroline , Bittencourt Rodrigues Caroline Fabri , Miyamoto Jackson Gabriel , Hatakeyama Daniela Miki , Kavazoi Victor Koiti , Da Rocha Marisa Maria Teixeira , Tanaka Aparecida Sadae , Tashima Alexandre Keiji , de Morais-Zani Karen , Grego Kathleen Fernandes , Tanaka-Azevedo Anita Mitico
Published: February 2024

In Brazil, the genus Bothrops is responsible for most ophidian accidents. Snake venoms have a wide variety of proteins and peptides exhibiting a broad repertoire of pharmacological and toxic effects that elicit systemic injury and characteristic local effects. The snakes’ natural resistance to envenomation caused by the presence of inhibitory compounds on their plasma have been extensively studied. However, the presence of these inhibitors in different developmental stages is yet to be further discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ontogeny of Bothrops jararaca plasma inhibitor composition and, to this end, plasma samples of B. jararaca were obtained from different developmental stages (neonates, youngs, and adults) and sexes (female and male). SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, affinity chromatography, and mass spectrometry were performed to analyze the protein profile and interaction between B. jararaca plasma and venom proteins. In addition, the presence of γBjPLI, a PLA2 inhibitor previously identified and characterized in B. jararaca serum, was confirmed by Western blotting. According to our results, 9–17% of plasma proteins were capable of binding to venom proteins in the three developmental stages. The presence of different endogenous inhibitors and, more specifically, different PLA2 inhibitor (PLI) classes and antihemorrhagic factors were confirmed in specimens of B. jararaca from newborn by mass spectrometry. For the first time, the αPLI and βPLI were detected in B. jararaca plasma, although low or no ontogenetic and sexual correlation were found. The γPLI were more abundant in adult female, than in neonate and young female, but similar to neonate, young and adult male according to the results of mass spectrometry analysis. Our results suggest that there are proteins in the plasma of these animals that can help counteract the effects of self-envenomation from birth.
Mitoxantrone and abacavir: An ALK protein-targeted in silico proposal for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Faya Castillo Juan Enrique , Zapata Dongo Richard Junior , Wong Chero Paolo Alberto , Infante Varillas Stefany Fiorella
Published: February 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer associated with translocation of the EML4 and ALK genes on the short arm of chromosome 2. This leads to the development of an aberrant protein kinase with a deregulated catalytic domain, the cdALK+. Currently, different ALK inhibitors (iALKs) have been proposed to treat ALK+ NSCLC patients. However, the recent resistance to iALKs stimulates the exploration of new iALKs for NSCLC. Here, we describe an in silico approach to finding FDA-approved drugs that can be used by pharmacological repositioning as iALK. We used homology modelling to obtain a structural model of cdALK+ protein and then performed molecular docking and molecular dynamics of the complex cdALK+-iALKs to generate the pharmacophore model. The pharmacophore was used to identify potential iALKs from FDA-approved drugs library by ligand-based virtual screening. Four pharmacophores with different atomistic characteristics were generated, resulting in six drugs that satisfied the proposed atomistic positions and coupled at the ATP-binding site. Mitoxantrone, riboflavin and abacavir exhibit the best interaction energies with 228.29, 165.40 and 133.48 KJoul/mol respectively. In addition, the special literature proposed these drugs for other types of diseases due to pharmacological repositioning. This study proposes FDA-approved drugs with ALK inhibitory characteristics. Moreover, we identified pharmacophores sites that can be tested with other pharmacological libraries.
To participate or not to participate? A qualitative investigation of students’ complex motivations for verbal classroom participation
Authors: Severe Emilee , Stalnaker Jack , Hubbard Anika , Hafen Courtni H. , Bailey Elizabeth G.
Published: February 2024

Previous research has suggested that making classrooms more active and student centered improves learning, and this usually involves encouraging student talk in the classroom. However, the majority of students remain silent during whole-class discussions, and men’s voices are more likely to be heard in science classrooms. Previous interview studies and quantitative studies have discussed the role instructors play in encouraging or discouraging participation, the weight students put into the fear of negative evaluation, and other factors. However, interview studies on the experiences of college students in the sciences, specifically, are lacking. Thus, we conducted a qualitative interview study to investigate students’ experiences deciding whether to participate verbally in class, focusing on students recruited from science classrooms. We analyzed the data using an inductive approach and found three main themes: (1) A wide variety of external factors impact students’ decision to participate, including instructor characteristics and choices, peer influences, and course material characteristics; (2) Students weigh these factors in complex ways, and this internal calculus varies by student; and (3) Women put greater emphasis on fearing peer judgment, and men may be more motivated by course material considerations. Most of the external factors we identified as important for student participation have been described previously, and we validate that previous literature. We add to the literature by a more complex discussion of how students weigh these different factors and how complex the classroom ecosystem can be. We end by framing our results within the Expectancy Value Theory of motivation, discussing limitations, and providing implications for science college instructors to promote broad and equitable participation.
A metaphor study regarding ‘field’ as perceived by pre-service and in-service teachers
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Park Eunju , Hwang Hyojeong , Lee Jun-Ki
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of pre-service and in-service teachers regarding
the term ‘field’ using metaphorical methodology and to identify whether differences in metaphorical
representations exist between pre-service and in-service teachers.
Methods: A survey was administered to twenty-one pre-service teachers and twenty-three in-service
teachers, prompting them to express metaphorical representations of the term ‘field’. Alongside this,
the reasons behind their chosen expressions were also collected and qualitatively analyzed.
Results: Metaphors for the term ‘field’ were categorized into four broad themes and eight sub-themes.
A notable difference was observed in how pre-service teachers perceived ‘field,’ primarily focusing
on themselves, whereas in-service teachers tended to center their perceptions on students, parents,
and others.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the term ‘fiel’ used in teacher training programs emphasizing
school-site connections may yield different definitions and meanings depending on the user. Such
variation may contribute to ineffective communication and potential confusion regarding the concept
of ‘field.’ Therefore, it is recommended that clear definitions and meanings for the term ‘field’
throughout teacher training programs. Additionally, providing opportunities for pre-service teachers
to directly experience a specific ‘field’ was suggested to enhance their understanding.
To bridge the digital gap between Elementary Korean Language and the Media Area Educational Plan
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Shin Yunkyung
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study examined the concept of digital gap to determine how to view the digital gap
that occurs among elementary school students. In this process, we explored the causes of the digital
gap, considered the discussion points of the digital gap considering the 2022 revised Korean language
and ‘media’ area, and proposed types of digital gap and efficient intervention measures.
Methods: Previous research related to the digital gap was reviewed, the educational content system
focusing on the 'media' area shown in the 2022 revised elementary Korean language curriculum was
analyzed, and issues of the digital gap were identified according to content elements in the content
system table of the 'media' area. In addition, five elementary school teachers were interviewed to
reveal the types of digital divide in elementary school students and the implications for intervention
measures, and foreign studies related to digital literacy education were also extracted.
Results: As a result, it was found that the ‘digital gap’ of elementary school students is deeply related
to the problem of ‘access’. The problem of the digital gap among elementary school students is not
so much the dissemination of digital devices and the gap in the Internet use environment, but rather
the problem of control methods within the home environment concerning digital access, engagement
methods according to access, how well they understand and utilize the digital and media environment,
and 'access'. It arose from a difference in perspective. In order to resolve the digital gap, it was suggested
to strengthen guidance connected with therir homes, strengthen group classes and student cooperation
classes in Korean language and media education. A systematic support plan by partner organizations
to support teachers' systematic digital media education should also be implemented.
Conclusion: In order to bridge the digital gap among students, it is ultimately necessary to further
strengthen proper digital media literacy education. In addition, more emphasis should be placed in
informal situation rather than those that are formal and educational methods should not be inconsistent.
A Case S tudy o n the Experience o f Korean Language Teachers i n Providing Writing Feedback Using ChatGPT
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Choi Sook-ki
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT for
generating student writing feedback and explore strategies for effective feedback prompts, as perceived
by Korean language teachers.
Methods: The research involved Focus Group Interviews (FGI) with 10 experienced Korean language
teachers. The FGI process followed Krueger and Casey's (2009) guidelines.
Results: Firstly, the teachers recognized the ability of ChatGPT to generate prompt and detailed
feedback on student writing as a significant advantage. Secondly, they valued ChatGPT’s capacity
to provide concrete examples and improvement directions for student writing feedback, along with
highlighting feedback contents that the teachers might not have noticed. Thirdly, inconsistencies or
inaccuracies in the feedback generated were perceived as drawbacks of using ChatGPT. Regarding
the composition of prompts for effective writing feedback, the teachers believed that using ChatGPT
to refine and enhance teacher-drafted feedback was more effective, emphasizing the importance of
crafting sophisticated and effective prompts.
Conclusion: Based on these insights, the study suggests the need for further research in areas such
as: 1) exploring teacher training and development options to enhance the quality of ChatGPT-generated
feedback, 2) investigating various prompt composition methods and their effectiveness to find the
optimal prompts for writing feedback, 3) comparative analysis of user-perceived improvements with
the release of GPT-4 and GPT-4 turbo, particularly in terms of ChatGPT's performance, and 4)
objectively measuring the quality and effectiveness of writing feedback provided through ChatGPT.
Barriers and Challenges Against the Utilization of Novel Teaching Methods for Nursing Students: Perspectives of Nursing Instructors
Authors: Bijani Mostafa , Moradi Zahra , Karimi Shahnaz , Fereidouni Zhila , Nikrouz Leila , Hatami Mahmood , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi
Published: February 2024

Background: The first step in effectively applying novel teaching methods is identifying barriers and challenges to implementing appropriate interventions. A literature review revealed no studies exploring nursing instructors’ viewpoints on the reasons for not using novel teaching methods.Purpose: The present study aimed to explore the challenges and executive barriers against using novel approaches in instructing nursing students from the perspective of nursing instructors. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 163 nursing instructors from three nursing schools in Fars Province, Southwest Iran, were selected using convenience sampling. A researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 17 items scored on a five-point Likert scale was utilized to collect data. These items were categorized into three domains: challenges related to students (n=4), instructors (n=8), and structural-managerial aspects (n=5). The questionnaire’s reliability coefficient was found to be 0.89 using the test-retest method. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to test the normality of variables and the independent t-test was employed to examine the relationship between genders and educational degrees across all three domains. Results: The mean scores for challenges and barriers related to the instructors, students, and structural-managerial aspects were 33.24(7.16), 16.31(3.93), and 22.14(3.64), respectively. A significant relationship between gender and educational degree was observed across all three domains (p<0.001).Conclusion: The barriers and challenges against using novel teaching methods for nursing students from the perspective of nursing instructors included challenges related to instructors, students, and structural-managerial aspects. The support and encouragement of educational institution managers in executing these methods could help promote the utilization of these techniques and improve the quality of education.
Awangarda naprawdę! Biograficzne eksperymenty Sterna z Apollinaire’em
Authors: Baron-Milian Marta
Published: February 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest genealogicznemu śledztwu, jakie podejmuje Anatol Stern, próbując zrekonstruować pochodzenie Guillaume’a Apollinaire’a. Efektem badawczego postępowania staje się książka zatytułowana Dom Apollinaire’a. Rzecz o polskości i rodzinie poety, opublikowana w 1973 roku, będąca zbiorem szkiców, które ukazywały się wcześniej w krajowych i europejskich czasopismach, przygotowana do druku już po śmierci pisarza przez jego żonę, Alicję Stern. Przedmiot zawartych w artykule analiz stanowią nie tylko teksty opublikowane, ale przede wszystkim obszerny archiwalny zbiór materiałów poświęconych Apollinaire’owi, gromadzonych przez Sterna, a także różne formy literackich praktyk, w ramach których Stern dokonywał artystycznych przetworzeń biograficznych rozpoznań dotyczących autora Alkoholi. Perspektywę teoretyczną dla ujęcia szerokiego spektrum tekstów auto/biograficznych wyznacza pojęcie life writing. W toku analiz na plan pierwszy wysuwa się wartość komentarza Alicji Stern, zawartego w jej niepublikowanym pamiętniku, sugerującego możliwość „kryptoautobiograficznej” lektury niektórych poświęconych Apollinaire’owi tekstów Sterna. Taka linia interpretacji – eksponująca sytuację „obcego” – otwiera możliwość poszukiwania „marańskiego podmiotu” i miejsc, w których ujawnia się przemilczana przez Sterna własna sytuacja „obcego” wraz z różnymi formami maskowania własnej „zakłóconej”, „niestabilnej” tożsamości.
Authors of articles published in Geologos in 2023 – brief information
Authors: Editors of Geologos
Published: February 2024

Not provided.
A spanyol jogszokáskutatás eredményei: a gyermekre vonatkozó jogszokások
Authors: Matla Gabriella
Published: February 2024

The results of Spanish legal customs research: the legal customs concerning children Focusing on the legal customs concerning children, the study undertakes to present the results of Spanish legal customs research, highlighting Joaquín Costa's Aragonese research and their integration into the modernization processes of Spanish private law.
Intentional damage to metal artefacts in burials and hoards in the south Caucasus, 2000–550 BC
Authors: Bedianashvili Giorgi , Robinson Abby
Published: February 2024

The deposition of intentionally damaged metal artefacts within burials and hoards is a phenomenon attested in areas as disparate as Ireland and the Caucasus during the Bronze and Iron Ages. While ritual significance is often attributed to such damage in burial contexts, the intentions behind the inclusion of damaged objects in hoards remain enigmatic. This article synthesises evidence for the intentional destruction of metal artefacts from 70 sites in the territory of modern Georgia and analyses patterns of deliberate damage over time and space. The study of these damaged artefacts enhances our understanding of ritual practice at a local level and locates the south Caucasus within the wider networks of this phenomenon.
Sex Does Not Affect Changes in Body Composition and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I During US Army Basic Combat Training
Authors: Roberts Brandon M. , Staab Jeffery S. , Caldwell Aaron R. , Sczuroski Cara E. , Staab Janet E. , Lutz Laura J. , Reynoso Marinaliz , Geddis Alyssa V. , Taylor Kathryn M. , Guerriere Katelyn I. , Walker Leila A. , Hughes Julie M. , Foulis Stephen A.
Published: February 2024

Roberts, BM, Staab, JS, Caldwell, AR, Sczuroski, CE, Staab, JE, Lutz, LJ, Reynoso, M, Geddis, AV, Taylor, KM, Guerriere, KI, Walker, LA, Hughes, JM, and Foulis, SA. Sex does not affect changes in body composition and insulin-like growth factor-I during US Army basic combat training. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e304–e309, 2024—Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) has been implicated as a biomarker of health and body composition. However, whether changes in body composition are associated with changes in IGF-I is unclear. Therefore, we examined the relationship between body composition changes (i.e., fat mass and lean mass) and total serum IGF-I levels in a large cohort of young men (n = 809) and women (n = 397) attending US Army basic combat training (BCT). We measured body composition using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and total serum IGF-I levels during week 1 and week 9 of BCT. We found that pre-BCT lean mass (r = 0.0504, p = 0.082) and fat mass (r = 0.0458, p = 0.082) were not associated with pre-BCT IGF-I. Body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, and fat mass decreased, and lean mass increased during BCT (all p < 0.001). Mean (±SD) IGF-I increased from pre-BCT (176 ± 50 ng·ml−1) to post-BCT (200 ± 50 ng·ml−1, p < 0.001). Inspection of the partial correlations indicated that even when considering the unique contributions of other variables, increases in IGF-I during BCT were associated with both increased lean mass (r = 0.0769, p = 0.023) and increased fat mass (r = 0.1055, p < 0.001) with no sex differences. Taken together, our data suggest that although changes in IGF-I weakly correlated with changes in body composition, IGF-I, in isolation, is not an adequate biomarker for predicting changes in body composition during BCT in US Army trainees.
Cholinergic control of GnRH neuron physiology and luteinizing hormone secretion in male mice: involvement of ACh/GABA co-transmission
Authors: Vastagh Csaba , Farkas Imre , Csillag Veronika , Watanabe Masahiko , Kalló Imre , Liposits Zsolt
Published: February 2024

GnRH-synthesizing neurons orchestrate reproduction centrally. Early studies have proposed the contribution of acetylcholine (ACh) to hypothalamic control of reproduction, although the causal mechanisms haven't been clarified. Here, we report thatin vivopharmacogenetic activation of the cholinergic system increased the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) in orchidectomized mice. 3DISCO immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy revealed the innervation of GnRH neurons by cholinergic axons. Retrograde viral labeling initiated from GnRH-Cre neurons identified the medial septum and the diagonal band of Broca as exclusive sites of origin for cholinergic afferents of GnRH neurons. In acute brain slices, ACh and the ACh receptor (AChR) agonist carbachol evoked a biphasic effect on the firing rate in GnRH neurons, first increasing and then diminishing it. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, carbachol induced an inward current, followed by a decline in the frequency of mPSCs, indicating a direct influence on GnRH cells. RT-PCR and whole-cell patch-clamp studies revealed that GnRH neurons expressed both nicotinic (α4β2, α3β4, and α7) and muscarinic (M1-M5) ACh receptors. The nicotinic AChRs contributed to the nicotine-elicited inward current and the rise in firing rate. Muscarine via M1 and M3 receptors increased, while via M2 and M4 reduced the frequency of both miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) and firing. Optogenetic activation of channelrhodopsin-2-tagged cholinergic axons modified GnRH neuronal activity and evoked co-transmission of ACh and GABA from a subpopulation of boutons. These findings confirm that the central cholinergic system immensely regulates GnRH neurons and activates the HPG-axis via ACh and ACh/GABA neurotransmissions in male mice.

Significance statementCholinergic drugs influence reproduction centrally, although the exact neuronal targets and regulatory mechanisms remain unsettled. We found that pharmacogenetic activation of the cholinergic systemin vivoevoked an augmented LH release in male mice. The study also identified cholinergic cell groups in the mouse forebrain that innervate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the main hypothalamic regulators of reproduction. We also determined the subtypes of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors involved in neuronal information transfer and explored how their ligands affect the electrophysiological activity of GnRH neurons. A subset of cholinergic neurons was found to co-transmit GABA which excites GnRH cells via GABA-A receptors. The findings suggest a novel, cholinergic regulation of the GnRH system activating the pituitary-gonadal axis in adult male mice.
Motivational strategies used by English teachers in Polish secondary schools and students’ motivated behaviour during lessons
Authors:   University of Białystok, Poland, Sawicka Urszula
Published: February 2024

Motivation is widely considered to be an aspect significantly affecting success in learning a foreign language. While motivation might be developed and maintained by different factors, it is crucial for learning to occur in an environment that is beneficial for the process. Teachers, being responsible for creating the classroom environment, can notably influence students’ motivation through the use of various strategies, and therefore impact their success in learning the language. This study attempts to examine and analyse motivational strategies used by teachers during English lessons in secondary schools, as well as consider students’ motivated behaviour in the classroom. In order to determine what strategies teachers use and how learners’ engagement changes, multiple classroom observations were conducted with the use of an observational sheet adapted from Dörnyei and Guilloteaux (2008). The strategies used by the teachers are analysed in terms of their possible relationship with the variables of students’ motivated behaviour. The presented results suggest that the majority of observed teachers frequently provide students with neutral feedback, while strategies such as promoting integrative values, including individual competition, or promoting instrumental values remain unpopular and not used. The total use of strategies declines from the beginning of the lesson to its final part. Some teachers generally use noticeably more motivational strategies than others. Students’ motivated behaviour was assessed, and the results imply fairly diverse engagement among the observed groups. No correlation was found between teachers’ motivational practices and students’ motivated behaviour. Further research should include a bigger sample and study other factors that could have an impact on students’ motivation.
A Note on Structure of Paper as Revealed by the Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors:   PULP AND PAPER RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CANADA, MONTREAL, Buchanan J. G. , Lindsay R. A. ,   PULP AND PAPER RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CANADA, MONTREAL
Published: February 2024

An examination has been made of eight paper samples by means of the scanning electron microscope at the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada. This is the first step in a programme of examination of paper surfaces and fractures that is planned for this instrument. The scanning microscope(1,2) bridges a gap between the capabilities of the light microscope and the conventional transmission electron microscope and the results obtained in this study may therefore be of interest to those attending a symposium on paper structure . The capabilities and limitations of the two more conventional techniques are described in detail in other papers of the symposium and will not be discussed here.
Towards a Religion–Victimization Module for the International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD) Context: Learning from Prior Exemplars
Authors: Litvak Sophie , Kivivuori Janne , Kaakinen Markus
Published: February 2024

The concept of postsecular society highlights the increasing relevance of religion in social, cultural, and political affairs. Given this trend, criminology should pay increasing attention to how religion is linked to victimization and offending. Since the religion–crime studies have traditionally focused on offending, the research lacunae are biggest in the study of victimization. The inclusion of religion is particularly relevant in international surveys in religiously heterogeneous communities. In this article, we aim to develop a survey module suggestion for use in the context of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD). We first examine the current content of the ISRD-4 sweep. To locate lacunae in it, we move to review how international surveys have tackled the dimension of religion, including the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), the European Social Survey (ESS), the World Values Survey (WVS), and the International Crime Victim Survey (ICVS). Building on these state-of-the-art examples, we propose a new ISRD module (Appendix) for studying the religion–victimization link in international crime surveys with limited space. In conclusion, we argue that criminology would benefit from increasing attention to religion and other cultural variables alongside traditional socioeconomic, structural, and individual factors.
FORMATION OF PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR PARTS OF GROUND LAUNCH COMPLEXES WITH ULTRA-DEEP MODIFICATION WITH MICROPARTICLES
Authors: Середа Б.П. , Баскевич О.С. , Соболев В.В. , Удод А.М.
Published: February 2024

Abstract.The rapid development of the latest technologies necessitates the widespread use of metal materials with unique properties. The main factors that determine the competitiveness of manufacturers of structural materials are a number of indicators, such as the creation of new effective technologies for the production of materials with a new set of physico-chemical and mechanical properties, the reduction of energy costs for the production of new materials and protective coatings for parts of the ground launch complex. The research is aimed at studying the impact of microparticles on metal targets using mass spectrometry and metallography. Experiments revealed the formation of new elements, in particular manganese, in metal structures as a result of bombardment with microparticles. Experimental data confirmed the possibility of reactions occurring in metal targets during bombardment with microparticles. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the synthesis of new elements that are of interest for obtaining protective coatings on parts of rocket technology for ground-based launch complexes. The study shows deep structural changes in metals under the influence of microparticles, accompanied by the destabilization of atoms and the formation of new compounds. The formation of new elements, in particular manganese, on the surface of metals after exposure to microparticles was revealed. It is shown that the processes of penetration are provided by the formation of plasma in the contact of a microparticle with a target, which occurs due to quantum mechanical effects that cause the breaking of interatomic bonds. These results open prospects for improving the operational properties of ground launch complexes. Potential applications are proposed, including the use of the effect of plasma formation in the processes of obtaining protective coatings on parts of launch complexes and the development of the theory of ultra-deep penetration of microparticles into solid partitions. The obtained results not only supplement experimental data, but also lay the foundation for new research in the field of rocket engineering and materials science. This study makes a significant contribution to science, providing a deep understanding of the physical processes involved in the collision of microparticles with metal structures. The obtained results open new horizons for rocket engineering and stimulate further research in the field of creating materials with unique properties and application in technological processes.
Developing EFL Students’ Multimodal Communicative Competence Through Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers: A Teaching Proposal
Authors: Rubio-López Beatriz P.
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on integrating multimodal communication into the English-as-a-foreign-language classroom to enhance the development of students’ multimodal communicative competence, multiliteracies, and 21st-century skills. To do so, I compiled a corpus of authentic materials from Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers in Julia Quinn’s novel The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000), her appearances as narrator in the Netflix series Bridgerton (2022), and some tweets posted by @Bridgerton. This corpus was used to plan and design a game-based teaching proposal. Finally, the paper offers a critical analysis and suggests how this proposal can feasibly contribute to fostering students’ multimodal communicative competence.
Diretrizes para ferramentas visuais digitais voltadas ao ensino em design a partir de uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Krupahtz Juliana , Albretch Gabriel , Velasco Jefferson Lewis , Teixeira Júlio Monteiro
Published: February 2024

O uso e o surgimento de ferramentas digitais se destacaram com o incremento emergencial do ensino remoto durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Neste contexto, boas práticas podem ser estabelecidas na intenção de facilitar o desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas. Para isto, o objetivo desta pesquisa é realizar uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL) sobre ferramentas visuais digitais no contexto do ensino em design. Como procedimentos metodológicos, foram utilizadas as etapas propostas por Dresch, Lacerda e Antunes Júnior (2014), voltadas a pesquisas dentro do escopo da Design Science Research, a saber: (i) definição da questão da revisão e do framework conceitual; (ii) escolha da equipe de trabalho; (iii) estratégia de busca; (iv) busca, elegibilidade e codificação; (v) avaliação da qualidade; e (vi) síntese dos resultados. A etapa final de apresentação do estudo consiste na publicação deste artigo. Foram realizadas buscas em seis bases de dados, obtendo-se 722 itens, entre artigos de periódicos e anais de eventos. Destes, nove artigos foram selecionados para a compilação de resultados após a realização de análise, codificação e leitura dos textos, sendo adicionados mais dois a partir da técnica de bola-de-neve. Foram então levantadas as principais temáticas abordadas pelos estudos, como o conceito de Creativity Support Tools (CST), pensamento visual e design colaborativo. Também foram identificados 10 artefatos desenvolvidos nestes estudos, os quais foram agrupados em classes de problemas e tiveram mapeadas suas heurísticas de construção e contingenciais. Por fim, outros conceitos foram adicionados à discussão, como o de avaliação e reflexão sobre o processo, a prática interdisciplinar, a consciência mútua e o julgamento instrumental. Estes conceitos, somados aos iniciais, serviram como rótulo para as heurísticas mapeadas e assim foi construído um diagrama de diretrizes para o desenvolvimento de ferramentas visuais digitais. Como recomendação a trabalhos futuros, deixa-se a sugestão de uso e valorização do termo Creativity Support Tools para as ferramentas que utilizarem os princípios mencionados nesta pesquisa.
Lower and upper stochastic bounds for the joint stationary distribution of a non-preemptive priority retrial queueing system
Authors: HABLAL Houria , TOUCHE Nassim , ALEM Lalamaghnia , BOUCHENTOUF Amina Angelika , BOUALEM Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Consider a single-server retrial queueing system with non-preemptive priority service, where customers arrive in a Poisson process with a rate of $\lambda_1$ for high-priority customers (class 1) and $\lambda_2$ for low-priority customers (class 2). If a high-priority customer is blocked, they are queued, while a low-priority customer must leave the service area and return after some random period of time to try again. In contrast with existing literature, we assume different service time distributions for the two customer classes. This investigation proposes a stochastic comparison method based on the general theory of stochastic orders to obtain lower and upper bounds for the joint stationary distribution of the number of customers at departure epochs in the considered model. Specifically, we discuss the stochastic monotonicity of the embedded Markov queue-length process in terms of both the usual stochastic and convex orders. We also perform a numerical sensitivity analysis to study the effect of the arrival rate of high-priority customers on system performance measures.
Prawa wyborcze nierezydentów
Authors:   Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Balicki Ryszard
Published: February 2024

The article deals with the possibility for country’s non-citizen residents to participate in elections, in the political life they wish to participate in. This issue remains outside the mainstream of jurisprudence and doctrine, but it is important due to the increased social mobility. The article presents the practice of selected countries and documents of international law relating to the title issue. Theoretical and comparative issues were confronted with Polish solutions regulating voting issues of Polish citizens residing abroad. The article also contains proposals for necessary legislative changes, the introduction of which to the electoral code will guarantee respect for the universality of electoral law. The article uses the legal-dogmatic method, supplemented to the necessary extent by the legal-comparative method.
Zmiana statusu i uprawnień mężów zaufania po uchwaleniu nowelizacji Kodeksu wyborczego z 26 stycznia 2023 r.
Authors:   Uniwersytet Łódzki, Skotnicki Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

The amendment to the Election Code made on 2023 significantly changed the status and powers of the pool watchers. If they observe the voting for at least 5 hours and observe the entire process of determining the results of voting until the signing of the voting protocol, they will receive 40% of the flat-rate allowance of members of ward electoral commissions. The chairmen of ward electoral commissions are obliged to keep records of the working time of the pool watchers. The most controversial issue is granting them the possibility of registering all activities of ward electoral commissions on election day using their own devices recording all activities of the ward electoral commission also during voting. This solution violates the principle of secrecy of voting, the right to privacy, and may be treated as an unacceptable form of pressure on the voter regarding the content of his vote.
Nowelizacja artykułu 42 Kodeksu wyborczego, konieczność regulacji i przyjęte rozwiązania – analiza krytyczna
Authors:   Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Wygoda Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

The aim of the article is to indicate doubts concerning the very need and final regulation of the issue of recording the entire electoral process. The main problems include both ambiguities contained in the amended regulations (including their partial obsolescence), lack of indication of criteria enabling a decision to be made on the commencement of registration of the course of electoral activities, the status of recordings made, as well as practical omission of requirements resulting from regulations governing the protection of personal data. The sum of legislative (including substantive) omissions raises the question of the admissibility of their practical application in the electoral process, and possible consequences that may affect persons who decide to take such action.