bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental programming of sarcoplasmic reticulum function improves cardiac anoxia tolerance in turtles
Authors: Ruhr Ilan M. , Shiels Holly A. , Crossley Dane A. , Galli Gina L. J.
Published: September 2024

Oxygen deprivation during embryonic development can permanently remodel the vertebrate heart, often causing cardiovascular abnormalities in adulthood. While this phenomenon is mostly damaging, recent evidence suggests developmental hypoxia produces stress-tolerant phenotypes in some ectothermic vertebrates. Embryonic common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) subjected to chronic hypoxia display improved cardiac anoxia tolerance after hatching, which is associated with altered Ca2+ homeostasis in heart cells (cardiomyocytes). Here, we examined the possibility that changes in Ca2+ cycling, through the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), underlie the developmentally programmed cardiac phenotype of snapping turtles. We investigated this hypothesis by isolating cardiomyocytes from juvenile turtles that developed in either normoxia (21% O2; ‘N21’) or chronic hypoxia (10% O2; ‘H10’) and subjected the cells to anoxia/reoxygenation, in either the presence or absence of SR Ca2+-cycling inhibitors. We simultaneously measured cellular shortening, intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and intracellular pH (pHi). Under normoxic conditions, N21 and H10 cardiomyocytes shortened equally, but H10 Ca2+ transients (Δ[Ca2+]i) were twofold smaller than those of N21 cells, and SR inhibition only decreased N21 shortening and Δ[Ca2+]i. Anoxia subsequently depressed shortening, Δ[Ca2+]i and pHi in control N21 and H10 cardiomyocytes, yet H10 shortening and Δ[Ca2+]i recovered to pre-anoxic levels, partly due to enhanced myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. SR blockade abolished the recovery of anoxic H10 cardiomyocytes and potentiated decreases in shortening, Δ[Ca2+]i and pHi. Our novel results provide the first evidence of developmental programming of SR function and demonstrate that developmental hypoxia confers a long-lasting, superior anoxia-tolerant cardiac phenotype in snapping turtles, by modifying SR function and enhancing myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity.
Aπτικά καταγραφικά συστήματα για τη διδασκαλία της βυζαντινής μουσικής σε μαθητές με προβλήματα όρασης
Authors: Τσαμπατζίδης Θεόδωρος
Published: September 2024

H παρούσα διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στην εισαγωγή και συνεισφορά απτικών καταγραφικών συστημάτων για τη διδασκαλία της βυζαντινής μουσικής, καθώς και στον τρόπο με τον οποίο μπορεί να συμβάλλουν στην ισότιμη εκπαίδευση μαθητών με προβλήματα όρασης. Καρπός της μελέτης αποτελεί η συστηματική χαρτογράφηση των εν χρήσει εξάστιγμων χαρακτήρων αναγλυπτογραφίας της βυζαντινής ψαλτικής τέχνης με βάση τις μεθόδους Δημητρίου Χρυσαφίδη και Δοσιθέου μοναχού. Καταγράφεται η εφαρμογή ηλεκτρονικού κώδικα eBraille βυζαντινής μουσικής και παρουσιάζεται πρόταση απτικής αποτύπωσης χαρακτήρων παλαιογραφίας βυζαντινής μουσικής σε μορφή Braille. Επιπρόσθετα, καταγράφεται τρόπος απτικής ενσωμάτωσης του ισοκρατήματος στη βασική μελισματική γραμμή του ψαλτικού κειμένου. Ακολούθως, κατατίθενται προτάσεις αξιοποίησης απτικών καταγραφικών συστημάτων για τη διδασκαλία της βυζαντινής μουσικής και οι προοπτικές που ανοίγονται με τη χρήση και εφαρμογή κώδικα eBraille βυζαντινής μουσικής στη σύγχρονη πραγματικότητα.
"Simply" talking about the Anthropocene?
Authors: Hübner Andreas
Published: September 2024

The Anthropocene seems to be on everyone’s lips these days. Whether as a turning point in Earth’s history, a geological epoch, or as a cultural narrative and metaphor, the Anthropocene is currently being debated not only in the scientific disciplines, but also as a fashionable buzzword in the media, popular culture, and the arts. Conversely, some scholars have argued that the term perpetuates anthropocentrism, Eurocentrism, and global inequalities rather than “demystifying” them. Use of the term itself would seemingly encourage ongoing processes of depoliticization. In what follows, I will trace this supposed depoliticization of the Anthropocene. Ultimately, I argue that a critical look at notions of temporality and timescale could not only reveal the politics of the Anthropocene and initiate new modes of historical thinking, but also shake the foundations of history education.
Positive events in psychotherapy: What do adolescents and young adults say is helpful?
Authors: Cassera Luisa , Calabrò Alessia , Filippo Aschieri
Published: September 2024

Background The significant challenge in adolescent and young adult therapy lies in the fact that research in this field does not provide many clinical indications. This study addresses domains contributing to the establishment and sustenance of engagement, satisfaction, and progress among adolescents and young adults in their treatment by delving into the impact of events that, from the perspective of clients, have positively influenced their therapeutic process. Methods Employing a qualitative research approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 adolescents and young adults undergoing therapy, recounting positive and constructive events during their treatment. Results A structured thematic analysis revealed six primary domains of positive events: events linked to the management of the setting, events shaping the definition of therapy goals, occurrences tied to the therapist’s active role, collaborative events between therapists and clients, and events associated with both clients’ external and internal worlds. Conclusions The findings suggest that working with adolescents shares similarities with psychotherapy involving adult clients but demands specific attention to adolescents and young adults’ families, surrounding environment, and rapidly changing needs.
Influence of auditory-based cognitive training on auditory resolution, executive function, and working memory skills in individuals with mild cognitive impairment – a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: G Priya , MM Kishan , R VaniLakshmi , Krishnan Gopee
Published: September 2024

Background Age-related central auditory processing disorder and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be concomitant in older adults, making it difficult to communicate, especially in challenging listening conditions. This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of auditory-based cognitive training on the auditory processing abilities and cognitive functions of older adults with MCI. Methods In this randomized controlled trial twenty-two older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n=11) or a control group (n=11). The experimental group received 15 cognitive training sessions through tasks involving the auditory domain. The outcome measures of this study included auditory resolution (Temporal gap detection, frequency discrimination, and modulation detection) and cognitive measures (Trail making tests and digit recall), which were administered at three-time points (before training, post-training, and follow-up). The linear mixed model computed the effects of training on the outcome measures. Results A significant improvement was observed in the modulation detection threshold between baseline and follow-up and between post-training and follow-up sessions. However, GDT and FD thresholds did not reveal any statistically significant difference. In the trail making test, Part B showed consistent significance across the time points, whereas Part A and the delayed recall task showed no significant difference. Conclusion Auditory-based cognitive training may improve auditory processing and executive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Trial registration CTRI/2019/01/017073, registered on 14.01.2019
Unicanvas: Exploring a tool for strategic management
Authors: Segundo Julio , Fernandez-Alles Mariluz , Velez Maria , Sanchez Jose M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose This research proposes an adapted version of Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a potential strategic tool for the design of the business model of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). In the context of fifth-generation universities, the University-Model Canvas (Unicanvas) offers a solution to some limitations of traditional strategic tools. Unicanvas aims to be a critical visual and dynamic tool to address the new challenges faced by universities such as internationalization, digitalization, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Research methods/Approach We adapt the strategic building blocks, in which some of the BMC blocks have been renamed and an achievement block has been added. We reflect theoretically on the peculiarities of each block in the context of universities to explain the versatility of the tool for designing university business models tailored to different value propositions and for various beneficiaries. Findings and implications Unicanvas offers universities the flexibility and dynamism to adapt their different business models to various forms of value creation that arise from their growing number of beneficiaries, missions, and the new trends and challenges they face.. We conclude that using this participatory,, dynamic, intuitive, and flexible strategic tool will facilitate the holistic design of the business model of these institutions.
Assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions during and post-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Santos-Hermosa Gema , Urbano Cristóbal , Argudo Sílvia , Boté-Vericad Juan-José , Đurđevic Anja , Micunovic Milijana , Wöbbekind Lea , Todorova Tania
Published: September 2024

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.
Reception Centers and Practices for Women Migrants
Authors: Ruiz Marie , Donato Stellamarina
Published: September 2024

This paper focuses on reception centers for women migrants from a gender mainstreaming perspective and it reflects on the current practices and their adequacy with women migrants’ needs. Based on COST Action Women on the Move (CA19112)’s experience and research, it discusses the different typologies of reception facilities, and highlights the impact of reception on women migrants’ integration, as well as the necessity to coordinate best practices across Europe and EU Member States. Then authors recommend to improve the quality of reception with better trained staff and measures adequate to women migrants’ specific needs for their safety and health. The research also suggests introducing integrative programs and coordinating information and good practices across Europe, but above all an end to detention centers for migrants.
Experience of regret is unaffected by concurrent working memory load
Authors: FitzGibbon Lily , Putt Caroline , Feeney Aidan , McCormack Teresa , Beck Sarah Ruth
Published: September 2024

Background When facing the consequences of decisions, people often experience evaluative emotions such as regret. The experience of regret is the result of the comparison between the actual outcome of one’s actions and a better counterfactual outcome that could have occurred had one acted differently in the past. Despite increasing interest in counterfactual thinking and regret, little is known about the type of cognitive processes involved with regret –whether it is underpinned by reflective or intuitive processes. The extant literature provides contradictory evidence: theoretical assertions and developmental work point towards reflective processes, requiring access to capacity-limited cognitive resources whereas, some experimental and neuroscientific evidence point towards intuitive processes. Methods In the current study, adults (N = 20) completed a commonly used gambling task known to elicit regret under high or low working memory load. Results Ratings of regret were not affected by concurrent working memory load (Bayes Factors provided strong evidence for the null hypothesis). Conclusions We conclude that the experience of regret in a commonly used gambling task is unaffected by concurrent working memory load. This suggests that, in adults, regret is not always reliant on reflective cognitive processes and does not require access to central cognitive resources.
Regional Dynamics and Counterterrorism: Pakistan-Russia Collaboration in Central Asia
Authors: Rasool Maimoona , Zaheer Muhammad Akram
Published: September 2024

Pakistan and Russia face threats from terrorist organizations such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), the East Turkestan Liberation Organization (ETLO), and the Grey Wolves, which have extended their influence into Central Asia. These groups pose serious security challenges for Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with Pakistani intelligence often tracing terrorist incidents back to these organizations. This study explores the geostrategic dynamics and security challenges in Central Asia and the potential for a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Russia. To investigate the potential and implications of a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Russia for regional security and stability. The research involves a comprehensive literature review and analysis of efforts by the Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Forces (CTITF) under the United Nations and the United Nations Center for Regional Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNCRPDCA). It examines their impacts on Russia-Pakistan relations within the context of regional dynamics and strategic interests. The study finds that a Pak-Russia strategic partnership could enhance regional security and stability through improved counterterrorism efforts, including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises. It highlights the mutual challenges and geopolitical tensions that may affect this partnership. The paper provides valuable insights into the potential strategic partnership between Pakistan and Russia to address shared security threats and the role of international organizations in facilitating counterterrorism initiatives in the region.
Los lienzos de significación desde la hermenéutica de Heidegger y su relación con las ciencias físicas
Authors: Villarruel Sahagún Héctor Javier
Published: September 2024

Se proponen estructuras hermenéuticas estáticas de interpretación llamadas Lienzos de Significación, desde los cuales se despliega el mundo del Dasein. Como estructura episteme-histórica base de la interpretación, los Lienzos de Significación serían, entonces, subconjuntos del Campo de Historicidad bajo el cuidado de la temporalidad. Si el intervalo de tiempo común es de la medida adecuada, los Lienzos de Significación contendrían el apoyo histórico necesario para la construcción de la dinámica de mundo dentro del proceso hermenéutico instantáneo.
Uzasadnienie namysłu nad samorządową partycypacją wyborczą w pryzmacie wyborów samorządowych w Małopolsce w 2024 roku
Authors: Bujwid-Kurek Ewa , Kiwior-Filo Małgorzata , Banaś Monika
Published: September 2024

The chapter draws attention to the importance of voter turnout in building civil society, emphasizing the importance of the youngest electorate in electoral participation. Hence, surveys were conducted among adult students at selected secondary schools in Małopolska. This chapter also discusses the construction of the publication entitled ‘Local government elections in Poland in 2024 in the awareness of the youngest electorate of the Malopolska Voivodeship. Theoretical and empirical study’, which is the result of a research grant with the participation of students from secondary schools in Małopolska.
Kwestionariusz jako narzędzie do przeprowadzenia badań ankietowych – przykład kwestionariusza ankiety przeprowadzonej wśród uczniów szkół średnich Małopolski
Authors: Bujwid-Kurek Ewa , Susolia Artem
Published: September 2024

The chapter presents the survey questionnaire used within the research project titled: ‘Local government elections in Poland in 2024 in the awareness of the youngest electorate of the Małopolska Voivodeship’. After presenting the aims and hypotheses, the individual questions, their type, structure as well as the layout of the survey questionnaire were described. Thus, the selection of the sample of respondents, the profile of the target group, the place and time of the research are presented. It is emphasized that the surveys in question are of a pilot nature. Therefore, they are aimed not only at verifying the explicated research hypotheses among the studied part of the population of the Małopolska region, but also at checking the correctness and adequacy of the tool used in the conducted research. In the opinion of the authors, the results obtained within the framework of the project will constitute the basis for further, much more in-depth research devoted to the discussed subject.
Application-Driven Learning: A Closed-Loop Prediction and Optimization Approach Applied to Dynamic Reserves and Demand Forecasting
Authors: Dias Garcia Joaquim , Street Alexandre , Homem-de-Mello Tito , Muñoz Francisco D.
Published: September 2024

Application-Driven Learning: Closing the Loop Between the Application and the Estimation of Forecast Models

This paper introduces a closed-loop framework called application-driven learning, where the best forecast model is tailored to the application cost structure. Our methodology employs two-stage optimization schemes to derive multivariate point forecasts. The estimation problem is conceived as a bilevel model, and we propose two solution methodologies: an exact one using KKT conditions and a scalable decomposition heuristic. This approach offers a scientifically grounded alternative to ad hoc demand biasing approaches and reserve requirement rules currently adopted by power system operators worldwide. Testing with real data and large-scale systems demonstrates that our methodology consistently outperforms traditional open-loop methods, providing significant potential benefits for energy system operations.
O QUE HÁ POR TRÁS DOS DISCURSOS SOBRE A INSTITUIÇÃO DA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE FEIRA DE SANTANA?
Authors: Santos Edson da Silva , Santos Janio
Published: September 2024

A instituição de regiões metropolitanas no Brasil prediz, em tese, benefícios para essas áreas e para a população residente. Portanto, este texto reflete sobre os discursos políticos favoráveis e contra a institucionalização da Região Metropolitana de Feira de Santana (RMFS), aprovada em 2011, com vistas a identificar os interesses que se moveram para a concretização (ou não) de tais discursos, na tentativa de refletir se eles condizem com os objetivos estabelecidos e se as promessas feitas são justificáveis. A metodologia fez uso de pesquisa bibliográfica e de levantamento documental. No Brasil, parte da solução para redução das desigualdades regionais e do fortalecimento econômico passou a ser justificada por discursos políticos que prenunciam benefícios para municípios que integram a RM. No caso da RMFS, a retórica em prol de sua criação tinha por meta angariar recursos para agraciar interesses de representantes políticos municipais, sobretudo da cidade-polo; e os contrários visavam apenas ampliar o número de seus municípios.
VULNERABILIDADE SOCIAL
Authors: Amorim Raul Reis , Alves Isabele Salazar Vieira , Magdalena Ulises Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

A expansão e intensificação do uso e ocupação da terra no Brasil, traz consigo consequências ambientais significativas e aumenta os riscos associados, como desastres relacionados a fenômenos climáticos extremos. Para lidar com essa problemática, a gestão de riscos se torna indispensável. Diante desse cenário, o presente estudo propõe um Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social que tem como objetivo identificar as populações vulneráveis e expostas aos riscos dos fenômenos naturais. Esse índice foi construído com base em variáveis sociais fornecidas pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e foi validado por meio de trabalho de campo no município de Petrópolis, com ênfase no primeiro distrito, no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados obtidos revelaram diferenças significativas entre as populações classificadas em diferentes níveis de vulnerabilidade. Infelizmente, comunidades com alta vulnerabilidade, quando comparadas às de baixa vulnerabilidade, muitas vezes são negligenciadas e ficam invisíveis para o poder público. Isso ressalta a necessidade de uma abordagem mais abrangente e inclusiva na gestão de riscos.
MUDANÇAS E TRANSIÇÃO DA COBERTURA E USO DA TERRA NAS ÁREAS ÚMIDAS DA REGIÃO GEOMORFÓGICA PLANÍCIE COSTEIRA – RS
Authors: Belloli Tássia Fraga , Guasselli Laurindo Antonio , Santana Cunha Christhian , Cristiane Korb Carina
Published: September 2024

Registros temporais de padrões de mudança em Áreas Úmidas (AUs) costeiras mostram que elas são particularmente suscetíveis às mudanças ambientais e a conversão para outras coberturas e usos da terra. No entanto, as transições e fatores impulsionadores de mudanças espaço-temporais são ainda pouco explorados. O objetivo geral deste estudo é analisar as mudanças da cobertura e uso da terra nas AUs entre 1985 e 2021, na Região Geomorfológica da Planície Costeira do Rio Grande do Sul, visando: i) verificar as principais tendências de mudanças nas AUs e; ii) avaliar dentre as transições de cobertura e uso da terra, quais são os fatores de dinâmica natural e quais mais contribuem para perda de AUs. Para tanto, utilizamos dados de Cobertura e Uso da Terra e de Transição do Projeto Mapbiomas (Coleção 7) e ferramentas de geoprocessamento. Consideramos duas escalas de análise, uma regional (toda a Planície Costeira) e uma local (AUs reconhecidas em campo). Verificamos tendência de perda de AUs (188 km² e 3 km², respectivamente) entre 1985 e 2021. As classes de Campos, Água e Uso agropecuário predominaram nas transições entre períodos. Os principais fatores de conversão das AUs nas duas escalas de análise são relacionados a atividades agropecuárias (culturas temporárias, silvicultura e campos manejados), e os principais fatores de mudanças relacionadas a dinâmica natural (Campos, Água e Restingas). Essa análise pode contribuir para melhor compreensão das mudanças nas AUs costeiras e servir de auxílio para direcionar ações para implementar medidas de conservação e restauração nas áreas mais afetadas.
O RENTISMO E SUAS FORMAS DERIVADAS NA REPRODUÇÃO DO CAPITAL ATRAVÉS DO AMBIENTE CONSTRUÍDO
Authors: Gemal Kamir Freire
Published: September 2024

Este trabalho pretende discutir aspectos fundamentais da reprodução do capital através do ambiente construído e alguns de seus desdobramentos contemporâneos. Não à toa, a incorporação do ambiente construído como lócus de acumulação se deu apenas com desenvolvimento mais avançado do capital como força social. Os elementos que o constituem materialmente (imobiliário, infraestruturas e outros tipos de capital fixo de consumo coletivo) demandam condições específicas de produção e circulação que os distinguem de outras mercadorias. Assim que a produção total do espaço em favor da acumulação demanda ainda outro aprofundamento dessas relações que podem conferir-lhe o papel de realização e distribuição (disputa) da totalidade da riqueza social. Este trabalho pretende pôr em evidência teoricamente tais condições específicas de produção e circulação – de acumulação através – do ambiente construído. Retoma-se uma breve digressão, como Marx a chama nos Grundrisse, que aponta para a especificidade da produção de infraestruturas por um capital cotizado e portador de juros para articula-la com as designações do imobiliário e do ambiente construído em geral, diante e através do capital financeiro. Ao longo das discussões, o rentismo se consolida como forma fundamental de remuneração capitalista no ambiente construído que ganha ainda mais forças pela vinculação com o universo das finanças. É dele também que derivam outras possibilidades de circulação imediata da posse e da propriedade (pela capitalização das rendas) destas mercadorias particulares, que se alternam e metamorfoseiam de acordo com a transformação das próprias condições gerais de produção e circulação que as sustentam.
URBANIZAÇÃO, CAPITALISMO E EMANCIPAÇÃO:
Authors: Siqueira Rodriguez Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

Neste artigo, a discussão sobre a urbanização e a propriedade urbana a partir de uma orientação marxista é abordada por meio do estudo das determinações gerais do ser social, a ontologia. A partir dessa perspectiva, se investiga o processo de afastamento entre o ser que habita o espaço, a produção do espaço e quem pensa o espaço no capitalismo. Por meio do desenvolvimento das sociedades, se questiona como as práticas e reprodução social separaram o habitante da autodeterminação do espaço. Para isso, se recorre aos textos filosóficos e à obra magna de Marx, O capital, assim como às interpretações de sua obra que argumentam em favor de um duplo nível de crítica no pensamento do autor, que abarca tanto teorias como as práticas sociais reproduzidas ou endossadas por essas teorias. Este artigo pretende contribuir para o debate sobre a propriedade urbana, em linha com as perspectivas de Lefebvre e Lukács, sustentando uma posição científica crítica do urbanismo convencional que a reconhece como cerceadora das liberdades humanas. Por outro lado, vislumbra alternativas postas pelo marxismo para repensar um habitar que seja emancipatório.
PARA UMA CRÍTICA DO ALUGUEL:
Authors: Alvim de Oliveira Freitas Carolina
Published: September 2024

Buscamos analisar o aluguel como forma específica de circulação do valor de empreendimentos imobiliários para investimento. Situamos os investimentos baseados na receita operacional de locações de imóveis como uma manifestação das articulações crescentemente orgânicas entre o mercado imobiliário e os mercados de capitalização de renda. Para nos ajudar nessa leitura, apresentamos teses sobre o “capitalismo assetizado”, um conjunto de estudos que destaca a relevância do movimento específico do aluguel como “exploração financeira” de ativos. Depois, cotejamos, à luz da crítica da economia política, os métodos de avaliação imobiliária empregados por distintos agentes do setor. Defendemos que ocorre um processo contraditório, de cisão mais aberta mas, ao mesmo tempo, de subordinação mais acirrada do valor de uso da mercadoria-imóvel ao direito à renda capitalizada da sua propriedade.
The urgent need for review, rationalisation and consolidation of NHS patient safety organisations
Authors: Tingle John
Published: September 2024

John Tingle, Associate Professor, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, looks at two annual reports dealing with patient safety issues, which clearly show there is room for consolidation of patient safety agencies
Effective cervical intraepithelial neoplasia classification through polarization-based machine learning
Authors: Ren Jingyu , Li Yanqiu , Liu Ke , Li Yuanhe , Liu Aijun , Ma Ziyu
Published: September 2024

Identification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) tissues holds significant clinical importance in reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. The ultraviolet Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter (UV-MMIP) can significantly enhance morphological specific contrast. For the first time, to our best knowledge, we used polarimetric metrics measured by UV-MMIP combined with machine-learning techniques to achieve high-accuracy CIN classification. Initially, eight classifiers of four types were trained, and the best-performing one was identified, achieving a classification accuracy (F1 score) of up to 0.815. Subsequently, the best classifier from each type was assembled to construct a stacked model to further explore the potential of the machine-learning techniques, resulting in an improved F1 score of 0.838. Additionally, the classification results indicate that depolarization-related metrics have stronger discriminatory power on the trained classifier’s outcome than retardance-related metrics, which highlights the contribution of UV-MMIP for the classification task. Our work validates the feasibility of the polarization-based machine-learning framework for effective CIN classification.
Destriping method for infrared images based on wavelet domain unidirectional variational and improved Perona Malik model
Authors: Zhang Yucun , Li Hao , Li Qun , Fu Xianbin
Published: September 2024

Infrared imagery is widely used in military, industry, and medicine. Stripe noise frequently affects the quality of infrared images. This study introduces a method that combines wavelet domain unidirectional variation (UV) and an enhanced Perona Malik (PM) model to remove stripes. The method involves wavelet decomposition to isolate components, UV optimization for the approximate part, and the improved PM model for the vertical part. By merging the processed components back, stripe-free infrared images are obtained, as confirmed by experimental validation.
Estimation of ground-based atmospheric turbulence strength (C
n2) by neural network architecture
Authors: Celik Ugurcan , Yasar Huseyin Avni , Yigitoglu Keskin Merve , Bayar Cafer , Aslantas Iklim , Midilli Yakup
Published: September 2024

Estimating the atmospheric turbulence strength (C
n
2) becomes significant in the research field of electromagnetic radiation transmission through the atmosphere, particularly optical waves. As turbulence strength increases, the quality and strength of these optical waves may decrease and cause much trouble as they pass through the atmosphere. Throughout the years, C
n
2 has been formulated by different research groups for various geographical locations and seasons using macro-meteorological variables empirically and theoretically. However, since these models are based on the data collected from numerous places and conditions, such as deserts or coastal areas, they do not provide accurate C
n
2 predictions for our experimental site, as demonstrated for three well-known models in the paper. In this study, a novel, to our knowledge, artificial neural network (ANN) model named as quadratic Fourier neural network (QFNN) is trained to estimate C
n
2 from experimentally measured ground-based atmospheric turbulence strength and macro-meteorological variables during the winter season in a rural area. The trained model gives reliable estimations, achieving a value of R2=0.92 for experimental C
n
2 values.
LSTM-based spectral confocal signal processing method
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Qin Yufu , Zhang Tao , Qin Hao , Wang Jixiang , Ding Wanyun
Published: September 2024

Traditional spectral confocal signal processing methods have problems such as difficulty in accurately extracting the peak wavelength, nonlinear error in the polynomial fitting calibration of the peak wavelength and position, and high dependence on hardware equipment. In this paper, the method of the LSTM neural network is introduced to achieve the direct characterization from the full spectrum signal to the position information by using its nonlinear mapping capability. The experimental results show that the measurement accuracy and measurement resolution of the new, to the best of our knowledge, method are improved, and it can still maintain a good measurement effect when using a low-performance spectrometer.
Stand-alone segmentation of blood flow pulsatility measured with diffuse correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Bharadwaj Srinidhi , Urner Tara M. , Cowdrick Kyle R. , Brothers Rowan O. , Boodooram Tisha , Zhao Hongting , Goyal Vidisha , Sathialingam Eashani , Wu Yueh-Chi , Quadri Ayesha , Turrentine Katherine , Akbar Mariam M. , Triplett Sydney E. , Bai Shasha , Buckley Erin M.
Published: September 2024

We present a stand-alone blood flow index (BFI) pulse segmentation method for diffuse correlation spectroscopy that uses a wavelet-based representation of the BFI signal at the cardiac frequency in place of an exogenous physiological reference. We use this wavelet-based segmentation method to quantify BFI waveform morphology in a cohort of 30 healthy adults. We demonstrate that the waveform morphology features obtained with the wavelet approach strongly agree with those obtained using an exogenous blood pressure reference signal. These results suggest the promise of stand-alone wavelet-based BFI segmentation for quantifying BFI waveform morphological features.
Chirp excitation for natural frequency optical coherence elastography
Authors: Song Chengjin , He Weichao , Song Pengfei , Feng Jinping , Huang Yanping , Xu Jingjiang , An Lin , Qin Jia , Gao Kai , Twa Michael D. , Lan Gongpu
Published: September 2024

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) has recently been used to characterize the natural frequencies of delicate tissues (e.g., the in vivo human cornea) with sub-micron tissue oscillation magnitudes. Here, we investigate broadband spectrum sample stimulation using a contact-based piezoelectric transducer (PZT) chirp excitation and compare its performance with a non-contact, air-pulse excitation for OCE measurements on 1.0-7.5% agar phantoms and an ex vivo porcine cornea under intraocular pressures (IOPs) of 5-40 mmHg. The 3-ms duration air-pulse generated a ∼0–840 Hz excitation spectrum, effectively quantifying the first-order natural frequencies in softer samples (e.g., 1.0%–4.0% agar: 239–782 Hz, 198 Hz/%; porcine cornea: 68–414 Hz, 18 Hz/mmHg, IOP: 5–25 mmHg), but displayed limitations in measuring natural frequencies for stiffer samples (e.g., 4.5%–7.5% agar, porcine cornea: IOP ≥ 30 mmHg) or higher order natural frequency components. In contrast, the chirp excitation produced a much wider spectrum (e.g., 0–5000 Hz), enabling the quantification of both first-order natural frequencies (1.0%–7.5% agar: 253–1429 Hz, 181 Hz/%; porcine cornea: 76–1240 Hz, 32 Hz/mmHg, IOP: 5–40 mmHg) and higher order natural frequencies. A modified Bland-Altman analysis (mean versus relative difference in natural frequency) showed a bias of 20.4%, attributed to the additional mass and frequency introduced by the contact nature of the PZT probe. These findings, especially the advantages and limitations of both excitation methods, can be utilized to validate the potential application of natural frequency OCE, paving the way for the ongoing development of biomechanical characterization methods utilizing sub-micron tissue oscillation features.
Three types of third-order non-Hermitian interaction of spontaneous six-wave and eight-wave mixing under multi-dressing effects
Authors: Yang Qinyue , Chen Qingyu , Zhuang Rui , Feng Fang , Cai Yin , Wang Jindong , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: September 2024

Non-Hermitian degeneracy, also known as exceptional point, has been recently seen as a new way to engineer the response of open physical systems. Based on natural non-Hermitian atomic coherence, we investigate spontaneous six-wave mixing (SSWM) and eight-wave mixing (SEWM) processes under both parity–time (PT) and anti-parity–time (anti-PT) symmetry, and we obtain high-dimensional coherent channels under third-order energy-level splitting. Finally, we reveal that the third-order non-Hermitian interaction between two dressing fields of the nested scheme is the strongest, and the parallel scheme is the weakest, with the cascade scheme considered intermediate between them. It can also be used to develop quantum memory devices with enhanced sensitivity in the atom-like system.
Dependence of nanowire length, diameter, and concentration on the electrochromic properties of hybrid silver nanowire network/PEDOT:PSS-based devices
Authors: Atkinson J. , Mjejri I. , Goldthorpe I. , Rougier A.
Published: September 2024

Mixing silver nanowires is a relevant tool to increase the overall conductivity of hybrid electrochromic systems. Herein, the addition of silver nanowires with an average diameter of 30 nm, length of 88 um, and concentration of 3.0 mg/ml lowered the sheet resistance of PEDOT:PSS films from 280 Ω/sq to 34 Ω/sq. Further characterized for their electrochromic behavior, mixing silver nanowires with PEDOT:PSS films allowed lowering the turn-on voltage from -1.5 V to -1.1 V and reducing the switching time from 7 to 3.6 seconds. Furthermore, with the addition of silver nanowires into PEDOT:PSS, an expensive ITO transparent and environmentally impactful electrode material is no longer required. Electrochromic devices based on hybrid AgNW/PEDOT:PSS films showed higher colouration efficiency, lower sheet resistance, lower turn on voltage, and faster switching times as compared to electrochromic devices made with PEDOT:PSS films only.
Image segmentation of phase-modulated holographic data storage based on deep learning
Authors: Chen Ruixian , Wang Jinyu , Zhang Shaodong , Fan Rongquan , Lin Dakui , Li Xiong , Zheng Jihong , Cao Qiang , Hao Jianying , Lin Xiao , Tan Xiaodi
Published: September 2024

Phase retrieval based on data-driven deep learning (DL) is a suitable decoding method for phase-modulated holographic data storage (HDS). Once the DL network is trained, the phase can be directly retrieved from the corresponding diffraction intensity image with high data transfer rate and low bit error rate. Traditional data-driven DL-based phase retrieval requires a large number of known samples for training, which is usually laborious for practical applications such as HDS. In the paper, we propose an image segmentation method based on image features, leading to about 54 times reduction in the number of original sample pairs (OSP) for training DL network. The proposed method is easy to implement in practical situations of HDS.
145 W single-frequency fiber laser at 1607 nm with the seed and MOPA configuration
Authors: Li Wenzhen , He Le , Chen Yang , Yin Xiaoke , Liu Shaokun , Xing Yingbin , Chu Yingbo , Dai Nengli , Li Jinyan
Published: September 2024

In this paper, high Er3+ concentration erbium doped fiber (EDF) and erbium-ytterbium co-doped fiber (EYDF) were fabricated for the seed and master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system of the single-frequency fiber laser. An in-band pumping source with the wavelength of 1535 nm was proposed to improve the efficiency in the ring-cavity. A slope efficiency of 23.8% with an output power of 49 mW was achieved and the laser linewidth was measured to be 800 Hz. In the MOPA system, a piece of EYDF was used firstly to absorb the backward 1 µm amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and amplified the signal from the seed. Based on the above methods, an output power of 145 W was achieved at 1607.75 nm. Because of the self-phase modulation, the laser linewidth was expanded to be 10.75 kHz at the output power of 132 W. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest efficiency and output power of the seed and the highest output power of the 1.6 µm single-frequency fiber laser.
All-polarization-maintaining Nd-doped ultrafast fiber laser oscillator at 929 nm mode-locked via a 3x3 nonlinear amplifying loop mirror: erratum
Authors: Pielach Mateusz , Jamrozik Agnieszka , Krupa Katarzyna , Stepanenko Yuriy
Published: September 2024

This erratum corrects errors in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of the original publication [Opt. Express 32, 31672 (2024)10.1364/OE.530457] caused by incorrect values of the vertical axes in logarithmic scales. The corrections do not influence the conclusions of the original article.
Mode-division multiplexing for visible photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Shah Priyansh , Ben Mellouk Elias , Levine Jeremy , Mohanty Aseema
Published: September 2024

Visible wavelength photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are critical for
a wide range of applications including quantum photonics,
high-resolution imaging, optogenetics, and portable displays. These
applications require functions such as wavefront structuring and dense
optical routing on-chip to serve as compact optical interfaces for
qubits and cells. The transverse spatial modes of a waveguide can
provide the basis for these functions. However, the excitation of
these modes in visible PICs has been limited due to fabrication
challenges at shorter wavelengths. Here we demonstrate mode-division
multiplexing of three higher-order waveguide modes at visible
wavelengths (473 nm) with low crosstalk for the first time, to our
knowledge. We use adiabatic linearly tapered asymmetric directional
couplers that have high theoretical bandwidths of greater than 100 nm
and fabrication tolerance to width variations of greater than 45 nm
for future integration into large-scale visible PICs with operation
across the red, blue, and green spectrum.
Spectral multiplexing based on multi-distance lensless imaging
Authors: You Qijun , Meng Lingshuo , Gao Yun , Liao Qing , Cao Wei , Lu Peixiang
Published: September 2024

We have demonstrated the capability of spectral multiplexing in multi-distance diffractive imaging, enabling the reconstruction of samples with diverse spectral responses. While previous methods such as ptychography utilize redundancy in radial diffraction data to achieve information multiplexing, they typically require capturing a substantial amount of diffraction data. In contrast, our approach effectively harnesses the redundancy information in axial diffraction data. This significantly reduces the amount of diffraction data required and relaxes the stringent requirements on optical path stability.
Polarization-entangled photon-pair source using beam displacers and thin crystals
Authors: Hong Minjae , Gómez Rodrigo , Flavio Gili Valerio , Fuenzalida Jorge , Gräfe Markus
Published: September 2024

We present an experimental implementation of a polarization-entangled photon-pair source based on beam displacers. The down-converted photons are emitted via spontaneous parametric downconversion in a non-degenerate and type-0 process. We obtain a state fidelity of F = 0.975 ± 0.004 and violate a Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt (CHSH) inequality with . Our source also uses thin crystals for applications in quantum imaging, taking advantage of the large number of spatial modes. We estimate that our source could produce 550 ± 12 spatial modes.
Wavelength and spin-decoupled metasurface based on single-parameter modulation
Authors: Wu Xianfeng , Zheng Xinru , Xie Xin , Ji Ruonan , Song Kun , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: September 2024

Metasurfaces provide an unprecedented platform for precise and subwavelength-scale modulation of optical phases, leading to innovative advancements in wavefront shaping and holography devices. This study presents a single-layer umbrella-like metasurface capable of multichannel holography, encoded with both polarization and wavelength. By leveraging a unique chiral-assisted strategy, we achieve simultaneous decoupling of wavelength and spin states through single-parameter modulation. This approach circumvents the complex structure designs and multi-parameter adjustments typically required in previous methods. Numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of this metasurface, demonstrating wavelength- and spin-decoupled phase modulation at 1550 and 980 nm. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate a four-channel hologram operable in both transmission and reflection modes, showcasing the potential applications of this metasurface in compact functional integration, information encryption, and 3D displays. This work paves the way for the development of multifunctional optical devices with enhanced integration and performance.
Photonic and electrochemical biosensors for near-patient tests–a critical comparison
Authors: Krauss Thomas F. , Miller Lisa , Wälti Christoph , Johnson Steven
Published: September 2024

Research into diagnostic biosensors is a vibrant field that combines scientific challenge with translational opportunities; innovation in healthcare is of great societal interest and is an essential element of future healthcare provision. Photonic and electrochemical biosensors are the dominant modalities, both scientifically and commercially, yet the two scientific communities largely remain separated and siloed. It seems astute to better understand what the two fields can learn from one another so as to progress the key scientific, translational, and commercial challenges. Here, we provide an analysis of the fundamental operational characteristics of photonic and electrochemical biosensors using a classification based on energy transfer; in photonics, this separates refractive index sensors from fluorescence and vibrational spectroscopy, while in electrochemistry, it distinguishes Faradaic from non-Faradaic processes. This classification allows us to understand some of the key performance characteristics, such as the susceptibility to fouling and dependence on the clinical matrix that is being analyzed. We discuss the use of labels and the ultimate performance limits, and some of the unique advantages of photonics, such as multicolor operation and fingerprinting, and critically evaluate the requirements for translation of these technologies for clinical use. We trust that this critical review will inform future research in biosensors and support both scientific and commercial developments.