bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of nonlinear optical input/output of a quantum-dot network based on the echo state property
Authors: Tate Naoya , Miyata Yuki , Sakai Shun-ichi , Nakamura Akihiro , Shimomura Suguru , Nishimura Takahiro , Kozuka Jun , Ogura Yusuke , Tanida Jun
Published: April 2022

The echo state property, which is related to the dynamics of a neural network excited by input driving signals, is one of the well-known fundamental properties of recurrent neural networks. During the echo state, the neural network reveals an internal memory function that enables it to remember past inputs. Due to the echo state property, the neural network will asymptotically update its condition from the initial condition and is expected to exhibit temporally nonlinear input/output. As a physical neural network, we fabricated a quantum-dot network that is driven by sequential optical-pulse inputs and reveals corresponding outputs, by random dispersion of quantum-dots as its components. In the network, the localized optical energy of excited quantum-dots is allowed to transfer to neighboring quantum-dots, and its stagnation time due to multi-step transfers corresponds to the hold time of the echo state of the network. From the experimental results of photon counting of the fluorescence outputs, we observed nonlinear optical input/output of the quantum-dot network due to its echo state property. Its nonlinearity was quantitatively verified by a correlation analysis. As a result, the relation between the nonlinear input/outputs and the individual compositions of the quantum-dot network was clarified.
Optical vortex tracking algorithm based on the Laguerre-Gaussian transform
Authors: Szatkowski Mateusz , Burnecka Emilia , Dyła Hanna , Masajada Jan
Published: April 2022

Optical vortices are stable phase singularities, revealing a zero-point in the intensity distribution. The localization of this singular point is of significant importance for any application that relies on vortices and their behavior. However, there is still a need for an adaptable, fast, and precise method of singular point localization. Here we show, that the Laguerre-Gaussian transform method can meet those criteria. We compared the performance of this method with two other tracking methods (phase retrieval and weighted centroid) in various conditions. We found out that not only Laguerre-Gaussian transform offers high accuracy, but also does not lose its advantages in the low-contrast regime. The versatility of this algorithm is examined in the optical vortex aberrometry, where we sense two artificially introduced aberrations.
Multi-parameter sensor with high sensitivity based on a long-period fiber grating prepared by a polarization-maintaining fiber
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Geng Tao , Sun Weimin
Published: April 2022

We propose what we believe to be a novel long-period fiber grating (LPFG) based on a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) and single-mode fiber. Due to the principal axis of stress, the resonance peak is strongly dependent on the polarization state of the input light. Under different polarization states, the response of the resonance peak to the change of the external environment is different. A single resonance peak can measure several physical quantities without wavelength overlap using polarization multiplexing. The experimental results show that the PMF-LPFG realizes a high sensitivity torsion and bending measurement under different polarization states (−3.27 nm/rad*m and −13.38 nm/m) and can also measure the ambient temperature (84.10 pm/°C). The PMF-LPFG unit has the advantages of small size, high sensitivity, and multi-parameter measurement. The design scheme of the sensor provides a new idea for a multi-parameter sensor.
Coaxial laser absorption and optical emission spectroscopy of high-pressure aluminum monoxide
Authors: Daniel K. A. , Murzyn C. M. , Allen D. J. , Lynch K. P. , Downing C. R. , Wagner J. L.
Published: April 2022

This work advances laser absorption spectroscopy with measurements of aluminum monoxide (AlO) temperature and column density in extreme pressure (P > 60 bar) and temperature (T > 4000 K) environments. Measurements of the AlO A2Π
i
–X2Σ+ transition are made using a microelectromechanical system, tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (MEMS-VCSEL). Simultaneous emission measurements of the AlO B2Σ+–X2Σ+ transition are made along a line of sight that is coaxial with the laser absorption. Absorption temperature fits agree with emission spectra for a T = 3200 K, P = 9 bar case. In cases with T > 4000 K, P > 60 bar, absorption fits match the ambient temperature while emission fits over-estimate it, owing to high optical depths. These data juxtapose passive and active spectroscopic methods and demonstrate the versatility of AlO laser absorption in high-pressure and high-temperature environments where experimental data remain scarce, and engineering models will benefit from refined measurements.
All-optical nanoscopic spatial control of molecular reaction yields on nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Dagar Ritika , Rosenberger Philipp , Sousa-Castillo Ana , Neuhaus Marcel , Li Weiwei , Khan Sharjeel A. , Alnaser Ali S. , Cortes Emiliano , Maier Stefan A. , Costa-Vera Cesar , Kling Matthias F. , Bergues Boris
Published: April 2022

Molecular adsorbate reactions on nanoparticles play a fundamental role
in areas such as nano-photocatalysis, atmospheric, and astrochemistry.
They can be induced, enhanced, and controlled by field localization
and enhancement on the nanoparticle surface. In particular, the
ability to perform highly controlled near-field-mediated reactions is
key to deepening our understanding of surface photoactivity on
nanosystems. Here, using reaction nanoscopy, we experimentally
demonstrate all-optical nanoscopic control of surface reaction yields
by tailoring the near fields on nanoparticles with waveform-controlled
linear and bicircular two-color laser pulses, respectively. We observe
site-selective proton emission from the dissociative ionization of
adsorbate molecules on

Si

O

2

nanoparticles as a function of the
polarization and relative phase of the two-color pulses. The angularly
resolved close-to-uniform mapping between the surface reaction yields
and the measured ion momentum enables the observation and spatial
control of molecular reactions on the nanoparticle surface with
nanoscopic resolution. The experimental results are modeled and
reproduced qualitatively by classical trajectory Monte Carlo
simulations. Our work paves the way toward reliable all-optical
control of photocatalytic chemical reactions on nanoscale
surfaces.
Feasibility and acceptability of nationwide HPV vaccine introduction in Senegal: Findings from community-level cross-sectional surveys, 2020
Authors: Doshi Reena H. , Casey Rebecca M. , Adrien Nedghie , Ndiaye Alassane , Brennan Timothy , Roka Jerlie Loko , Bathily Awa , Ndiaye Cathy , Li Anyie , Garon Julie , Badiane Ousseynou , Diallo Aliou , Loharikar Anagha
Published: April 2022

In Senegal, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality from all cancers. In 2018, Senegal launched a national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), support. HPV vaccination was incorporated into the national immunization program as a two-dose schedule, with a 6-12-month interval, to nine-year-old girls via routine immunization (RI) services at health facilities, schools and community outreach services throughout the year. During February to March 2020, we conducted interviews to assess the awareness, feasibility, and acceptability of the HPV vaccination program with a cross-sectional convenience sample of healthcare workers (HCWs), school personnel, community healthcare workers (cHCWs), parents, and community leaders from 77 rural and urban health facility catchment areas. Participants were asked questions on HPV vaccine knowledge, delivery, training, and community acceptability of the program. We conducted a descriptive analysis stratified by respondent type. Data were collected from 465 individuals: 77 HCW, 78 school personnel, 78 cHCWs, 152 parents, and community leaders. The majority of HCWs (83.1%) and cHCWs (74.4%) and school personnel (57.7%) attended a training on HPV vaccine before program launch. Of all respondents, most (52.5–87.2%) were able to correctly identify the target population. The majority of respondents (60.2–77.5%) felt that the vaccine was very accepted or accepted in the community. Senegal’s HPV vaccine introduction program, among the first national programs in the African region, was accepted by community stakeholders. Training rates were high, and most respondents identified the target population correctly. However, continued technical support is needed for the integration of HPV vaccination as a RI activity for this non-traditional age group. The Senegal experience can be a useful resource for countries planning to introduce the HPV vaccine.
Amblyomma mixtum free-living stages: Inferences on dry and wet seasons use, preference, and niche width in an agroecosystem (Yopal, Casanare, Colombia)
Authors: Forero-Becerra Elkin , Acosta Alberto , Benavides Efraín , Martínez-Díaz Heidy-C. , Hidalgo Marylin
Published: April 2022

The formulation of effective control strategies for any pest species generally involves the study of habitat use and preference and niche width in anthropogenically transformed natural landscapes. We evaluated whether the use, habitat preference, and niche range of the Amblyomma mixtum tick changed between stages, habitats, and seasonality (dry-wet seasons 2019) on a farm in Yopal (Casanare, Colombia). The presence and relative abundance of free-living larvae, nymphs, and adults was quantified in four different habitats according to the type of vegetation cover (Riparian Forest, Cocoa Crop, King Grass Crop, and Star Grass Paddock). Habitat availability was estimated, environmental variables were analyzed, and various indices of habitat use and preference, and niche width were calculated. A. mixtum’s habitat use and preference, and niche width changed between stages, habitat types, and time of the year. The total abundance of A. mixtum was an order of magnitude greater in the dry season than the wet season. In the dry season, all stages used all habitats, while A. mixtum adults used all the habitats in both seasons. In the dry season, nymphs and larvae preferred three out of the four habitats, while adults preferred the King Grass Crop. In the wet season, nymphs and larvae preferred two habitats, whereas the adults preferred the King Grass Crop. The value of the niche width index was high for larvae, nymphs, and adults in the dry season, while it was high only for adults in the wet season. Thus, A. mixtum’s vast environmental tolerance and niche breadth allows the species to use and colonize changing habitats (unstable or temporary) with fluctuating environmental conditions (e.g., King Grass Crop), potentially keeping a stable population over time and making it an extremely resistant species. However, the wet flooding season in Yopal may exceed A. mixtum’s stages’ tolerances.
Survey evaluation of dog owners’ feeding practices and dog bowls’ hygiene assessment in domestic settings
Authors: Luisana Emily , Saker Korinn , Jaykus Lee-Ann , Getty Caitlyn
Published: April 2022

In-home pet food handling and food dish hygiene practices can have adverse health impacts for both humans and pets. Safe food and dish handling guidelines are not easily evidenced for pet owners. The study was designed to investigate dog owners’ feeding habits and evaluate the impact of the Food and Drug Association (FDA) hygiene protocols on dog food dish contamination. Procedures and surveys were approved by North Carolina State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Institutional Review Board. Pet feeding and food dish hygiene data were collected from 417 dog owner surveys and 68 food dish swabs. Total aerobic plate counts (APC) were performed on 68 dishes and randomly assigned into Group A (FDA pet food handling and dish hygiene guidelines), Group B (FDA pet and human food handling and dish hygiene guidelines), or Group C (no guidelines). Hygiene protocols were instituted in-home for 1 week, followed by a second APC and follow-up survey. Survey from dog owners-households indicated: 4.7% were aware of FDA pet food handling and dish hygiene guidelines; 36% have individuals ≤ 13 years old and/or immunocompromised; 43% stored dog food 0–5 feet from human food; 34% washed their hands after feeding; and 33% prepared their dog food on human food preparation surfaces. The hygiene protocols followed by Groups A and B resulted in significant decreases in food dish APC (p<0.001; 1.4; (0.9, 2.0); p<0.05; 0.604 (0.02, 1.2), respectively), as compared to Group C (p≥0.05). Hot water (>160° F or 71.1°C) washing decreased APC (p<0.01; 1.5 (0.4, 2.6)) over cold/lukewarm water. In the follow-up survey, 8% of Group A and B respondents reported likely to adhere to protocols long-term. This study suggests a need for pet food handling and dish hygiene guideline education to minimize bacterial contamination of dishes, especially for high-risk populations.
Is a single dose of commonly used antibiotics effective in preventing maternal infection after cesarean section? A network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Ye , Yin Xinbo , Wang Xiaokai , Zhou Fangyi , Cao Xiaoxia , Han Yeqiong , Sun Shichang
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different antibiotic classes and dosages in preventing maternal infection after cesarean delivery.

Methods

Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1980 and January 2021 on antibiotic use for the prevention of maternal infection after cesarean delivery. The outcomes were endometritis, febrile morbidity, and wound infection, reported as odds ratios (OR) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis scores.

Results

A total of 31 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. In the network meta-analysis (NMA) for endometritis, pooled network OR values indicated that the following interventions were superior to placebo: cephalosporins (OR: 0.18, 95% credibility interval [CrI]: 0.07–0.45), penicillins (OR: 0.19, 95% CrI: 0.07–0.50), penicillins (multiple doses) (OR: 0.20, 95% CrI: 0.05–0.65), combination therapies (OR: 0.22, 95% CrI: 0.09–0.54), and cephalosporins (multiple doses) (OR: 0.25, 95% CrI: 0.08–0.74). In the NMA for febrile morbidity, placebo was more effective than the other interventions. In the NMA for wound infection, pooled network OR values indicated that the following interventions were superior to placebo: penicillin (OR: 0.14, 95% CrI: 0.05–0.37), cephalosporins (OR: 0.19, 95% CrI: 0.08–0.41), cephalosporins (multiple doses) (OR: 0.20, 95% CrI: 0.06–0.58), combination therapies (OR: 0.29, 95% CrI: 0.13–0.57), macrolides (OR: 0.33, 95% CrI: 0.15–0.74), and penicillins (multiple doses) (OR: 0.40, 95% CrI: 0.17–0.91).

Conclusions

Compared with placebo, a single dose of commonly used antibiotics may prevent maternal infection after cesarean delivery. However, the incidence of febrile morbidity was not reduced.
The effect of the Ontario stay-at-home order on Covid-19 third wave infections including vaccination considerations: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Navazi Fatemeh , Yuan Yufei , Archer Norm
Published: April 2022

The Covid-19 global pandemic that began in March 2020 was not fully mitigated through governmental Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) and continued to infect people and take lives through 2021. Since many countries were affected by the second, third, and fourth waves of Covid-19, governments extended and strengthened NPIs, but these actions led to citizen protests and fatigue. In this study, we investigate the effect of a lockdown policy on Covid-19 third wave implemented by the province of Ontario, Canada, on April 3rd 2021, followed by a stay-at-home order on April 7th 2021 while free Covid-19 testing and vaccination were in progress. Herein, the effect of both NPIs and vaccination are considered simultaneously. We used the prevalence of Covid-19 cases, tests, and administered vaccines data reported publicly by the Government of Ontario on their website. Because mobility changes can reflect the behaviors and adherence of residents with a stay-at-home order, Covid-19 community mobility data for Ontario provided by Google was also considered. A statistical method called interrupted time series was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that, although vaccinations helped to control the Covid-19 infection rate during this time, the stay-at-home order caused a rate reduction by decreasing the trend of the Covid-19 prevalence by 13 (±0.8962) persons per million daily and the level by 33 (±7.6854) persons per million. Furthermore, the stay-at-home order resulted in approximately a 37% reduction in Covid-19 prevalence one week after the intervention’s effective date. Therefore, Ontario’s strict lockdown policy, including several NPIs, mitigated the Covid-19 surge during the third wave. The results show that even when vaccination is in progress, strict NPIs such as lockdown is required to control Covid-19 waves, and early re-openings should be avoided. These results may also be useful for other countries that have implemented delayed vaccination schedules.
A potent HNF4α agonist reveals that HNF4α controls genes important in inflammatory bowel disease and Paneth cells
Authors: Lee Seung-Hee , Veeriah Vimal , Levine Fred
Published: April 2022

HNF4α has been implicated in IBD through a number of genome-wide association studies. Recently, we developed potent HNF4α agonists, including N-trans caffeoyltyramine (NCT). NCT was identified by structural similarity to previously the previously identified but weak HNF4α agonists alverine and benfluorex. Here, we administered NCT to mice fed a high fat diet, with the goal of studying the role of HNF4α in obesity-related diseases. Intestines from NCT-treated mice were examined by RNA-seq to determine the role of HNF4α in that organ. Surprisingly, the major classes of genes altered by HNF4α were involved in IBD and Paneth cell biology. Multiple genes downregulated in IBD were induced by NCT. Paneth cells identified by lysozyme expression were reduced in high fat fed mice. NCT reversed the effect of high fat diet on Paneth cells, with multiple markers being induced, including a number of defensins, which are critical for Paneth cell function and intestinal barrier integrity. NCT upregulated genes that play important role in IBD and that are downregulated in that disease. It reversed the loss of Paneth cell markers that occurred in high fat diet fed mice. These data suggest that HNF4α could be a therapeutic target for IBD and that the agonists that we have identified could be candidate therapeutics.
Comparison between intrathecal morphine and intravenous patient control analgesia for pain control after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Vijitpavan Amorn , Kittikunakorn Nussara , Komonhirun Rojnarin
Published: April 2022

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure, but patients may still experience intense pain, especially during the early postoperative period. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) is an effective pain control method that involves a simple maneuver and has a low risk of complications. This study aimed to study the effectiveness of ITM for pain control in patients who undergo VATS.

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted who were in ASA classes 1–3, aged over 18 years, and scheduled for elective VATS. Patients were randomized into two groups: the ITM group (n = 19) received a single shot of 0.2 mg ITM before general anesthesia; and the control group (n = 19) received general anesthesia only. For 48 hours after surgery, other than intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) morphine, patients received no sedatives or opioid medications except for 500 mg acetaminophen four times daily orally. Postoperative pain scores and IVPCA morphine used, side effects, sedation at specific time-points, i.e., 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48-hours and overall treatment satisfaction scores were assessed.

Results

Postoperative pain scores (median [IQR]) in ITM group were significantly lower than control group (repeated-measure ANOVA,p= 0.006) and differed at the first (7 [2, 7] vs 8 [6, 9],p= 0.007) and sixth hours (3 [2, 5] vs 5 [5, 7],p= 0.002). The cumulative dose of post-operative morphine (median [IQR]) in ITM group was also lower (6 [3, 20] vs 19 [14, 28],p= 0.006). The incidence of pruritus was significantly higher in ITM group (68.42% vs. 26.32%,p= 0.009). No significant differences in nausea and vomiting, sedation scores, and satisfaction scores were observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

ITM could reduce pain scores and opioid consumption after VATS compared to IVPCA-opioids. However, pain scores and opioid consumption still remained high. No difference in patient satisfaction was detected.
Incidence, mortality, and factors associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage following in-hospital births in northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Bewket , Fooladi Ensieh , McLelland Gayle , Plummer Virginia
Published: April 2022

Background

Of the 1010 reported maternal deaths in 2018, just over 65% occurred in hospitals in Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of standardised data about the contributing factors. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, mortality, and factors associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage following in-hospital births in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort design was used; an audit of 1060 maternity care logbooks of adult women post-partum at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital and University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The data were abstracted between December 2018 and May 2019 using a systematic random sampling technique. We used the Facility Based Maternal Death Abstraction Form containing sociodemographic characteristics, women’s medical history, and partographs. Primary postpartum haemorrhage was defined as the estimated blood loss recorded by the staff greater or equal to 500 ml for vaginal births and 1000 ml for caesarean section births, or the medical doctor diagnosis and recording of the woman as having primary postpartum haemorrhage. The data analysis was undertaken using Stata version 15. Variables with P ≤ 0.10 for significance were selected to run multivariable logistic analyses. Variables that had associations with primary postpartum haemorrhage were identified based on the odds ratio, with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value less than 0.05.

Results

The incidence of primary postpartum haemorrhage in the hospitals was 8.8% (95% CI: 7.2, 10.6). Of these, there were 7.4% (95% CI: 2.1, 13.3) maternal deaths. Eight predictor variables were found to be independently associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage, including age ≥35 years (AOR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.46; P = 0.03), longer than 24 hours duration of labour (AOR: 7.18; 95% CI: 2.73, 18.90; P = 0.01), vaginal or cervical lacerations (AOR: 4.95; 95% CI: 2.49, 9.86; P = 0.01), instrumental (forceps or vacuum)-assisted birth (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.25, 6.81; P = 0.01), retained placenta (AOR: 21.83; 95% CI: 6.33, 75.20; P = 0.01), antepartum haemorrhage in recent pregnancy (AOR: 6.90; 95% CI: 3.43, 13. 84; p = 0.01), women in labour referred from primary health centres (AOR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.39, 4.42; P = 0.02), and births managed by medical interns (AOR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.55, 5.37; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

We found that while the incidence of primary postpartum haemorrhage appeared to be lower than in other studies in Africa the associated maternal mortality was higher. Although most factors associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage were consistent with those identified in the literature, two additional specific factors, were found to be prevalent among women in Ethiopia; the factors were referred women in labour from primary health facilities and births managed by medical interns. Maternal healthcare providers in these hospitals require training on the management of a birthing emergency.
Early-Modern Fashion Knowledge and the Western Politics of Science
Authors: Gaugele Elke
Published: April 2022

Referring to a Foucauldian archaeology of knowledge, Elke Gaugele’s historical in-depth analysis revisions the production of Early Modern Fashion Knowledge in the late Enlightenment era. Through gradual exemplary inspections of the image of the General Vestimental Map of the World’s Inhabiters (1787/1796) and its related theories on vestimental kinship, she carves out the deeper colonial axes and axioms of the historical depth structures of the politics of Imperial Western fashion knowledge, which partly are still active today. Furthermore, she reveals an interesting ‘wish image’ of the epoch, that in its anti-racist intention might be relevant up to this day.
Fashion Ontology: Researching the Possibilities for Knowing through an Expanded Fashion Practice
Authors: Torres Lara
Published: April 2022

The aim of this chapter is to voice the concerns of fashion practitioners and researchers in the early twenty-first century, testing the boundaries of the discipline. Interdisciplinary and wide ranging, this ‘paper-as-installation’ addresses a gap in practice-based research, bridging practice and theory. The research methodology developed within the practice extends the potential of film, communicating between practice and theory, in order to explore the possibilities for knowing through expanded fashion practice, in a context of heightened concerns about climate change and environmental issues induced by mass-production, fast-fashion, and global fashion distribution and consumption. This challenges the understanding of fashion, not merely as accomplished garments, but also as the production of new philosophical and theoretical conditions in which the discipline can further adjust, evolve, question in socially and environmentally responsible ways, and deconstruct underlying assumptions to expose the limitations of current market-driven fashion design processes.
Evaluation Of Changes And Instability Of Water Content Using Remote Sensing Methods In A Nature Conservation Area
Authors: Kovács Ferenc
Published: April 2022

The most significant landscape forming factors in the Great Hungarian Plain are humans and water. Before the regulation of the waterways one quarter of the present-day territory of Hungary belonged to the complex network of periodically or permanently inundated flood plains, marshes and swamps. Owing to human activities and the climatic changes observed in the last decades, processes that indicate landscape change have occurred in the Great Hungarian Plain (Rakonczai J. 2007). Loss of wetlands is a major process of landscape change. Evaluation of geographical changes caused primarily by water shortage is a difficult task as on the one hand only a limited data set is available and, on the other hand all the processes taking place in the area have to be known and understood in order to recognize the exact change. Habitats are extremely changeable and after the early summer floods, sometimes they entirely dry up to the end of the season. For detection and accurate evaluation of the long term changes lasting from the 19th century to present days the spatial and temporal development of instability has to be revealed. This has been determined on the basis of a series of high time resolution satellite images by digital image processing methods for the geographically very interesting period 1999-2003.
Small Format Aerial Photography
Authors: Tobak Zalán , Szatmári József , Van Leeuwen Boudewijn
Published: April 2022

Since February 2008, an advanced system has been developed to acquire digital images in the visible to near infrared wavelengths. Using this system, it is possible to acquire data for a large variety of applications. The core of the system consists of a Duncantech MS3100 CIR (Color-InfraRed) multi-spectral camera. The main advantages of the system are its affordability and flexibility; within an hour the system can be deployed against very competitive costs. In several steps, using ArcGIS, Python and Avenue scripts, the raw data is semi-automatically processed into geo-referenced mosaics. This paper presents the parts of the system, the image processing workflow and several potential applications of the images.
Assessing temperature signal in X-RAY densitometric data of norway spruce and the earliest instrumental record from the Carpathi
Authors: Kern Zoltán , Popa Ionel
Published: April 2022

Radiodensity data derived from Norway spruce were studied from a southern Carpathian site. Maximum density record showed significant positive relationship (r=0.59) with the growing season (April-September) air temperature and minimum density (MND) record showed clear and significant negative response (r=-0.41) to June-July mean air temperature. This significant MND response to climate is a novel result as traditionally this densitometric parameter was regarded not to carry any meaningful climatic signal. Derived temperature sensitive proxy records were compared to instrumental data of Sibiu (Nagyszeben/Hermannstadt) the oldest available regional station. Results of the running window correlation analysis pointed out notable inhomogeneities in the instrumental data before 1906. The Sibiu temperature series should be subjected to scrutiny revision to clean it from inhomogeneities.
Global warming induced changes in the means and extremities of temperature and precipitation in Hungary
Authors: Mike János , Lakatos Mónika
Published: April 2022

Regional climate changes are still one of the most difficult problems of the climate change issue. Results by three scientific approaches, the raw General Circulation Models (GCM), the mesoscale models, compiled from the PRUDENCE project, and an empirical method, called Natural experiment are compared. The latter approach provides estimations of the future changes based on regression coefficients between the local and global variables in the monotonously warming 1976-2007 period. The global model results comprise results of 9 AOGCMs, whereas in the PRUDENCE set of 5 model outputs are analysed. The listed results start with changes in the seasonal temperature and precipitation averages. Here the signs and the magnitudes are similar according to all approaches: Faster than global mean temperature increases in all seasons, with strongly decreasing precipitation in summer and autumn but increased amounts in winter and spring. There is also a fair agreement of the three approaches in the temperature extremes of the warm half-year in Hungary, with much less unequivocal picture in the frequency of frozen days in the cold half of the year. For precipitation, again, the summer maxima of diurnal totals behave similarly according to the three approaches in all regions of the country. Namely, they exhibit unequivocal increase, whereas no clear picture is seen for frequency of wet/dry days.
Computer-Aided Drug Design Boon in Drug Discovery
Authors: Sharma Anu , Jangid Lalubhai , Shaikh Nusrat , Bhangale Jitendra
Published: April 2022

An innovative sequential step of detecting new medicines or drugs dependent on the information of a target is called drug design. The drug is a small molecule that alters the capacity of a bimolecular, example, protein, receptor or catalyst that leads to restorative incentive for patients. Designing of drug by computational method helped steady use of computational science to find, improve and study drugs as well as biologically related active molecules. The displaying examines like the structure-based plan; ligand-based drugs structure; database looking and restricting partiality dependent on the information of a biological target. In this article, we present the zones where CADD (computer aided drug design) devices uphold the medication disclosure measure.
Prediction of in silico ADMET Properties and Molecular Docking Study of Substituted
Thiadiazole for Screening of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities against Protein Targets
Helicobacter pylori α-Carbonic Anhydrase and Trypanosoma brucei Pteridine Reductase
Authors: Deshmukh Nitin , Soni Love Kumar
Published: April 2022

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physico-chemical, pharmacokinetic parameters (absorption,
distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and pharmacodynamic parameters (bioactivity and
adverse reactions) of substituted thiadiazole by means of in silico computational prediction. Online
softwares such as Pre-ADMET, Molinspiration and rule of five were used for the analysis. Substituted
thiadiazole fits the characteristics of drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties appropriate to the
predicted patterns and activities within the scope for the treatment of infection in the stomach or
duodenum (first part of the small intestine), gastritis and trypanosomiasis. Therefore, in silico results
allow us to conclude that substituted thiadiazole is predicted to be a potential future drug candidate,
due to its relevant Drug-likeness profile, bioavailability, excellent liposolubility and adequate
pharmacokinetics, including at the level of CNS, penetrating the blood-brain barrier. Molecular docking
studies have also been performed to screen the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the 50 designed
compounds against protein targets Helicobacter pylori α-carbonic anhydrase (PDB: 5TUO) and
Trypanosoma brucei Pteridine Reductase (PTR1) (PDB: 4WCD) respectively. Among all the
compounds C11 exhibited the most significant affinity score against Helicobacter pylori α-carbonic
anhydrase and C37 exhibited the most significant affinity score against Trypanosoma brucei pteridine
reductase (PTR1) best significant hydrogen bonds interaction at the active site of protein.
PM3 Method based QSAR Study of the Derivatives of Thiadiazole and Quinoxaline for Antiepileptic Activity using Topological Descriptors
Authors: Mishra Durgesh Kumar , Singh Ashutosh , Mishra Sunil , Singh Priti , Singh Abhishek
Published: April 2022

QSAR study of the derivatives of thiadiazole and quinoxaline has been performed for the antiepileptic activity using the topological descriptors viz., molar refractivity, shape index (basic kappa, order 1), shape index (basic kappa, order 2), shape index (basic kappa, order 3), valence connectivity index (order 0, standard), valence connectivity index (order 1, standard) and valence connectivity index (order 2, standard). In the best QSAR model, the descriptors are molar refractivity, shape index (basic kappa, order 1), shape index (basic kappa, order 3) and valence connectivity index (order 0, standard). In this QSAR model, the regression coefficient is 0.872435 and cross-validation coefficient is 0.832189, which indicate that this QSAR model can be used to predict the antiepileptic activity of any compound belonging to this series. QSAR model developed using single descriptor shape index (basic kappa, order 1) or shape index (basic kappa, order 3) or valence connectivity index (order 2, standard) also has good predictive power.
MIGRAÇÕES ENTRE AS NOVAS EXPULSÕES E O CONFINAMENTO DO CAPITALISMO EM RUÍNAS
Authors: Gonçalves Leite Ana Carolina , Manzione Giavarotti Daniel , Lemme Ribeiro Clara
Published: April 2022

O artigo analisa o sentido dos processos multiescalares da migração contemporânea crescentemente conformada entre as expulsões e o confinamento, à luz da crítica da mobilidade do trabalho e de seu nexo com a territorialização do capital. Para tanto, discute perspectivas teóricas dentre as quais a da migração transnacional, das expulsões, do land grabbing e do regime de acumulação por despossessão, apontando seus limites para lidar com as referidas dinâmicas migratórias. Oferece, por fim, uma leitura crítica da formação e dos desdobramentos de tais dinâmicas como momentos de uma crise fundamental da reprodução capitalista em processo, que move com ela uma crise do trabalho e da regulação política, expulsando e confinando em simultâneo uma população tornada crescentemente supérflua do ponto de vista da reprodução do capital e sua ficcionalização.
QUATRO DÉCADAS DE EXPANSÃO URBANA EM SÃO JOSÉ DO RIO PRETO/SP: UMA ANÁLISE EM DUAS VIAS
Authors: Mateus Lima Luiz Henrique
Published: April 2022

Localizada na região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, São José do Rio Preto vem passando por uma rápida expansão urbana que seguiu duas vias distintas: a expansão pela produção ilegal de moradias, entre as décadas de 1980 e 1990; e a expansão pela produção legal, entre as décadas de 2000 e 2010. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar essas duas vias que não só tornam a mancha urbana mais dispersa, mas que também trazem como resultado um agravamento da segregação na cidade. Para isso, realizamos trabalhos de campo e pesquisas para a coleta de dados sobre o histórico dos processos, assim como realizamos uma entrevista com a Secretária da Habitação da cidade, onde nos informamos melhor sobre a situação atual.
ASPECTOS SOCIOESPACIAIS DA MORTALIDADE POR COVID-19 EM CIDADES DE GRANDE PORTE: O CASO DE BELÉM (PA)
Authors: Lobo Marco Aurélio Arbage , Tourinho Helena Lúcia Zagury , Gusmão Luiz Henrique Almeida
Published: April 2022

A eclosão da COVID-19 colocou um enorme desafio à compreensão dos fatores relacionados à sua prevalência e mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar determinantes sociais de saúde que podem ter influência relevante na distribuição espacial dos óbitos causados pela primeira onda da pandemia em cidades brasileiras de grande porte, por meio do estudo de caso da cidade de Belém (PA). Com base em dados oficiais de prevalência e de óbitos por bairros, realizou-se inicialmente uma análise estatística da distribuição de duas variáveis relacionadas aos óbitos e de possíveis fatores socioeconômicos que influenciam na ocorrência dessas mortes. Na sequência, usando um sistema de informações geográficas, foi feita uma análise espacial das mesmas variáveis transformadas com alisamento bayesiano local. Devido às limitações dos dados, o estudo concluiu com a formulação de hipóteses: a pandemia causou maior percentual de óbitos nos bairros de alta renda, considerando sua população total; porém, ocasionou maior percentual de mortos nos bairros de baixa renda em relação às pessoas infectadas; a propagação da pandemia começou nos bairros de altas e médias rendas e, depois, seguiu para os demais; e as medidas governamentais de distanciamento social reduziram a propagação em bairros mais distantes da maior ocupação urbana.
Study of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Present in Deep Soil of the Malwa Region of Punjab State of India Using Low Level Background Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Authors: Srivastava Alok , Chahar Vikash , Chauhan Neeraj , Krupp Dominik , Scherer Ulrich W.
Published: April 2022

Background: Epidemiological observations such as mental retardation, physical deformities, etc., in children besides different types of cancer in the adult population of the Malwa region have been reported. The present study is designed to get insight into the role of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in causing detrimental health effects observed in the general population of this region.Materials and Methods: Deep soil samples were collected from different locations in the Malwa region. Their activity concentrations were determined using low-level background gammaray spectrometry. High efficiency and high purity germanium detector capped in a lead-shielded chamber having a resolution of 1.8 keV at 1,173 keV and 2.0 keV at the 1,332 keV line of 60Co was used in the present work. Data were evaluated with Genie-2000 software.Results and Discussion: Mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in deep soil were found to be 101.3 Bq/kg, 65.8 Bq/kg, and 688.6 Bq/kg, respectively. The mean activity concentration of 238U was found to be three and half times higher than the global average prescribed by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). It was further observed that the activity concentration of 232Th and 40K has a magnitude that is nearly one and half times higher than the global average prescribed by UNSCEAR. In addition, the radioisotope 137Cs which is likely to have its origin in radiation fallout was also observed. It is postulated that the NORM present in high quantity in deep soil somehow get mobilized into the water aquifers used by the general population and thereby causing harmful health problems.Conclusion: It can be stated that the present work has been able to demonstrate the use of low background gamma-ray spectrometry to understand the role of NORM in causing health-related effects in a general population of the Malwa region of Punjab, India.
Experimental Evaluation of Scattered X-Ray Spectra due to X-Ray Therapeutic and Diagnosis Equipment for Eye Lens Dosimetry of Medical Staff
Authors: Kowatari Munehiko , Nagamoto Keisuke , Nakagami Koich , Tanimura Yoshihiko , Moritake Takashi , Kunugita Naoki
Published: April 2022

Background: For proper monitoring of the eye lens dose, an appropriate calibration factor of a dosimeter and information about the mean energies of X-rays are indispensable. The scattered X-ray energy spectra should be well characterized in medical practices where eye lenses of medical staffs might be high.Materials and Methods: Scattered X-ray energy spectra were experimentally derived for three different types of X-ray diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, i.e., the computed tomography (CT) scan, the angiography and the fluoroscopy. A commercially available CdZnTe (CZT) spectrometer with a lead collimator was employed for the measurement of scattered X-rays, which was performed in the usual manner.Results and Discussion: From the obtained energy spectra, the mean energies of the scattered X-rays lied between 40 and 60 keV. This also agreed with that obtained by the conventional half value layer method.Conclusion: The scattered X-rays to which medical workers may be exposed in the region around the eyes were characterized by means of spectrometry. The obtained mean energies of the scattered X-rays were found to match the flat region of the dosimeter response.
Effect of Locally Made Riser Type and Operating Pressures of the Fixed Sprinkler Irrigation System on Some Soil Characteristics and Maize Yields
Authors: Abbas Khaldoun I. , Jasim Abdulrazzak A.
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted during growing season of 2021, to evaluate the effect of the types of locally made riser and the operating pressures of the fixed sprinkler irrigation system on some soil characteristics and the production of maize crop at Al-Raed Research Station located in the Akkarouf area on the Abu Ghraib-Shoala Road, one km north of the highway (Baghdad - Anbar). The soil texture was silty clay loam. Two factors were used in the experiment, namely the type of risers, which included three levels: a normal riser, automatic inner tube, and automatic external tube, and the operating pressures have three levels included: 1, 1.5 and 2 bar. The following characters were studied, which are the amount of water used during the season, moisture uniformity coefficient, soil penetration resistance, and maize yield. Nested design under randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with three replications, and the least significant difference under probability (0.05) was used to compare the averages of the treatments. The results indicates that the automatic inner and external tube outperformed the normal riser in the amount of water used during the season, which amounted to 90 m3, and also the automatic external tube outperformed in obtaining the highest moisture uniformity coefficient of 82.8% and the lowest soil penetration resistance stood 2.63 kg. cm-2, and the highest grain yield stood 6.38 tons. ha-1. As well as, the superiority of the operational pressure of 1 bar in the amount of water used during the season stood 81 m3. Season-1, and the superiority of the operational pressure of 2 bar with the highest value of the moisture uniformity coefficient amounted of 82.15%, and the lowest soil penetration resistance stood 2.67 kg. cm-2 and the highest crop yield stood 6.46 tons. ha-1. The two-way interaction between the self-propelled reed with inner tube and the operating pressure of 1 bar exceeded the minimum amount of water used during the season, which amounted to 79 m3. The two-way interaction between the automatic inner tube with the operating pressure of 1 bar outperformed with minimum amount of water used during the season, which was 79 m3 season-1. While the two-way interaction between automatic external tube and the operating pressure of 2 bars exceeded the highest value of the moisture uniformity coefficient stood 85.35%, and the lowest value of soil penetration resistance stood 2.54 kg.cm-2, and the highest crop yield stood 6.89 tons. ha-1. The results also indicate the success of using the locally designed and made "self-rising" riser according to the plant's height and used in the fixed sprinkler irrigation system to irrigate the maize crop.
Editorial
Authors: Editors
Published: April 2022

Editorial
Kotous, J. – Pehr, M. (eds.). Sborník z konference JUDr. Jan Jiří Rückl, Život a doba
Authors: Malý Karel
Published: April 2022

Book review: Kotous, J. – Pehr, M. (eds.). Sborník z konference JUDr. Jan Jiří Rückl. Život a doba. Praha: Památková komora ČR, 2021, 303 p.
Pluralismus der Rechtsordnungen als Folge der lutherischen Reformation?
Authors: Lück Heiner
Published: April 2022

This article addresses the question of whether and how the Lutheran Reformation led to a (further) pluralisation of legal systems. Since the beginning of the early modern period, primarily in the course of the 16th century, a wave of legal records and legal codifications can be observed throughout Europe. The connection with the reception of Roman and Canon law is obvious. On a completely different level, an epochal church schism took place from the early 16th century onwards, triggered by Martin Luther’s (1483–1546) fundamental criticism of the Roman Church. The term “pluralism of legal systems” is used here in the sense of diversity as well as the accepted coexistence and togetherness of cultural phenomena in the field of law. The article is divided into three sections: In the first section, an overview of legislation, primarily in the Holy Roman Empire, from about 1517 to the end of the 16th century will be given. Among the many examples will be the famous Czech city law codification of Pavel Koldin, which was newly edited and annotated a few years ago. A second section will deal with those legal norms that are related to the Lutheran Reformation and can be seen as consequences of the Reformation. In a third section, some substantive innovations that have had an impact up to the current legal system will be presented. The conclusion will be a short summary and some further observations.
Rozvoj tělovýchovy a sportu v Předlitavsku v právním rámci spolkových zákonů
Authors: Waic Marek
Published: April 2022

The study deals with the establishment of the gym associations and sports clubs in the context of the development of associations law. In particular, it focuses on creation of gym associations after the fall of the so-called Bach absolutism. The setting up of these associations was based on imperial decree from 1852. The next upswing of founding of gym organizations and sports clubs in the Cisleithania occurred after the adoption of the December Constitution and was based on the Act on Association Law.
BibToGo – Der Digitale Bibliotheksausweis des Goethe-Instituts
Authors: Sandfuchs Nico
Published: April 2022

Warum eigentlich nicht auch die Bibliotheksmitgliedschaft digitalisieren? Der digitale Bibliotheksausweis des Goethe-Instituts macht Plastikkarten überflüssig und bündelt gleichzeitig das digitale Gesamtangebot der Bibliotheken in einer einzigen Anwendung. Konzipiert als mobile Applikation für Android und iOS, ist der digitale Bibliotheksausweis schon an mehr als 50 Bibliotheken des weltweiten Netzwerkes des Goethe-Instituts im Einsatz.