bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humanitarian aid NGOs’ accountability towards large donors: the case of the European Union’s DG ECHO
Authors: van Voorst Stijn , Resodihardjo Sandra L. , Schneiker Andrea
Published: October 2022

Directorate-general ECHO of the European Commission is one of the largest humanitarian aid donors globally. Projects which it funds are often implemented by its NGO partners. This article studies how ECHO’s system for assessing such projects’ final results works and to what extent it provides useful information to the donor. Theoretically, it seems likely that evaluative data produced in this context is of little value, given the financial interests of the NGOs which submit the information, methodological issues related to collecting it, and the donor’s limited capacity to process it. However, based on in-depth interviews and document analysis, we conclude that ECHO usually has sufficient human resources to analyse reports which NGOs submit to it. These documents are also informative about projects’ direct effects, but they seem less capable of assessing long-term impacts. Furthermore, such reports seem less important to ECHO than the field visits which it conducts. These findings imply that consistent monitoring of humanitarian aid projects on the ground helps to mitigate the main weakness of a system of self-evaluation by NGOs.
A novel chromatin regulator-related immune checkpoint related gene prognostic signature and potential candidate drugs for endometrial cancer patients
Authors: Liu Zesi , Yang Hongxia , Chen Ziyu , Jing Chunli
Published: October 2022

Background

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries and its prevalence is increasing. As an emerging therapy with a promising efficacy, immunotherapy has been extensively applied in the treatment of solid tumors. In addition, chromatin regulators (CRs), as essential upstream regulators of epigenetics, play a significant role in tumorigenesis and cancer development.

Methods

CRs and immune checkpoint-related genes (ICRGs) were obtained from the previous top research. The Genome Cancer Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to acquire the mRNA expression and clinical information of patients with EC. Correlation analysis was utilized for screen CRs-related ICRGs (CRRICRGs). By Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, prognosis related CRRICRGs were screened out and risk model was constructed. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to estimate the prognosis between high- and low-risk group. By comparing the IC50 value, the drugs sensitivity difference was explored. We obtained small molecule drugs for the treatment of UCEC patients based on CAMP dataset.

Results

We successfully constructed a 9 CRRICRs-based prognostic signature for patients with UCEC and found the riskscore was an independent prognostic factor. The results of functional analysis suggested that CRRICRGs may be involved in immune processes associated with cancer. Immune characteristics analysis provided further evidence that the CRRICRGs-based model was correlated with immune cells infiltration and immune checkpoint. Eight small molecule drugs that may be effective for the treatment of UCEC patients were screened. Effective drugs identified by drug sensitivity profiling in high- and low-risk groups.

Conclusion

In summary, our study provided novel insights into the function of CRRICRGs in UCEC. We also developed a reliable prognostic panel for the survival of patients with UCEC.
Predictors and clinical outcomes of post-coronary artery bypass grafting cerebrovascular strokes
Authors: Laimoud Mohamed , Maghirang Mary , Alanazi Mosleh , Al-Mutlaq Shatha M. , Althibait Suha A. , Alanazi Boshra , Alomran Munirah , Al Halees Zohair
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite the improved medical and surgical managements, still there is a significant risk of developing acute cerebrovascular strokes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our objectives were to study the immediate and long-term outcomes after CABG and to identify the possible predictors of post-CABG strokes.

Results

Between January 2016 and August 2020, 410 adult patients, mostly males (82.2%), were retrospectively enrolled after CABG. Acute postoperative strokes occurred in 31 (7.5%) patients; of them, 30 (96.8%) patients had ischemic stroke, while 1 (3.2%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy was done in two cases. The patients who developed acute cerebral stroke had significantly higher admission (p = 0.02) and follow-up (p < 0.001) SOFA scores, higher arterial blood lactate level (p < 0.001), longer hospitalization (p < 0.001) and more hospital mortality (p < 0.001) compared with the patients who did not develop stroke. Kaplan–Meier curves for 5-year mortality showed increased risk in those patients with postoperative stroke (HR: 23.03; 95% CI: 6.10–86.92, p < 0.001). After multivariate regression, the predictors of early postoperative stroke were carotid artery stenosis (CAS), postoperative atrial fibrillation, cardiopulmonary bypass time, prior cerebral stroke, admission SOFA score and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The predictors of late cerebrovascular stroke were CAS, combined CABG and valve surgery, CKD, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke and HbA1c.

Conclusions

The development of post-CABG acute cerebrovascular stroke is associated with longer hospitalization, multiple morbidities and increased mortality. Careful assessment and management of risk factors especially atrial fibrillation and carotid artery stenosis should be implemented to decrease this substantial complication after CABG.
A practical guideline for performing a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram in the congenital heart disease patient: consensus recommendations from the British Society of Echocardiography
Authors: Corbett Liam , Forster Jan , Gamlin Wendy , Duarte Nuno , Burgess Owen , Harkness Allan , Li Wei , Simpson John , Bedair Radwa
Published: October 2022

Transthoracic echocardiography is an essential tool in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of paediatric and adult populations with suspected or confirmed congenital heart disease. Congenital echocardiography is highly operator-dependent, requiring advanced technical acquisition and interpretative skill levels. This document is designed to complement previous congenital echocardiography literature by providing detailed practical echocardiography imaging guidance on sequential segmental analysis, and is intended for implementation predominantly, but not exclusively, within adult congenital heart disease settings. It encompasses the recommended dataset to be performed and is structured in the preferred order for a complete anatomical and functional sequential segmental congenital echocardiogram. It is recommended that this level of study be performed at least once on all patients being assessed by a specialist congenital cardiology service. This document will be supplemented by a series of practical pathology specific congenital echocardiography guidelines. Collectively, these will provide structure and standardisation to image acquisition and reporting, to ensure that all important information is collected and interpreted appropriately.
Stem cell-based models of early mammalian development
Authors: Terhune Aidan H. , Bok Jeyoon , Sun Shiyu , Fu Jianping
Published: October 2022

The complex process by which a single-celled zygote develops into a viable embryo is nothing short of a miraculous wonder of the natural world. Elucidating how this process is orchestrated in humans has long eluded the grasp of scientists due to ethical and practical limitations. Thankfully, pluripotent stem cells that resemble early developmental cell types possess the ability to mimic specific embryonic events. As such, murine and human stem cells have been leveraged by scientists to create in vitro models that aim to recapitulate different stages of early mammalian development. Here, we examine the wide variety of stem cell-based embryo models that have been developed to recapitulate and study embryonic events, from pre-implantation development through to early organogenesis. We discuss the applications of these models, key considerations regarding their importance within the field, and how such models are expected to grow and evolve to achieve exciting new milestones in the future.
Microscopic analysis of structural evolution in the Pt-Hg region
Authors: Prassa Vaia , Karakatsanis Konstantinos
Published: October 2022

The phenomena of shape-phase transitions and shape coexistence in neutron deficient even-even Pt and Hg isotopes are investigated, using a five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian (5DCH) based on covariant density-functional theory. The triaxial deformation energy surfaces in Pt isotopes display a transition from prolate (188Pt) to triaxial or oblate (190-198Pt), and to near spherical (198Pt) shapes. The calculations suggest coexisting configurations in 190Hg, γ-soft potential energy surfaces in 192-198Hg and a more spherical structure in 200Hg. The corresponding 5DCH model calculations confirm the structural evolution in this region and suggest more increased collectivity than what can be deduced from the data.
Density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy and neutron skin thickness in the KIDS framework
Authors: Papakonstantinou Panagiota
Published: October 2022

The KIDS framework for the nuclear equation of state (EoS) and energy density functional (EDF) offers the possibility to explore systematically the effect of EoS parameters on predictions for a variety of observables. The EoS parameters can be varied independently of each other and independently of assumptions regarding the in-medium nucleon effective mass. Here I present a pilot study of the neutron skin thickness (NST) in nuclei of current interest. The results indicate that variations of the symmetry energy slope parameter L by roughly 10 MeV and variations of the droplet-model counterpart of the curvature parameter Kτ by roughly 20 MeV affect predictions by comparable amounts. However, structural details may also have sizable effects on predictions, notably in the cases of 68Ni and 208Pb. This work is part of a systematic investigation of the NST within the KIDS framework and of a broader effort to constrain the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy.
Development of a computer code for the calculation of self-absorption correction factors in γ-spectrometry applications
Authors: Alafogiannis Ioannis , Tugnoli Francesca , Mitsios Iason , Anagnostakis Marios
Published: October 2022

In γ-spectroscopy applications, one of the main effects that needs to be considered is the self absorption of the photons – especially of low energy – within the photon source, which may be significantly different between the calibration standard and the sample analyzed. This effect is highly dependent on material composition and density and sample thickness. A common way of dealing with the self-absorption issue is by using Efficiency Correction Factors (ECF), to take into consideration the different absorbing properties between the calibration standard and the sample. This work presents the on-going development of a MATLAB code for ECF calculation. The code calculates ECF for a variety of material matrices and compositions, focusing on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), which may have high density and contain high Z elements. The results of the code were compared with other methods of ECF calculation, such as Monte-Carlo simulation.
In Depth Analysis of a Sediment Core from North Aegean Sea
Authors: Mitsios Iason , Pappa Filothei , Patiris Dionisis , Rouni Panagiota , Anagnostakis Marios , Tsabaris Christos
Published: October 2022

In this work a thorough analysis of the vertical distribution of natural and artificial radionuclides and trace elements in a sediment core sample was conducted. A sediment core of 39 cm length was grabbed from the deep-sea trench (1540 m depth) southern of Samothrace Island, Aegean Sea. The sediment core was then treated at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, separated at 1cm increment samples, ranging from 0cm to 39 cm, dried, and milled. A first analysis of the samples was also conducted at HCMR using gamma spectroscopic techniques. Further spectroscopic analysis continued at Nuclear Engineering Department of the National Technical University of Athens (NED-NTUA) using an Extended Range Germanium Detector. The following radionuclides were determined 210Pb, 234Th, 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Th, 137Cs and 40K. Additionally, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was used and the following major and trace elements were identified and quantified: Al, V, La, Sc, Mn, As, Ga, Cr, Zn, Co, Rb, Fe, K, Na and Ce. Based on the analysis of each sample, the vertical distribution of most natural radionuclides showed no significant variation. The vertical distribution of anthropogenic 137Cs was very low and almost constant. Unsupported 210Pb activity was about six times higher than 226Ra, indicating high radon fluxes. Furthermore, neutron activation analysis results indicate that almost all elements are within the expected range based on literature, while K and Na show a slightly increased concentration. For the area, these findings indicate steady and calm sedimentation processes.
Spin distribution of the nuclear level density in a shell model approach
Authors: Newman Luke , Karampagia Sofia
Published: October 2022

Nuclear level densities (NLDs) are key ingredients in calculations of neutron capture rates for neutron rich isotopes in nuclear astrophysics applications. Available experimental NLDs are limited mainly to nuclei near stability. Therefore, theoretical models are employed to predict the NLDs of neutron rich nuclei. Here we present a methodology for calculating spin- and parity- dependent NLDs using methods of statistical spectroscopy, based on the Shell Model. The spin distribution of the NLDs is predicted for nuclei in the sd and pf shells.
Validation of Empirical Formulas for Spallation Residue Production in 0.3A-1.5A GeV 56Fe+p Reactions
Authors: Nicolis Nikolaos George , Katsigianni Theodora-Ilektra , Korakas Kostantinos , Miliadou Athanasia , Tasioudis Diamantis
Published: October 2022

The production of spallation residues in 56Fe+p bombardments is described with empirical parametric formulas often used in cosmic-ray astrophysics, activation studies and isotope production for medical applications. Experimental observables including mass, charge and isotopic distributions are compared with calculations using two versions of the formulas of Rudstam and Silberberg-Tsao and the SPACS formula.  For reference, a comparison is made with the predictions of a two-stage reaction model. Deviation factors obtained in these approaches are reported.
Cross Section Measurements of (n,x) Reactions at 17.9 MeV Using Highly Enriched Ge Isotopes
Authors: Chasapoglou Sotirios , Axiotis Michael , Gkatis George , Harissopulos Sotirios , Kokkoris Michael , Lagoyannis Anastasios , Lederer-Woods Claudia , Michalopoulou Veatriki , Savva Marilia I. , Stamatelatos Ion E. , Stamatopoulos Athanasios , Vasilopoulou Theodora , Vlastou Rosa
Published: October 2022

Τhe 70Ge(n,2n)69Ge, 72Ge(n,a)69mZn, 72Ge(n,p)72Ga and 73Ge(n,p)73Ga reactions have been measured by means of the activation technique at neutron energy 17.9 MeV. The quasimonoenergetic neutron beam was produced via the 2H(d,n)3He reaction at the 5.5 MV Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator of NCSR “Demokritos.” Isotopically highly enriched targets of 70Ge, 72Ge and 73Ge, provided by the nTOF collaboration at CERN, have been used, thus allowing accurate cross section measurements since no corrections are needed to compensate for the parasitic reactions from neighboring isotopes that exist in the case of using natural Ge target. The cross section has been deduced with respect to the 27Al(n,α)24Na reference reaction.
Study of the 176Hf(n,2n)175Hf cross section at 18.9 MeV
Authors: Tsivouraki Eleni , Chasapoglou Sotirios , Serris Michalis , Axiotis Michael , Gkatis Georgios , Harissopulos Sotirios , Kokkoris Michael , Lagoyannis Anastasios , Patas Stavros , Vlastou Rosa
Published: October 2022

Neutron nuclear reactions can provide significant information in the field of nuclear physics and applications. Hafnium (Hf) is one of the rare-earth isotopes with a relative large neutron total cross-section in the thermal neutron energy region and neutron induced reactions in reactor materials could lead to the production of long-lived isomeric states of Hf isotopes. Thus, the knowledge of neutron cross-sections on Hf isotopes is of great importance for basic research in Nuclear Physics as well as for applications concerning the interaction of neutrons with matter. In this study measurements of experimental cross section for the 176Hf(n,2n)175Hf and 180Hf(n,n΄γ)180mHf reactions were carried out, using the activation technique. The neutron beam energy at 18.9 MeV was produced via the 3H(d,n)4He reaction at the 5.5 MeV Tandem Van de Graaf accelerator laboratory of NCSR “Demokritos”. A thin metallic foil of natural Hf was used, while for the determination of the neutron flux at the target position a reference foil of Al was placed at the back of the Hf target. The irradiation was continuous for 28 hours leading to a total neutron fluence of 1010 n/cm2 and a BF3 detector was used for monitoring the neutron flux during the irradiation. After the end of irradiation, the activity of the Hf target and the Al foil were measured off-line by two HPGe detectors. Both detector efficiencies were obtained using a calibrated 152Eu source, placed in the same distance as the target and the reference foil. The 176Hf(n,2n)175Hf reaction has been corrected from the contribution of 177Hf(n,3n)175Hf and the 174Hf(n,γ)175Hf reactions and the 180Hf(n,n΄γ)180mHf reaction from the 179Hf(n,γ)180mHf. Theoretical calculations of the 174Hf(n,2n)175Hf, 176Hf(n,2n)175Hf and 180Hf(n,n΄γ)180mHf reaction cross-sections have also been performed using the nuclear statistical code “EMPIRE 3.2.3” and they have been compared with the data.
Activation Cross Section Measurement of the (n,2n) Reaction on 203Tl
Authors: Patas Stavros
Published: October 2022

The aim of the present work was to study the cross-section of the (n,2n) reaction on 203Tl, by irradiating a natural TlCl pellet target with monoenergetic neutron beam at 18.9 MeV. The cross section of the 203Tl(n,2n)202Tl  reaction, was measured implementing the activation method, with respect to the 197Au(n,2n)196Au and 27Al(n,α)24Na reference reactions. The monoenergetic neutron beam was produced in the 5.5 MV Tandem accelerator of NCSR Demokritos, using the 3H(d,n)4He reaction. After the irradiation, the induced activity of the samples was measured with a HPGe detector, which was properly shielded with lead blocks to reduce the contribution of natural radioactivity. Monte Carlo simulations implementing  the MCNP code have been performed to take into account the gamma-ray self-absorption results as well as the estimation of the neutron flux through the reference foils. Finally, a comparison of theoretical calculations with the code EMPIRE and experimental data was carried out, with the aim of finding a suitable model for the description of the reaction cross section under study.
Measurement of elastic backscattering differential cross sections for protons on natO in the energy range E= 4-6 MeV, suitable for EBS
Authors: Bosmpotinis Konstantinos , Kokkoris Michael , Lagoyannis Anastasios , Taimpiri Evangelia , Ziagkova Anastasia
Published: October 2022

In this study we present the experimental cross sections of the natO(p,p0) elastic scattering, determined via the relative measurement technique, in the proton energy range Elab=4-6 MeV, at six backscattering detector angles between 120o and 170o, with a 10o step. The measurements were performed using the Van de Graaff Tandem 5.5 MV Accelerator of N.C.S.R. “Demokritos” in Athens, Greece and a high precision goniometer.
Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) event rates for Ge, Zn and Si detector materials
Authors: Kosmas T.S. , Kota V.K.B. , Papoulias D.K. , Sahu R.
Published: October 2022

Realistic nuclear structure calculations are presented for the event rates due to coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS), assuming neutrinos from pion-decay at-rest, from nuclear reactors and from Earth’s interior. We focus on the currently interesting Germanium isotopes, 70,73,76Ge, which constitute detector materials of the recently planned CEνNS experiments. We study in addition the potential use of 64,70Zn and 28Si isotopes as promising CEνNS detectors. From nuclear physics perspectives, recently, calculations have been carried out within the framework of the deformed shell-model (DSM), based on realistic nuclear forces, and assessed on the reproducibility of spectroscopic nuclear properties. The high confidence level acquired by their agreement with experimental results and by their comparison with other mostly phenomenological calculations encouraged the use of DSM to extract predictions for the CEνNS event rates of the above isotopes. Our detailed estimation of the nuclear physics aspects of the recently observed neutral current coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering may shed light on unravelling the still remaining uncertainties for the CEνNS process within and beyond the Standard Model.
Neutron Dosimetry for In Vitro Biomedical Sample Irradiations
Authors: Kalamara A. , Stamatelatos I.E. , Stefanopoulos K.L. , Grigalavicious M. , Theodossiou T. , Lagoyannis A.
Published: October 2022

The absorbed dose in vials containing photo-sensitizer solutions irradiated under neutron beams produced by the p-Li, D-D and D-T reactions was calculated. Monte Carlo simulations were performed by coupling the NeuSDesc and MCNP codes in order to derive the neutron energy spectrum, fluence and absorbed dose with depth in the samples. The absorbed dose was estimated taking into account the contributions of all particles (photons, electrons, protons and alpha particles). This study provides important information for the interpretation of in vitro irradiation experiments to be performed under the research program FRINGE aiming to investigate neutron generated electronic excitation as a foundation for a radically new cancer therapy.
Corrigendum to the Review Article (Medit. Mar. Sci. 23/1 2022, 196-212)
Authors: ZENETOS ARGYRO , ALBANO PAOLO , LÓPEZ GARCIA EDUARDO , STERN NIR , TSIAMIS KONSTANTINOS , GALANIDI MARIKA
Published: October 2022

With this corrigendum, the authors of Zenetos et al. (2022) wish to notify readers of a small number of omissions and corrections in the updated inventory of Mediterranean non-indigenous species (NIS), recently undertaken by them, and amend the total number of NIS reported in the Mediterranean until December 2021.
Conceptualizing university students’ food choices based on theory of planned behavior
Authors: Vishwakarma Kshama , Chandra Sekaran Varalakshmi , Patwardhan Vidya , Kamath Asha
Published: October 2022

Background: Several students use hostel facilities offered by their colleges and universities while pursuing higher education. A crucial change is witnessed in their food habits during their stay at the campus, which is vastly different from their home experience.

Method: The study employs the theory of planned behavior to conceptualize and understand food choices of university students, while following the qualitative research methodology and the phenomenological approach. The snowball sampling method is applied to select participants for the study. We selected twenty-six undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing programs in technical and health science from a private university at Udupi with residence in the university campus for two to four years. Interviews with candidates were conducted online and audio-recorded with participants’ consent.

Results: The transcribed interviews were coded and categorized to obtain themes, which were then conceptualized to develop the model based on theory of planned behavior. The duration of their stay in campus allowed students to gain a perspective on the food events and the food they consumed at university dining facility (UDF) guided by factors, such as taste, price, availability of time(during academic activity), accessibility to healthy food, academic stress and lack of knowledge on nutrition. Two factors emerged from the interviews, one, there was no display in the dining facility about the nutritional value of the food served; and, second, students preferred to dine out on unhealthy food rather than at the university because food from outside the campus , even though unhealthy, was easier on the pocket.

Conclusion: The study provides insights into the role of UDF in serving healthy and nutritional food to students for better health and improved academic performance. This work brings to light the relationship between students’ food choices and their impact on academic performance.
The effect of chewing-betel habits on blood glucose levels in the Karo ethnic community, Karo district
Authors: Pane Yunita Sari , Machrina Yetty , Arrasyid Nurfida Khairina , Sari Mutiara Indah
Published: October 2022

Background: The chewing Betel habit is a hereditary tradition from the ancestors of the Batak-Karo tribe, Indonesia. Karo people believe that chewing betel habit is their unifier. The chewing-betel habit process begins with concocting a mixture of ingredients such as betel leaf, lime, gambier, areca nut, and with or without tobacco addition, then chewed slowly. Our previous study showed that gambier extracts (Uncaria gambier Roxb), can reduce blood glucose levels(BGL) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)patients. This study aimed to analyze whether the habit of chewing betel can affect BGL in the Karo ethnic community in the Karo district.

Methods: In total, 48 participants from the Karo community were divided into 4 groups (n=12 per group), namely: I. non-T2DM participants without chewing betel habits; II. non-T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit; III. T2DM participants without chewing-betel habit and IV. T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling. The data were collected by interviews and blood sampling (fasting and 2 hours postprandial (2hPP)). The collected data were analyzed by paired t-test, Independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney with a significance level of p-value <0.05.

Results: This study showed that fasting BGL condition in group-I compared to group II (84.33±12.32 vs 81.00±4.84) mg/dl and group-III compared to group-IV (196.25±104.81 vs 150.00±42.45) mg/dl had no significant difference. Also, the BGL of 2hPP condition in group-I compared to group-II (111.25 ±22.62 vs 108.33±18.99) mg/dl, and group-III compared to group-IV (314.92±128.97 vs 229.25±58.26) mg/dl, in statistically there was no difference (p>0.05). Although the data showed that group-III was higher than group-IV.

Conclusions: This study concludes that with or without chewing-betel habits affect blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes subjects (Groups III and IV).
Influence of pH, light, food concentration and temperature in Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) larval development
Authors: Torres Pedro Felipe Fróio , Baldinotti Heloísa da Silva , Costa Diogo Andrade da , Miranda Ceres Maciel de , Cardoso André Franco
Published: October 2022

Aedes aegypti Linnaeus mosquito is a vector of several viruses that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Dengue, yellow fever, Zika and Chikungunya viruses are more important arboviruses transmit by mosquitoes. A. aegypti life cycle goes through 4 stages of development and the time for development from egg to adult mosquito depends on a series of biotic and abiotic factors such as temperature, food availability and population density, studied in different species of insects. In this work we studied the effects of different food concentrations, temperatures variation, pH gradient and luminosity on the development of A. aegypti larvae. The eggs were collected in the city of Tangará da Serra/MT and larvae in the L1 stage were used for the tests. The results showed that all the factors studied interfered in the larval development. The increase in food concentration and temperature accelerated the development of larvae to pupae. The acidic pH (pH = 4) proved to be unsuitable for the development of larvae (100% lethality), with the ideal pH for the development of larval stages being equal to pH = 6. Although in all light variations (dark, light and photoperiod 10L/ 14D) there was complete development of the larvae, the photoperiod test proved to be more adequate. This study helps to better understand the success, dispersion and adaptation of the A. aegypti mosquito in different regions under different environmental conditions.
Application of the public-private partnership formula in thermomodernization projects of public buildings in Poland in the years 2009–2020
Authors: Hajdys Dagmara
Published: October 2022

Motivation: For over ten years, Poland has observed a systematic use of the public-private partnership (PPP) formula in implementation of investment projects. Local government units are particularly active in this area. One of the self-government’s own tasks is the management of municipal property, including public utility buildings. The implementation of such tasks, in accordance with the European Commission’s recommendations, should be conducted in cooperation between a local government unit and a private entity under a public-private partnership.

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the public-private partnership market in Poland in the context of the implementation of thermomodernization projects of local government public facilities in the years 2009–2020.

Results: The market in Poland is generally flattened, as more than 90 per cent of launched projects fall into the local government sector. It is the local authorities that initiate intersectoral cooperation based on the PPP formula. Knowing their local communities, they carry out tasks that meet their needs on the one hand, and respond to climate and energy challenges on the other. This is evidenced by a growing number of projects
The use of selected tax tools for the implementation of pro-ecological goals in Poland on the example of cities with poviat rights
Authors: Witkowski Jacek
Published: October 2022

Motivation: Environmental protection requires action at various levels. Local governments managing the smallest territorially administrative units have been equipped with a number of competences enabling a positive impact on the condition of local natural resources. Their powers include, inter alia, determining the rates of certain taxes along with the possibility of applying preferences that may be aimed at stimulating environment-friendly behavior and the implementation of various pro-ecological goals. Therefore, a research problem can be raised regarding the use of this type of instruments by municipalities to improve the condition of the natural environment.

Aim: The purpose of the article is to investigate whether and to what extent local governments managing communes in Poland use their powers in the scope of applying reliefs and exemptions in local taxes to initiate activities involving the protection and proper use of environmental resources. The study covered 63 cities operating with poviat rights, and the analysis covered the resolutions adopted by the city councils of these units in the years 2019–2021.

Results: As a result of the research, it was found that the local governments of the largest Polish cities rarely applied exemptions from property tax and transport means tax exemptions due to pro-ecological activities undertaken by taxpayers. Local government officials were much more willing to use the statutory right to apply different tax rates on means of transport depending on the type of drive. In the group of the 10 largest urban centers, only in one case there is no lower tax rate for 2021, and thus no relief for owners of vehicles with a drive that meets certain emission limits or electric power. Importantly, the reliefs were most often accompanied by the reduction or maintenance of the real tax rates at a stable level.
Un nuevo epitafio astigitano.
Authors: Ordóñez Agulla Salvador , García-Dils de la Vega Sergio
Published: October 2022

Edición de un epígrafe funerario astigitano inédito, con algunas consideraciones sobre las tribus que portan los habitantes de colonia Augusta Firma.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Information Collection Missions with Uncertain Characteristics
Authors: Moskal Michael D. , Dasdemir Erdi , Batta Rajan
Published: October 2022

We study the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) route planning problem for information collection missions performed in terrains with stochastic attributes. Uncertainty is associated with the availability of information, the effectiveness of the search and collection sensors the UAV carries, and the flight time required to travel between target regions in the mission terrain. Additionally, uncertainties in flight duration vary the detection threat exposed in missions performed in nonfriendly terrains. We develop a mixed integer programming model to maximize the expected information collection while limiting the risks of not completing the mission on time and of being detected and restricting the variance imposed on flight duration. The model allows multiple path alternatives between target pairs and revisits to the same target regions. Computational experiments are performed on randomly generated instances to investigate the impact of problem parameters and mission restrictions. We also develop a case study with a military and a civilian application, each of which with different specifications. In addition, we validate that the actual performance of the optimal solution of the model is close to the result reported by the solver via a simulation study. We conclude that the developed model is robust and can be used for practical-sized missions, and the failure rate of its optimal routes in actual missions is negligibly small.

History: Accepted by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplementary Information [ https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.1245 ] or is available from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC ) at [ http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7055494 .
Ex Post Path Choice Estimation for Urban Rail Systems Using Smart Card Data: An Aggregated Time-Space Hypernetwork Approach
Authors: Mo Baichuan , Ma Zhenliang , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Zhao Jinhua
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes an ex post path choice estimation framework for urban rail systems using an aggregated time-space hypernetwork approach. We aim to infer the actual passenger flow distribution in an urban rail system for any historical day using the observed automated fare collection (AFC) data. By incorporating a schedule-based dynamic transit network loading (SDTNL) model, the framework captures the crowding correlation among stations and the interaction between the path choice and passenger left behind, which is important for the path choice estimation in a “near-capacity” operated urban rail system. The path choice estimation is formulated as an optimization problem, which aims to minimize the difference between the model-derived and observed information with path choice parameters as decision variables. The original problem is intractable because of nonlinear (logit model) and nonanalytical (SDTNL) constraints. A solution procedure is proposed to decompose the original problem into three tractable subproblems, which can be solved efficiently. Solving the decomposed problem is equivalent to finding a fixed point. We prove that the solution to the original problem is the same as the decomposed problem (i.e., the fixed point) when passenger path choices follow the predefined behavior model. If this condition does not hold, the solution of the original problem is proved to be an “almost fixed point” for the decomposed problem. The model is validated using both synthetic and real-world AFC data from a major urban railway system. The analysis with synthetic data validates the model’s effectiveness in estimating path choice parameters and left behind probabilities, which outperforms state-of-art simulation-based optimization methods and probabilistic models in both accuracy and efficiency. The analysis using actual data shows that the estimated path shares are more reasonable than the baseline uniform path shares and survey-derived path shares. The model estimation is robust to different initial parameter values and AFC data from various dates.

Funding: The project is partially funded by the TRENoP Strategic Research funding at KTH.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.1177 .
Multidisciplinary management of an enamel–dentine crown fracture with insufficient inter-occlusal restorative space: A case report
Authors: Giudici Matthew , Flett Andrew , Legg Andrew
Published: October 2022

Dental trauma occurs commonly in young patients, can be complex to treat and can have negative psychological and social impacts on patients' lives. This case report outlines a multidisciplinary team approach to restoration of a traumatized anterior tooth with delayed presentation, insufficient inter-occlusal space for restoration and history of multiple failed restorations. This case report demonstrates orthodontic and restorative techniques for the management of insufficient inter-occlusal space and the indirect restoration of a traumatized anterior tooth.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: A multidisciplinary team approach can be used to reorganize a patients' occlusion to provide the inter-occlusal space required to provide restorations.
High spatial resolution of topographic imaging and Raman mapping by differential correlation-confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Li Rongji , Xu Demin , Li Angze , Su Yunhao , Zhao Weiqian , Qiu Lirong , Cui Han
Published: October 2022

Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) has found applications in many fields as a consequence of being able to measure molecular fingerprints and characterize samples without the need to employ labelling methods. However, limited spatial resolution has limited its application when identification of sub-micron features in materials is important. Here, we propose a differential correlation-confocal Raman microscopy (DCCRM) method to address this. This new method is based on the correlation product method of Raman scattering intensities acquired when the confocal Raman pinhole is placed at different (defocused) positions either side of the focal plane of the Raman collection lens. By using this correlation product, a significant enhancement in the spatial resolution of Raman mapping can be obtained. Compared with conventional CRM, these are 23.1% and 33.1% in the lateral and axial directions, respectively. We illustrate these improvements using in situ topographic imaging and Raman mapping of graphene, carbon nanotube, and silicon carbide samples. This work can potentially contribute to a better understanding of complex nanostructures in non-real time spectroscopic imaging fields.
Regeneratively mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Tuo Zhuoyue , Zhao Chunbo , Meng Yansong , Du Erwang , He Yuling , Zhai Shenghua , Li Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

A regeneratively mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator is proposed to realize multi-mode phase locking in optoelectronic oscillators by coupling a modulating signal generation loop. To verify the feasibility of the scheme, a numerical simulation model is established. In addition, a proof-of-concept experiment is demonstrated in a single-loop optoelectronic oscillator with a 2.2 km polarization-maintaining single-mode fiber, using an electric amplitude modulator/Mach-Zehnder modulator as an active mode-locking device. The generated microwave pulse signal has a center frequency of 10 GHz and a repetition rate of 95 kHz. We believe this scheme can provide a new approach to overcome the problem of detuning between the modulating frequency and the mode spacing during long-term operation.
Discriminating Rayleigh backscattering induced false crosstalk in inline interferometric FBG sensor arrays
Authors: Qi Yue , Xiong Shuidong , Yu Yi , Shang Fan , Ma Lina
Published: October 2022

The crosstalk between channels is a main factor restricting the performance of interferometric fiber Bragg grating (FBG) time-division and wavelength-division hybrid multiplexing arrays. The time-division crosstalk caused by multiple reflections and the wavelength-division crosstalk due to insufficient isolation are the main crosstalk problems in the Fabry-Perot (F-P) structure, seriously limiting the number of multiplexing devices and the system's applications. Many theoretical research and suppression scheme designs have been done to solve these problems. We have previously found a new crosstalk phenomenon called the false crosstalk in hybrid multiplexing arrays. This paper focuses on this phenomenon and constructs a theoretical model to analyze its causes and influencing factors. The model demonstrates the influences of Rayleigh backscattering (RB) noise and sensor position on the false crosstalk. Both theoretical and experimental results show that the false crosstalk is induced by parasitic interference in the leading fiber and changes with the leading fiber length. This study quantitatively reveals the crosstalk performance degradation with the change of sensor position in the hybrid multiplexing array and provides key support for optimizing the system array design and expanding the large-scale multiplexing capacity.
Real-time in-situ optical detection of fluid viscosity based on the Beer-Lambert law and machine learning
Authors: Zhou Zhuoyan , Zhao Lilong , Zhang Xinyang , Cui Fenping , Guo Linfeng
Published: October 2022

As an important physical quantity to describe the resistance of fluid to flow, viscosity is an essential property of fluids in fluid mechanics, chemistry, medicine, as well as hydraulic engineering. While traditional measurement methods, including the rotating-cylinder method, capillary tube method and falling sphere method, have significant drawbacks especially in terms of accuracy, response time and the sample must be made to move. In this work, a novel Beer-Lambert law-based method was proposed for the viscosity measurement. Specifically, this work demonstrates that viscosity can be quantitatively reflected by spectral line intensity, and castor oil was selected due to its viscous temperature properties (viscosity has been accurately measured under different temperature), and its transmission spectrum at different temperatures ranging from 10 to 50°C was detected firstly. Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to obtain the intrinsic features of the transmission spectrum. Finally, the processed data was utilized to train and verify the radial basis function (RBF) neural network. As a result, the accuracy of the predictions conducted by means of the RBF reached 98.45%, which indicates the complicated and non-linear relationships between spectra formation and viscosity can be depicted well by RBF. The results show that the real-time in-situ optical detection method adopted in this work represents a great leap forward in the viscosity measurement, which fundamentally reforms the traditional viscosity measurement methods.
Simultaneous full set of three-input canonical logic units in a single nonlinear device for an all-optical programmable logic array
Authors: Dong Wenchan , Gu Wentao , Gao Xiaoyan , Yu Yu , Dong Jianji , Lei Lei , Zhang Xinliang
Published: October 2022

All-optical canonical logic units-based programmable logic array (CLUs-PLA) is an important combinational logic device owing to its flexibility and user-defined feature. However, the limited number of three-input CLUs generated in a single nonlinear device hinders their practical application. In this study, we overcome this limitation and experimentally demonstrate the simultaneous generation of a full set of three-input CLUs in only one nonlinear device. By performing bidirectional four-wave mixing (FWM) and wavelength spacing optimization, the all-optical three-input PLA with a full set of CLUs enables arbitrary functions. We experimentally demonstrate the implementation of a series of combinational logic functions including, user-defined logic functions, full adder, and full subtractor, exhibiting error-free performances for all logic operations at 40 Gb/s. The scheme can reduce the number of nonlinear devices in CLUs-PLA, which simplifies the computing system and reduces power consumption. Therefore, the scheme has great potential for future high-speed optical computing systems.
Topology optimization of the azimuth-rotation-independent polarization conversion metasurface for bandwidth enhancement
Authors: Cheng Gong , Si Liming , Tang Pengcheng , Zhuang Yaqiang , Sun Houjun , Ding Jun
Published: October 2022

Metasurfaces offer an unprecedented opportunity for flexible manipulation of electromagnetic wave. The azimuth-rotation-independent (ARI) polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) is an ultrathin device, which could convert an arbitrary linearly-polarized incident wave to its cross-polarized state. However, the bandwidth of an ARI PCM with a high cross-polarized transmission is usually limited. Here, a topology optimization method of multi-feature points based on the differential evolution (DE) algorithm is adopted to enhance the bandwidth of the traditional ARI PCM while maintaining a high transmission and polarization conversion ratio. The simulated results of the optimized structure indicate a 2.08 times bandwidth expansion in the cross-polarization conversion compared with the original structure. In addition, the measured results are consistent with the simulated ones and the ARI characteristic is validated. The proposed method provides a promising route for efficient high-performance metasurface designs.
Temporal trapping: a route to strong coupling and deterministic optical quantum computation
Authors: Yanagimoto Ryotatsu , Ng Edwin , Jankowski Marc , Mabuchi Hideo , Hamerly Ryan
Published: October 2022

The realization of deterministic photon–photon gates is a central goal
in optical quantum computation and engineering. A longstanding
challenge is that optical nonlinearities in scalable, room-temperature
material platforms are too weak to achieve the required strong
coupling, due to the critical loss-confinement trade-off in existing
photonic structures. In this work, we introduce a spatio-temporal
confinement method, dispersion-engineered temporal trapping, to
circumvent the trade-off, enabling a route to all-optical strong
coupling. Temporal confinement is imposed by an auxiliary trap pulse
via cross-phase modulation, which, combined with the spatial
confinement of a waveguide, creates a “flying cavity” that enhances
the nonlinear interaction strength by at least an order of magnitude.
Numerical simulations confirm that temporal trapping confines the
multimode nonlinear dynamics to a single-mode subspace, enabling
high-fidelity deterministic quantum gate operations. With realistic
dispersion engineering and loss figures, we show that temporally
trapped ultrashort pulses could achieve strong coupling on near-term
nonlinear nanophotonic platforms. Our results highlight the potential
of ultrafast nonlinear optics to become the first scalable,
high-bandwidth, and room-temperature platform that achieves strong
coupling, opening a path to quantum computing, simulation, and light
sources.