bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of different dynamic oxygenation indices incorporating heart rate to predict non-invasive ventilation outcomes in hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Mamdouh Omnia Mohamed , Ahmed Ashraf El Sayed , Hashem Ahmed Zidan Abuzeid , Elshahaat Hadeer Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Background

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) becomes crucial ventilatory support for respiratory failure patients, but wasting time in high-risk patients for suspected NIV failure and delayed intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is also fatal. Early prediction of NIV succeeded or failed patients is a potentially effective strategy for minimizing mortality and improving outcomes. This study evaluated the predictive power of dynamic change of hypoxemic indices incorporating heart rate (HR) [ROX-HR and POX-HR] in predicting NIV outcomes in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF), to get the best benefits of NIV and avoiding delayed intubation and IMV aiming to decrease intensive care unit (ICU) mortality risk.

Results

This study enrolled 120 patients who were admitted and initiated NIV at Respiratory ICU and Anesthesia and Surgical ICU at Zagazig University Hospitals for ARF from June 2023 to May 2024. Enrolled patients were 80 males and 40 females with mean ± SD of their age 51.5 ± 13.4yrs. 40 (33.3%) had failed NIV and 80 (66.7%) had succeeded with the mean ± SD of NIV duration being 26.4 ± 15.6 h. Several oxygenation indices in the form of ROX, POX, ROX-HR, and POX-HR were measured at different points of time during NIV (baseline, after 2 h, 12 h, and after 24 h). Patients with failed NIV showed a highly statistically significant drop in ROX, POX, ROX-HR, and POX-HR than patients with succeeded NIV. At all measured time points, indices incorporating heart rate (ROX-HR and POX-HR) had better performance in predicting NIV outcomes. POX-HR had the highest accuracy than other measured indices in early prediction (after 2 h) of NIV outcomes. A ROX-HR index of > 5 and a POX-HR index of > 4 were correlated with a low chance of NIV failure at all time points during the first 24 h, even after applying multivariate regression analysis for confounders.

Conclusions

Heart rate–based indices are more reliable in predicting NIV outcomes. Among the assessed indicators, POX-HR has the highest accuracy in predicting the outcomes of NIV at an early stage.
The Association Between Fluid Management and Intraoperative Blood Pressure and Patients’ Outcome After Complex Spine Surgeries
Authors: Koh Ye Rin , Li Yufei , Koh Joan , Ekrami Elyad , Liu Xiaodan , Argalious Maged Y. , Manlapaz Mariel R. , Troianos Christopher A. , Steinmetz Michael P. , Farag Ehab
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Both intraoperative hypotension and excessive fluid administration can lead to detrimental perioperative complications. However, how much fluid is considered excessive and how is intraoperative hypotension related to major postoperative complications?

METHODS:

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study in 6243 patients undergoing complex spine surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between 2012 and 2022 and studied the relationship between intraoperative net fluid administration and intraoperative hypotension with major postoperative complications. The primary outcome was a collapsed composite of postoperative complications including acute kidney injury (AKI), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative pulmonary complications, surgical site infections (SSI), and mortality.

RESULTS:

The study consisted of 6998 complex spinal surgery cases from 6243 patients. The median net fluid administration was 2100 mL (Interquartile range: 1450 to 3020 mL), and we found a change point in net fluid administration of 1865 mL (95% Confidence Interval: 1228 to 4710 mL). The odds ratio of developing postoperative complications for every 500 mL increase in net fluid administration was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.21; P < .0001) above and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.77–0.98; P = .026) below the change point. The odds ratio of developing postoperative pulmonary complications was 1.12 (95% CI, 1.07–1.18; P < .0001) for every 500 mL increase in net fluid administration.

Intraoperative hypotension was detected in 2052 complex spine surgeries (29%). The odds ratio of developing any postoperative complication was 1.57 (95% CI, 1.37–1.80; P < .0001) and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.04–1.61; P = .019) for postoperative pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

We discovered a change point in net fluid administration of 1,865mL. Above this change point, higher net fluid administration is associated with increased odds of developing postoperative complications. Intraoperative hypotension in complex spine surgeries was associated with increased postoperative complications.
Da lama ao caos: o fim do Programa de Transferência de Renda na região de Cerradinho
Authors: Menezes Aline Brêtas de , Frare Irineu , Moraes Eduardo Fonseca de , Simão Raísa
Published: December 2024

Este Caso de Ensino explora os desafios enfrentados pela comunidade de Cerradinho, em Minas Douradas, depois do rompimento de uma barragem que resultou em uma tragédia ambiental e humana. O Programa de Transferência de Renda (PTR) foi implementado como parte de um acordo de reparação para fornecer apoio financeiro às famílias afetadas. Com a previsão de encerramento do PTR em 2026, surgem questões sobre a sustentabilidade das famílias beneficiadas e o impacto de longo prazo na economia local. O caso aborda os dilemas enfrentados pela administração pública e os desafios éticos, sociais e econômicos associados à transição dos beneficiários para a autossuficiência, com destaque para a necessidade de uma governança colaborativa e soluções inovadoras para garantir a recuperação sustentável da região.
Μία ανορθόδοξη προσέγγιση ενός ορθόδοξου βιοηθικολόγου: Ο H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr. και οι μεταμοσχεύσεις
Authors: Λαδάς Ιωάννης
Published: December 2024

Το πρόβλημα της ελλείψεως μοσχευμάτων αυξάνεται συνεχώς και μαζί του αυξάνονται και οι συζητήσεις υπέρ διαφόρων μορφών ελεγχόμενης αποζημίωσης / ανταμοιβής για την εξεύρεσή τους. Αν και η επ’ ανταλλάγματι «δωρεά» οργάνων είναι νομικά απαγορευμένη, στις μέρες μας έχει ένθερμους υποστηρικτές μεταξύ των οποίων περιλαμβάνεται και ο H. T. Engelhardt, Jr., ο οποίος τυγχάνει να είναι ο μοναδικός χριστιανός ορθόδοξος βιοηθικολόγος που υποστηρίζει ότι δεν υπάρχει ηθικό εμπόδιο να δεχθεί ή ακόμη και να ζητήσει κάποιος πληρωμή για τη δωρεά οργάνων. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό το παρόν άρθρο ασχολείται με την έννοια της ανταμοιβής στη δωρεά οργάνων και εξετάζει τη προσέγγιση του Τεξανού βιοηθικολόγου. Επιπλέον, καταδεικνύει ότι η τοποθέτηση του Engelhardt αποτελεί προσωπική άποψη, η οποία αξιολογείται θετικά μόνο εντός του υγιούς διαλόγου, ενώ ταυτόχρονα αναδεικνύει την ανάγκη εγρήγορσης για μία διαρκή ηθική ευαισθητοποίηση, η οποία θα δημιουργήσει αδιαπέραστους φραγμούς, ισχυρότερους από τους νόμους, που θα προστατεύουν από την εμπορευματοποίηση οργάνων.
Το πνεύμα του ’40 και η ελληνική φιλοσοφία
Authors: Καλογεράκος Ιωάννης Γ.
Published: December 2024

Ομιλία κατά τον επίσημο εορτασμό για την Εθνική Επέτειο της 28ης Οκτωβρίου 1940, που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, την 26η Οκτωβρίου 2022.
Characteristics of participants in the first fully online National Diabetes Prevention Programme: A quantitative survey
Authors: Haseldine Clair , O'Donoghue Gráinne , Kearney Patricia M , Riordan Fiona , Humphreys Margaret , Kirby Liz , McHugh Sheena M.
Published: December 2024

Background Diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) are being implemented around the world to tackle the rise in type 2 diabetes. In 2021/22, the Health Service Executive(HSE) in Ireland piloted a fully online national diabetes prevention programme(NDPP). Characteristics and factors affecting participation may be different among people attending online DPPs compared to face-to-face programmes. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic, psychosocial and health characteristics of participants in the pilot of the online NDPP in Ireland. Methods A survey from the evaluation of the English NDPP was adapted for the Irish context with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) input. The survey was sent (between April and June 2022) to all individuals who attended the initial assessment of the pilot NDPP (n=73). It contained questions on health status, co-morbidities, motivation to improve health, quality of life, self-efficacy, beliefs about the risk of diabetes, participation(e.g. recollection and understanding of invite, number of sessions attended), as well as demographic information. Results Response rate was 30.5% (n=22). Mean age of responders was 62 years (range 36–82 years) and over half were men (57.1%, n=12). The majority (81%, n=17) had attended 6 or more of the 14 sessions. Most (90.5% n=19) reported having family members or acquaintances with diabetes, had positive views of their current health status and high quality of life scores (71.4%, n= 15). Mental health scores were slightly higher than the national average. Over half (57.2%, n=12) were confident or very confident about participating in an online DPP. Almost all (95.2%, n=20) believed it was important to manage their risk of type 2 diabetes. Conclusions Participants in the online pilot NDPP had positive views of their general health and positive psychosocial characteristics affecting their decision to participate. These beliefs may be modifiable intervention targets to encourage participation among non-attenders in future programmes.
Balancing Tradition and Science: Acupuncture in Pain Control
Authors: Grzelak Alicja
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Pain management is a critical component of healthcare, addressing acute and chronic conditions that significantly impact quality of life. Traditional pharmacological approaches, while effective, often present side effects and dependency risks. Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has emerged as a complementary and alternative therapy, leveraging the body’s natural mechanisms to alleviate pain through the strategic insertion of fine needles at acupoints.
Purpose of Work: This research investigates the role of acupuncture in pain management, examining its efficacy across various pain conditions, understanding its physiological mechanisms, and evaluating its integration into modern medical practice. It seeks to assess the scientific evidence supporting acupuncture and its potential as a non-pharmacological pain management strategy.
State of Knowledge: Studies have demonstrated acupuncture's effectiveness in reducing pain intensity for conditions such as migraines, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and postoperative pain. Mechanistic research highlights its role in modulating neural pathways, enhancing endogenous opioid release, and reducing inflammation. Guidelines from health organizations now recognize acupuncture as a viable option in multidisciplinary pain management.
Material and methods: The study methodology entailed defining the objectives, conducting a systematic literature search, and implementing a structured process for screening relevant studies. The research encompassed a comprehensive search across scientific databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar.
Summary: Acupuncture presents a promising, evidence-supported intervention for pain management. By combining traditional techniques with modern scientific insights, acupuncture addresses the growing need for holistic, safe, and effective approaches to alleviating pain and enhancing patient well-being.
Stosunek polskiej kadry akademickiej do kwestii środowiskowych na przykładzie jednej z polskich uczelni
Authors: Cynk Karolina
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest poznanie poziomu wiedzy na temat środowiska przyrodniczego i zachowań wobec niego, prezentowanych przez wykładowców jednej z polskich uczelni wyższych.  Badania dotyczące wartości środowiskowych w świadomości nauczycieli akademickich zostały przeprowadzone we wrześniu 2017 roku. W części teoretycznej przedstawiono założenia teorii  ugruntowanej, na podstawie których została dokonana analiza danych. W części teoretycznej przedstawiono hipotezy badawcze. Pierwsza z nich zakłada, że wykładowcy nauk przyrodniczych posiadają szerszą wiedzę na temat środowiska niż wykładowcy nauk humanistycznych. W wyniku przeprowadzonej analizy wybranych danych stwierdzono, że wykładowcy nauk przyrodniczych posiadają gruntowniejszą wiedzę przyrodniczą niż humaniści. Niemniej od stanu tej wiedzy nie zależały deklarowane przez nich postawy wobec środowiska. Zarówno przyrodnicy, jak i humaniści opowiedzieli się za potrzebą ochrony środowiska i przyznawali się do podejmowania działań na jej rzecz. Sformułowane wnioski skłaniają do przyjęcia obu zaproponowanych hipotez.
“Optimal” Feedback Use in Crowdsourcing Contests: Source Effect and Priming Intervention
Authors: Koh Tat Koon
Published: December 2024

Crowdsourcing contests allow firms to seek ideas from external solvers to address their problems. This research examines solvers’ use of developmental feedback from different sources and of different constructiveness when generating ideas in contests. I theorize a source effect in solvers’ feedback use where they use seeker feedback more than peer feedback, even if both give identical suggestions for their ideas. I also show how the source effect affects solvers’ use of constructive and less constructive feedback from the respective sources. An insight is that compared with their use of peer feedback, solvers’ use of seeker feedback is more extensive at any level of, but less sensitive to, feedback constructiveness. An implication is that solvers may underuse constructive peer feedback and overuse less constructive seeker feedback. Such behaviors can be solver optimal (in terms of improving solvers’ winning prospects) but not seeker optimal (in terms of enhancing ideas for seekers’ problems), as constructive feedback is likely to improve idea quality, whereas less constructive feedback may hurt it. I propose a priming intervention of a feedback evaluation mechanism to mitigate the source effect in solvers’ feedback use—in a way, the intervention can cause solvers to behave more optimally for the seekers. A field survey and three online experiments test the theorizing and proposed intervention. I discuss the contributions and implications of this research for various stakeholders in crowdsourcing contests.

Funding: This work was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Grant 16502518].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15885 .
MEMÓRIAS DO CAMPO: ALGUMAS QUESTÕES SOBRE MEMÓRIA, HISTÓRIA E ENSINO DE HISTÓRIA
Authors: Cavalcanti Erinaldo Vicente
Published: December 2024

O artigo é fruto do projeto Histórias de vidas e memórias de pesquisadoras/es do campo do Ensino de História desenvolvido pela Associação Brasileira de Ensino de História (ABEH) e se propõe a refletir como o ensino de história é representado pelas cinco primeiras entrevistas realizadas no referido projeto por meio da metodologia da história oral. No diálogo com Pierre Nora (1993) e Paul Ricœur (2007), problematiza os usos da memória para a ciência histórica. Na sequência analisa alguns recortes das entrevistas para compreender alguns sentidos atribuídos ao ensino de história. Pelas análises iniciadas, conclui-se que o ensino de história é representado de forma plural e distinta entre os relatos de memórias acionados com diferentes ênfases envolvendo dimensões do ato de ensinar, do ato de pesquisar e da própria concepção de campo.
SERAMİK EĞİTİMİ ALAN ÖZEL SANAT ATÖLYESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN SERAMİK SANATINA YÖNELİK GÖRÜŞLERİ
Authors: Uysal Başer Gökçe
Published: December 2024

ÖZ: Günümüzde bireyler, çeşitli kaynaklardan gelen birçok baskıyla karşı karşıya kalmaktadır. İnsanların ruhsal sıkıntılarından uzaklaşmak için en sık başvurduğu terapi yöntemlerinden biri de sanattır. Seramik sanatının, bireylere içsel duygu ve deneyimlerini ifade etmeleri için imkân verdiği ve insan psikolojisinde rahatlatıcı bir etkiye sahip olduğu bilinmektedir. Seramik eğitimi veren sanat atölyelerinden ders alan kişilerin seramik sanatına dair algılarının irdelendiği bu araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Bu kapsamda özel bir sanat atölyesinden düzenli olarak seramik eğitimi alan kişiler ile görüşmeler yapılarak, eğitim almadan önce ve sonraki seramik sanatına dair olan görüşleri incelenmiştir. Verilerin sağlanması için hazırlanan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu, katılımcılara bilgisayar ortamında canlı bağlantılar ile yöneltilmiştir. Görüşmeler göstermektedir ki katılımcıların aldıkları eğitim seramik sanatının tanınmasında, pozitif yönde etki sağlamaktadır. Bunula birlikte seramik hakkında bilinen temel bilgilerden ayrı olarak, sanıldığının aksine basit değil oldukça yoğun uğraş gerektiren bir sanat alanı olduğu, pek çok farklı alanda kullanıldığı, insan psikolojisini rahatlattığı, estetik algıyı ve bakış açısını değiştirdiğine dair farkındalık yarattığı gözlemlenmiştir.
Biophysical results with liquid model systems
Authors: Ignatov Ignat , Pesotskaya Ludmila , Gluhchev Georgi
Published: December 2024

The impact of biophysical fields on water and water solutions model systems has been studied. In two of from the three of the models, an external electric field was applied under corona gas discharge conditions. The biophysical influence was applied to water samples with a volume of 120 mL. Following the biophysical exposure, water droplets were taken and subjected to corona gas discharge at the interface between the air and liquid phases. The control samples consisted of water droplets not subjected to biophysical influence.
In the first method, the corona glow was analyzed as a result of dielectric permittivity of water (Ignatov, 2007).
In the second method the analysis of the corona discharge produced brightness histograms (Pesotskaya, Glukhova et al. 2013).
In the third type of experiments one co-author Gluhchev, a physiological solution or 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) was used.
The applied comprehensive analysis using three methods enables the evaluation of the effects of biophysical fields on liquid systems.
Sweden at a Crossroads: The Struggle for Finding the Truth about Transnational Adoption in the World's Leading Adopting Nation
Authors: Hübinette Tobias
Published: December 2024

abstract: Sweden is at the moment grappling with its close to seventy years of transnational adoption that, since the 1950s onwards, has resulted in over sixty thousand adoptions from abroad. In October 2021, the Swedish government decided to initiate a state inquiry. It set up a commission to investigate the widespread problem of illegal and irregular transnational adoption and the systematic use, by adoption-mediating organizations, of manipulated documents and forged identities. The report will be published on March 1, 2025. The background to the government's decision to form what is known as the Swedish Adoption Commission can be found in years of adoptee activism in the form of the persistent voicing, and final breakthrough, of critical perspec- tives on transnational adoption. In the context of this ongoing and painful settlement process concerning the country's criminal and corrupt transnational adoption activities, this partly autoethnographic article tries to understand why Sweden is such a latecomer when it comes to finding the truth about transnational adoption, especially given that other countries have already gone through a similar settlement process regarding the dark sides of transnational adoption. Why has it until recently been so difficult to bring up the illicit and unethical sides of transnational adoption in the world's leading adopting nation?
Forming a Print Arena in Colonial Assam: Delimiting the Readership
Authors: Tamuly Gitashree
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The paper explores the readership formation of an emerging modern Indian vernacular literature in the late nineteenth- and first four decades of the twentieth- century, and investigates the political significance of print as a new way of publishing. It simultaneously explores the tactics deployed by the vernacular intelligentsia to overcome the absence of an economically sound entrepreneurship in the print industry in Assam. While the Assamese print arena had to negotiate with the challenges posed by presence of an adjacent powerful print culture, that was, the Bengali print world, it also suffered from its backwardness in education which consequently resulted in the lack of readership. The paper explores the Assamese publicists’ attempt to impose a boundary on its target readers.
Unraveling Time: Reading Temporal Shifts as Intergenerational Narrative Weaving in Wanda John-Kehewin’s Visions of the Crow
Authors: Hoff Beyond Collective Andrea , John-Kehewin Wanda
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: Wanda John-Kehewin’s Visions of the Crow ( Dreams Trilogy: Volume One ) centers on protagonist Daemon Quinn, a Cree teenager facing challenges at home and school. As the narrative interweaves different temporalities, Daemon’s quest to overcome his present-day challenges and comprehend his ancestral identity illuminates the direct correlations between the effects of colonialism and his contemporary struggles. This paper functions as a conversation. It is interspersed with visual and narrative analysis of page layouts as we explore the distinctive capabilities of comics to weave temporal elements within Indigenous-centered storytelling, supporting a critical and expanded reading of the text. By situating the discussion and analysis in moments of temporal shifts, we investigate how Visions of the Crow facilitates the intertwining of timescales and broader narrative devices within its structure. Through this process, we aim to illustrate how comics are particularly well-suited to examining the enduring legacy of intergenerational trauma and offer the potential for intergenerational healing. Aligning with Wanda John-Kehewin’s intentions as the author of Visions of the Crow —to critically reflect on Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples and to demonstrate that Indigenous Peoples can address social issues and history in a way that fosters critical thinking and growth—this paper also examines the profound and lasting impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities and family systems. Through our discussion, we aim to acknowledge how the past continues to shape the present while exploring spaces of hope and healing for the future within the storytelling of comics.
What She Leaves
Authors: Carter Derrais
Published: December 2024

Abstract: "What She Leaves" thinks and feels along the silhouette of Gayl Jones's willful absence from our social world. Using unpublished correspondence and project notes, the essay asks after Jones's play Chile Woman (1974) and editorial work on the student literary publication B.O.P (Blacks on Paper) to engage her lesser-known literary contributions. More research prompt than comprehensive analysis, this essay asks Jones's many readers to expand how we think with and write about her, using her varied archival traces as a starting point.
Eva's Man 's Unspeakable Risk
Authors: Wachter-Grene Kirin
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Gayl Jones's warily canonical Eva's Man (1976) demands to be encountered on its own terms without conscription into positive framings. The novel, about a woman imprisoned in a psychiatric ward for poisoning and orally castrating her lover, represents violent eroticism and excruciatingly grotesque images that are, of course, fantasy representations. Nevertheless, they are some of the most transgressive ever published and Jones refers to the novel as a "horror story." I argue, through close readings of the novel and its historical criticism, that Jones has been marginalized within the Black literary canon throughout much of her career largely due to her fearless exploration of erotic, asymmetrical power dynamics represented through ambiguously consensual sexualized violence. Eva's Man troubles the delineation between victim and agent which is perhaps what is most ideologically risky about it. The novel allows for an open exploration of transgressive desire not necessarily bound to abuse or trauma.
Ursa Corregidora and Mary J. Blige Contemplate Life without Children
Authors: Pickens Therí A.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: I understand Gayl Jones's work and ethos in Corregidora as a prompt, a what-if heuristic for my own Black feminist imagination. My poems are and are not extensions of the novel itself.
"So Good a Bad Book": Russell's History of Western Philosophy , Part II
Authors: Willis Kirk
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Of Bertrand Russell's three score books, his History ofWestern Philosophy is perhaps the best known. A publishing sensation from the moment of its publication in America in October 1945 and in Britain a year later, the book remains in print 80 years on. Curiously, however, the History has received inadequate scholarly attention. In particular, what has not been seriously examined are the reasons for this remarkable and unexpected success—why this immensely long book, which few contemporaries and even fewer modern students have bothered to read cover to cover, came to sell tens of thousands of copies in paper-rationed Britain and America. This paper seeks to answer that question by examining in Part i (Vol. 44, no. 1) the book's genesis, sources, composition, purposes (both avowed and latent), and in Part ii its critical reception in both Britain and the us, and continued reputation among scholars and laymen alike. A tract for its desperately troubled times, it spoke to a world fearful of totalitarianism, starving for liberal rebirth, and yearning for reasons to believe in progress, optimism, and reason, A History ofWestern Philosophy , for all its flaws and inadequacies, provided a source of solace, understanding, and hope to its readers then and now.
Bertrand Russell's Philosophy of International Relations
Authors: Haiden Michael
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Bertrand Russell wrote widely on international relations, especially on preventing war and creating a sustainable peace. However, it is an open question whether his works should be taken seriously by professionals in the field. This paper says "yes" and argues that Russell made two important contributions to international relations theory. First, he uniquely combines different levels of inquiry, connecting insights into the structure of international politics with detailed analyses of human agents. Second, he does not just analyze international relations; he also advances normative goals—something international relations theory is often reluctant to do. The two contributions are connected: Russell's normative goals are nurtured by how he combines his insights into both individuals and the structure of international relations. As a result, his particular understanding of international politics creates a unique vision for how we can improve the field—and the real world.
Francophone African Literature and the Question of Interlocking Identities: An Intersectional Approach to Literary Analysis
Authors: Nikiema Patoimbasba
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: This study examines Driss Chraïbi’s La Civilisation, ma Mère!… (1972) and Mariama Bâ’s Une si longue lettre (1979), offering a comprehensive intersectional analysis of women’s subjectivity within the societal frameworks of Francophone African novels. It delves into the system of intersecting identities that underlie women’s subjugation across diverse cultural contexts. While conventional feminist analyses focus on patriarchy to understand men’s dominance, this perspective may inadequately capture women’s experiences within patriarchal structures. The article advocates for an intersectional approach alongside patriarchal analyses to understand women’s subjugation and seeks to establish intersectionality as a crucial and indispensable analytical framework for exploring feminist novels. Abstract: Cette étude examine La Civilisation, ma Mère!… (1972) de Driss Chraïbi et Une si longue lettre (1979) de Mariama Bâ. Elle propose une analyse intersectionnelle de la subjectivité féminine dans les romans africains francophones, en se basant sur les identités qui sous-tendent la subjugation des femmes. Les analyses féministes conventionnelles se focalisent sur le patriarcat, mais cette perspective s’avère insuffisante pour cerner les complexités des expériences féminines. Ainsi, cet article plaide pour une approche intersectionnelle, complémentaire des analyses patriarcales, et cherche à l’établir comme cadre analytique indispensable dans l’exploration des romans féministes africains.
Reflecting on Equitable Grading Practices in the World Language Classroom
Authors: Foster Michael , Garrido-Gutierrez Marisol
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: This article discusses how adapting assessment and grading practices based on equity principles may impact students positively, considering their specific needs in the post pandemic era. We reflect on how some equitable grading practices such as flexible deadlines, a friendly tone of communication, and allowing multiple attempts have a positive impact on students’ personal and academic life.
High-fidelity imaging through a perturbed multimode fiber using a u-architecture network with fully connected layers
Authors: Xu Runchu , Zhang Leihong , Liu Kai , Zhang Hangyu , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2024

The multimode fiber transmission is highly sensitive to perturbations, which imposes many limitations on its application in endoscopic imaging. Here, a u-architecture network with fully connected layers (FC-UANET) is designed to improve robustness to perturbations, which can efficiently extract hidden image information and fiber characteristics from local and global features of speckle patterns, thereby achieving high-definition imaging through a dynamically perturbed multimode fiber. In the comparative experiment, the FC-UANET demonstrated the highest reconstruction accuracy. Further research indicated that input images can be accurately reconstructed from local speckle patterns, which can significantly improve imaging speed and reduce computational complexity. Meanwhile, the FC-UANET exhibited generalization ability to cross-domain datasets, which is beneficial for endoscopic imaging that has difficulty obtaining large-scale datasets. For endoscopes, in most scenarios, the deformation of transmission media is inevitable, and the self-designed FC-UANET exhibits high robustness to fiber deformations caused by strong mechanical perturbations, which is expected to provide a feasible solution for the application of multimode fibers in endoscopes.
Low-power high-stability all-optical modulator based on PtSe2 nanosheet integrated micro-nano fibers
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , Liu Jie , Zhang Yuchen , Zhang Yangyuan , Chen Xuanyi , Bai Yangbo , Miao Yinping
Published: December 2024

All-optical modulators based on two-dimensional (2D) materials hold promising application as key components in the fields of all-optical signal processing and fiber optic communications. In this study, we present an all-optical modulator based on PtSe2 nanosheets integrated with micro-nano fibers (PtSe2-MF) with low power and high stability. PtSe2 nanosheets were deposited on the surface of micro-nano fibers with a diameter of approximately 6 µm using an optical deposition method. A tunable laser with a wavelength of 1550 nm was used as the signal light for modulation, and the 980 nm pump light was coupled with the 1550 nm signal light into the micro-nano fibers (MFs). And the all-optical intensity modulation effect at mW level power was achieved by varying the optical power of the pump light and taking advantage of the absorption of light by PtSe2, to produce light matter interaction. The modulation depth of PtSe2-MF for signal light was measured to be 11.8 dB, the modulation efficiency was 0.295 dB/mW, and the rise and fall response times of the modulation were 22.5 ms and 24.2 ms, respectively. The modulation efficiency of the device only changed by 4.4% after being exposed to the environment for three months, indicating that it still has long-term stability for more than three months. Research has shown that PtSe2-MF has advantages of low power, fast response, high modulation efficiency, and high stability. It has broad application prospects in the field of all-optical modulation.
Impact of even aberrations on alignment accuracy in image-processing-based systems
Authors: Lan Ke , Hong Jie , Pan Liandong , Yang Yang , Li Yunfeng , Cheng Jianrui , Chen Cailian
Published: December 2024

The alignment system is a critical sensor for ensuring the overlay performance of lithographic tools, with lens aberrations playing a significant role in determining alignment accuracy. This study investigates the influence of aberrations on alignment accuracy through both simulations and experiments. The findings reveal that even aberrations lead to variations in the sensitivity of odd aberration-induced misalignment. These variations are explained by analyzing the asymmetry of the optical system’s impulse response function. Sensitivity curves were generated by numerical simulation using Hyperlith and validated through experimental measurements. The results refine the understanding of the impact of lens aberrations on alignment accuracy. The proposed sensitivity curve offers a foundation for optimizing error-correction models, ultimately improving alignment accuracy in lithographic processes.
Measuring orbital angular momentum of a vortex beam with atom-based structured light
Authors: Mallick Nawaz Sarif
Published: December 2024

This study presents an innovative scheme for detecting the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of vortex beams within an atomic ensemble. Leveraging a homogeneously broadened four-level atomic system driven by two orthogonal polarization probe beams, we demonstrate the selective generation of structured beams without the need for magnetic fields between the two ground states. Through detailed theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we elucidate the phase-dependent behavior of atomic coherences induced by an OAM-carrying Laguerre–Gaussian optical probe beam. These findings enable the creation of petal-like structures within the probe beam, with the number of petals directly correlated to the OAM value. Our investigation underscores the potential of this OAM detection scheme as a highly sensitive and precise sensor, applicable across diverse domains such as telecommunication, microscopy, and optical metrology.
Tunable optical Kerr transmittance and structured light by a nanostructured TiO2 bilayer
Authors: Garcia-de-los-Rios Victor Manuel , Hernandez-Pichardo Martha Leticia , Arano-Martinez Jose Alberto , Trejo-Valdez Martin , Torres-Torres Carlos
Published: December 2024

The contrast in the third-order nonlinear optical properties exhibited by TiO2 nanosheets and TiO2 nanostructured thin films is reported. The effects of the particle morphology of the samples were characterized in order to evaluate their influence in the solid compounds. The implementation of a Z-scan experiment allows us to analyze the optical Kerr effect and the nonlinear optical absorption in the samples studied. A significant reverse saturable absorption and negative refractive index were measured in the TiO2 nanosheets, obtaining a switch in the sign of the nonlinear parameters for the TiO2 nanopowder sample irradiated by nanosecond pulses. Additionally, a vectorial two-wave mixing method was used to observe the evolution of the optical Kerr effect in the TiO2 thin films in tandem configurations proposed with potential applications related to structured light. A clear control in the angular momentum of light, dependent on the nanoscale morphology of the bilayer system, is highlighted. These results, together with the TiO2 versatility, could be very attractive for a handful of different all-optical devices integrated by considering tailored synthesis parameters.
Ultra-stable transportable ultraviolet clock laser using cancellation between photo-thermal and photo-birefringence noise
Authors: Kraus Benjamin , Herbers Sofia , Nauk Constantin , Sterr Uwe , Lisdat Christian , Schmidt Piet O.
Published: December 2024

Optical clocks require an ultra-stable laser to probe and precisely measure the frequency of the narrow-linewidth clock transition. We introduce a portable ultraviolet (UV) laser system for use in an aluminum quantum logic clock, demonstrating a fractional frequency instability of approximately mod σy = 2 × 10−16. The system is based on an ultra-stable cavity with crystalline AlGaAs/GaAs mirror coatings, with a frequency quadrupling system employing two single-pass second-harmonic generation (SHG) stages. Its acceleration sensitivity, measured in all three axes, does not exceed 4(2) × 10−12/(ms−2) and is among the lowest recorded for transportable systems to date. Additionally, partial cancellation between photo-thermal noise and photo-birefringence noise is used to effectively mitigate noise induced by intra-cavity optical power fluctuation at lower Fourier frequencies.
All-fiber superfluorescent light amplifier emitting over 50 W high-power vortex beams
Authors: Li Yang , Fan Chenchen , Hao Xiulu , Yao Tianfu , Zhou Pu , Zeng Xianglong
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the temporal attributes of superfluorescent light sources have garnered significant attention. This study focuses on the spatial characteristics of fiber superfluorescent light sources for the generation and amplification of high-power vortex beams. We successfully generate vortex beams with topological charge of ±1 and achieve an output power exceeding 50 W, while maintaining phase singularity in the whole process. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the highest power level achieved for vortex beams generated entirely within an all-fiber system. The amplified beams exhibit a purity of approximately 90%, providing a compact solution for advanced photonic applications in optical communications, high-resolution imaging, and particle manipulation.
Ultra-miniaturized Bloch mode metasplitters for one-dimensional grating waveguides
Authors: Sakin Ahmet O. , Kurt Hamza , Unlu Mehmet
Published: December 2024

We present, for the first time, to our knowledge, power splitters with multiple channel configurations in one-dimensional grating waveguides (1DGWs) that maintain crystal lattice-sensitive Bloch mode profiles without perturbation across all output channels, all within an ultra-miniaturized footprint of just 2.1 × 2.2 μm2. This novel capability reduces the need for transition regions, simplifies multi-channel configurations of 1DGWs, and maximizes the effective use of chip area. The pixelated metamaterial approach, integrated with a time-domain heuristic algorithm, is utilized to concurrently achieve broadband operation, optimized dispersion control, and minimal loss. We experimentally demonstrate that the 1 × 2 and 1 × 3 metasplitters achieve average minimum losses per channel of 3.80 dB and 5.36 dB, respectively, which are just 0.80 dB and 0.59 dB above ideal splitting. The measurements for both designs demonstrate a 1 dB bandwidth of 15 nm, with excellent uniformity across all output channels. These versatile metasplitter designs can serve as fundamental building blocks for ultrahigh-bandwidth, densely integrated photonic circuits and in scenarios where slow light is essential.
Toroidal dipole resonances enhanced second-harmonic generation with shallow etching of lithium niobate metasurface
Authors: Chang Wenyao , Li Jianmei , Luo Cai , Guo Zirui , Cao Shiwei , Fu Ziyi , Zheng Ruixuan , Huang Xin , Liu Baoli , Yang Haifang , Quan Baogang , Tian Shibing , Jin Aizi , Guo Yang , Gu Changzhi
Published: December 2024

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) has shown great potential for applications in nonlinear metasurfaces, thanks to its large second-order nonlinear coefficients and high integration capabilities. Optical resonances play a crucial role in further enhancing the nonlinear optical responses of LiNbO3 metasurfaces (LNMS). In this study, both numerically and experimentally, we designed and fabricated a metasurface structure that supports toroidal dipole (TD) resonance to enhance second-harmonic generation (SHG). This structure, which consists of an array of shallow-etched square columns on a continuous thin film, intensifies the SHG signal at 400 nm within the LiNbO3 film by means of strong local field confinement. Experimental results indicate that this signal is ten times stronger compared to that of lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI). These findings emphasize the potential of TD resonance in enhancing the performance of LiNbO3 in integrated nonlinear nanophotonic applications.
Advanced manufacturing techniques for amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H): optimized deposition and etching processes for micro-optical element fabrication
Authors: Handte Thomas , Bohm Sebastian , Behrens Arne , Feßer Patrick , Wüster Julian , Henkel Marvin , Strehle Steffen , Runge Erich , Sinzinger Stefan
Published: December 2024

This study presents a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the deposition and patterning of hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) using advanced plasma-based techniques to precisely tailor its optical characteristics for micro-optical applications. We demonstrate the ability to adjust the refractive index, deposition rate, and bandgap of a-SiC:H thin films utilizing chemical vapor deposition. Optimizations are accomplished based on the response surface methodology from the statistical design of experiment. Furthermore, we provide a detailed investigation of the reactive ion etching of a-SiC:H, also guided by response surface methodology. This approach enables fine-tuned patterning of a-SiC:H, resulting in tunable sidewall angles, defect-free etch profiles, and high etch rates. Finally, we conduct FEM and RCWA simulations using the measured dispersion properties for the design of diffraction gratings. Comparisons between the simulations and the measured diffraction efficiencies confirm the performance and reliability of the fabricated a-SiC:H-based optical elements. This study highlights the potential of a-SiC:H for advanced micro-optical applications, particularly in scenarios where high refractive index materials are useful.
Postingestive reward acts through behavioral reinforcement and is conserved in obesity and after bariatric surgery
Authors: Ribeiro Gabriela , Fernandes Ana B. , Oliveira Francisco P. M. , Duarte João S. , Oliveira Manuela , Limbert Clotilde , Costa Rui M. , Costa Durval C. , Oliveira-Maia Albino J.
Published: December 2024

Postingestive nutrient stimulation conditions food preferences through striatal dopamine and may be associated with blunted brain responses in obesity. In a cross-sectional study, we tested flavor-nutrient conditioning (FNC) with maltodextrin-enriched yogurt, with maltodextrin previously optimized for concentration and dextrose equivalents (n = 57), and to mask texture cues (n = 102). After conditioning, healthy volunteers (n = 52) increased preference for maltodextrin-paired (+102 kcal, CS+), relative to control (+1.8 kcal, CS-) flavors, as assessed according to intake, but not pleasantness. In a clinical study (n = 61), behavioral conditioning without effects on pleasantness was confirmed across pre-bariatric candidates with obesity, weight-stable post-surgery patients, and healthy controls, without significant differences between groups. Striatal dopamine D2-like receptor (DD2lR) availability, assessed with [123I]IBZM SPECT, was reduced in the obesity group and strongly correlated with conditioning strength and a measure of restrained eating in patients with gastric bypass. These results show that postingestive nutrient stimulation influences human food choices through behavioral reinforcement, and is conserved in obesity and after bariatric surgery.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN17965026: Dopaminergic neurotransmission in dietary learning and obesity.
Model supports asymmetric regulation across the intercellular junction for collective cell polarization
Authors: Levandosky Katherine , Copos Calina
Published: December 2024

Symmetry breaking, which is ubiquitous in biological cells, functionally enables directed cell movement and organized embryogenesis. Prior to movement, cells break symmetry to form a well-defined cell front and rear in a process called polarization. In developing and regenerating tissues, collective cell movement requires the coordination of the polarity of the migration machineries of neighboring cells. Though several works shed light on the molecular basis of polarity, fewer studies have focused on the regulation across the cell-cell junction required for collective polarization, thus limiting our ability to connect tissue-level dynamics to subcellular interactions. Here, we investigated how polarity signals are communicated from one cell to its neighbor to ensure coordinated front-to-rear symmetry breaking with the same orientation across the group. In a theoretical setting, we systematically searched a variety of intercellular interactions and identified that co-alignment arrangement of the polarity axes in groups of two and four cells can only be achieved with strong asymmetric regulation of Rho GTPases or enhanced assembly of complementary F-actin structures across the junction. Our results held if we further assumed the presence of an external stimulus, intrinsic cell-to-cell variability, or larger groups. The results underline the potential of using quantitative models to probe the molecular interactions required for macroscopic biological phenomena. Lastly, we posit that asymmetric regulation is achieved through junction proteins and predict that in the absence of cytoplasmic tails of such linker proteins, the likeliness of doublet co-polarity is greatly diminished.
In–silico simultaneous respiratory and circulatory measurement during voluntary breathing, exercise, and mental stress: A computational approach
Authors: Iwamoto Masami , Hirabayashi Satoko , Atsumi Noritoshi
Published: December 2024

Voluntary breathing (VB), short–term exercise (STE), and mental stress (MS) can modulate breathing rate (BR), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP), thereby affecting human physical and mental state. While existing experimental studies have explored the relationship between VB, STE, or MS and BR, HR, and BP changes, their findings remain fragmented due to individual differences and challenges in simultaneous, BR, HR, and BP measurements. We propose a computational approach for in–silico simultaneous measurements of the physiological values by comprehensive prediction of the respiratory and circulatory system responses to VB, STE, or MS. Our integrated model combines a respiratory system with a circulatory model, leveraging actor–critic reinforcement learning to control respiratory muscles. We introduce specific parameters to account for involuntary or VB and hyperventilation induced by STE. We modeled mental stress as an electrical input to the amygdala based on prior studies indicating that stress leads to amygdala hyperactivity. Our predictions for breathing rate (BR), tidal volume, minute ventilation, HR, and BP are validated against literature data obtained during various conditions, including different VB patterns (ranging from 6 to 14 bpm), active or passive knee flexion STE, and MS load. The model demonstrates good agreement with experimental results and highlights its ability to explore the mechanism of individual differences. Our model predicts heart rate variability (HRV) indices of total power spectral density and the ellipse area of Poincaré plot. Notably, slow deep breathing at a BR of 6 bpm increases HRV indices, promoting relaxation and cognitive performance. Conversely, MS elevates BP but reduces HRV indices, indicating an unstable and risky state for mental and physical health. Overall, our proposed computational approach provides simultaneous and reasonable predictions of various physiological values, accounting for individual variations through specific parameters.