bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of an ultra-wide-angle laser communication optical system
Authors: Hu Lichao , An Yan , Li Zexiang , Li Jianhong , Song Yansong , Dong Keyan
Published: July 2024

With the development of information networks and laser communication technology, the coverage communication form of inter-satellite networks has become crucial. In order to solve the problems of a small communication field of view and difficult integration, an optical system design method for network laser communication is proposed. Based on the ultra-wide-angle system, the non-similar imaging principle is used to realize the design of a large field of view omnidirectional optical antenna, and the communication link of the antenna is analyzed accordingly. The results show that the communication field of view of the antenna can reach 130°, and the beam divergence angle increases from 420 to 2000 µrad in this range, which can realize long-distance laser communication with a communication rate of 5 Gbps. The design method proposed in this paper provides a new design idea for the development of a laser communication optical antenna, which has great application potential in the field of inter-satellite laser communication networking.
Stray light analysis and suppression of a UV multiple sub-pupil ultra-spectral imager
Authors: Zhang Xv , Li Bo , Zhi Dan Dan , Fang Xin , Li Tao , Du Wei Feng , Wang Xiao Xv , Li Han Shuang , Sun Fu Kun , Gu Guo Chao
Published: July 2024

A multiple sub-pupil ultra-spectral imager system for simultaneous
detection of multiple substances is proposed. By employing pupil
separation prisms and grating multilevel spectra, the system achieves
simultaneous detection of three spectral channels with a single
spectrometer and detector, featuring an ultra-high spectral resolution
of 0.1 nm. However, due to simultaneous detection of three
channels, the system suffers from significant stray light issues. In
response to this problem, a UV multiple sub-pupil ultra-spectral
imager system optical-machinery model is constructed in this article.
The main sources of stray light are determined through theoretical
derivation and simulation analysis, and the level of stray light in
the system is analyzed using simulation analysis software. A structure
for stray light suppression is optimized, and the use of multispectral
filters is proposed to suppress stray light generated by spectral
crosstalk in the system. The effectiveness of stray light suppression
is evaluated based on the energy response of the receiving surface.
The analysis results show that after optimization, the level of stray
light in the T1 channel is reduced from 1.4% to
0.65‰, in the T2 channel from 3.0‰ to 0.5‰, and in the T3 channel from 0.16‰ to 0.05‰.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the proposed method for stray
light suppression in the UV multiple sub-pupil ultra-spectral imager
system addressed in this article meets the indicator requirements.
Mapping structured Laguerre–Gaussian beam states onto the orbital Poincaré sphere in the form of controllable spatial trajectories
Authors: Volyar A. , Bretsko M.
Published: July 2024

The structured Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam is a two-parameter superposition of 2n+ℓ+1 Hermite–Gaussian modes (where n and ℓ are a radial number and a topological charge of the initial LG beam) whose orbital angular momentum oscillations are controlled by phases and amplitude parameters. But we succeeded in reducing its representation to a simple sum of a standard LG mode and a hybrid Hermite–Laguerre–Gaussian (HLG) beam that is a key point in understanding a hidden geometry of the structured LG (sLG) beams and implementations of its unique prosperities. In assents, the hybrid HLG beam is mapped onto the orbital Poincaré sphere in the form of a plane trajectory along a main meridian of the sphere. However, the most intriguing thing is as follows. First, once we slightly perturb the HLG beam with a single LG mode, the flat trajectory turns into a complex multi-petalled tracery with multiple self-intersections due to cyclic variation of the phase parameter of the sLG beam. Moreover, the shape of the tracery as well as the birth and destruction of the self-intersection points can be controlled with the amplitude parameter. However, it is worth noting that when changing the beam parameters cyclically, the area outlined by the trajectory on the sphere is directly related to the geometric phase acquired by the sLG beam that can be treated as an additional degree of freedom for transmitting big data. In the article, we study the sLG beam properties and its mapping onto the orbital Poincarè sphere in the framework of a symplectic 4×4 matrix formalism while the orbital Stokes parameters are experimentally measured, and we have found good agreement between theory and experiment.
Analysis method of point defects evolution in fused silica under multi-pulse nanosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Huang Jiaji , Mu Qing , Gao Xing , Dai Hongdi , Yan Ying , Guo Dongming , Zhou Ping
Published: July 2024

Although no optically visible damage is produced in the fused silica under laser irradiation below its laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT), defect proliferation may occur due to the evolution of its internal atomic structure. The escalation in defect content leads to heightened absorption, and resulting in the degradation of the optical performance of the optics. In recent decades, there have been a lot of experimental studies on laser-induced damage and laser conditioning, but there is still a great lack of in-depth understanding and theoretical analysis of the evolution process of point defects in fused silica. In this study, the emphasis is on the evolution of point defects and fatigue damage in fused silica under multi-pulse nanosecond laser irradiation. To address this, a point-defect evolution model is developed, and the coupled evolution law of temperature and defect during laser irradiation is derived by integrating it with a numerical model. The results demonstrate that the model effectively predicts the defect evolution of fused silica under laser irradiation and facilitates the prediction of fatigue damage. It is revealed that the rate of defect evolution in fused silica is more influenced by temperature than stress, and a temperature threshold can be used to judge the condition of damage occurrence. Furthermore, through an analysis of the effect of laser fluence on defect relaxation rate, a defect relaxation method employing variable laser fluence was proposed. This study provides a reliable theoretical analysis method for understanding the fatigue damage induced by multi-pulse laser irradiation in fused silica and offers a new perspective for the annealing treatment of point defects in fused silica.
Wedge angle and orientation recognition of multi-opening objects using an attention-based CNN model
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Li Si-Ao , Wang Xiaoyan , Ren Yongxiong , Geng Zihan , Yang Fei , Pan Zhongqi , Yue Yang
Published: July 2024

In industries such as manufacturing and safety monitoring, accurately identifying the shape characteristics of multi-opening objects is essential for the assembly, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of machinery components. Compared to traditional contact sensing methods, image-based feature recognition technology offers non-destructive assessment and greater efficiency, holding significant practical value in these fields. Although convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved remarkable success in image classification and feature recognition tasks, they still face challenges in dealing with subtle features in complex backgrounds, especially for objects with similar openings, where minute angle differences are critical. To improve the identification accuracy and speed, this study introduces an efficient CNN model, ADSA-Net, which utilizes the additive self-attention mechanism. When coupled with an active light source system, ADSA-Net enables non-contact, high-precision recognition of shape features in 14 classes of rotationally symmetric objects with multiple openings. Experimental results demonstrate that ADSA-Net achieves accuracies of 100%, ≥98.04%, and ≥98.98% in identifying the number of openings, wedge angles, and opening orientations of all objects, respectively with a resolution of 1°. By adopting linear layers to replace the traditional quadratic matrix multiplication operations for key-value interactions, ADSA-Net significantly enhances computational efficiency and identification accuracy.
Compact high extinction ratio high-order mode pass filter based on inverse-designed ultra-compact unidirectional mode converter
Authors: Yang Shanglin , Jia Hao , Qin Hanlin , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2024

Mode division multiplexing (MDM) technology provides a pathway to enhance channel capacity beyond wavelength division multiplexing, positioning it as a pivotal advancement for next generation optical communications. Mode filters are essential for the low-loss transmission of specific modes and the reduction of modal crosstalk, thereby enhancing the feasibility of MDM systems. Although suppressing high-order mode is relatively straightforward, effectively blocking low-order modes poses a more intricate challenge. In this paper, we introduce a high-order mode pass strategy, effectively blocking low-order modes using the unidirectional mode converters. Specifically, a TE1 high-order mode pass filter (HOMPF) is demonstrated on a silicon-on-insulator platform, utilizing a unique inverse-designed ultra-compact unidirectional TE0-TE1 mode converter. Experimental results show the TE1-TE1 insertion loss of the HOMPF of below 1.0 dB and an average TE0-TE0 extinction ratio of 36.8 dB (42.1 dB for 2-cascaded HOMPF) within the C-band range of 1525-1565 nm. Additionally, the scalability of the HOMPF structure is explored, with simulations demonstrating a TE2 HOMPF. The proposed HOMPFs feature simplicity, compactness, low loss, and high extinction ratio, making them promising components for mode manipulation in MDM systems.
Robust laser phase noise measurement by integration heterodyne for coherent beam combining applications
Authors: Zhou Hongbing , Tao Rumao , Zhang Haoyu , Xie Lianghua , Feng Xi , Wen Jing , Chu Qiuhui , Lin Honghuan , Wang Jianjun , Yan Lixin , Jing Feng
Published: July 2024

Phase noise characteristics are critical for coherent beam combination engineering. Heterodyne with integration method for phase noise measurement has been studied numerically and experimentally, which reveals that the method is not only simple to implement with the least equipment but also capable of phase retrieval using under-sampling data. The integration method is compared with the traditional low-pass filter (LPF) method from both numerical and experimental perspectives. By introducing an evaluation criterion of measurement accuracy, the errors of the integration method are 0.44% and 0.08% for white noise and pink noise cases, respectively, which are smaller than that achieved by LPF one (1.52% and 0.25%). The errors of the integration method are below 1.4% when under-sampling data has been employed, which means that large consumption of data processing can be avoided, and the method is robust. Phase noise measurements in quiet laboratory and disturbed conditions are implemented, and the error between the results of the sampling rate of 250 MHz and 31.25 MHz is less than 0.08%, which is consistent with the simulation and demonstrates the excellent performance of the integration method.
Target recognition in Ghost Imaging from traditional to advance; a brief review
Authors: Abbas Ayesha , Mu Jianbang , MengYue Zhang , CAO jie , Xiaonan Zhang
Published: July 2024

Ghost imaging (GI) has earned novelty in image processing technique due to properties of non-locality, simple structure setups, high detection efficiency and imaging in scattering media. GI has stepped from basic to real time applications with advance methodologies. To get more accuracy in target recognition, optical arrangements with traditional methods showed some limitations which need resolution. Advance methods with deep learning in GI could be a better solution with fewer limitations. In this review, we summarize the target recognition methodologies based on traditional and advanced and compare them with challenges and future suggestions for more evolving this innovative research direction.
The wide spectrum anti-inflammatory activity of andrographolide in comparison to NSAIDs: A promising therapeutic compound against the cytokine storm
Authors: Low Mitchell , Suresh Harsha , Zhou Xian , Bhuyan Deep Jyoti , Alsherbiny Muhammad A. , Khoo Cheang , Münch Gerald , Li Chun Guang
Published: July 2024

The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted an increasing clinical demand for safe and effective treatment options against an overzealous immune defence response, also known as the “cytokine storm”. Andrographolide is a naturally derived bioactive compound with promising anti-inflammatory activity in many clinical studies. However, its cytokine-inhibiting activity, in direct comparison to commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has not been extensively investigated in existing literature. The anti-inflammatory activities of andrographolide and common NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen were measured on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ induced RAW264.7 cells. The levels of PGE2, nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α & LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines on differentiated human macrophage THP-1 cells were measured against increasing concentrations of andrographolide and aforementioned NSAIDs. The associated mechanistic pathway was examined on NFκB using flow cytometry on the human endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM9) (E-selectin) transfected RAW264.7 cells with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Andrographolide exhibited broad and potent anti-inflammatory and cytokine-inhibiting activity in both cell lines by inhibiting the release of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ, which are known to play a key role in the etiology of cytokine storm and the pathogenesis of inflammation. In comparison, the tested NSAIDs demonstrated weak or no activity against proinflammatory mediators except for PGE2, where the activity of andrographolide (IC50 = 8.8 μM, 95% CI = 7.4 to 10.4 μM) was comparable to that of paracetamol (IC50 = 7.73 μM, 95% CI = 6.14 to 9.73 μM). The anti-inflammatory action of andrographolide was associated with its potent downregulation of NFκB. The wide-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity of andrographolide demonstrates its therapeutic potential against cytokine storms as an alternative to NSAIDs.
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease (CAD) due to industrial air pollutants in the proximity of Islamabad Industrial Estate (IEI), Pakistan
Authors: Khayyam Umer , Rayan Muhammad , Hussain Adil Iftikhar
Published: July 2024

Contaminated air quality, in lieu of massive industrial pollution, is severely attributing to health anomalies in the proximity of industrial units. Cardiovascular Disease (CAD) is rising around industrial units in the planned capital city of Pakistan, Pakistan. To study self-reported CAD in the proximity of Industrial Estate Islamabad (IEI) by equating two distinct study groups as ‘Band-I’: the residence 0–650 meters and ‘Band-II’ 650–1300 meters radius around the perimeter of IEI. The perimeters were digitized using Google Earth and GIS. Field survey was conducted on deploying 388 (194 in each Band) close-ended (self-administered) questionnaires at the household level, after adjusting the potential confounding variables. The research calculated odds ratios (ORs) of the CAD at 95% CI. The study’s findings of the multiple logistic regression for ORs confirmed a significant increase in CAD problems due to industrial affluents in Band-I than in Band-II which were less severe and less life-threatening. Study confirmed high incidences of high blood pressure and breathing issues (up to 67%), due to accumulation of unhealthy affluents thus leading to heart stroke (Band I = 56.20% and Band II = 60.30%). It is aided by smoking that has increased CAD in Band-I. Societal attributes of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences fail to safeguard the local residents amid high concentration of harmful pollutants. As a counter measure the affected respondents engaged in highlighting the issue to the concerned public offices, yet there is a high need on part of the capital government to take mitigative measures to immediately halt the disastrous industrial air emissions to save precious lives.
Improved assembly DC circuit breaker based on resonant current injection
Authors: Cui Puyi , Li Guoli , Zhang Qian , He Qinglian , Chen Zhong , Yang Wei
Published: July 2024

DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) with high breaking capacity and low cost are necessary for quick fault clearance in DC networks. The assembly DC circuit breakers (ADCCBs) have a main breaking section (MBS) and a sub-breaking sections (SBS) for each line, which greatly reduce the cost. But in conventional operation, it bears high voltage for a long time when there is a main switch grounding process in any line fault action. To address this problem, a multiport assembly circuit breaker based on current injection (CI-MPACB) is proposed, which is able to generate a resonant current with increasing amplitude by controlling the duty cycle of Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristors (IGCTs). Then the resonant current is injected into the SBS to generate current zero crossing and arc extinction. A complex frequency domain circuit analysis is performed on the MBS to describe the action logic as well as the commutation characteristics. In addition, the parameters of each component of the MBS are subject to multiple constraints and reasonable design to ensure the fault current could be cut off quickly and reliably. The cost of existing design is greatly reduced due to the design idea of resonant current injection device parameter selection. Finally, a PSCAD/EMTDC simulation confirms the opening viability of CI-MPACB and the accuracy of the parameter design. The test results show that the designed CI-MPACB can cut off DC fault lines.
Improving prevention and early detection of sepsis among patient groups at risk: Introducing a model for a multimodal information campaign—The SepWiss study protocol
Authors: Abels Wiltrud , Reinhart Konrad , Neugebauer Edmund , Wulkotte Elisa , Toubekis Evjenia , Piedmont Silke , Born Sebastian , Rieck Thorsten , Wegwarth Odette , Spies Claudia , Schlattmann Peter , Schwarzkopf Daniel , Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin
Published: July 2024

Background

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Annually, sepsis leads to approx. 90.000 deaths in Germany. Risk factors include amongst others older age (>60), innate or acquired dysfunction of the immune system, and underlying chronic diseases of the lung, heart, liver, or kidneys. The manifestation of sepsis is a medical emergency, and patient outcomes depend on timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. In addition, vaccinations e.g., against pneumococci or influenza virus, are a highly effective public health tool to prevent the most common underlying infections that may lead to sepsis. However, a lack of public awareness for the relevance of vaccination and detecting sepsis as an emergency underlines the need for public health interventions that address these issues. SepWiss aims to evaluate the effects of a multimodal information campaign designed to address this lack of awareness among the risk population in Germany.

Methods

SepWiss is an intervention at state level, consisting of a multimodal information campaign targeting risk groups in the German federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg (intervention region). Based on available evidence, various information formats were developed and implemented by outdoor advertising, social media, educational formats and through stakeholders’ platforms, starting in August 2021. The control region comprises of the remaining 14 German federal states. We will analyze vaccination coverage (primary outcome), and sepsis knowledge, the ability to detect sepsis as an emergency, and attitude towards vaccination (secondary outcomes) amongst the risk population in a controlled before-after comparison. The implementation is accompanied by a mixed-method process evaluation.

Discussion

SepWiss is the first project of its kind to evaluate a complex multi-faceted evidence-based information campaign with regards to the topics of vaccination coverage, and the importance of sepsis detection and prevention for the most vulnerable populations in Germany. Results will be valuable for informing further nationwide campaigns.

Trial registration

German Registry for Clinical Trials: DRKS00024475. Registered February 24th, 2021.
Modeling the United Oscillation and Wave of economic policy and urban planning employing spatial population dynamics
Authors: Yang Junghun , Ko Woorim , Cho Youngtae
Published: July 2024

Modern urban dynamics are increasingly shaped by the interplay between economic policy and urban planning, yet often lack an integrated approach. This study bridges this gap by examining the dynamic equilibrium between these two realms using the “Oscillation and Wave Framework.” Specifically, we focus on the impact of variations in congestion parameter λ on urban sectoral spatial distribution and population dynamics. Our approach utilizes an advanced agent-based model to simulate interactions within an urban economic landscape, offering a detailed analysis of the relationship between agglomeration economies and congestion diseconomies. The results highlight the significant influence of congestion parameter adjustments on urban patterns, particularly in terms of cluster density and development. Therefore, this study not only provides a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between economic and urban planning factors but also emphasizes the necessity of incorporating these insights into urban planning and policy formulation for sustainable urban development. The findings also have important practical implications for addressing the dynamic complexities of urban environments, especially the interactions between different industries and their role in shaping urban structures.
Code-mixing unveiled: Enhancing the hate speech detection in Arabic dialect tweets using machine learning models
Authors: Alhazmi Ali , Mahmud Rohana , Idris Norisma , Mohamed Abo Mohamed Elhag , Eke Christopher Ifeanyi
Published: July 2024

Technological developments over the past few decades have changed the way people communicate, with platforms like social media and blogs becoming vital channels for international conversation. Even though hate speech is vigorously suppressed on social media, it is still a concern that needs to be constantly recognized and observed. The Arabic language poses particular difficulties in the detection of hate speech, despite the considerable efforts made in this area for English-language social media content. Arabic calls for particular consideration when it comes to hate speech detection because of its many dialects and linguistic nuances. Another degree of complication is added by the widespread practice of "code-mixing," in which users merge various languages smoothly. Recognizing this research vacuum, the study aims to close it by examining how well machine learning models containing variation features can detect hate speech, especially when it comes to Arabic tweets featuring code-mixing. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess and compare the effectiveness of different features and machine learning models for hate speech detection on Arabic hate speech and code-mixing hate speech datasets. To achieve the objectives, the methodology used includes data collection, data pre-processing, feature extraction, the construction of classification models, and the evaluation of the constructed classification models. The findings from the analysis revealed that the TF-IDF feature, when employed with the SGD model, attained the highest accuracy, reaching 98.21%. Subsequently, these results were contrasted with outcomes from three existing studies, and the proposed method outperformed them, underscoring the significance of the proposed method. Consequently, our study carries practical implications and serves as a foundational exploration in the realm of automated hate speech detection in text.
Improving communication and promoting social inclusion for hearing-impaired users: Usability evaluation and design recommendations for assistive mobile applications
Authors: Kim Hyeonsu , Hwang Heetae , Gwak Sojung , Yoon Jihyeon , Park Kyudong
Published: July 2024

This study examines the usability of communication-assistive applications for hearing-impaired users, with a focus on enhancing user experience and promoting social inclusion. Although such applications have been developed and evaluated previously, interface designs that consider the intimacy needs of hearing-impaired users remain under-explored. We performed a comprehensive usability evaluation employing a mixed-method approach, which involved hearing-impaired individuals as well as field experts. The findings revealed areas for improvement in the design, validated the feasibility of implementing these applications, and emphasized the importance of incorporating the unique needs and preferences of hearing-impaired users. Furthermore, this paper discusses the importance of introducing guidelines and evaluation scales for the “Design for Emotion and Life Knowledge” levels to facilitate smooth and effective human–computer interactions. Such measures will promote the development of intelligent assistive technologies that reflect the qualitative needs of people with disabilities and contribute to social rights for hearing-impaired users. With the growing demands of artificial-intelligence-powered assistive technologies, the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the design and research process is anticipated to increase. In future, studies should be conducted to blend the culturally shared experiences and emotional bonds expressed by users (having mild-to-severe hearing impairment) with the design and development process of assistive devices or services.
Spatial-temporal characterization of cropland abandonment and its driving mechanisms in the Karst Plateau in Eastern Yunnan, China, 2001–2020
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Wang Jiasheng , Xiong Jianhong , Sun Mengzhu , Ma Yongchao
Published: July 2024

The karst plateau is dominated by mountainous and hilly landforms, with low mechanization level of cropland, high difficulty of cultivation, and obvious phenomenon of cropland abandonment, which threatens regional food security. This study aims to analyze the spatial-temporal variation and its driving mechanisms of abandoned cropland in the Karst Plateau in Eastern Yunnan, China (KPEYC) between 2001 and 2020. To achieve this goal, 18 key factors from population, economic environment, cropland attributes, and farming conditions are selected. Moreover, correlation analysis, geodetector, and regression analysis methods are applied from three perspectives: temporal change, spatial distribution and spatial-temporal change. The results show that: (i) The cropland abandonment rate (CAR) in the KPEYC shows a fluctuating trend, with an average value of 9.78%, and the spatial distribution shows a pattern of “high in the center and low in the south and north”. (ii) From the perspective of temporal change, gross value of agricultural production, and gross value of industrial production have the largest correlation coefficients with CAR. (iii) The explanatory power of gross tertiary industrial production, gross value of industrial production, followed by soil thickness. (iv) Gross value of agricultural production, and gross tertiary industrial production are the core driving forces for the spatial-temporal change of CAR. The higher the gross value of agricultural production and gross tertiary industrial production, the lower the CAR. elevation, soil thickness, and traffic mileage are the main driving factors for the spatial-temporal change of CAR. The study indicates that economic factors are decisive for cropland abandonment in the KPEYC. Based on the results, this study can provide decision-making support for local prevention and control of cropland abandonment, and the local community needs to promote land transfer and concentration and local urbanization according to local conditions, improve agricultural policies, improve farming conditions, etc. in order to increase farmers’ enthusiasm for production, promote the rational use of cropland, and solidly push forward ecological restoration and management, optimize ecological spatial patterns, manage serious areas of rocky desertification, and appropriately alleviate the contradiction between people and land.
O arquivo do Pontifício e Real Colégio de São Pedro (1545-1834)
Authors: Bandeira Ana Maria Leitão
Published: July 2024

O presente trabalho dá a conhecer a descrição arquivística do acervo documental do Pontifício e Real Colégio de São Pedro. Esta instituição que foi integrada na Universidade de Coimbra, a partir de 1572, passando a estar instalada junto dos Paços Reais, depois de sediada, desde a sua fundação, em 1545, na Rua da Sofia, deixou marcas em quem a frequentou e também na própria Universidade, onde vieram a lecionar alguns dos seus colegiais e outros foram seus Reitores. Que relações se estabeleceram com a Universidade, sabendo-se que o seu Reitor fazia visitações regulares ao Colégio? Quem eram os colegiais, porcionistas e familiares que o frequentaram? E que igrejas pertenceram ao seu padroado? Ao fazer o tratamento arquivístico do seu cartório, foram identificadas tipologias documentais que encerram informações diversas e vastas, as quais permitem responder a todas estas questões e a muitas outras, sobre a vida interna do Colégio, sua forma de administração e património que possuía, até que foi extinto em 1834.
Cais Brasileiros da Desconstrução: Etnocentrismo e Diferença Colonial
Authors: Hidalgo Nácher Max
Published: July 2024

A desconstrução teve um por-vir fecundo e plural no Brasil. Este artigo pergunta-se sobre a disseminação de alguns gestos do pensamento derrideano no Brasil e por como o pensamento da diferença contribuiu à emergência de um certo caráter liminar do Brasil e da América Latina, no chamado “Ocidente”. Interpretam-se aqui os conceitos de “entre-lugar” (Silviano Santiago), “transcriação” (Haroldo de Campos), “diferOnça” (Viveiros de Castro) ou “literatura pensante” e “pensamento vegetal” (Evando Nascimento) como intervenções e lançadas (jetées) teóricas que ativam a herença da desconstrução, fazendo dela um uso creativo e não reverencial.
Bonecas russas no Pará
Authors: Namora Ricardo
Published: July 2024

Nos seus mais de sessenta anos de magistério e produção escrita, Benedito Nunes dividiu a sua atividade por vários campos e sub-campos de conhecimento, num permanente tráfego geográfico e intelectual cujos vértices foram, sobretudo, a filosofia e a literatura. Esta constante dualidade manifesta-se de modo protuberante no modo como Benedito entende, de modo lato, o conhecimento. E, igualmente, nas sínteses dialéticas que propõe, e que conectam aqueles dois campos de conhecimento sob a alçada da hermenêutica, uma hermenêutica singular vinculada a Hartmann (em primeira instância) e, mais ainda (em fase posterior), a Heidegger, projetando-se num modo igualmente singular de prática crítica e pedagógica.
Tempo fora dos eixos
Authors: Maciel Emílio
Published: July 2024

Incursão em viés panorâmico pelo trabalho crítico de Roberto Schwarz, esse texto pretende identificar as grandes linhas e modulações de seus principais ensaios, tomando como ponto de partida o modo como certos temas obsessivos, tais como as assimetrias da modernidade e a figuração delas na obra de arte, operam como fundações e molduras de referência de uma espécie de elusivo e alegórico Bildungsroman, centrado na disputa pelo rosto definitivo do maior romancista brasileiro, Machado de Assis, e, consequentemente, pela definição do sentido de seu legado na metanarrativa nacional. Ao mesmo tempo, ao imergir nas complexidades e ambiguidades de alguns dos textos mais influentes do crítico, procura-se descrever e explorar as tensões básicas de sua escrita, destacando as constantes aporias criadas entre, de um lado, a rede de conexões telescópicas ligando livros e textos, canônicos ou não e, de outro, algumas das implicações menos óbvias de seu labiríntico modo de exposição, no qual a frase torna-se uma dramatização agônica do próprio choque de forças que constitui o mundo.
Um Monumento aos Heróis da Grande Guerra: Gilberto Freyre, Brasília e Lula da Silva à luz da teoria da literatura de Afrânio Coutinho
Authors: Corrêa de Sá André
Published: July 2024

Baseando-se na teoria literária de Afrânio Coutinho e examinando os exemplos de Gilberto Freyre, Brasília e Lula da Silva, este artigo pretende explorar as implicações da noção de que o imperativo de redefinir continuamente as questões nacionais tornou-se um aspecto crucial da reflexão sobre a eficácia da teoria literária na academia brasileira.
Antibiotic Prescribing Practices for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Among Clinical Officers at Kiambu County
Authors: Murigi Kevin , Thigiti Joseph , King’ang’a Muiruri
Published: July 2024

Background
Antibiotics are the most prescribed medications worldwide. Global consumption rose by 65% in 76 low and middle-income countries between the years 2000 and 2015. According to the World Health Organization, improper administration of antibiotics occurs in over 60% of people with upper respiratory tract infections. Inadvertent antibiotic use has been identified as a contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Outpatient antibiotic use accounts for around 80-90% of all antibiotic use in patients. Clinical officers are non-physician healthcare workers who have received less training, have a more restricted scope of practice than physicians. Clinical officers are key service providers in this country especially at the primary healthcare level.

Objective
The study assessed the factors that influence antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections by clinical officers.

Method
A prospective study was carried out at 20 public hospitals in Kiambu County, on 36 clinical officers and 600 patient prescriptions. The parameters measured were patient factors, prescriber factors, institutional factors and how they affected the antibiotic prescribing practices by either being rational or irrational. Rational prescribing was identified as prescribing the right drug, at the right frequency, in the right duration, right dose for the right indication. Prescriptions were considered irrational if they did not satisfy any of the rational indices. Data was collected via a questionnaire from the clinical officers while WHO prescription checklist was used to collect data from patient encounters. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 (SPSS v22.0) with P-value, Confidence Interval and Odds Ratio.

Results
A total of 600 patient encounters were recorded and 79.8% of the 479 encounters had an antibiotic prescription for URTI, 91% of the antibiotics prescribed were the right dose, 98% had the right frequency, 75% had the right duration, and only 23% had the right indication. Patients above 65 years were more likely to receive an antibiotic prescription OR 3.98 CI 0.91,17.41 P=0.17 compared to children under 12 years old. Males were more likely to receive an antibiotic, but this was not significant OR 1.06 CI 0.70, 1.59 P=0.79. A total of 28 (4.6%) patients had fever, and all received antibiotics.

A total of 36 clinical officers were sampled and only 5 (13.8%) were found to have rational prescriptions (P=0.63), prescriber age (P=0.92), prescriber level of education (P=0.99) and prescriber work experience (P=0.22) were not associated with antibiotic prescription. As per institutional factors, availability of antibiotics (P=0.026) and availability of prescription guidelines (P=0.012) were associated with rational prescription of antibiotics.

Conclusion
The study indicated that there was a high antibiotic prescription rate deviating from the WHO standard. It demonstrated that most antibiotic prescriptions were irrational.
A Rare Presentation of Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia: Coexistence of Multiple UGT1A1 Gene Variants
Authors: Tran Phi , Grimbergen Andrea , Lewis Megan , Yi Ruiyang , Williams Christopher
Published: July 2024

Indirect hyperbilirubinemia is a common clinical finding and rarely can be attributed to Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 or Gilbert syndrome. This case displays a rare presentation of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in a patient with multiple UGT1A1 gene variants. We aim to discuss the complexity of multiple UGT1A1 gene variants and its effect on the degree of observed hyperbilirubinemia.
Percepción de las relaciones familiares y orientación cultural en jóvenes de origen chino en España
Authors: Chen Yi , Van der Meulen Kevin
Published: July 2024

Las relaciones filioparentales en familias de origen chino apenas han sido investigadas en España desde el punto de vista del desarrollo psicológico. Mediante entrevistas individuales con 18 adolescentes y adultos emergentes de origen familiar chino (de 2.ª generación y generación 1.5), se exploraron sus experiencias en el ámbito laboral familiar, su tiempo de ocio, sus percepciones acerca de la relación con sus progenitores, el apoyo parental recibido, su orientación cultural, así como el modo en que estos aspectos afectan a su bienestar psicológico. Los resultados muestran que varios de estos aspectos, algunos de ellos normativos, afectan al bienestar de los entrevistados y a la calidad de la relación con sus figuras parentales. Estos jóvenes se sentían obligados/as, de forma directa o indirecta, a contribuir al negocio familiar o a apoyarlo a través de tareas domésticas o administrativas. Su propio desarrollo les permite reinterpretar esas experiencias pasadas viendo su necesidad en el sistema familiar, y percibiéndolas no solo como obstáculo a su bienestar psicológico en relación con su falta de autonomía, sino también como motor de su desarrollo. Indican que tienen una identidad bicultural y discrepan de las expectativas parentales sobre el cumplimiento de normas relativas al respeto a los progenitores (piedad filial). Como principales dificultades en la relación señalan la limitación impuesta de tiempo libre y autonomía y la falta de calidez de sus padres.
Comparative assessment for nutritional and antinutritional qualities revealed better performance of traditional white-fleshed sweet potatoes than orange-fleshed sweet potatoes
Authors: OGAH Onwuchekwa , ENE Chikezie Onuora , EBENYI Lilian Nwanneka , FREDERICK Orinya Onyebuchi , OKPURU Ifeanyi Godwin , NWANKWO Stephen Elem
Published: July 2024

Recent introduction of beta-carotene rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) has resulted to consumers’ low demands for traditional white-fleshed sweet potatoes (TWFSP), without due consideration of their nutritional qualities. This study appraised the nutritional compositions of OFSP and TWFSP. They were analyzed for mineral content, antinutrients, and phytochemicals at National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The field experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with three replicates. TWFSP showed higher concentrations of minerals, anti-nutrients and phytochemicals than OFSP. In TWFSP, potassium ranged from 1879.20 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B3V3’) to 1960.30 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B2V2’) while in OFSP it varied from 1162.60 ± 0.02 mg kg-1 (‘B26T26’) to 1800.20 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B10T10’). The antinutrients and phytochemicals results showed that flavonoids in TWFSP ranged from 0.30 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B1V1’) to 970.50 ± 0.02 mg TAE kg-1 (B3V3) while it varied from 0.20 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B4T4’) to 670.30 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B8T8’) in OFSP. Heritability estimates were high for all antinutrients and minerals while genetic advance was high only for potassium (42.206) and phosphorus (10.288) traits. Variation between phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation was negligible, with the former higher for most minerals and antinutrients. TWFSP were found richer than OFSP, and suggests improvement by selection.
First records of the myrmecophilous spider Thyreosthenius biovatus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1875) for Slovenia and new Slovenian records for the myrmecophilous spider Mastigusa arietina (Thorell, 1871)
Authors: Bračko Gregor , Kostanjšek Rok
Published: July 2024

Ants from the Formica rufa group, also known as red wood ants, build large mound nests and play an important role in their environment, especially in forests. Their nests harbour a species rich and abundant myrmecophilous fauna, including a few European spider species. Myrmecophilous spiders in 40 nests of red wood ants from 25 sites were searched for in Slovenia. In each mound nest, four to five litres of material were collected, which were placed in a sifter, with the sifted material examined for the presence of spiders. Two myrmecophilous spider species were found in the nests: Thyreosthenius biovatus (fam. Linyphiidae), representing first records for Slovenia, and Mastigusa arietina (fam. Cybaeidae), previously known from several sites in western Slovenia, but never purposefully searched for in ant nests. The first spider species was found in half of the examined nests, belonging to all sampled species of red wood ants, most of them to F. aquilonia, and M. arietina was detected in 37.5% of the examined nests, belonging to F. aquilonia and F. lugubris. The two spider species are presumably not rare in Slovenia, especially in the areas with a high number of red wood ant nests.
Assessment of chronic pain syndrome after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal plastic surgery in patients with inguinal hernia
Authors: Klymenko A. V. , Kravchenko B. S. , Klymenko V. M. , Kravchenko S. M. , Polishchuk K. P.
Published: July 2024

Aim. To assess pain syndrome in patients with inguinal hernia after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) plastic surgery.
Materials and methods. The study involved 58 patients with unilateral Nyhus type 2 and 3 inguinal hernia. The patients underwent laparoscopic TAPP plastic surgery using a mesh implant that was not fixed independently. According to the method of graft fixation, the patients were divided into two groups. In the first patient group, staple fixation of the mesh was applied – 28 (48.3 %), the second group – 30 (51.7 %) patients without mesh fixation. Patients with a history of surgical interventions on the abdominal cavity and pelvis, complicated or recurrent inguinal hernia were excluded from the study. Pain syndrome was assessed using the visual analog scale and an independent survey during postoperative follow-ups of the patients every three months for two years.
Results. In the assessment of postoperative pain in the first patient group, moderate pain intensity was noted, and it was minimal in the second group, p < 0.001. 9 (32.1 %) patients who underwent mesh implant fixation required opioid analgesics, compared with 4 (13.3 %) patients who did not undergo fixation, p = 0.043. At the first examination, chronic pain was detected in 6 (21.4 %) patients of the first group and in 3 (10.0 %) patients of the second group. During a year, pain syndrome gradually disappeared. After 9 months, pain was reported by 4 (14.3 %) patients in the group with mesh fixation and by 1 (3.3 %) patient without fixation. At the 6th examination in the first group, 2 (7.1 %) patients reported pain; 1 (3.6 %) patient underwent Lichtenstein hernioplasty due to recurrent, increasing acute pain.
Conclusions. Laparoscopic TAPP plastic surgery without graft fixation shows a lower possibility of pain syndrome development than with mesh implant fixation. In the case of chronic pain syndrome development following the TAPP technique without mesh fixation, the general condition of patients improves more quickly.
Relationship between central hemodynamic parameters and body composition and the functional state of neuro-autonomic regulation in young men
Authors: Krichfalushii O. P. , Nemesh M. I. , Slyvka Ya. I. , Savka Yu. M. , Palamarchuk O. S. , Feketa V. P.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between central hemodynamic parameters and body composition by considering baseline functional state of neuro-autonomic regulation according to the index of regulatory system activity (IRSA) in young men.
Material and methods. A total of 44 male participants were divided into three groups based on the IRSA level. The first group included 26 men with an optimal IRSA level. The second and third groups, each of 9 men, with moderate and high IRSA levels, respectively. The functional state of cardiovascular system was assessed using a device “REOKOM” (Kharkiv). The measurement of body composition was performed by weight-scale “TANITA BC-601” (Japan). The functional state of autonomic nervous system was assessed using a device “CARDIOLAB” (Kharkiv).
Results. Our results have demonstrated higher hemodynamic parameters in men with moderate and high level of IRSA. Men with elevated level of sympathetic activity had the highest indices of the pumping function of the heart, and those with the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic branches had the lowest indices of the pumping heart function. As for the indicators of total peripheral resistance and specific peripheral resistance, another trend was seen, namely, individuals with a balanced state of autonomic nervous regulation had the highest parameters, and those with a predominance of sympathetic tone had the lowest ones. Close correlations have been found between increased levels of regulatory mechanism tension and cardiohemodynamic parameters.
An indicator analysis of the body component composition has revealed a significant increase in body mass index, total and visceral fat content in the examined groups with moderate and severe regulatory system tension. In addition, correlations have been found between IRSA and constituting components of body composition.
Conclusions. The group assignment of the examined individuals according to IRSA has shown that a high tension of the regulatory mechanisms increased the load on the cardiovascular system, as indicated by higher indicators of central hemodynamics. In individuals with an optimal level of regulatory system functioning, the cardiovascular system activity is optimal and less energy consuming.