bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spliceosome assembly and regulation: insights from analysis of highly reduced spliceosomes
Authors: Black Corbin S. , Whelan Thomas A. , Garside Erin L. , MacMillan Andrew M. , Fast Naomi M. , Rader Stephen D.
Published: February 2023

Premessenger RNA splicing is catalyzed by the spliceosome, a multimegadalton RNA–protein complex that assembles in a highly regulated process on each intronic substrate. Most studies of splicing and spliceosomes have been carried out in human orS. cerevisiaemodel systems. There exists, however, a large diversity of spliceosomes, particularly in organisms with reduced genomes, that suggests a means of analyzing the essential elements of spliceosome assembly and regulation. In this review, we characterize changes in spliceosome composition across phyla, describing those that are most frequently observed and highlighting an analysis of the reduced spliceosome of the red algaCyanidioschyzon merolae. We used homology modeling to predict what effect splicing protein loss would have on the spliceosome, based on currently available cryo-EM structures. We observe strongly correlated loss of proteins that function in the same process, for example, in interacting with the U1 snRNP (which is absent inC. merolae), regulation of Brr2, or coupling transcription and splicing. Based on our observations, we predict splicing inC. merolaeto be inefficient, inaccurate, and post-transcriptional, consistent with the apparent trend toward its elimination in this lineage. This work highlights the striking flexibility of the splicing pathway and the spliceosome when viewed in the context of eukaryotic diversity.
Increased growth temperature and vitamin B12 supplementation reduces the lag time for rapid pathogen identification in BHI agar and blood cultures
Authors: Ali Jawad , Joshi Mukund , Ahmadi Asal , Strætkvern Knut Olav , Ahmad Rafi
Published: February 2023

Background: The rapid diagnostics of pathogens is essential to prescribe appropriate and early antibiotic therapy. The current methods for pathogen detection require the bacteria to grow in a culture medium, which is time-consuming. This increases the mortality rate and the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Culture-free detection methods are still under development and are not used in the clinical routine. Therefore decreasing the culture time for accurate detection of infection and resistance is vital for diagnosis.

Methods: In this study, we wanted to investigate easy-to-implement factors (in a minimal laboratory set-up), including inoculum size, incubation temperature, and additional supplementation (e.g., vitamin B12 and trace metals), that can significantly reduce the lag time (tlag). These factors were arranged in simple two-level factorial designs using Gram-positive (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-negative (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) bacteria, including clinical isolates with known antimicrobial resistance profiles. Blood samples spiked with a clinical isolate of E. coli CCUG17620 were also tested to see the effect of elevated incubation temperature on bacterial growth in blood cultures.

Results: We observed that increased incubation temperature (42°C) along with vitamin B12 supplementation significantly reduced the tlag (10 – 115 minutes or 4% - 49%) in pure clinical isolates and blood samples spiked with E. coli CCUG17620. In the case of the blood sample, PCR results also detected bacterial DNA after only 3h of incubation and at three times the CFU/mL.

Conclusions: Enrichment of bacterial culture media with growth supplements such as vitamin B12 and increased incubation temperature can be a cheap and rapid method for the early detection of pathogens. This is a proof-of-concept study restricted to a few bacterial strains and growth conditions. In the future, the effect of other growth conditions and difficult-to-culture bacteria should be explored to shorten the lag phase.
The ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate LLINs and its effect on their mortality
Authors: Meza Felician Clement , Muyaga Letus L , Limwagu Alex  Julius , Lwetoijera Dickson Wilson
Published: February 2023

Background: Variation in mosquito body size and the ability to penetrate long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) remains unknown. This study evaluated the ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate commercially available treated and untreated bednets and how this behaviour affects mosquito mortality.

Methods: Three types of LLINs; DawaPlus 2.0, PermaNet 2.0, Olyset 2.0, and untreated (Safi Net) were tested inside a semi-field system. One hundred 3–5-day-old female A. funestus and A. arabiensis were released in a chamber with a sleeping adult volunteer under a treated or untreated bednet. Mosquitoes that penetrated inside the nets were collected every two hours using a mouth aspirator. Live mosquitoes were put in paper cups, fed on glucose ad libitum and their mortality rate was monitored for 48 h.

Results: The ability of A. funestus to penetrate treated and untreated bednets was significantly higher than for A. arabiensis for all three LLIN net types (P<0.001). For both species the penetration rate was higher for untreated bednets than treated ones except for the Olyset net. Regardless of the assessed mosquito species, all the mosquitoes that penetrated the net, successfully blood-fed on the sleeping volunteer. Compared to A. arabiensis, significant mortality was recorded for A. funestus that were caught inside Olyset nets within 48 hrs of monitoring (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate the ability of A. funestus and A. arabiensis mosquitoes to penetrate the human-occupied treated and untreated bednets. Despite this ability, mosquitoes that penetrated the bednet succumbed to death within two days.
The genome sequence of the pale Rhogogaster, Rhogogaster chlorosoma (Benson, 1943)
Authors: Falk Steven ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Green Andrew ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Rhogogaster chlorosoma (the pale Rhogogaster; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Tenthredinidae). The genome sequence is 255 megabases in span. The whole assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.0 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 24,433 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Brown Scallop, Philereme vetulata (Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Tyler-Smith Chris ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Philereme vetulata (the Brown Scallop; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 771 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 68 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 18,096 protein coding genes.
IMPROVING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CUSTOMS OFFICIALS
Authors: Trubicyn K. , Kalmykova O.
Published: February 2023

The article discusses topical issues of increasing the level of professional competence of customs officials in the process of customs service in order to minimize the functional manifestations of destructive conflicts, personnel risks and professional stress. The purpose of this study is to develop guidelines for improving the system of professional development of customs officials. The authors carried out a comparative analysis of scientific research, the results of which are of practical importance for improving the effectiveness of personnel measures aimed at building the personnel potential of customs authorities. In the study, the authors used the following methods: observation, analysis of legal, program and target documents, expert survey, personnel risk diagnostics, hierarchy analysis. The authors analyze the factors of the organizational environment of the customs authority, which affect the level of formation of professional competence of the personnel of the customs authorities. Tasks of the diagnostic stage of the study: an expert survey of respondents on the effectiveness of the proposed methodological recommendations for improving the level of professional competence of customs officials. In the study, officials of the customs authority and teachers of a higher educational institution acted as experts. Analysis of the results of expert surveys ensures the improvement of educational and methodological support for the process of preparing students at the Samara State Technical University. Determination of effective methods of professional development of officials of the customs authority was carried out on the basis of the analysis of hierarchies (HAI).
Introducing and Integrating Machine Learning in an Operations Research Curriculum: An Application-Driven Course
Authors: Boutilier Justin J. , Chan Timothy C. Y.
Published: February 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research (OR) have long been intertwined because of their synergistic relationship. Given the increasing popularity of AI and machine learning in particular, we face growing demand for educational offerings in this area from our students. This paper describes two courses that introduce machine learning concepts to undergraduate, predominantly industrial engineering and operations research students. Instead of taking a methods-first approach, these courses use real-world applications to motivate, introduce, and explore these machine learning techniques and highlight meaningful overlap with operations research. Significant hands-on coding experience is used to build student proficiency with the techniques. Student feedback indicates that these courses have greatly increased student interest in machine learning and appreciation of the real-world impact that analytics can have and helped students develop practical skills that they can apply. We believe that similar application-driven courses that connect machine learning and operations research would be valuable additions to undergraduate OR curricula broadly.

Supplemental Material: Supplemental material is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2021.0256 .
The Business of Healthcare: The Role of Physician Integration in Bundled Payments
Authors: Vlachy Jan , Ayer Turgay , Ayvaci Mehmet , Raghunathan Srinivasan
Published: February 2023

Problem definition: Under the prevailing fee-for-service (FFS) payments, hospitals receive a fixed payment, whereas physicians receive separate fees for each treatment or procedure performed for a given diagnosis. Under FFS, incentives of hospitals and physicians are misaligned, leading to large inefficiencies. Bundled payments (BP), an alternative to FFS unifying payments to the hospital and physicians, are expected to encourage care coordination and reduce ever increasing healthcare costs. However, as hospitals differ in their relationships with physicians in influencing care (level of physician integration), the expected effects of bundling in hospital systems with a varying level of physician integration remains unclear. Academic/practical relevance: There is a lack of both academic and practical understanding of hospitals’ and physicians’ bundling incentives. Our study builds on and expands the recent operations management literature on alternative payment models. Methodology: We formulate game-theoretic models to study (1) the impact of the level of integration between the hospital and physicians in the uptake of BP and (2) the consequences of bundling with respect to overall care quality and costs/savings across the spectrum of integration levels. Results: We find that (1) hospitals with low to moderate levels of physician integration have more incentives to bundle as compared with hospitals with high physician integration; (2) to engage physicians, hospitals need to financially incentivize them, a mechanism that was not available in traditional FFS-based payment models; (3) when feasible, BP is expected to reduce care intensity, and this reduction in care intensity is expected to result in quality improvement and cost savings in hospital systems with low to moderate level of physician integration; (4) however, when bundling happens in hospital systems with a relatively higher level of physician integration, BP may lead to underprovisioning of care and ultimately quality reduction; (5) in an environment where hospitals are also held accountable for quality, the incentives for bundling will be higher for involved parties, yet quality vulnerabilities due to bundling can be exacerbated. Managerial implications: Our findings have important managerial implications for policy makers, payers such as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and hospitals: (1) policy makers and payers should be aware of and account for potential negative effects of current BP design on a subset of hospital systems, including a possible quality reduction; (2) in deciding whether to enroll in BP, hospitals should consider their level of physician integration and possible implications for quality. Based on our findings, we expect that a widespread use of BP may trigger further market concentration via hospital mergers or service-line closures.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.1187 .
Optimal control on education, vaccination, and treatment in the model of dengue hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Haafidhoh Eva Annisa , Adi Yudi Ari , Irsalinda Nursyiva
Published: February 2023

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an infection caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In this paper, a model of the spread of dengue disease is developed using optimal control theory by dividing the population into Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, and Recovered (SEIR) sub-populations. The Pontryagin minimum principle of the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method is used in the model of the spread of dengue disease by incorporating control factors in the form of education and vaccination of susceptible human populations, as well as treatment of infected human populations. Optimum control aims to minimize the infected human population in order to reduce the spread of DHF. Simulations were carried out for two cases, namely when the basic reproduction number   is less than one for disease-free conditions and  greater than one for endemic conditions. Based on numerical simulations of the SEIR epidemic model with controls, it results that the optimal strategy is achieved if education controls, vaccinations, and medication are used.
Factors Affecting Graduate Competence in Independent Learning Policies Independent Campus
Authors: Niarti Upi , Hermelinda Tuti , Syeptiani Silvia
Published: February 2023

Learning in the Merdeka Campus provides challenges and opportunities for the development of innovation, creativity, capacity, personality, and student needs, as well as developing independence in seeking and finding knowledge through realities and field dynamics such as ability requirements, real problems, social interaction, collaboration, self-management, performance demands, targets and achievements. Through an independent learning program that is well designed and implemented, students' hard and soft skills will be formed strongly.The tight competition in the world of work entering the industrial era requires university graduates to compete by equipping themselves with various skills. The competence of college graduates is one of the determining factors to be able to compete in the world of work. Higher education graduates are mainly required to be up to date with the development of science and technology so that they can become graduates who are ready to use and are competitive. It is undeniable, with the advancement of science and technology, the roles and functions of humans have begun to be replaced by information technology that was created to simplify and accelerate human work. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the competence of college graduates, namely emotional intelligence, learning behavior and academic achievement. Graduate competence refers to the Graduate Competency Standards according to the National Higher Education Standards, namely Attitudes, Knowledge and Skills. The scope of the research is final semester students at the Raflesia Polytechnic with 120 respondents. Data collection techniques using a Likert scale 1-5 questionnaire. The analysis used statistical tests, namely the F test and t test with the help of SPSS. The results showed that simultaneously emotional intelligence, learning behavior and academic achievement had a significant effect on graduate competence, while partially emotional intelligence and academic achievement had a significant effect on graduate competence
Level of professional culture University students in Jordan
Authors: AL-Momani Mohammad Omar , Purnawan Purnawan
Published: February 2023

The study aimed to identify the level of professional culture of undergraduate students In Jordan from the point of view of the students themselves and its relationship to the gender variable, where the descriptive approach was used in addition to the use of the questionnaire as a study tool in the classroom. school the first of the academic year (2021-2022AD)The study sample consisted of (300) male and female students representing all levels and stages of university study. The study, after conducting the appropriate statistical treatments, concluded that the level of professional culture among students It reached (3.45) with a standard deviation of (0.54) and a mean total score, in addition to the absence of statistically significant differences in the level of professional culture for students, which are attributed to the gender variable.
Development of Worksheets on Creative Product Learning and Entrepreneurship in Indonesia’s Vocational Education & Training Schools
Authors: Yuliyah Yuliyah , Santosa Budi
Published: February 2023

This research is a research and development (R & D) that aims to analyse and develop Problem-Based Student Activity Sheets/PBSAS using android in the subjects of Creative Products Learning and Entrepreneurship (CPLE) in Vocational Education & Training/VET School that meets the proper and effective requirements. The development of PBSAS using the ADDIE model includes analysing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating. Research location conducted at VET School Negeri 2 Cilacap with sample study participant educate XI level majoring in Mechanical Engineering (27 participants educate), with type study experiment, one group pretest-posttest design. retrieval technique sample that is simple random sampling. Data analysis techniques are carried out qualitative and quantitative. Analysis qualitative conducted to results related to observations and interviews with analysis needs. Whereas analysis quantitative was conducted on data on the feasibility and effectiveness of PBSAS on CPLE lessons in VET School. PBSAS implementation of CPLE lessons at VET School is not yet in accordance with the hope, because students still experience confusion on PBSAS instructions that have not been clear. PBSAS was developed served in google slide form, students could work on the PBSAS to edit it on the slide shared by the teacher and containing material in the form of animated videos. PBSAS on CPLE lessons at VET School has high effectiveness, demonstrated with the value of N Gain score is 0.749 and strong.
The true value of a mental health nurse: the lessons that I learned by becoming a mental health service user
Authors: Fisher Jane
Published: February 2023

This is a personal reflection on the experience of becoming a mental health service user, 10 years into my career as a mental health nurse. My experiences as a mental health service user caused me to re-evaluate the true value of a mental health nurse. Qualities such as compassion and advocacy are more important to service users than standardised generic interventions. This article examines the importance of hope and the therapeutic relationship, stressing the true value and impact of a mental health nurse. Finally, a brief critique of the concept of recovery is offered. It is an encouragement and motivation to mental health professionals to be the nurse that service users want and need.
Performance of portable objective wound assessment tools: a systematic review
Authors: Tan Poh , Basonbul Razan A , Lim Joanne , Moiemen Naiem
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Accurate wound assessment is crucial for determining the progression of healing and guides treatment strategies. Portable wound assessment devices can be useful in providing an accurate evaluation in the community where most cases are treated. The objective of this review was to compare the performance of various portable wound assessment techniques used for wound healing assessment described in the literature.

Method:

In April 2020, electronic databases were searched, using appropriate search terms, for all available publications on the use of portable wound assessment devices on human and artificial wounds. The primary outcome was the reliability and reproducibility of measurement while the secondary outcome was the feasibility of the instrument. All studies underwent quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) to examine the quality of data.

Results:

A total of 129 articles were identified and 24 were included in the final review; 17 articles discussed two-dimensional (2D) devices; three articles discussed three-dimensional (3D) devices; and four articles discussed application-based devices. Most studies (n=8) reported on a 2D device that had an ICC of 0.92–0.99 for area measurement and a coefficient of variance of 3.1% with an error of 2.3% in human wounds and 1.55-3.7% in artificial wounds. The inter/intra observer reliability was 0.998 and 0.985, respectively with a scan time of two minutes per wound. The median QUADAS score was 12.

Conclusion:

Based on the presented evidence, 2D-based portable wound assessment devices were the most studied and demonstrated good performance. Further studies are required for 3D and application-based measurement instruments.
Role of small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix in advanced regenerative wound therapy
Authors: Simman Richard
Published: February 2023

Advanced regenerative therapies using cellular and tissue-based products (CTPs) can play an important role in effective management of hard-to-heal wounds. CTPs derived from allogenic or xenogenic tissues use an extracellular matrix (ECM) to provide a therapeutic ECM scaffold in the wound bed to facilitate tissue regeneration. One such example is OASIS Extracellular Matrix (Cook Biotech Incorporated), a porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM) that preclinical and clinical data have shown to be tolerable and effective in promoting tissue regeneration in hard-to-heal wounds.
Development of Schoolpreneur Model for Malaysian Secondary School: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach
Authors: Saifuddin Saiful Adzlan , Janudin Sharul Effendy , Salleh Mad Ithnin
Published: February 2023

This study aims to develop a schoolpreneur model appropriate for Malaysia's secondary school environment. The current study surveyed students participating in the Program Tunas Commerce (PROTUNe) and the Young Entrepreneurs Association (PUM) in the states of Perak, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan to accomplish these purposes. A survey-based technique was used to collect data, and 400 students participated. With a cross-sectional research design, this research uses a quantitative research methodology. This research employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) for statistical analysis. The study's findings show that six highlighted factors can be incorporated to develop a schoolpreneur model. These factors all significantly affect the schoolpreneur model. A significant correlation of the schoolpreneur model of more than 60% indicates the significance of talent skills, mentors, incubators, individual personality, role models, and family background in the development of the schoolpreneur model. As a result, secondary schools can conduct entrepreneurial activities better due to the development of the schoolpreneur model.
Borate Treatment of CLT Panels Using Vacuum: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Taylor Adam , Denavit Mark , Lloyd Jeffrey , Kim Jae-Woo , Kirker Grant , Mankowski Mark
Published: February 2023

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an increasingly popular wood-based alternative for large building applications. CLT panels are typically not treated due in part to a perceived lack of efficient and effective methods for treating large panels and a lack of information on what effect treatment processes may have on the panels' mechanical properties. We propose that treating CLT panels with borate solution, applied under vacuum in flexible bags, could provide a practical and effective option for providing preservative protection for interior applications. Samples were cut from commercially produced CLT panels and treated with borate solution using vacuum. The samples were then evaluated for preservative retention, swelling, and degradation of mechanical properties. Initial treatments resulted in a wide range of preservative retentions and property effects among the products tested. In subsequent adjustments, the treatment parameters were changed to provide consistent and sufficient retention among the products. The vacuum treatment method effectively penetrated cracks in the lumber and the bond lines (adhesive joint between adjacent lamellae). Swelling and effects on mechanical properties were minimal in the adjusted samples. In addition to these samples that were treated in a rigid pressure vessel, a larger sample was successfully treated in a flexible plastic bag. Data from this study support the concept that vacuum treatment of CLT panels with borate can provide sufficient levels of preservative retention, can be adjusted to the material being treated, and has minimal effects on mechanical properties.
A poesia oral improvisada como prática política antagonista.
Authors: Naia Xian , Lourido Isaac
Published: February 2023

O artigo desenvolve uma aproximação panorâmica da poesia oral improvisada em língua galega e dos seus usos e funções sociais na atualidade. Inclui uma revisão dos quadros teóricos e metodológicos habitualmente aplicados à poesia oral improvisada, ao tempo que promove a inclusão de metodologias transdisciplinares para abordar estas práticas nas suas dimensões estética, sociocultural e política. Reconstrói a história social do género emblemático da poesia improvisada galega, a regueifa, que ao longo do século XX foi perdendo a sua função no contexto de rituais epitalâmicos para se tornar num espetáculo artístico sujeito tanto à apropriação folclórica como à reivindicação sociocultural. Na parte final, são estudados os usos da regueifa no contexto dos movimentos sociais críticos. São tratadas de forma específica as práticas desenvolvidas pelo feminismo para a reinscrição da regueifa num programa de intervenção social crítico com a hegemonia patriarcal.
Miradas efractivas, ojos refractivos, y sujetxs inclinadxs. Genealogías de la (re)visión feminista-lésbica-queer
Authors: Torras Frances Meri
Published: February 2023

Este texto sigue una genealogía feminista, desde la (re)visión y su dimensión efractiva, hasta su encarnación en unos ojos refractivos. Esta inflexión da cuenta de la dimensión corporal encarnada de las propuestas teóricas recientes y su énfasis en la fragilidad y la interdependencia mutua, que se visibiliza en un corpus narrativo de diversidad funcional, en una poética que señala la autoconsciencia de la pérdida de una verticalidad hegemónica.
Two Ways of Looking at the Father: Sharon Olds’ The Father and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home
Authors: Villamarín-Freire Sara
Published: February 2023

This article explores a series of visual-textual devices used in the representation of father figures in the poetry collection The Father (Sharon Olds, 1992) and the graphic memoir Fun Home (Alison Bechdel, 2006). I argue that literature can contribute to undo the conflation of paternity and patriarchy by portraying fathers as complex, fallible, and above all real individuals, as opposed to the disembodied abstract principle that has been prevalent in Western cultures. I will contend that the subsuming qualities of the dominant fiction can be subverted via a series of formal mechanisms related to the visual field that seek to foster reader engagement. In doing so, both The Father and Fun Home provide alternatives to traditional representations of the father figure.
La negación de la identidad en contextos biopolíticos: acerca de los personajes de Si te dicen que caí (1973) de Juan Marsé
Authors: Candorcio Rodríguez Natalia
Published: February 2023

Este artículo tiene como objetivo explorar la constitución de los personajes de Si te dicen que caí (1973) de Juan Marsé desde una postura integradora que combina postulados sobre el cuerpo y el nombre propio con principios de la «biopoética». Si la identidad es una construcción dependiente de las relaciones de poder donde entran en juego la singularidad corporal y lingüística, los ambientes biopolíticos, como la dictadura franquista, pueden llegar a producir su disolución e, incluso, su negación. El modo en que en la novela se entretejen los semas corporales, difusos e inestables, y los nombres propios, que pueden leerse como «hiposignos» por su falta de consistencia y regularidad, se interpretan como el modo en que el autor (re)crea el contexto biopolítico de la posguerra en que se enmarca la obra.
Ficción conjetural y ciudad en ruinas: sobre El aire de Sergio Chejfec
Authors: Guerra Juan José
Published: February 2023

El propósito de este trabajo es analizar la configuración del espacio urbano en El aire (1992), de Sergio Chejfec, novela que compone la forma de una ciudad futura por medio de un imaginario de las ruinas. Consideramos que la multiplicación de signos ostensibles de deterioro en la ficción se produce tanto por la referencia a la ciudad empírica como por el diálogo con las tesis de Ezequiel Martínez Estrada. Sostenemos que es a través de la forma conjetural de la novela como se establece la relación entre la literatura y el dominio extraliterario. En síntesis, la ficción se constituye en el espacio privilegiado donde desplegar una serie de hipótesis acerca de lo que Chejfec denomina el «significado del mundo social».
Dibujando una constelación de sentimientos morales. Una visión desde la neuroeducación moral.
Authors: Orts Garcia Maria
Published: February 2023

Actualmente nos encontramos envueltos en una serie de desafíos éticos que sesuman al gran reto que supone el propio fin de la educación. Ante tal situación,resulta fundamental plantearse los valores que la sostienen, qué tipo de educaciónqueremos y con qué fin educamos. Este panorama invita a que se aspire ala formación de seres autónomos, críticos y creativos, pero también sintientes ycompasivos. Esto, por una parte, alude a la importancia de las emociones en elproceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Y por otra, remite a unos sentimientos y valoresmorales que se presentan como una constelación que, tal vez, la neuroeducaciónmoral pueda dilucidar.
Ambient noise-based weakly supervised manhole localization methods over deployed fiber networks
Authors: Bukharin Alexander , Han Shaobo , Chen Yuheng , Huang Ming-Fang , Huang Yue-Kai , Xie Yao , Wang Ting
Published: February 2023

We present a manhole localization method based on distributed fiber optic sensing and weakly supervised machine learning techniques. For the first time to our knowledge, ambient environment data is used for underground cable mapping with the promise of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing field work. To effectively accommodate the weak informativeness of ambient data, a selective data sampling scheme and an attention-based deep multiple instance classification model are adopted, which only requires weakly annotated data. The proposed approach is validated on field data collected by a fiber sensing system over multiple existing fiber networks.
Precise topological transition and negative refraction of a wave vector in a symmetrically arranged Al2O3/Ag/Al2O3 multilayer
Authors: Jen Yi-Jun , Chan Teh-Li
Published: February 2023

The topological transition of a symmetrically arranged Al2O3/Ag/Al2O3 multilayer is precisely estimated by the product of characteristic film matrixes instead of treating the multilayer as an anisotropic medium with effective medium approximation. The variation of the iso-frequency curve among a type I hyperbolic metamaterial, a type II hyperbolic metamaterial, a dielectric-like medium, and a metal-like medium of such a multilayer with wavelength and the filling fraction of the metal is investigated. The estimated negative refraction of wave vector in a type II hyperbolic metamaterial is demonstrated with near field simulation.
Multi-mode fiber-based speckle contrast optical spectroscopy: analysis of speckle statistics
Authors: Lin Chen-Hao P. , Orukari Inema , Tracy Christopher , Frisk Lisa Kobayashi , Verma Manish , Chetia Sumana , Durduran Turgut , Trobaugh Jason W. , Culver Joseph P.
Published: February 2023

Speckle contrast optical spectroscopy/tomography (SCOS/T) provides a real-time, non-invasive, and cost-efficient optical imaging approach to mapping of cerebral blood flow. By measuring many speckles (n>>10), SCOS/T has an increased signal-to-noise ratio relative to diffuse correlation spectroscopy, which measures one or a few speckles. However, the current free-space SCOS/T designs are not ideal for large field-of-view imaging in humans because the curved head contour cannot be readily imaged with a single flat sensor and hair obstructs optical access. Herein, we evaluate the feasibility of using cost-efficient multi-mode fiber (MMF) bundles for use in SCOS/T systems. One challenge with speckle contrast measurements is the potential for confounding noise sources (e.g., shot noise, readout noise) which contribute to the standard deviation measure and corrupt the speckle contrast measure that is central to the SCOS/T systems. However, for true speckle measurements, the histogram of pixel intensities from light interference follows a non-Gaussian distribution, specifically a gamma distribution with non-zero skew, whereas most noise sources have pixel intensity distributions that are Gaussian. By evaluating speckle data from static and dynamic targets imaged through an MMF, we use histograms and statistical analysis of pixel histograms to evaluate whether the statistical properties of the speckles are retained. We show that flow-based speckle can be distinguished from static speckle and from sources of system noise through measures of skew in the pixel intensity histograms. Finally, we illustrate in humans that MMF bundles relay blood flow information.
Controlling water giant low-inertia nonlinear refractive index in the THz frequency range via temperature variation
Authors: Nabilkova Aleksandra , Ismagilov Azat , Melnik Maksim , Tsypkin Anton , Guselnikov Mikhail , Kozlov Sergei , Zhang Xi-Cheng
Published: February 2023

To create self-controlled radiation photonics systems, it is necessary to have complete information about the nonlinear properties of the materials used. In this Letter, the vibrational mechanism of the giant low-inertia cubic nonlinearity of the refractive index of water in the terahertz (THz) frequency range is experimentally proven. Its dominance, which manifests itself when the temperature of the liquid changes, is demonstrated. The measured nonlinear refractive index in the THz frequency range for a water jet at temperatures from 14°C to 21°C demonstrates a correlation with the theoretical approach, varies in the range 4–10 × 10−10 cm2/W, and is characterized by an inertial time constant of less than 1 ps.
High Orbital Angular Momentum Lasing with Tunable Degree of Chirality in a Symmetry-Broken Microcavity
Authors: Qiao Zhen , ZHU SONG , Yuan Zhiyi , Gong Chaoyang , Liao Yikai , Gong Xuerui , Kim Munho , CHEN YU-CHENG
Published: February 2023

Chiral lasers with orbital angular momenta (OAM) are building blocks in developing high-dimensional integrated photonic devices. However, it remains demanding to arbitrarily manipulate the precise degree of chirality (DOC) and quantum numbers of OAM in microscale lasers. This study reports a new strategy to generate OAM microlasers with tunable DOC and large quantum numbers through a ring-structured Fabry-Perot microcavity with nanoscale symmetry-broken geometry. By exploiting the uneven potential of photons distributed in a microcavity, the dissymmetry factor of OAM laser can be continuously tuned from -1 to +1 by manipulating optical pump positions. High-order vortices with tunable quantum numbers were achieved, in which the largest quantum number reached up to 352. Finally, multi-vortex laser generation on chip in spatial and temporal domains was accomplished. This study reveals the fundamental physics of symmetry-broken cavity and provides a simple yet scalable approach for manipulating the chirality of OAM microlasers, offering new insights for high-dimensional information processing and optical communications.
Ultra-broadband absorber based on multilayered graphene
Authors: Garakani Farshid Gharib , Moradi Gholamreza , Ghorbani Ayaz
Published: February 2023

We propose an absorber with ultra-broadband in millimeter wave band, which has an extraordinary relative bandwidth of about 190% with above 90% absorption. The equivalent circuit model is used to explain the design process of the graphene absorber, which aims to achieve high absorption through the impedance matching of the structure with free space impedance. At first, the absorber is designed with one layer of graphene and then extended to the multilayer. Moreover, we study the polarization effect of incident waves on absorption and bandwidth. The parametric study is done to analyze the absorber’s performance and optimize the structure.
Modeling the impact of combined use of COVID Alert SA app and vaccination to curb COVID-19 infections in South Africa
Authors: Kinyili Musyoka , Munyakazi Justin B. , Mukhtar Abdulaziz Y. A.
Published: February 2023

The unanticipated continued deep-rooted trend of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona-virus-2 the originator pathogen of the COVID-19 persists posing concurrent anxiety globally. More effort is affixed in the scientific arena via continuous investigations in a prolific effort to understand the transmission dynamics and control measures in eradication of the epidemic. Both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical containment measure protocols have been assimilated in this effort. In this study, we develop a modified SEIR deterministic model that factors in alternative-amalgamation of use of COVID Alert SA app and vaccination against the COVID-19 to the Republic of South Africa’s general public in an endeavor to discontinue the chain of spread for the pandemic. We analyze the key properties of the model not limited to positivity, boundedness, and stability. We authenticate the model by fitting it to the Republic of South Africa’s cumulative COVID-19 cases reported data utilizing the Maximum Likelihood Estimation algorithm implemented in fitR package. Sensitivity analysis and simulations for the model reveal that simultaneously-gradually increased implementation of the COVID Alert SA app use and vaccination against COVID-19 to the public substantially accelerate reduction in the plateau number of COVID-19 infections across all the observed vaccine efficacy scenarios. More fundamentally, it is discovered that implementing at least 12% app use (mainly for the susceptible population not vaccinated) with simultaneous vaccination of over 12% of the susceptible population majorly not using the app using a vaccine of at least 50% efficacy would be sufficient in eradicating the pandemic over relatively shorter time span.
Long short term memory deep net performance on fused Planet-Scope and Sentinel-2 imagery for detection of agricultural crop
Authors: Rehman Touseef Ur , Alam Maaz , Minallah Nasru , Khan Waleed , Frnda Jaroslav , Mushtaq Shawal , Ajmal Muhammad
Published: February 2023

In view of the challenges faced by organizations and departments concerned with agricultural capacity observations, we collected In-Situ data consisting of diverse crops (More than 11 consumable vegetation types) in our pilot region of Harichand Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Our proposed Long Short-Term Memory based Deep Neural network model was trained for land cover land use statistics generation using the acquired ground truth data, for a synergy between Planet-Scope Dove and European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2. Total of 4 bands from both sentinel-2 and planet scope including Red, Green, Near-Infrared (NIR) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used for classification purpose. Using short temporal frame of Sentinel-2 comprising 5 date images, we propose an realistic and implementable procedure for generating accurate crop statistics using remote sensing. Our self collected data-set consists of a total number of 107,899 pixels which was further split into 70% and 30% for training and testing purpose of the model respectively. The collected data is in the shape of field parcels, which has been further split for training, validation and test sets, to avoid spatial auto-correlation. To ensure the quality and accuracy 15% of the training data was left out for validation purpose, and 15% for testing. Prediction was also performed on our trained model and visual analysis of the area from the image showed significant results. Further more a comparison between Sentinel-2 time series is performed separately from the fused Planet-Scope and Sentinel-2 time-series data sets. The results achieved shows a weighted average of 93% for Sentinel-2 time series and 97% for fused Planet-Scope and Sentinel-2 time series.
Free amino acid and acylcarnitine values in Ursus americanus Pallas 1780 (black bear) from Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Abellan-Borja Andres , Rodriguez-Sanchez Iram P. , Carrera-Treviño Rogelio , Villanueva-Segura Olga Karina , Zapata-Morin Patricio Adrian , Martinez-de-Villareal Laura E. , Barboza-Aranda Luis Javier , Gomez-Govea Mayra A. , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L. , Delgado-Enciso Ivan , Ruiz-Ayma Gabriel , Gonzalez-Rojas Jose Ignacio , Guzman-Velasco Antonio
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Ursus americanus Pallas 1780 is the largest carnivore and the only ursid in Mexico. It is considered an endangered species in the country because its distribution and population have been reduced by up to 80% because of habitat loss or furtive hunting. These problems can lead to a diet change, which could result in metabolic disorders, such as fatty acid β-oxidation defects or organic acid metabolism disorders. In our study, a free amino acid and acylcarnitine profile was characterized.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were drawn from nine free-ranging black bears in a period of five months, from June to October of 2019 in Northeastern Mexico, and 12 amino acids and 30 acylcarnitines were determined and quantified. Age differences were observed in the samples through ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test.

Results

Only three metabolites showed a significant difference with age: alanine (Ala) [cubs vs juvenile], free-carnitine (C0) [juvenile vs cubs] and acetylcarnitine (C2) [cubs vs adults and juvenile vs cubs].

Conclusion

Metabolites with variability due to age were identified, making them potential biomarkers to monitor metabolic status as early diagnosis in endangered species. This is the first study of black bear amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles, and the values found could be used as reference for free amino acid and acylcarnitine concentrations in further studies of the species.
Low precipitation due to climate change consistently reduces multifunctionality of urban grasslands in mesocosms
Authors: Rojas-Botero Sandra , Teixeira Leonardo H. , Kollmann Johannes
Published: February 2023

Urban grasslands are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services in cities, while little is known about their multifunctionality under climate change. Thus, we investigated the effects of simulated climate change, i.e., increased [CO2] and temperature, and reduced precipitation, on individual functions and overall multifunctionality in mesocosm grasslands sown with forbs and grasses in four different proportions aiming at mimicking road verge grassland patches. Climate change scenarios RCP2.6 (control) and RCP8.5 (worst-case) were simulated in walk-in climate chambers of an ecotron facility, and watering was manipulated for normal vs. reduced precipitation. We measured eight indicator variables of ecosystem functions based on below- and aboveground characteristics. The young grassland communities responded to higher [CO2] and warmer conditions with increased vegetation cover, height, flower production, and soil respiration. Lower precipitation affected carbon cycling in the ecosystem by reducing biomass production and soil respiration. In turn, the water regulation capacity of the grasslands depended on precipitation interacting with climate change scenario, given the enhanced water efficiency resulting from increased [CO2] under RCP8.5. Multifunctionality was negatively affected by reduced precipitation, especially under RCP2.6. Trade-offs arose among single functions that performed best in either grass- or forb-dominated grasslands. Grasslands with an even ratio of plant functional types coped better with climate change and thus are good options for increasing the benefits of urban green infrastructure. Overall, the study provides experimental evidence of the effects of climate change on the functionality of urban ecosystems. Designing the composition of urban grasslands based on ecological theory may increase their resilience to global change.
Stadium attendance demand in the men’s UEFA Champions League: Do fans value sporting contest or match quality?
Authors: Wills George , Addesa Francesco , Tacon Richard
Published: February 2023

This paper is the first to empirically analyse the determinants of stadium attendance demand in the men’s UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious competition in club football. The analysis covers 1,234 matches from 2009/10 to 2018/19 across 32 nations. The results show that outcome uncertainty and competitive intensity are not significantly associated with higher attendances, but the level of team quality is, for all fans, and the presence of star players is, for fans of clubs outside the top five European leagues. The empirical analysis—based on Tobit model regressions—enables an evidence-informed discussion of the competition structure of the UCL and the highly charged debate surrounding a potential European Super League. The article also offers insights for the wider body of academic knowledge on stadium attendance demand, by adding rare analysis of an international cup competition and an improved understanding of the connection between star players and fan interest in European football.