bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical performance analysis of a hybrid parabolic trough collector with photovoltaic slats
Authors: Leal Marta , Pujol-Nadal Ramón , Domingo Álvarez José , del Mar Castilla Marìa , Torres José Luis , Cardona Gabriel , Pérez Manuel
Published: October 2024

Small-sized parabolic trough collectors are a promising solution for renewable heat supply, meeting the industrial demand for thermal energy up to 250°. In this manuscript, a novel, to our knowledge, optical design hybridizing parabolic trough concentrators with photovoltaic generators is introduced, incorporating actionable photovoltaic slats in the aperture plane. This configuration allows efficient operation under diffuse irradiance and improves electricity production when direct irradiation is insufficient. Optical simulations using OTSunWebApp software demonstrate that the inclusion of photovoltaic slats does not significantly reduce optical efficiency. The hybrid collector allows simultaneous or exclusive production of thermal and photovoltaic energy, adapting to various energy demand conditions.
Performance analysis of cyanoacrylate bonded optical fiber 2 × 2 acoustic couplers for sensing applications
Authors: Marashi Cameron , Kim Jee Myung , Peters Kara
Published: October 2024

In this paper the behavior of a cyanoacrylate (CA) bonded optical fiber acoustic signal coupler will be studied in detail. A stainless-steel mold was used to create a 2×2 CA coupler that transfers guided waves between two optical fibers. Four FBGs placed at each port were used to assess the repeatability, signal behavior, and performance of the coupler produced. Signal propagation through the network was mapped to determine how the initial acoustic signal traveled and subdivided through the fiber network. To examine the repeatability of the signal coupler interaction, the experiments were performed multiple times. Finally, the acoustic energy transferred through the coupler’s paths was calculated to assess the performance of the 2×2 coupler. The coupler successfully and repeatably transferred an acoustic signal from one optical fiber to another; however, the performance associated with the current coupler design was limited by relatively large excess and return losses. Improvements to the CA coupler design are then proposed from the results.
Efficient super-resolution of phase images encoded with random phase mask by machine learning techniques
Authors: Yamada Yu , Okamoto Atsushi , Tomita Akihisa
Published: October 2024

In the field of optics, a random phase mask (RPM) is used to efficiently encode and decode spatial complex amplitude distribution information of measurement targets into phase information. By encoding spatial complex amplitude distribution into a phase using an RPM, this distribution can be processed by modulating only the phase, which is efficient in computational terms. However, when encoding and decoding spatial complex amplitude distribution using an RPM, the resolution of optical devices such as a spatial light modulator (SLM) and charge-coupled device (CCD) becomes a bottleneck, resulting in decreased encoding and decoding accuracy. To address this issue, we propose a super-resolution method for phase images encoded with spatial complex amplitude distribution. This method uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a vision transformer (ViT), which are machine learning techniques widely used in computer vision. Through this super-resolution processing, we demonstrated that complex amplitude information can be encoded and decoded into phase images beyond the resolution of optical devices such as an SLM and CCD. Evaluation of the test images using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) showed improvements of 2.37 dB with the CNN and 1.86 dB with the ViT. Furthermore, we applied the proposed method to virtual phase conjugation based optical tomography (VPC-OT). The simulation results of measuring a microscopic target with a four-layer structure showed noise reduction at all depth positions and an improvement in the measurement accuracy of approximately 6–13 dB. (Details are shown in Fig. 7 and Table 2.) By applying the proposed method, measurement accuracy is improved with minimal computational operations, and without requiring additional optical systems or increasing the number of measurements. In addition, we examined the appropriate size of the machine learning model by observing the input image size (number of parameters) and loss progression.
Mid-infrared pulsed fiber laser source at 4.3 µm based on a CO2-filled anti-resonant hollow-core silica fiber
Authors: Shi Jing , Li Xuanxi , Pei Wenxi , Lei Luohao , Lv Guorui , Zhou Zhiyue , Wang Zefeng
Published: October 2024

Fiber lasers in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) band are of great interest due to their wide range of applications such as manufacturing, defense, spectroscopy, and free-space communication. Due to the immaturity of the soft glass fiber fabrication technology and the limitation of the type of doped rare earth, laser power scaling and wavelength expansion above 4 µm are greatly limited. Lasers based on gas-filled hollow-core fibers (HCFs) have proved to be an effective way of generating mid-IR lasers. We demonstrate a pulsed 4.3 µm laser source based on a CO2-filled HCF for the first time. The pulse energy characteristics and output spectrum of the mid-IR laser have been investigated. The maximum pulse energy of the mid-IR laser is 236 nJ. The maximum average power of the mid-IR laser is 297.8 mW with a slope efficiency of 17.3%. A step-tunable mid-IR output is achieved from 4293.718 nm to 4392.085 nm including 8 emission lines. Furthermore, the time-domain and frequency-domain properties of the mid-IR laser have been studied to understand laser operation better. This work has an important reference value for the development of pulsed mid-IR fiber gas laser sources.
Chromatic confocal displacement measurement using a double-sided phase diffractive lens
Authors: Wang Yulong , Jie Li , Xi Hou , Chen Lin , Liu Xin
Published: October 2024

A chromatic confocal displacement measurement (CCDM) system using a double-sided phase diffractive lens (DPDL) is demonstrated. The DPDL is designed to produce a strong dispersion, minimize the optical structure and reduce the difficulty of fabrication and assembly, in addition to reducing the weight and size of the probe of the CCDM. A CCDM experimental system was set up based on the DPDL, and the results of the measurement experiments show that the axial measurement range of the CCDM system reaches 9.463 mm in the working wavelength range (500-700 nm), the relative error is less than 0.022% and the axial resolution near the designed focal length is better than 0.5 µm.
Self-mixing thinly sliced ruby laser for laser Doppler velocimetry with high optical sensitivity
Authors: Sudo Seiichi , Otsuka Kenju
Published: October 2024

In self-mixing laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), the motion of a moving target is observed by using intensity-modulated laser light detected by a simple photodetector. Here, the self-mixing laser output modulation takes place, reflecting the pronounced effective loss modulation index, which is proportional to the fluorescence-to-photon lifetime ratio. The fluorescence lifetime of a ruby laser is extremely long, so if a ruby crystal can be used as a laser light source for a self-mixing LDV system, high-sensitivity LDV measurements can be performed with it. We describe a method for velocimetry of moving targets using self-mixing LDV in which a CW oscillating ruby laser is the light source. The oscillation mechanism of the thin-slice ruby laser with a large fluorescence-to-photon lifetime ratio, which is suitable for LDV measurements, is clarified and the results of highly sensitive LDV measurements are presented, featuring nonlinear dynamics observed associated with the self-mixing velocimetry experiment. The measurement accuracy is clarified by measuring the rotating disc with various conditions using self-mixing LDV.
Optimal input excitations for suppressing nonlinear instabilities in multimode fibers
Authors: Wisal Kabish , Chen Chun-Wei , Kuang Zeyu , Miller Owen D. , Cao Hui , Stone A. Douglas
Published: October 2024

Wavefront shaping has become a powerful tool for manipulating light propagation in various complex media undergoing linear scattering. Controlling nonlinear optical interactions with spatial degrees of freedom is a relatively recent but fast growing area of research. A wavefront-shaping-based approach can be used to suppress nonlinear stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and transverse mode instability (TMI), which are the two main limitations to power scaling in high-power narrowband fiber amplifiers. Here we formulate both SBS and TMI suppression as optimization problems with respect to coherent multimode input excitation in a given multimode fiber. We develop an efficient method using linear programming for finding the globally optimal input excitation for minimizing SBS and TMI individually or jointly. The theory shows that optimally exciting a standard multimode fiber leads to roughly an order of magnitude enhancement in instability-free output power compared to fundamental-mode-only excitation. We find that the optimal mode content is robust to small perturbations and our approach works even in the presence of mode-dependent loss and gain. When such optimal mode content is excited in real experiments using spatial light modulators, the stable range of ultrahigh-power fiber lasers can be substantially increased, enabling applications in gravitation wave detection, advanced manufacturing, and defense.
Enhancing insights in sexually transmitted infection mapping: Syphilis in Forsyth County, North Carolina, a case study
Authors: Fox Lani , Miller William C. , Gesink Dionne , Doherty Irene , Serre Marc
Published: October 2024

In 2008–2011 Forsyth County, North Carolina (NC) experienced a four-fold increase in syphilis rising to over 35 cases per 100,000 mirroring the 2021 state syphilis rate. Our methodology extends current models with: 1) donut geomasking to enhance resolution while protecting patient privacy; 2) a moving window uniform grid to control the modifiable areal unit problem, edge effect and remove kriging islands; and 3) mitigating the “small number problem” with Uniform Model Bayesian Maximum Entropy (UMBME). Data is 2008–2011 early syphilis cases reported to the NC Department of Health and Human Services for Forsyth County. Results were assessed using latent rate theory cross validation. We show combining a moving window and a UMBME analysis with geomasked data effectively predicted the true or latent syphilis rate 5% to 26% more accurate than the traditional, geopolitical boundary method. It removed kriging islands, reduced background incidence rate to 0, relocated nine outbreak hotspots to more realistic locations, and elucidated hotspot connectivity producing more realistic geographical patterns for targeted insights. Using the Forsyth outbreak as a case study showed how the outbreak emerged from endemic areas spreading through sexual core transmitters and contextualizing the outbreak to current and past outbreaks. As the dynamics of sexually transmitted infections spread have changed to online partnership selection and demographically to include more women, partnership selection continues to remain highly localized. Furthermore, it is important to present methods to increase interpretability and accuracy of visual representations of data.
Spatiotemporal orchestration of calcium-cAMP oscillations on AKAP/AC nanodomains is governed by an incoherent feedforward loop
Authors: Qiao Lingxia , Getz Michael , Gross Ben , Tenner Brian , Zhang Jin , Rangamani Padmini
Published: October 2024

The nanoscale organization of enzymes associated with the dynamics of second messengers is critical for ensuring compartmentation and localization of signaling molecules in cells. Specifically, the spatiotemporal orchestration of cAMP and Ca2+ oscillations is critical for many cellular functions. Previous experimental studies have shown that the formation of nanodomains of A-kinase anchoring protein 79/150 (AKAP150) and adenylyl cyclase 8 (AC8) on the surface of pancreatic MIN6 β cells modulates the phase of Ca2+-cAMP oscillations from out-of-phase to in-phase. In this work, we develop computational models of the Ca2+/cAMP pathway and AKAP/AC nanodomain formation that give rise to the two important predictions: instead of an arbitrary phase difference, the out-of-phase Ca2+/cAMP oscillation reaches Ca2+ trough and cAMP peak simultaneously, which is defined as inversely out-of-phase; the in-phase and inversely out-of-phase oscillations associated with Ca2+-cAMP dynamics on and away from the nanodomains can be explained by an incoherent feedforward loop. Factors such as cellular surface-to-volume ratio, compartment size, and distance between nanodomains do not affect the existence of in-phase or inversely out-of-phase Ca2+/cAMP oscillation, but cellular surface-to-volume ratio and compartment size can affect the time delay for the inversely out-of-phase Ca2+/cAMP oscillation while the distance between two nanodomains does not. Finally, we predict that both the Turing pattern-generated nanodomains and experimentally measured nanodomains demonstrate the existence of in-phase and inversely out-of-phase Ca2+/cAMP oscillation when the AC8 is at a low level, consistent with the behavior of an incoherent feedforward loop. These findings unveil the key circuit motif that governs cAMP and Ca2+ oscillations and advance our understanding of how nanodomains can lead to spatial compartmentation of second messengers.
Improving integrated care for (future) parents facing vulnerable circumstances in the early life course of their (future) child: An action research protocol
Authors: Munshi S. C. , Weggelaar-Jansen A. M. , van den Berg-Bakker A. , Blanchette L. M. G. , Harmsen van der Vliet-Torij H. W. , Hodes M. W. , van ‘t Hof M. , Lambregtse-van den Berg M. P. , van der Meer L. , Ernst-Smelt H. E. , Bijma H. H.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Suboptimal circumstances during the early life course, ranging from 100 days before conception to 1000 days following birth, significantly impact a child’s future health and well-being. To optimize these circumstances, collaboration is needed which includes professionals working in medical, social and public domains, as well as parents. This action research protocol aims to improve care for (future) parents facing suboptimal circumstances during the early life course by enhancing inter-professional, cross-domain collaboration and (future) parents-professional collaboration. By employing iterative action research cycles, we seek to foster integrated care pathways and improve continuity of care across the medical, social and public domains. The research will be conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Methods and analysis

Four action research cycles incorporating descriptive qualitative and quantitative studies, including focus groups, questionnaires and observations with (future) parents facing suboptimal circumstances, professionals and policymakers. This intervention study will not only foster improved, integrated care around identification of the need of additional support, referral and care, but also foster the necessary conditions for a self-supporting neighbourhood care learning network of (future) parents, professionals and policymakers to encourage bidirectional feedback and enable reflection beyond a single organisation. These interventions will also be evaluated.

Dissemination

The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, layman summaries, regional and national knowledge platforms and presentations and factsheets relevant to all involved actors.
Silk road heritage: The artistic representation of port trading culture in the images of characters in Qing Dynasty Guangzhou export paintings
Authors: Liu Haisa , Fu Changqing , Li Weicong
Published: October 2024

As customized artistic commodities, export paintings mirrored Guangzhou’s unique overseas trade culture and social power in a microscopic view, nevertheless, few researchers have delved into the cultural relationship between the use of the painting techniques and the characters of the export paintings. Based on an iconographic approach, this article aims to analyze the historical iconography information of the Qing dynasty export paintings from the perspective of the trade development and cultural exchange between the East and West during the 18th century by the study of the export paintings’ characters expressions and costumes colors, providing insights into the exploration of the value of tangible cultural heritage. In the process of our research, shows that: 1) the dominant laboring characters in the export paintings present standing postures, and most of them demonstrate negative emotions; 2) many of the characters of the export paintings show high similarities due to the assembly-line mode of painting during manufacture; 3) the portrayal of the characters in the export paintings reflects a return of a sense of humanity. This is evident in the fact that the subject of the paintings abounds in the scenes showing local folklore, working views, and daily life in Guangzhou. Meanwhile, the characters in the painting are vividly portrayed in a realistic style. The use of mixed colors on the costumes of different characters reflects a universal value of having regard for the equality of all men; 4) Guangzhou export painting decorative art evolution of the development of the dual development of Chinese and Western fusion of veins. Guangzhou export paintings of the Qing dynasty satisfied the customers’ reverie for ‘Oriental Civilization’ and their purpose of seeking novelty of foreign cultures. It also revealed the subtle dynamics of the interplay between Guangzhou’s social power, trading capital, and blending art.
An evaluation of interventions within a Growth Through Nutrition project aimed at enhancing optimal nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition practices among nutritionally most vulnerable households (MVHHs) in Ethiopia
Authors: Abuye Cherinet , Abbott Daniel , Berhanu Lioul , Bailes Adam , Holtzman Rachel
Published: October 2024

Despite a downward trend, Ethiopia still faces significant challenges with high rates of stunting and acute malnutrition in children. To tackle these issues, the Feed the Future Ethiopia Growth Through Nutrition Activity, a USAID-funded project aligned with Ethiopia’s National Nutrition Program, was executed from 2016 to 2023. This initiative aimed to enhance nutrition for women and young children across six regions through multisectoral interventions. Annual surveys conducted in 2017, 2018, and 2020 evaluated the impact of livelihood support and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)-focused social behavior change communication (SBCC) on vulnerable households with children under two. The results showed significant improvements in child nutrition. Dietary diversity among children increased from 12% to 34% (p<0.001), and the percentage of children receiving a minimal acceptable diet rose from 12% to 30.7% (p<0.001). Women’s dietary diversity also improved markedly, from 2% to 16% (p<0.001). Handwashing practices saw improvements, with the proportion of households having handwashing facilities rising from 14% to 31% (p<0.001), and the adherence to critical handwashing moments increased from 16% to 23%. However, challenges in water treatment and latrine use persisted, with less than 25% improvement. The findings suggest that integrating livelihood support with SBCC interventions can positively enhance nutritional outcomes. Continued focus on these strategies is recommended to further support vulnerable households.
Association of relative handgrip strength on the development of diabetes mellitus in elderly Koreans
Authors: Sohn Yeo Ju , Lee Hong Soo , Bae Hasuk , Kang Hee Cheol , Chun Hyejin , Ryou Insun , Chang Eun Jee , Kang Sungchan , Lee Sang Wha , Shim Kyung Won
Published: October 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health concern, particularly in the elderly population. Absolute handgrip strength (HGS) serves to quantify muscle strength. It is recommended that the risk of low muscle strength and increased body mass index be concurrently evaluated using relative HGS. There are currently insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between relative HGS and DM in the elderly Korean population. Therefore, the association between relative HGS and the development of DM in Korean elderly was investigated.

Methods

Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing were used to determine the odds ratio (OR) between relative HGS and DM during the follow-up period from 2006–2020 among Korean men and women aged ≥65 years without DM when they first participated in this survey. Analysis was conducted using the Generalized Estimating Equation method. Trend analysis was performed for DM development based on relative HGS.

Results

Among elderly males, higher relative HGS groups had reduced odds of developing DM (Middle tertile: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.61–1.23, p = 0.419.) (Upper tertile: OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.56–1.18, p = 0.281.) Among elderly females, the reductions were similar. (Middle tertile: OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66–1.03, p = 0.087.) (Upper tertile: OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.50–1.25, p = 0.306.) However, these differences were not statistically significant. Significant predictors of new-onset DM included age, BMI (overweight/obese), household income, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and chronic liver disease. Trend tests indicated a substantial decrease in the OR as the relative HGS increased for male and total groups (p for trend < 0.05).

Conclusion

Relative HGS did not achieve statistical significance. Our findings indicate that BMI, particularly overweight and obesity, significantly predicts new-onset DM. However, trend tests indicated a substantial decrease in the OR as the relative HGS increased for male and total groups (p for trend < 0.05), even after adjusting for BMI categories. Despite the lack of statistical significance in some cases, the trend suggests that promoting resistance exercises to enhance HGS could be beneficial in DM prevention. Comprehensive DM prevention strategies should include managing obesity and chronic conditions for elderly.
Reference Sequence Browser: An R application with a user-friendly GUI to rapidly query sequence databases
Authors: Ramesh Sriram , Rapp Samuel , Tapias Gomez Jorge , Levine Benjamin , Tapias-Gomez Daniel , Chung Dickson , Truong Zia
Published: October 2024

Land managers, researchers, and regulators increasingly utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to monitor species richness, presence, and absence. In order to properly develop a biological assay for eDNA metabarcoding or quantitative PCR, scientists must be able to find not only reference sequences (previously identified sequences in a genomics database) that match their target taxa but also reference sequences that match non-target taxa. Determining which taxa have publicly available sequences in a time-efficient and accurate manner currently requires computational skills to search, manipulate, and parse multiple unconnected DNA sequence databases. Our team iteratively designed a Graphic User Interface (GUI) Shiny application called the Reference Sequence Browser (RSB) that provides users efficient and intuitive access to multiple genetic databases regardless of computer programming expertise. The application returns the number of publicly accessible barcode markers per organism in the NCBI Nucleotide, BOLD, or CALeDNA CRUX Metabarcoding Reference Databases. Depending on the database, we offer various search filters such as min and max sequence length or country of origin. Users can then download the FASTA/GenBank files from the RSB web tool, view statistics about the data, and explore results to determine details about the availability or absence of reference sequences.
The government’s environmental attention and corporate green innovation: A threshold analysis and quantile regression approach
Authors: Huang Guoyan , Li Xiao , Chu Zhen
Published: October 2024

Based on an analysis of 643 listed firms in clean technology sectors, this study explores the nonlinear impact of the government’s environmental attention (GEA) on firms’ green innovation by exploiting threshold and quantile regression techniques on Stata 17. We show that a double threshold exists when the level of the GEA is 51 or 104, above which the positive impact of the GEA on green innovation in cleantech firms significantly diminishes. The results from the quantile regression further indicate that cleantech firms receive almost no benefits from the GEA at lower levels of green innovation. Thus, policy-makers designing environmental policies should consider that the marginal benefit of environmental attention on green innovation wanes beyond certain levels, especially for firms that lack sufficient enthusiasm for innovation.
Improvement of multiscale decomposition for space-based gravitational wave signal processing technology
Authors: Shen Qiuping , Liu Yunqing , Xu Dongpo , Yan Fei , Wu Siyuan , Chen Xin
Published: October 2024

During the process of detecting gravitational waves in space, addressing noise issues caused by terrestrial vibrations, natural environmental changes, and the factors intrinsic to the detectors, this paper proposes a multiscale variational mode adaptive denoising algorithm based on momentum gradient descent. This algorithm integrates momentum factors and multiscale concepts into the variational mode algorithm to resolve the issue of multiple local optima encountered during operation, reduce oscillations in regions with large or unstable gradient changes, and improve convergence speed. Additionally, the algorithm combines the least mean squares algorithm to automatically adjust weights, thereby mitigating the impact of noise, addressing the issue of noise from multiple and random sources, effectively suppressing noise in the gravitational wave signal, and enhancing the quality and reliability of the gravitational wave signal. Experimental results demonstrate that this algorithm performs better than other algorithms in noise suppression, effectively reducing noise in gravitational wave signals and meeting the noise suppression requirements for space-based gravitational wave detection.
In-hospital outcomes of cardiac tamponade in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A contemporary analysis
Authors: Vasquez Moises Abraham , Vasquez Samuel De Jesus , Vargas Natacha , Guilliod Christian , Alvarez Antonio Luna , Rivera Beatriz , Leonor George , Chatzizisis Yiannis S.
Published: October 2024

Background

Cardiac tamponade (CT) has an atypical presentation in patients with underlying pulmonary hypertension (PH). Evidence regarding the impact of PH on CT in-hospital outcomes is lacking.

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample database to identify adult hospitalizations with a diagnosis of CT between 2016 and 2020, using relevant ICD-10 diagnostic codes. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared in patients with and without a PH. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and case-control matching were performed, adjusting for age, race, gender, and statistically significant co-morbidities between cohorts.

Results

A total of 110,285 inpatients with CT were included, of which 8,670 had PH. Patients with PH tended to be older (66 ± 15.7) and female (52.5%), had significantly higher rates of hypertension (74% vs 65%), CAD (36.9% vs. 29.6%), CKD (39% vs 23%), DM (32.1%, vs. 26.9%), chronic heart failure (19.0% vs 9.7%) and COPD (26% vs 18%)(P<0.001 for all). After multivariate logistic regression, PH was associated with higher all-cause mortality (aOR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.11–1.49), higher rates of cardiogenic shock (aOR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01–1.41), ventricular arrythmias (aOR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.33–2.01), longer length of stay (11 days vs 15 days), and higher total hospitalization costs ($228,314 vs $327,429) in patients presenting with CT. Despite pericardiocentesis being associated with lower in-hospital mortality, patients with PH were less likely to undergo pericardiocentesis (aOR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69–0.86).

Conclusion

PH was associated to increased in-hospital mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular complications in an inpatient population with CT. Pericardiocentesis was associated with reduced mortality in patients with CT, regardless of whether they had PH. However, patients with PH underwent pericardiocentesis less frequently than those without PH.
Equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells reduce established S. aureus and E. coli biofilm matrix in vitro
Authors: Khatibzadeh Sarah M. , Dahlgren Linda A. , Caswell Clayton C. , Ducker William A. , Werre Stephen R. , Bogers Sophie H.
Published: October 2024

Biofilms reduce antibiotic efficacy and lead to complications and mortality in human and equine patients with orthopedic infections. Equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) kill planktonic bacteria and prevent biofilm formation, but their ability to disrupt established orthopedic biofilms is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of MSC to reduce established S. aureus or E. coli biofilms in vitro. We hypothesized that MSC would reduce biofilm matrix and colony-forming units (CFU) compared to no treatment and that MSC combined with the antibiotic, amikacin sulfate, would reduce these components more than MSC or amikacin alone. MSC were isolated from 5 adult Thoroughbred horses in antibiotic-free medium. 24-hour S. aureus or E. coli biofilms were co-cultured in triplicate for 24 or 48 hours in a transwell plate system: untreated (negative) control, 30 μg/mL amikacin, 1 x 106 passage 3 MSC, and MSC with 30 μg/mL amikacin. Treated biofilms were photographed and biofilm area quantified digitally. Biomass was quantified via crystal violet staining, and CFU quantified following enzymatic digestion. Data were analyzed using mixed model ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc comparisons (p < 0.05). MSC significantly reduced S. aureus biofilms at both timepoints and E. coli biofilm area at 48 hours compared to untreated controls. MSC with amikacin significantly reduced S. aureus biofilms versus amikacin and E. coli biofilms versus MSC at 48 hours. MSC significantly reduced S. aureus biomass at both timepoints and reduced S. aureus CFU at 48 hours versus untreated controls. MSC with amikacin significantly reduced S. aureus biomass versus amikacin at 24 hours and S. aureus and E. coli CFU versus MSC at both timepoints. MSC primarily disrupted the biofilm matrix but performed differently on S. aureus versus E. coli. Evaluation of biofilm-MSC interactions, MSC dose, and treatment time are warranted prior to testing in vivo.
Validation of the Internet entrepreneurial self-efficacy scale among Romanian technical students
Authors: Balgiu Beatrice Adriana , Cotoară Daniela Maricica , Simionescu-Panait Andrei
Published: October 2024

This study’s aim is to evaluate the Romanian version of the Internet Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Scale (IESES), a new assessment scale for online entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and estimate its psychometric properties in a sample of engineering students (N = 644; 317 females). The scale was translated and adapted into Romanian through a forward-backward method. The factorial structure was investigated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and multigroup-CFA for gender invariance. The scale was associated with instruments that measure entrepreneurial intention both traditionally and in the online environment (Individual Entrepreneurial Internet Scale and Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire) and components from the Theory of Planned Behavior (attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control). McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were used to assess reliability. Traditional statistics are complemented by network analysis. Results show that adequate matching items for the 3-factor model and complete gender invariance is maintained. The three factors are associated with the internet and traditional entrepreneurial intention, and the components from the theory of planned behavior (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control). Internal consistency is excellent because α and ω values range between 0.834 and 0.919. In addition, discriminant validity was demonstrated. The network analysis suggests the relevance of technology utilization in the self-efficacy of online businesses in the case of engineering students. Overall, findings enable us to conclude that the Romanian version of the IESES is a valid, accurate instrument that can be implemented to evaluate self-efficacy related to the successful execution of an online business.
Mediolateral Margin of Stability highlights motor strategies for maintaining dynamic balance in older adults
Authors: Siragy Tarique , Russo Yuri , Horsak Brian
Published: October 2024

The dynamical nature of gait increases fall risk for older adults as the Center of Mass (COM) is constantly displaced inside and outside the Base of Support (BOS). Foot placement and leg joint moments are the primary mechanisms controlling dynamic balance. The Margin of Stability (MOS) quantifies the distance between the COM dynamical state and the BOS. While research examined how aging affects the relationship between foot placement and MOS, the relationship to leg moments is unexamined. Examining this relationship would elucidate whether aging increases fall risk from changes in the joint moments controlling the COM. Fourteen older (66.9 ± 4.3 years) and sixteen young (26.3 ± 3.6 years) adults walked along a 12m path for three trials. The MOS, hip and ankle moments in sagittal and frontal planes were analyzed. For the knee, only the sagittal plane was analyzed. MOS was calculated as the distance between the extrapolated-COM and the Center of Pressure per step. Statistical Parametric Mapping independent t-tests assessed group differences. Cross-correlation quantified MOS and joint moment relationships per plane during single-stance. No group differences in walking speed were observed. A larger frontal plane MOS, hip abduction and ankle eversion moment occurred for older adults. Cross-correlation demonstrated moderate and strong relationships for the hip-MOS for both groups in the sagittal plane. Older adults had a larger sagittal plane hip-MOS correlation than young adults. The larger mediolateral MOS in older adults may indicate attempts to avoid lateral balance loss by shifting their COM away from their BOS lateral boundaries during single-stance. However, this strategy moves the COM toward the BOS medial borders potentially pre-maturely terminating the contralateral swing phase during medial destabilization. The stronger sagittal plane hip-MOS relationship in older adults may reflect increased coupling between hip moments and the COM to control dynamic balance.
From acute to persistent infection: revealing phylogenomic variations in Salmonella Agona
Authors: Waters Emma V. , Lee Winnie W. Y. , Ismail Ahmed Amina , Chattaway Marie-Anne , Langridge Gemma C.
Published: October 2024

Salmonella enterica serovar Agona (S. Agona) has been increasingly recognised as a prominent cause of gastroenteritis. This serovar is a strong biofilm former that can undergo genome rearrangement and enter a viable but non-culturable state whilst remaining metabolically active. Similar strategies are employed by S. Typhi, the cause of typhoid fever, during human infection, which are believed to assist with the transition from acute infection to chronic carriage. Here we report S. Agona’s ability to persist in people and examine factors that might be contributing to chronic carriage. A review of 2233 S. Agona isolates from UK infections (2004–2020) and associated carriage was undertaken, in which 1155 had short-read sequencing data available. A subset of 207 isolates was selected from different stages of acute and persistent infections within individual patients. The subset underwent long-read sequencing and genome structure (GS) analysis, as well as phenotyping assays including carbon source utilisation and biofilm formation. Associations between genotypes and phenotypes were investigated to compare acute infections to those which progress to chronic. GS analysis revealed the conserved arrangement GS1.0 in 195 isolates, and 8 additional GSs in 12 isolates. These rearranged isolates were typically associated with early, convalescent carriage (3 weeks– 3 months). We also identified an increase in SNP variation during this period of infection. We believe this increase in genome-scale and SNP variation reflects a population expansion after acute S. Agona infection, potentially reflecting an immune evasion mechanism which enables persistent infection to become established.
Process evaluation of an urban piped water supply infrastructure improvement programme in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Gallandat Karin , Hutchins Chloe , Malembaka Espoir Bwenge , Jeandron Aurélie , Saidi Jaime Mufitini , Rumedeka Baron Bashige , Muhemeri Jonas Bisimwa , Bompangue Didier , Sewa Geoffroy , Seon Audrey , Durand Pierre-Yves , Machuel Damien , Cumming Oliver
Published: October 2024

Major investments in water supply infrastructure will be required to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Safely managed water services are also central to global cholera and diarrhoeal diseases prevention strategies. However, evidence remains scarce on how to efficiently improve piped water services in complex settings where infrastructure investments are most needed. We conducted a process evaluation of a large-scale water supply infrastructure improvement programme in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in parallel to a pragmatic trial. Considering three evaluation domains–context, implementation, and population response–, we assessed the validity of the programme’s theory of change and underlying assumptions. Information sources included construction works documentation, operational and billing records from the water utility, and household surveys. The evaluation covers the period 2014–2021. Trial results are not within the scope of this manuscript. The programme did not achieve expected improvements in the water supply service during the evaluation period. Out of 16 assumptions underlying the theory of change, six remained valid, seven partially valid, and three turned out to be invalid. Contextual challenges included extreme flooding in 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted construction works. Issues related to electricity supply and the rise of Lake Tanganyika emphasise the need for cross-sectoral approaches and consideration of climate change in the planning of water supply infrastructure. Implementation challenges underlined the importance of capacity strengthening alongside infrastructure improvements. Population response elements suggest that affordability and informal practices such as tap sharing should be taken into account. The programme was a good example of early engagement with researchers and provides unique insights into the implementation of large-scale infrastructure improvements in a complex, low-income setting. Pragmatic evaluation approaches should be adopted for the generation of scientific evidence from complex programmes in order to optimise future infrastructure investments contributing to progress towards SDG6.
Testosterone hormone levels and breast muscle performance of Pelung chickens after zinc sulfate and synthetic testosterone supplementation
Authors: Yuneldi Rizki Fitrawan , Airin Claude Mona , Saragih Hendry T. S. , Prawira Andhika Yudha , Astuti Pudji
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim: Pelung chicken Gallus gallus gallus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a chicken endemic to Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and synthetic testosterone supplementations for 56 days on testosterone hormone levels and breast muscle performance in Pelung chickens.

Materials and Methods: This study used 12 Pelung chickens with three treatment groups (G) and four replications, namely, control (G0), ZnSO4 0.9 mg/kg (G1), and synthetic testosterone 3 mg/day (G2). Chickens were acclimatized for 7 days and then supplemented for 56 days. Drinking water and commercial standard feed were provided ad libitum. Blood was collected through the brachial vein for the analysis of testosterone levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The samples were collected every 14 days; on days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Breast muscles were collected for texture analysis, and breast muscle preparations were made with hematoxylin-eosin staining to measure the fascicle area (FA), number of myofibers in one fascicle (NMOF), and myofiber area (MA). The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance at a 95% confidence level with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v.29.0. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with the help of Minitab v. 19.

Results: Statistical analysis results on 56 days of testosterone level parameters showed that G2 was significantly different from all treatments (p < 0.05). The results of statistical analysis on Pelung chicken breast muscle performance, especially hardness, chewiness, FA, NMOF, and MA, were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared with the other treatments. The results of PCA showed that the testosterone level parameters were positively correlated with FA, NMOF, MA, hardness, and chewiness, whereas the fracture parameters were negatively correlated with all parameters except the springiness index and were significantly different between the G2 group and the other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementing synthetic testosterone 3 mg/day body weight for 56 days can improve testosterone levels and breast muscle performance, especially hardness, chewiness, FA, NMOF, and MA in Pelung chickens.

Keywords: muscle, Pelung chicken, performance, testosterone, texture.
Comparative intrafollicular and plasma iron, ferritin, and transferrin concentrations in cycling mares
Authors: Satué Katiuska , Fazio Esterina , Velasco-Martinez Gemma , Cravana Cristina , La Fauci Deborah , Medica Pietro
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim: In females of various species and experimental animals, iron (Fe) status in follicular fluid (FF) is associated with local physiological reproductive events related to follicle development, steroidogenesis, and oocyte maturation. However, these mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to determine and compare the intrafollicular and plasma concentrations of Fe, ferritin (Ferr), and transferrin (TRF) in cycling mares.

Materials and Methods: Sixty ovaries were collected during the breeding season from 30 clinically normal mares raised for slaughterhouse meat production. Blood samples were collected before slaughter. Follicles were classified into three categories according to size: Small (20–30 mm; n = 20), medium (≥31–40 mm; n = 20), and large (≥41 mm; n = 20). The FF samples, after collection, were immediately taken to the laboratory for processing and were centrifuged, and the Fe and Ferr concentrations in the supernatant and plasma were determined by spectrophotometry.

Results: Although intrafollicular Fe and Ferr were similar to plasma, TRF was significantly higher in FF than in systemic circulation (p < 0.05). Follicular development does not modify the status of Fe in the mare.

Conclusion: Based on this evidence, it is possible that the acquisition of this molecule possibly originated from a local de novo source, whereas their diffusion through ultrafiltration does not play a relevant role. These results provide new scientific insights into the status of follicle Fe, suggesting its involvement in normal ovarian functions in mares.

Keywords: ferritin, follicular fluid, iron, mare, transferrin.
Implikasi Postmodernisme Dalam Masyarakat Kontemporer (Analisis Paradigma Pemikiran Tokoh Jean Francois Lyotard)
Authors: Erlina Erlina , Helmi Syaifuddin
Published: October 2024

This article aims to investigate the implications of postmodernism in contemporary society by analyzing the paradigm of thought of the figure Jean-François Lyotard. Lyotard is known as one of the leading thinkers in postmodern thought, and this research aims to understand how his idea of skepticism towards grand narratives influences and permeates the structures of power, knowledge, and language in the context of contemporary society. This study uses a qualitative approach with a focus on the analysis of key texts by Jean-François Lyotard, especially "The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge." Analysis is performed to identify key concepts such as grand narratives, language games, and changes in knowledge structure. In addition, literature studies on the application of these concepts in the context of contemporary society are also involved to support research findings. The research findings suggest that Lyotard's postmodern views have significant implications in contemporary society. Skepticism of grand narratives creates space for narrative plurality, uncertainty of knowledge, and diverse language games. These implications affect power structures by challenging central authority and paving the way for a diversity of values and views. In addition, Lyotard's concepts also had an impact on changes in the way society understood and conveyed knowledge.
Derechos humanos y bioética en medicina: por una medicina como bien común
Authors: Kottow Lang Miguel
Published: October 2024

La brecha de inequidad en cuidados de salud y atención médica va en constante aumento, sin que los derechos humanos —derecho a la salud— ni la globalizante bioética logren mitigarla o sensibilizar sobre sus consecuencias deletéreas. Este texto reflexiona sobre una medicina entendida como bien común. Un bien común requiere el reconocimiento de una antropología común, expresada en tres condiciones antropológicas trascendentales para la supervivencia y la integración social: relacionalidad, trascendencia mundana y trascendencia de sí. Estas condiciones son constitutivas del cuerpo vivido que percibe el entorno y el cuerpo vivo que actúe en y sobre el mundo. Percepción y acción son susceptibles de daños que reducen la competencia vital del cuerpo. La mantención funcional del cuerpo en sus condiciones antropológicas es tarea de la medicina: cuidar, curar y rehabilitar al cuerpo desmedrado que ha de ser un bien común indiscriminadamente accesible y disponible para todo ser humano.
A legitimidade dos direitos humanos “achados na rua”: análise à luz da ética libertadora de Paulo Freire
Authors: Laurentino dos Santos Ivone
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo tem como escopo a análise da interconexão dos direitos humanos “achados nas ruas”, e a ética proposta pelo pedagogo brasileiro Paulo Freire, cuja obra tem como fio condutor a busca de liberdade para os “oprimidos sociais”. O estudo envolveu uma revisão narrativa de literatura, no sentido de checar as aproximações possíveis entre a “ética universal do ser humano” de Freire e uma perspectiva libertária de direitos humanos, cujas práticas jurídicas associadas sejam comprometidas com a transformação social, tendo em vista a necessária superação da desigualdade, da fome e da miséria, que diminuem as chances de vida de milhares de brasileiros. Verifica-se que a ética freireana fornece ao operador do direito e à sociedade brasileira, como um todo, ferramentas para a reflexão acerca da injustiça social, na medida em que defende a construção de um mundo igualitário, com liberdade e dignidade para todos.
Does Law 14874, A New Ethical Regulation of Research with Human Beings in Brazil, Violate Human Rights?
Authors: Silva dos Santos Carlos Adriano , Gomes Rosamaría
Published: October 2024

Free, post-study and indefinite access to the best prophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic method that has been demonstrated to be effective during the study is a fundamental condition for protecting research participants. Since its inception in ethical regulations for research with human beings, Brazil has made this condition a cornerstone of protection for study participants. Through a qualitative analysis of Chapter VI of Law 14874, a new Law that regulates research with human beings in Brazil it was possible to perceive that there was a regression in the protection and recognition of the fundamental rights and dignity of the human beings participating in the research.