bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a sensing model using a random laser combined with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Ni Dongqin , Klämpfl Florian , Schmidt Michael , Hohmann Martin
Published: June 2024

The previous research proves that the random laser emission reflects not only the scattering properties but also the absorption properties. The random laser is therefore considered a potential tool for optical properties sensing. Although the qualitative sensing using the random laser is extensively investigated, a quantitative measurement of optical properties is still rare. In this study, a generalized mathematical quantitative model using random laser combined with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is proposed for optical sensing in turbid media. This model describes the gain effect of the active medium and the optical properties effect of the passive medium separately. Rhodamine 6G is used as the active medium. Intralipid and ink are employed to demonstrate the effect of the scattering and absorption, respectively. The peak wavelength shift of the random laser is proved to be an ideal sensing parameter for this sensing model. It is also revealed that the scaling parameters in the sensing model are interrelated and can be simplified to one. With this combined model, the direct sensing of optical properties in diverse turbid media is promising.
Opto-electronic machine learning network for Kramers-Kronig receiver linearization
Authors: Masaad Sarah , Bienstman Peter
Published: June 2024

We numerically demonstrate the use of an opto-electronic network comprising a photonic reservoir and an electronic feedforward equalizer (FFE) to linearize a Kramers-Kronig (KK) receiver. The KK receiver is operated under stringent conditions, with restricted sampling rates and low carrier powers, resulting in a nonlinear behavior. We propose two different network configurations, varying in the placement of the FFE component, and evaluate their ability to linearize the KK receiver. By training these networks on back-to-back systems, we arrive at a generic solution that significantly enhances the receiver performance, independent of specific link characteristics. The trained networks are tested in a plug-and-play manner across diverse short-reach links that employ standard digital signal processing blocks for the qualization. Our results show significant improvement in receiver linearity, resulting in a reduction in bit error rate of up to a factor of four.
Methane measurement method based on F-P angle-dependent correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Lv Yinsheng , Xie Pinhua , Xu Jin , Qin Min , Li Youtao , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Zhidong , Tian Xin , Hu Feng , Zheng Jiangyi
Published: June 2024

This study explores a gas measurement method based on Fabry-Perot (F-P) angle-dependent correlated spectroscopy, which achieves highly sensitive and selective gas measurements by adjusting the angle to match the F-P interference peak with the gas absorption peak. Methane (CH4) is the chosen target gas, and an F-P etalon is designed with parameters matching the CH4 absorption peak. An angle-scanning measurement system is established to enable correlated spectroscopic detection of CH4 gas. Angle-scanning measurements reveal distinct absorption signals at the angle where the F-P interference peak aligns with the CH4 absorption peak. Gas measurements of standard samples demonstrate a linear relationship between the apparent absorbance at the on/off positions and CH4 concentration, allowing for accurate CH4 concentration measurements. The study further investigates the detection limit of the experimental system, achieving a 3σ detection limit of 720 ppm under the on/off measurement mode. A conical incidence model is developed to analyze the impact of beam divergence angles on the transmittance of the F-P cavity. Simulations are conducted to assess absorption signals in the presence of extreme cross-interference, demonstrating the method's robust resistance to cross-interference. The F-P correlated spectroscopy method described in this paper, as a non-dispersive spectroscopic measurement technique, holds promise for designing high-sensitivity gas sensors and imaging applications.
Polarization images of the Moon as a function of the lunar phase
Authors: Venkatesulu Erica , Shaw Joseph A.
Published: June 2024

Moonlight has a partial polarization state that varies with the lunar phase angle. This needs to be characterized for the Moon to be used as a calibration source for polarization-sensitive instruments or as the illumination source in nighttime passive remote sensing. To contribute to this characterization, a pixelated polarization imager was calibrated with a telescope and with a telephoto lens and used to record images of the Moon at 40 phase angles from -138° to 125°. High-resolution images of relative intensity, degree of linear polarization (DoLP), and angle of polarization (AoP) were recorded in a spectral band from 400-1000 nm and were used to calculate disk-averaged DoLP values. These images are made available to readers. Results showed higher DoLP in regions of lower reflectivity (the Umov effect), higher DoLP for waning phases (maximum DoLP of 8.3%) than for waxing (maximum DoLP of 6.8%), and consistent DoLP to disk-averaged values published previously for wavelengths contained within our broader band.
Low-loss nodeless hollow-core anti-resonant soft glass fiber for the 4 µm mid-infrared spectral range
Authors: Chang Yanjie , Zhang Hao , Xu Yantao , Liu Chengzhen , Xiao Xusheng , Guo Haitao
Published: June 2024

Infrared soft glass hollow-core anti-resonant fibers (HC-ARF) with low loss, excellent mode purity, and robust high-power transmission capabilities have vast potential in mid-infrared high-power laser transmission and biomedical fields. Despite this, the fabrication of these fibers still faces formidable challenges, coupled with an incomplete understanding of the transmission characteristics, thereby amplifying the value of further exploration. In this paper, we fabricate a six-cell nodeless infrared HC-ARF originating from purified sulfide glass, synthesized using a meticulous “stack-and-draw” method and dual-gas-path pressure control method. Notably, we experimentally validate the theoretical performance expectations of this fiber. The fiber exhibits outstanding transmission capabilities and optical transmission quality, characterized by a recorded loss of 0.56 dB/m at 4.79 µm. This is already comparable to traditional step-index sulfide fibers, fully demonstrating its tremendous research value and application potential. Our work has successfully fabricated the lowest loss anti-resonant fiber on record in the mid-infrared field, propelling the development of sulfide HC-ARFs into a new phase and laying a solid foundation for the realization of fiber applications in laser transmission and the biomedical field.
Numerical experiment of phase-matched ion-based high-order harmonic generation in the water-window x-ray spectral region via electromagnetic envelope equation
Authors: Liu Yao-Li , Chen Ying-Shan , Chen Shih-Hung , Chu Hsu-hsin
Published: June 2024

We present a phase-matching scheme for efficient high-order harmonic generation in the water-window x-ray spectral region using a 405-nm driving pulse. A high-intensity pulse (∼1016 W/cm2) is used to produce He1+ ions as the target medium, increasing the cutoff photon energy to the water-window x-ray spectral region. By adjusting the driving pulse divergence, the positive dipole phase variation balances the negative plasma dispersion and geometrical phase shift, achieving phase matching. Using the electromagnetic envelope equation coupled with the Keldysh ionization model, numerical experiments identify the optimal conditions. Results show that the relative conversion efficiencies of the 95th harmonic (4.26 nm) and the 169th harmonic (2.4 nm) reach 66% and 79% of the perfect phase-matching conditions, respectively.
Observation of 2 µm multiple annular structured vortex pulsed beams by cavity-mode tailoring
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Song Xiaozhao , Li Luyao , Kang Hui , Yao Tianchen , Liu Guangmiao , Miao Kairui , Zhou Wei , Wang Haotian , Xu Xiaodong , Jia Baohua , Wang Yishan , Wang Fei , Shen Deyuan
Published: June 2024

In the past few years, annular structured beams have been extensively studied due to their unique “doughnut” structure and characteristics such as phase and polarization vortices. Especially in the 2 µm wavelength range, they have shown promising applications in fields such as novel laser communication, optical processing, and quantum information processing. In this Letter, we observed basis vector patterns with orthogonality and completeness by finely cavity-mode tailoring with end-mirror space position in a Tm:CaYAlO4 laser. Multiple annular structured beams including azimuthally, linearly, and radially polarized beams (APB, LPB, and RPB) operated at a Q-switched mode-locking (QML) state with a typical output power of ∼18 mW around 1962 nm. Further numerical simulation proved that the multiple annular structured beams are the coherent superposition of different Hermitian Gaussian modes. Using a self-made M–Z interferometer, we have demonstrated that the obtained multiple annular beams have a vortex phase with orbital angular momentum (OAM) of l = ±1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation of vector and scalar annular vortex beams in the 2 µm solid-state laser.
Spoof surface plasmons spawning pencil-beam antennas of subwavelength profile
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Zijian , Li Yuanzhen , Dong Zhaozhen , Chen Hongsheng , Gao Fei
Published: June 2024

Slot-array antennas based on metallic waveguides have been widely used to generate pencil-beams, attracting attention due to their design simplicity and compact size. However, current slot-array antennas possess wavelength-scale profiles, which do not align optimally with the low-profile requisites of contemporary integrated communication and radar systems. Here, we propose a low-profile slot-array antenna designed specifically for the pencil-beam generation. Constructed with the two-dimensional-array (2D-array) slots situated on a sub-wavelength domino plasmon waveguide, the pencil-beam is generated with a peak gain of up to 21.6 dBi. Moreover, the generated pencil-beam allows for a wide scanning range of over 73.6° by adjusting the operating frequency from 45 to 65 GHz. Our research shows great potential for enhancing millimeter-wave radar capabilities and advancing communication systems.
Non-Hermitian dynamical topological winding in photonic mesh lattices
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: June 2024

Topological winding in non-Hermitian systems is generally associated to the Bloch band properties of lattice Hamiltonians. However, in certain non-Hermitian models, topological winding naturally arises from the dynamical evolution of the system and is related to a new form of geometric phase. Here we investigate dynamical topological winding in non-Hermitian photonic mesh lattices, where the mean survival time of an optical pulse circulating in coupled fiber loops is quantized and robust against Hamiltonian deformations. The suggested photonic model could provide an experimentally accessible platform for the observation of non-Hermitian dynamical topological windings.
Pulse front distortions in focused spatially chirped beams
Authors: Nelson E. C. , Chesnut K. D. , Reutershan T. , Effarah H. H. , Charbonnet K. J. , Barty C. P. J.
Published: June 2024

A numerical analysis of spatially chirped beams produced by single-pass grating pairs is presented. It is shown that focused pulse structures can deviate significantly relative to standard linear spatial chirp approximations depending upon the pulse bandwidth, the angle of incidence, and groove density of the gratings used.
A randomized controlled trial of Golden Ratio, Feng Shui, and evidence based design in healthcare
Authors: Zijlstra Emma , Zwaag Bart van der , Kullak Sabine , Rogers Ab , Walker Dean , van Dellen Sjoukje , Mobach Mark
Published: June 2024

Background

In a global effort to design better hospital buildings for people and organizations, some design principles are still surrounded by great mystery. The aim of this online study was to compare anxiety in an existing single-bed inpatient hospital room with three redesigns of this room in accordance with the principles of Golden Ratio, Feng Shui, and Evidence-Based Design.

Methods

In this online multi-arm parallel-group randomized trial participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to one of four conditions, namely Golden Ratio condition, Feng Shui condition, Evidence-Based Design condition, or the control condition. The primary outcomes were anxiety, sense of control, social support, positive distraction, and pleasantness of the room.

Findings

Between June 24, 2022, and August 22, 2022, 558 individuals were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions, 137 participants to the control condition, 138 participants to the Golden Ratio condition, 140 participants to the Feng Shui condition, and 143 participants to the Evidence-Based Design condition. Compared with baseline, participants assigned to the Evidence-Based Design condition experienced less anxiety (mean difference -1.35, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.55, Cohen’s d = 0.40, p < 0.001). Results also showed a significant indirect effect of the Feng Shui condition on anxiety through the pleasantness of the room (B = -0.85, CI = -1.29 to -0.45) and social support (B = -0.33, CI = -0.56 to -0.13). Pleasantness of the room and social support were mediators of change in anxiety in the Evidence-Based Design and Feng Shui conditions. In contrast, application of the design principle Golden Ratio showed no effect on anxiety and remains a myth.

Interpretation

To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial linking design principles directly to anxiety in hospital rooms. The findings of our study suggest that Feng Shui and Evidence-Based Design hospital rooms can mitigate anxiety by creating a pleasant looking hospital room that fosters access to social support.

Clinical trial registration

The trial is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN10480033.
Microencapsulation of lemongrass and mangosteen peel as phytogenic compounds to gas kinetics, fermentation, degradability, methane production, and microbial population using in vitro gas technique
Authors: Prachumchai Rittikeard , Suriyapha Chaichana , Dagaew Gamonmas , Sommai Sukruthai , Matra Maharach , Phupaboon Srisan , Phasuk Yupin , Wanapat Metha
Published: June 2024

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of various doses of microencapsulated lemongrass and mangosteen peel (MELM) on gas dynamics, rumen fermentation, degradability, methane production, and microbial population in in vitro gas experiments. With five levels of microencapsulated-phytonutrient supplementation at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of substrate, 0.5 g of roughage, and a concentrate ratio of 60:40, the trial was set up as a completely randomized design. Under investigation, the amount of final asymptotic gas volume was corresponding responded to completely digested substrate (b) increased cubically as a result of the addition of MELM (P < 0.01) and a cubic rise in cumulative gas output. The amount of MELM form did not change the pH and NH3-N concentration of the rumen after 12 and 24 h of incubation. However, methane production during 24 h of incubation, the levels were cubically decreased with further doses of MELM (P < 0.01) at 12 h of incubation. Increasing the dosage of MELM supplementation at 2% DM resulted in a significant increase in the digestibility of in vitro neutral detergent fiber (IVNDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) at various incubation times (P < 0.05), but decreased above 3% DM supplementations. Moreover, the concentration of propionic acid (C3) exhibited the variations across the different levels of MELM (P < 0.05), with the maximum concentration obtained at 2% DM. The populations of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Megasphaera elsdenii revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05), while the quantity of Methanobacteriales decreased linearly with increasing doses of MELM. In conclusion, the inclusion of MELM at a concentration of 2% DM in the substrate which could enhance cumulative gas production, NDF and true digestibility, C3 production, and microbial population, while reducing methane concentration and Methanobacterial abundance.
Effect of SCN1Aand SCN2A gene polymorphisms on the efficacy of valproic acid treatment in Chinese children with epilepsy
Authors: Bao Zejun , Li Huanzhou , Hu Jing , Zhao Ru , Yan Ling , Zheng Aibin
Published: June 2024

Objective

Epilepsy patients exhibit considerable differences in their response to sodium valproate (VPA) therapy, a phenomenon that might be attributed to individual genetic variances. The role of genetic variations, specifically in sodium channels encoded by SCN1A and SCN2A genes, in influencing the effectiveness of VPA in treating epilepsy is still debated. This research focuses on examining the impact of these genetic polymorphisms on the efficacy of VPA therapy among pediatric epilepsy patients in China.

Methods

Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including SCN1A (rs10188577, rs2298771, rs3812718) and SCN2A (rs2304016, rs17183814), were genotyped in 233 epilepsy patients undergoing VPA therapy. The associations between genotypes and the antiepileptic effects of VPA were assessed, with 128 patients categorized as VPA responders and 105 as VPA non-responders.

Results

In the context of VPA monotherapy, SCN1A rs2298771 and SCN2A rs17183814 were found to be significantly associated with VPA response (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study suggests the findings of this investigation indicate that the polymorphisms SCN1A rs2298771 and SCN2A rs17183814 could potentially act as predictive biomarkers for the responsiveness to VPA among Chinese epilepsy patients.
Melon cultivation under agrotextile increases production and reduces phytosanitary products
Authors: Rocha Rafael Rosa , Ponce Franciely da Silva , Toledo Claudia Aparecida de Lima , Pedrosa Júnior José Advan Pereira , Campos Renê Arnoux da Silva , Diamante Marla Silvia , Grangeiro Leilson Costa , Krause Willian , Seabra Júnior Santino
Published: June 2024

Abiotic and biotic factors influence the productivity and quality of melon fruit; therefore, the protection of plants using agrotextile mesh is a solution that can be agronomically viable, as it reduces the use phytosanitary pesticides and allows for greater productivity and, consequently, quality. The objective this study was to evaluate the influence of coverage time with an agrotextile (0, 21, 26 and 31 days after transplanting (DAT)) in melon hybrids ‘Gold Mine’, ‘Soleares’, ‘Lual’ and ‘Natal’ on productivity and fruit quality attributes. The plants that were protected with agrotextile mesh for 21 and 26 DAT had higher productivity (53.5 and 52.1 t ha−1). Among the hybrids, all excellent plots produced above 42.4 1 t ha−1. Of the observed hybrid quality parameters, 'Natal' protected for 21 DAT showed a better total phenol content and a higher maturation index, and 'Soleares' protected for 21 DAT showed a higher DPPH antioxidant activity and flavonoid content.
Mathematics teachers and learners as collective agents of change
Authors: Wright Pete , Kelly Joel , Hilton Caroline
Published: June 2024

In this article, we report on findings from the Primary Maths and Social Justice research project, a recent collaboration between the three authors and six teacher researchers from two culturally diverse primary schools in London, UK. The project aimed to develop strategies for addressing issues of social justice in the mathematics classroom, and operationalising the recently developed theoretical concept of socio-mathematical agency, defined as learners’ capacity to apply mathematics in arguing collectively for social change. The teacher researchers’ experiences, as captured through audio recordings of research team meetings and interviews, form the basis of our data analysis. Our findings highlight the processes that enabled teachers to reflect critically on existing practice, prompting them to adopt more collaborative, discursive and inclusive problem-solving approaches that resulted in significantly higher levels of student engagement in mathematical activities. The teacher researchers found that cross-curricular projects provided more opportunities to apply mathematical knowledge in tackling social justice issues than the prescriptive and content-focused mastery-style mathematics schemes of work in place. They reported how students embraced opportunities to use mathematics in more meaningful contexts and in presenting arguments for change. We argue that a focus on developing socio-mathematical agency has the potential to enhance the role of teachers and learners as agents of change, an important element that is often underdeveloped in culturally responsive teaching.
SÍFILIS GESTACIONAL: UMA ANÁLISE EPIDEMIOLÓGICA EM UM MUNICÍPIO NO INTERIOR DA AMAZÔNIA
Authors: Batista David Heriberto Costa , Rebelo Laila Lorena Cunha da Ponte , Silva Irlaine Maria Figueira da , Martins Nádia Vicência do Nascimento
Published: June 2024

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil dos casos de sífilis gestacional em Santarém, Pará. Método: descritivo, retrospectivo, documental, de caráter transversal, abordagem quantitativa, com 104 casos de sífilis gestacional registrados entre janeiro e dezembro de 2022. Os dados foram coletados a partir das fichas de notificação para sífilis gestacional de casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), e tabuladas em planilha eletrônica da Microsoft Excel 2010. Destaca-se que esta pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, sob parecer número 5.850.905. Resultados: A maior ocorrência registrada foi no mês de agosto de 2022 (17,3%), em mulheres pardas (84,6%), residentes em área urbana (77,9%), na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos (57,6%), ensino médio completo (36,5%), ocupação “dona de casa” (56,7%), notificadas em um hospital do município (30,7%), testadas tanto com métodos treponêmicos quanto não treponêmicos (66,3%), com prevalência de sífilis primária (57,6%) e tratadas com Penicilina G Benzatina 7.200.000 UI IM (85,7%). Conclusões: Foi identificada a persistência desse agravo como problema de saúde no município, sendo necessária a adequação na assistência pré-natal para a realização de tratamento e diagnóstico precoce.
CİNSİYETİN SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR TÜKETİCİ DAVRANIŞI ÜZERİNDEKİ ROLÜ: ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: Şahin Derya
Published: June 2024

21. yüzyılda yaşanan teknolojik ilerlemeler, iletişim alanında yaşanan gelişmeler, kirlenen çevre ve doğal kaynakların kullanımı hususunda yaşanan problemler, tüketicileri çevresel bağlamda ortaya çıkan konulara daha duyarlı hale getirmiş, bu doğrultuda güçlü bir bilincin oluşmasını sağlamıştır. Sürdürebilir tüketim kavramı, güncel dönem içerisinde üzerinde sıklıkla tartışılan ve bu konuda birçok yaklaşım üretilen bir alan halini almıştır. Sürdürebilir tüketim davranışı, temelinde dünya kaynaklarına ve çevreye daha duyarlı tüketim davranışlarının ortaya konulması ve bu doğrultuda bireyin doğal kaynakları bilinçli olarak tüketip gelecek nesillere yaşam döngülerinde ihtiyaçlarını karşılamaya yetecek bir dünya bırakılması hususuna odaklanmaktadır. Söz konusu bilgiler ışığında bu araştırma; Türkiye’de yaşayan üniversite öğrencilerinin sürdürebilir tüketim davranışlarını ölçmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda güvenirliği ve geçerliliği sağlanmış olan anket formu, 340 kişiye uygulanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında toplanan verilerin analizinde, SPSS 21.0 programı kullanılmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen analizler neticesinde; çevre duyarlılığı haricinde tüm değişkenler için temel hipotezler kabul edilmiştir. Çevre duyarlılığı değişkeni için cinsiyete göre anlamlı bir fark bulunmuş, tasarruf, ihtiyaç dışı satın alma ve yeniden kullanılabilirlik değişkenleri için ise cinsiyete göre anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır.
SOCIAL NETWORKS IN THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ON ETHNIC/MINORITY ENTREPRENEURS IN TURKİYE
Authors: Taksi Deveciyan Meri
Published: June 2024

Azınlık girişimciliği, bir ükedeki çoğunluk nüfustan olmayan, farklı etnik kökendeki işletme sahiplerini ifade etmektedir. Sosyal ağ kavramı ise, yenilikçi faaliyetleri, ilişkileri ve pozisyonları kolaylaştırmak için önemli olan ve bunlar arasındaki bağlantılar olarak tanımlanan maddi olmayan varlıkları ifade eder. Azınlık girişimciliği, işletmelerin yoğunlaştığı bölgelerdeki kültürel mozaiğin korunmasına, sürdürülmesine ve ayrımcılığın önlenmesine katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada azınlık girişimciliği kavramı, Türkiye'nin İstanbul ilinde kuyumculuk sektöründe faaliyet gösteren ve çoğunluk nüfusa dahil olmayan işletme sahipleri olarak ele alınmaktadır. Çalışma sonucunda kuyumculuk sektöründeki azınlık girişimcilerin kaynaklara ulaşmak için sosyal ağlarından (özellikle eş etnik gruptan oluşanlardan) büyük ölçüde faydalandıkları tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada, Türkiye'de azınlıkların en yoğun katılım gösterdiği, bir arada olduğu ve sosyal ağ kullanımının kolaylıkla tespit edilebildiği sektörlerden biri olarak kabul edilen kuyumculuk sektörü incelenmektedir. Çalışma ile sosyal ağların azınlık girişimciliğindeki rolünü ortaya koymak amaçlanmış olup, nitel bir araştırma yöntemi olarak fenomenoloji tasarımı kullanılmıştır.
THE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS OF HIV/AIDS PREVENTION COLLABORATION IN DKI JAKARTA
Authors: Jaya I Gede Sumitra , Retnandari Nunuk Dwi
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this research is to comprehend and elucidate the collaborative governance phenomenon in the HIV/AIDS prevention program in DKI Jakarta, as well as to examine and evaluate the factors contributing to the collaboration’s success among the various stakeholders involved. The research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive analysis approach, gathering data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The research discovers that the factors influencing the collaboration’s success include networked structure, commitment to a common purpose, trust among participants, governance, access to authority, responsibility, information sharing, and resource accessibility. The research also discloses that the HIV/AIDS prevention program in DKI Jakarta uses a formal communication mechanism through official letters and an informal one through WhatsApp groups. KPAP DKI Jakarta is responsible for providing sufficient resources, such as financial, technical, and human resources, to support the HIV/AIDS prevention program. The research suggests that enhancing these factors is essential to improve the effectiveness of collaborative governance in the HIV/AIDS prevention program in DKI Jakarta.
Od Redakcji
Authors: Churski Paweł
Published: June 2024

Zapraszamy Państwa do działu Nowości Wydawniczych, w którym prezentujemy najnowsze prace autorstwa m.in. pracowników naszego wydziału, których tematyka bezpośrednio wiąże się z problematyką rozwoju regionalnego i polityki regionalnej. W bieżącym numerze przedstawiamy Państwu jedną publikację. Jest to praca zbiorowa pod redakcją Tadeusza Stryjakiewicza i Bartłomieja Kołsuta, napisana przez zespół autorów związanych z Zakładem Geografii Ekonomicznej w składzie (w kolejności alfabetycznej): Jakub Domagalski, Bartosz Doszczeczko, Wojciech Dyba, Bartłomiej Kołsut, Robert Kudłak, Michał Męczyński, Bartosz Stępiński i Tadeusz Stryjakiewicz. Książka ta jest pierwszą taką publikacją w Polsce – stanowi połączenie atlasu geograficznego i wiarygodnego źródła informacji z licznymi ciekawostkami na temat przemian, które zachodziły na rynku samochodowym w okresie transformacji systemowej i po akcesji naszego kraju do Unii Europejskiej.
Proaktywność klimatyczna jako czynnik wspierający regionalną konkurencyjność i odporność
Authors: Bronisz Urszula
Published: June 2024

Zmiany klimatu wpływają na szereg procesów społeczno-gospodarczych. Wraz z zieloną transformacją i postępującymi przeobrażeniami klimatu zmienia się także paradygmat konkurencyjności, uwzględniający większy wpływ czynników związanych ze środowiskiem. Aby poprawić konkurencyjność, wyniki gospodarcze i odporność jednostek regionalnych, potrzebne są odpowiednie działania i polityka łagodzenia zmian klimatu. Strategia przewidywania i radzenia sobie z nieuniknionymi skutkami w ramach różnych scenariuszy zmian klimatu określana jest jako proaktywność klimatyczna. W niniejszym artykule podjęto próbę opisania regionalnej proaktywności klimatycznej w wymiarze ekonomicznym, instytucjonalnym i społecznym. Zbadano także różnice w poziomie proaktywności klimatycznej regionów Unii Europejskiej (NUTS 2). W tym celu opracowano: model badawczy proaktywności klimatycznej, syntetyczny wskaźnik regionalnej proaktywności klimatycznej oraz typologię regionów dotyczącą proaktywności klimatycznej. Wyróżniono 4 kategorie regionów: liderzy, regiony progresywne, umiarkowane i zapóźnione. Badanie wykazało, że liderami w zakresie proaktywności klimatycznej są regiony skandynawskie, natomiast regiony z krajów Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej stanowią największą grupę jednostek zapóźnionych, doświadczających największych problemów.
Standing waves for Choquard equation with noncritical rotation
Authors: Mao Yicen , Yang Jie , Su Yu
Published: June 2024

We investigate the existence and stability of standing waves with prescribed mass

c
>
0

c\gt 0

for Choquard equation with noncritical rotation in Bose-Einstein condensation. Then, we consider the mass collapse behavior of standing waves, the ratio of energy to mass and the Lagrange multiplier, as

c
→

0

+

c\to {0}^{+}

. Our results extend the existing results.
Alpha-lipoic acid upregulates the PPARγ/NRF2/GPX4 signal pathway to inhibit ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhao Xiaoxuan , Feng Xiaoling
Published: June 2024

Aim

With unknown etiology and limited treatment options, unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) remains a thorny problem. Ferroptosis, a newly identified type of cell death, has been shown to be crucial in the development in reproductive disorders. This study aims to explore the specific mechanism of ferroptosis in URPL and to uncover whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can inhibit ferroptosis, and then exert a protective effect in URPL.

Method

The decidua tissues of URPL and control patients who actively terminated pregnancy were collected. The CBA/J × DBA/2 murine models of URPL were established, and were randomly treated with peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists (Rosiglitazone) and ALA. The CBA/J × BALB/c murine models of normal pregnancy were intraperitoneally injected with PPARγ inhibitors (T0070907). Here, we used reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH)/GSSG, and FeRhoNox-1 analysis to detect the level of ferroptosis. We used quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis to evaluate the mRNA level of PPARγ. Besides, western blot and immunofluorescence were utilized to test the expression profile of PPARγ/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4).

Results

In this study, we found that iron deposition was increased in the decidual tissue of patients with URPL. Additionally, the changes in cell morphology, the level of ROS, MDA, GSH, and the expression of ferroptosis marker proteins NRF2/GPX4 confirmed activated ferroptosis in URPL. Besides, bioinformatics analysis combined with experiments confirmed that PPARγ was critical in triggering NRF2/GPX4 pathway in URPL. Furthermore, URPL mouse models were established, and the results showed that PPARγ/NRF2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis was also significantly increased, which could be mitigated by ALA treatment.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings suggest that ferroptosis may play an important role in URPL, and ALA might be a promising therapeutic drug for improving pregnancy outcomes in URPL via targeting the PPARγ/NRF2/GPX4 pathway.
Characterization of material flow behavior in friction stir welded AA2014 aluminum alloy joints
Authors: Xavier Josephraj Francis , Rajendran Chinnasamy , Sivamaran Venkatesan , Mandal Tapas Kumar
Published: June 2024

Steel rivets serve as a substitute material for connecting similar and dissimilar materials within the structural fabrication industries. However, the use of steel rivets can result in a significant increase in the structure’s weight and may trigger corrosion at the interface due to galvanic coupling. Combining dissimilar alloys through the fusion welding process poses numerous challenges for manufacturers and designers. A solid-state welding technique called friction stir welding (FSW) has been developed. FSW can effectively join materials without reaching their melting points, relying on severe plastic deformation and recrystallization to form a welded joint. The proper selection of the tool and process parameters is essential for achieving a sound weld. The findings of this study indicate that plastic deformation, material flow, and recrystallization play pivotal roles in the strength of the joint. This implies that FSW represents an ideal joining process for high-strength alloys and serves as a viable alternative to replace permanent joints like rivets.
Research on uniaxial compression performance and constitutive relationship of RBP-UHPC after high temperature
Authors: Junjie Zhang , Raza Ali , Weicheng Fu , Chengfang Yuan
Published: June 2024

This study examines the impact of the recycled brick powder (RBP) replacement rate, especially at elevated temperatures on RBP-ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) properties such as the stress–strain curve, Poisson’s ratio, elastic modulus, and axial compressive strength through uniaxial compression experiments. The results show that with the increase of heating temperature, the axial compressive strength of the specimen increases first and then decreases under natural cooling (NC). In contrast, Poisson’s ratio shows opposite values. The peak strain continues to increase, and the initial elastic modulus and peak secant modulus continue to decrease. Compared with NC, the axial compressive strength of the specimens under water cooling has been reduced, the peak strain is generally larger, the initial elastic modulus and the peak secant modulus are smaller, and the incorporation of RBP also has a certain effect on the mechanical properties. Through regression analysis, an equation is established to calculate the axial compressive strength of RBP-UHPC with temperature, accounting for variables such as temperature, RBP replacement rate, and cooling method. Furthermore, based on the results of axial compression experiments, a constitutive equation for axial compression in RBP-UHPC after exposure to high temperatures is proposed. Overall, the theoretical curve closely aligns with the experimental curve, verifying its accuracy.
Story of the Wunderkind: An Erlangen Drawing from the Circle of Albrecht Altdorfer
Authors: Guan Luming
Published: June 2024

The depiction of the apocryphal infancy stories of Christ is an important subject in the history of western art, and yet it is rarely investigated. This paper reveals the unidentified subject of an early sixteenth-century drawing at Erlangen by an artist from Albrecht Altdorfer’s circle. It represents the apocryphal stories of Christ gathering pools, animating clay birds, and reviving a fallen child named Zeno. In this paper, the context of this drawing is discussed, along with the history of depicted apocryphal infancy stories in German art and the reception of the Apocrypha in early sixteenth-century Germany around Altdorfer’s circle.
Variability in the Relationship Between Velocity Loss and Percentage of Completed Repetitions During Horizontal Leg Press and Bench Press in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Iglesias-Soler Eliseo , Rial-Vázquez Jessica , Nine Iván , Fariñas Juan , Revuelta-Lera Borja , García-Ramos Amador
Published: June 2024

Iglesias-Soler, E, Rial-Vázquez, J, Nine, I, Fariñas, J, Revuelta-Lera, B, and García-Ramos, A. Variability in the relationship between velocity loss and percentage of completed repetitions during horizontal leg press and bench press in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1576–1583, 2024—This study aimed to analyze the intersubject variability in the relationship between percentage of velocity loss (%VL) and percentage of repetitions performed out of maximum possible (%MNR) in postmenopausal women. Thirty-five postmenopausal active women (58 ± 3 years) performed sets leading to muscular failure, completing 10–13 repetitions, in both leg press (LP) and bench press (BP). Mean lift velocity of each repetition was expressed as a percentage of the fastest repetition, and repetitions were quantified as a percentage of the maximum number of repetitions completed in the set. Given the hierarchical structure of the data, %VL–%MNR relationships were fitted by linear mixed model regressions. A significant intersubject variability in the intercept (i.e., %MNR associated with 0%VL) was detected (p < 0.001 in both LP and BP), even when centered values of the completed repetitions were included in the models. The estimated variance in the intercept for LP (117.39; SE: 45.41) was almost double that for BP (67.47; SE: 20.27). The variability observed in the intercept entailed variability in the estimated %MNR for specific %VL values. The use of velocity loss thresholds for estimating the intensity of effort in active postmenopausal women does not overcome uncertainty of more traditional methods.
Exploring travel agencies customers’ loyalty motives throught machine learning analysis
Authors: Dudek Andrzej , Jaremen Daria E. , Michalska-Dudek Izabela , Pellesova Pavlina
Published: June 2024

This article focuses on identifying the directions of changes in the decision-making process of purchasing package travels and the motives determining this purchase, as well as the impact of these motives on the affective, behavioral and global loyalty of travel agency customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the research goal, a literature review and field research were conducted. In the case of secondary sources, the content analysis method was used to examine them, while data from primary sources (N = 1,508) were collected using an indirect survey technique (CAWI). The data analysis was carried out using machine learning – the variable importance method and the random forest algorithm. The obtained results allowed us to conclude that during the period of threat of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, tourist packages had been purchased less frequently, and buyers either had limited their trips to domestic trips or had adapted their travel destinations to the changing pandemic situation. The most important motivators that determined the choice of a travel agency during the COVID-19 pandemic were an attractive offer, a wide selection of package travels, previous positive experiences and trust in the organiser. It was also confirmed that in the face of the pandemic threat, buyers of package travels had been loyal to travel agencies. The use of machine learning allowed for more in-depth analyses and identification of motives that had a key impact on the development of buyer loyalty during the pandemic. The factors identified in the study encouraging buyers of package travels to maintain long-term relationships with their suppliers are belief in the value of the travel agency’s offer, trust in the travel agency, individual approach travel agency employees, efficient service in the travel agency, and a wide selection of package travels.
“Protean Mechanism”: Robert Willis and the Technics of Architectural History
Authors: Crinson Mark
Published: June 2024

Robert Willis’s writing in the nineteenth century was foundational to the development of the discipline of architectural history. Closely related to other Cambridge scientists, including William Farish and William Whewell, Willis deployed similar methods and forms of conceptualization in his writings about medieval architecture. He focused on five areas in particular: the isometric projection, the building as kit-of-parts, detailed technical forms of description using illustrations and specialized vocabularies, the machine tool, and new tools for measuring cogwheels and architectural profiles. Using an interdisciplinary approach and drawing upon contemporary ideas of political economy by Karl Marx and Charles Babbage, this article resituates Willis’s writing in the context of the separation of manual from intellectual labor under industrial capitalism, arguing that the architectural historian was complicit both with the forms of abstraction required of professionalization and with the alienation of labor.
Prehistoric maritime structures in Dalmatia and Kvarner
Authors: Parica Mate
Published: June 2024

Reconstruction of prehistoric events poses many challenges to researchers. There is a wide time frame where our knowledge is very scarce, while each new research brings new elements that can complete previous conclusions. On the one hand, the lack of written sources deprives us of valuable information about the processes within certain space and time, while, on the other hand, the same shortcoming deprives us of the existence of a control mechanism in making conclusions. As a consequence, there are long-established hypotheses that have never been proven, and we accept them today as absolute scientific facts. The impetus for this work came from participating in research of the submerged Bronze Age settlement of Ričul, some twenty kilometres south-east of Zadar, when the idea was born that it might be possible to determine a model for identifying strategic places where similar sites could be located. The mentioned approach surpassed our expectations, considering that twenty, hitherto unknown, prehistoric submerged sites were discovered in a relatively short time. The newly discovered sites are very important for learning about the techniques of building maritime structures. However, even more important is the possibility of reconstructing social, economic and military and political relations among the inhabitants of the Adriatic in prehistory, especially in the Bronze and Iron Age. After the first few successful underwater reconnaissances, the model proved functional, and the very fact that it is possible to find entirely new prehistoric sites by examining strategically important points, provided favourable geomorphological predispositions, of course, also had this research as a result.
Impact of Sandium Mining on Social Economic and Ecology of River Region Lukulo Kebumen Central Java
Authors: Arsal Thriwaty
Published: June 2024

This study aims to explain the impact of sand mining on socio-economic and ecological communities of the Lukulo River region. This research was conducted in Gemeksekti Village, Kebumen Regency, Central Java. Data collection is done through observation and interview and then analyzed qualitatively to explain research data and facts. The findings: (1) the impact of sand mining on the socio-economic of the river basin shows several aspects such as the loss of river social function which has been a public space as a means to communicate and social activities. Communications initially interwoven in the river, are now lost, and no activity is done other than sand mining, even communications with villagers across the river are cut off. Youth and children are deprived of playgrounds that have an impact on the socio-economic activities of the community, (2) the impact of sand mining on the ecological damage of rivers such as river widening and river water depths, river bank cliffs, polluted waters of diesel and oil, the loss of the river's pereng and several residents' rice fields.
Gender-Based Poverty Alleviation in Grobogan Regency
Authors: Suparno Suparno
Published: June 2024

Indonesiaâ€™s human quality is relatively low. Based on the 2017 Human Development Report, the number of the Indonesian Human Development Index (HDI) or Human Development Index (HDI) is 70.81. In detail, the index number is a composite of life expectancy at birth of 70.90 years, Number of Expectations for School Length 12.72 Years, Average School Length 7.95 years, and expenditure per capita Rp. 10,420,000, -. The aim of this paper is analyzing poverty reduction efforts in Grobogan Regency in 2018. Has poverty allieviation been carried out by the Government of Grobogan Regency already taken into account the interests and needs of men and women proportionally? Based on the analysis above, it can be concluded that poverty reduction in Grobogan District has not maximally taken into account the interests of women and men proportionally. In the economic field, womenâ€™s ability to access capital has not run smoothly, because some savings and loan businesses managed by women have not run smoothly. In the field of education, women still lag behind men in indicators of long-term school expectations. Likewise the condition of womenâ€™s education is still lagging behind that of men, which has an impact on the opportunity to get decent income. Womenâ€™s income is lower than that of men. In the field of health and clean water women are still vulnerable to maternal mortality and environmental hygiene.
The Survival Strategy of Poor People in Surakarta
Authors: Dekasari Dita Agnes , Zuber Ahmad , Slamet Yulius
Published: June 2024

This research aimed to find out the surviving strategy of poor people in Kelurahan Semanggi, Pasar Kliwon Sub District, Surakarta. This study employed descriptive case study research method, with purposive sampling being the technique for selecting informant and poor people living in Kelurahan Semanggi, Pasar Kliwon Sub District, Surakarta being the unit of analysis to be studied. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interview, observation, and documentation of activities related to the surviving strategy of poor people in Kelurahan Semanggi, Pasar Kliwon Sub District, Surakarta. Data validation was carried out using data source triangulation with an interactive model of data analysis. The result of research showed that the surviving strategy taken by poor people in Kelurahan Semanggi was divided into 3. Firstly, active strategy was taken by telling the wife to work in order to help suffice the familyâ€™s need. Secondly, passive strategy was taken to apply parsimoniously living pattern, such as minimizing money spending, prioritizing more the expenditure for food need than that for other needs, minimizing the expenditure for their childrenâ€™s pocket money and some people admitted that they were dependent on the governmentâ€™s grant. Thirdly, the final strategy was network strategy taken by borrowing money from relatives, neighbor and other relations.