bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Territorios y mercados entre las fraternidades folklóricas bolivianas en São Paulo
Authors: Mendes Vinícius de Souza
Published: October 2023

En los últimos veinte años, la presencia boliviana en São Paulo, Brasil, se ha intensificado no solo desde el punto de vista cuantitativo, sino también en la constitución de nuevas experiencias urbanas. Uno de los más relevantes es el fenómeno de las fraternidades folklóricas que, al ser parte de los flujos migratorios junto con sus protagonistas, se convirtieron en instrumentos de reivindicación en el contexto de la metrópolis brasileña y, al mismo tiempo, elaboraron nuevos regímenes de movilidades e intercambios económicos. En este artículo argumento que, escapando de las miradas tradicionales de la literatura académica –que observa a los bolivianos en la ciudad ya sea como mano de obra barata o como sujetos étnicos–, los fraternos transitan por regiones del mapa urbano que no les serían accesibles bajo otras condiciones en que se inserten. Por este motivo las fraternidades se encuentran entre el mundo del trabajo y el ocio, en tanto que son productoras de territorios de encuentro festivo (González 2020) que materializan las demandas de sus ciclos festivos. Este proceso depende, sin embargo, de la producción de mercados paralelos y sistemas de redistribución como el de los pasantes. En este, se observa no solo las movilidades de personas, cosas, recursos, narrativas, ideas y horizontes políticos, sino también la estructura social de la comunidad.
Comunidad transnacional de los pueblos indígenas de México. Zapotecos en Los Ángeles, California
Authors: Parra Héctor
Published: October 2023

Este artículo indaga acerca de los procesos de reconstitución de identidades como un anclaje pre-figurativo de la emergencia de comunidades transnacionales indígenas en el corredor migratorio México-Estados Unidos. A partir de la experiencia de movilidad de la colectividad zapoteca en Los Ángeles, California, se muestra como la configuración de sus identidades permiten una circularidad económica que transforma las instituciones locales de origen y también, resignifican culturalmente una diversidad de espacios de acogida. Con ello, se pretende contribuir en la investigación de los circuitos económicos migratorios de los pueblos indígenas, resaltando la puesta en práctica de una comunidad transnacional por parte de estos migrantes indígenas.
Pensar la antropología en clave posthumanista
Authors: Otero-Hermida Paula
Published: October 2023

Abrir la mirada y caminar hacia otras formas de reflexividad es la ambición de toda propuesta teórica. Conseguirlo, es sin duda difícil. Lo nuevo puede ser a veces borroso o inasible. También, las propuestas teóricas pueden tener el efecto inintencionado de alejarnos de la realidad que queremos observar, obstaculizando con un aparataje conceptual demasiado abstracto que encaja difícilmente en fenómenos cambiantes y con múltiples actores y factores, descripción que atañe a la mayoría de fenómenos sociales.
En este sentido, la propuesta tratada en Pensar la antropología en clave posthumanista consigue algo inesperado: sumando actores humanos y no humanos, orgánicos e inorgánicos y poniendo sus relaciones en el centro del foco de estudio, ofrece una complejidad sin precedentes que, sin embargo, aclara la mirada.
Migración transnacional e incursión al comercio informal en Santiago de Chile
Authors: Luna Héctor
Published: October 2023

El comercio informal es una diversidad de negocios de baja escala que operan en puestos fijos y ambulantes donde trabajan los inmigrantes en Santiago de Chile. Consiste en una actividad de fácil acceso por la baja inversión y la venta sin permiso municipal. En esas condiciones concurren inmigrantes venezolanos, peruanos, colombianos, haitianos, ecuatorianos, bolivianos en la venta de la calle. Para el artículo se toma como base de análisis cuatro entrevistas en profundidad que nos expone la transición de las condiciones laborales precarias en el país de origen al empleo informal y comercio de la calle, como articulador de la trayectoria del inmigrante en Chile. Finalmente, con este trabajo se busca contribuir al debate de la inmigración con fines laborales en América Latina
Presentación al monográfico
Authors: Parra García Héctor
Published: October 2023

Una de las transformaciones más significativas en las migraciones del siglo XXI es la incursión cada vez más visible de una multitud de actores populares que logran insertarse en los intersticios del comercio y la producción global.
Ante la fragmentación y precarización laboral que impone la hegemonía económica neoliberal, diversas comunidades del universo rural y urbano han generado micro-emprendimientos a partir de un congomerado de vínculos de proximidad y capitales culturales, provocando un transnacionalismo sui géneris que podemos entender bajo la idea de “ensamblajes populares”.
Methodology for assessing the importance of features when analyzing the implementation of government contracts
Authors: Nikitin Petr Vladimirovich , Dolgov Vitalii Igorevich , Gorokhova Rimma Ivanovna , Korovin Dmitrii Igorevich , Bakhtina Elena Yur'evna
Published: October 2023

The subject of the research is assessing the risks of performing government contracts. The object of the study is the process of analysis and evaluation of the implementation of government contracts. The study is aimed at developing a methodology that determines the importance and significance of signs that influence the risk of non-fulfillment of government contracts. Research methods were used: data analysis to detect connections and dependencies between various characteristics and the risk of non-fulfillment of government contracts; statistical analysis to obtain an assessment of the impact of each characteristic on the risk of non-fulfillment of contracts and ranking them in order of importance; machine learning to predict the risk of non-fulfillment of government contracts; expert assessments to take into account contextual factors and features, their impact on the importance of features. The main conclusions of the study are the presented methods for assessing the importance of features when analyzing the implementation of government contracts, by using data from various sources, including the register of public procurement of the unified information system (UIS), the register of unscrupulous suppliers (RNP) of the EIS and the SPARK information system. The authors managed to achieve high prediction accuracy (more than 97%) and analyze the most important and significant features. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the results obtained make it possible to identify and analyze factors from three information systems that influence the risks of non-fulfillment of government contracts. Thus, this study is valuable and important in its field, which contributes to the development of more effective risk management methods and increased efficiency in the implementation of government contracts. The results obtained allow us to identify the factors that have the greatest impact on the risks of non-fulfillment of contracts, which makes the study valuable and important in this area.
Auditory cortex anatomy reflects multilingual phonological experience
Authors: Kepinska Olga , Dalboni da Rocha Josue , Tuerk Carola , Hervais-Adelman Alexis , Bouhali Florence , Green David W , Price Cathy J , Golestani Narly
Published: October 2023

This study explores the relationship between the anatomy of the auditory cortex and multilingual experience, shedding light on the complex mechanisms of auditory processing in humans. Integrating previous research on auditory information processing and the impact of bi- and multilingualism on brain structure, we investigate how the morphology of auditory brain regions reflects individuals’ language experience and, more specifically, their phonological repertoire. Leveraging two distinct samples comprising over 200 participants, each exposed to between 1 and 7 languages encompassing 36 different languages, we explore whether the morphological variability of auditory brain regions reflects individual language experience, specifically focusing on the phonological repertoire. Additionally, we examine the potential influence of typological distances between languages spoken by multilingual individuals on the neural signatures of multilingualism within the auditory cortex. Our findings revealed a relationship between the average thickness of the left and right second transverse temporal gyrus (TTG) and participants’ language experience. Model comparisons demonstrated that the inclusion of phoneme-level information in the language experience index accounted for the greatest variance in average TTG thickness (bilaterally). The direction of this effect was negative, indicating that a more extensive and more phonologically diverse language experience was associated with thinner cortices in the second TTG. Across two independent datasets, we provide robust evidence linking the degree of language experience and typological distance between languages to cortical thickness in early auditory brain regions. We propose that this phenomenon may reflect experience-driven pruning and neural efficiency, warranting further investigation through longitudinal studies of language acquisition. Moreover, our findings support the notion that experiences with typologically similar languages differ from those with typologically distant languages, offering valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language diversity and brain structure. Our findings also indicate that early auditory regions seem to represent phoneme-level cross-linguistic information, contrary to the most established models of language processing in the brain, which suggest that phonological processing happens in more lateral posterior STG and STS.
"Det er veldig forskjellig fra hjemlandet mitt"
Authors: Rønning Tvinnereim Kathrine , Bergset Gunnhild
Published: October 2023

This article presents an interview study with seven parents with migration backgrounds who have children in Early Childhood Education and Care institutions (ECEC). It highlights the parents’ experiences related to their interaction with ECECs during their first year as ECEC parents. The aim of the study is to explore how parents with migration backgrounds experience communication and interaction with ECEC staff.
The authors have executed a qualitative analysis of the research data. The analysis indicates that the parents’ experiences from their country of origin do not align well with expectations in the new home country. On the other hand, the analysis indicates that the interaction between ECEC parents and staff will improve when the understanding of the new society increases. The article highlights the difference between parents with some knowledge about Norwegian ECEC institutions before enrollment and those with limited insight. However, all of the parents enter the cooperation with ECEC institutions with little or no expectations to influence the current Norwegian system, but with a will to adapt to it. The willingness to adapt might make the parents less likely to engage with the ECEC staff. This attitude is based upon insufficient trust in the ECEC institutions and in Norwegian society in general. The lack of trust creates worries about the consequences of not successfully adapting to the Norwegian ECEC system and more specifically about Norwegian authorities’ decisions regarding deportations and family reunifications. The article points out that support from ECEC staff and other ECEC parents might reduce this anxiety and further develop the interaction.
The main conclusion of this article is that an extra effort is necessary to include parents with migration backgrounds to make sure they have enough knowledge about the Norwegian ECEC institutions to be confident about their child’s well-being and aware of their own role as an important, participating part. To ensure that this effort becomes part of the routines in ECECs this knowledge base’s implications on both the ECEC teacher education and the professional field is of importance.
The transcriptome of the entomopathogenic fungus Culicinomyces clavisporus contains an ortholog of the insecticidal ribotoxin Hirsutellin
Authors: Foresman Dana , Tartar Aurélien
Published: October 2023

The entomopathogenic fungus Culicinomyces clavisporus is known to infect and kill mosquito larvae and therefore has been seen as a potential biological control agent against disease vector mosquitoes. Whereas most fungal entomopathogens infect hosts by penetrating the external cuticle, C. clavisporus initiates infection through ingestion (per os). This unique infection strategy suggests that the C. clavisporus genome may be mined for novel pathogenicity factors with potential for vector control. To this end, an Isoseq-based transcriptome analysis was initiated, and resulted in a total of 3,512,145 sequences, with an average length of 1,732 bp. Transcripts assembly and annotation suggested that the C. clavisporus transcriptome lacked the cuticle-degrading proteins that have been associated with other entomopathogenic fungi, supporting the per os pathogenicity process. Furthermore, mining of the sequence data unexpectedly revealed C. clavisporus transcripts homologous to the Hirsutellin toxin. Comparative sequence analyses indicated that the C. clavisporus Hirsutellin predicted protein has retained the canonical molecular features that have been associated with the ribotoxic and insecticidal properties of the original toxin isolated from Hirsutella thompsonii. The identification of an Hirsutellin ortholog in C. clavisporus was supported by phylogenetic analyses demonstrating that Culicinomyces and Hirsutella were closely related genera in the Ophiocordycipitaceae family. Validation of the mosquitocidal activity of this novel C. clavisporus protein has yet to be performed but may help position Hirsutellin orthologs as prime candidates for the development of alternative biocontrol approaches complementing the current toolbox of vector mosquito management strategies.
Effect of 8-week frequency-specific electrical muscle stimulation combined with resistance exercise training on muscle mass, strength, and body composition in men and women: a feasibility and safety study
Authors: Lee Mon-Chien , Ho Chin-Shan , Hsu Yi-Ju , Wu Ming-Fang , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: October 2023

In recent years, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices have been developed as a complementary training technique that is novel, attractive, and time-saving for physical fitness and rehabilitation. While it is known that EMS training can improve muscle mass and strength, most studies have focused on the elderly or specific patient populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of frequency-specific EMS combined with resistance exercise training for 8 weeks on muscle mass, strength, power, body composition, and parameters related to exercise fatigue. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of EMS as an exercise aid to improve body composition. We recruited 14 male and 14 female subjects who were randomly assigned to two groups with gender parity (seven male and seven female/group): (1) no EMS group (age: 21.6 ± 1.7; height: 168.8 ± 11.8 cm; weight: 64.2 ± 14.4 kg) and (2) daily EMS group (age: 21.8 ± 2.0; height: 167.8 ± 9.9 cm; weight: 68.5 ± 15.5 kg). The two groups of subjects were very similar with no significant difference. Blood biochemical routine analysis was performed every 4 weeks from pre-intervention to post-intervention, and body composition, muscle strength, and explosive power were evaluated 8 weeks before and after the intervention. We also performed an exercise challenge analysis of fatigue biochemical indicators after 8 weeks of intervention. Our results showed that resistance exercise training combined with daily EMS significantly improved muscle mass (p = 0.002) and strength (left, p = 0.007; right, p = 0.002) and significantly reduced body fat (p < 0.001) than the no EMS group. However, there was no significant advantage for biochemical parameters of fatigue and lower body power. In summary, our study demonstrates that 8 weeks of continuous resistance training combined with daily upper body, lower body, and abdominal EMS training can significantly improve muscle mass and upper body muscle strength performance, as well as significantly reduce body fat percentage in healthy subjects.
El río como patio trasero: potencialidades del cauce del río en el medio rural
Authors:   , Río Acevedo Rosario del Pilar
Published: October 2023

El río Tinguiririca en la región de Colchagua, Chile, se presenta como un eje vital modelador desde los primeros asentamientos de su cuenca. Este abstract muestra la relación entre la población local y el río, abarcando desde la dependencia económica y su gestión hídrica hasta la apreciación cultural y carácter lúdico del paisaje fluvial. El río Tinguiririca es una fuente esencial para la agricultura y el abastecimiento doméstico, la aplicación de sistemas en constante cambio revelan el progreso de las comunidades en respuesta de la condición cambiante del río. Estas tecnologías hídricas no solo son vitales desde lo económico, si no que han sido mecanismos que se han heredado con el tiempo constituyendo un patrimonio cultural transmitido de generación en generación. Además el río ha sido un espacio de encuentro y recreación para la comunidad, la creación de balnearios tanto formales como informales demuestran la búsqueda colectiva del deseo de formalizar y mejorar la relación y conexión urbana con el entorno fluvial, fomentando así el carácter lúdico del río y proponiendo espacios de recreación y descanso. Las memorias obtenidas de los pobladores recogen sus experiencias junto al río donde revelan la importancia de este hito geográfico en su identidad cultural. El río y sus costumbres se transmiten entre generaciones a través de las historias, imágenes y relatos que aportan en la formación de un paisaje cultural, haciendo que sea un elemento que trasciende a su función económica. La planificación y el diseño de espacios públicos que conectan a la comunidad con el río son esenciales para la preservación y promoción del paisaje cultural, al hacer que el río sea más accesible y visible desde la urbanización. Lograr una mayor apreciación y comprensión del río dentro de la comunidad, la interacción constante entre el ser humano y su entorno natural dan como resultado la valoración del cuidado y preservación del río.
Reducción de huella de carbono en uniones de acero en estructuras de madera en altura: análisis comparativo entre uniones carpinteras, mecánicas e híbridas: caso de estudio: edificio de oficinas, Santiago de Chile
Authors:   , Carrasco Iglesias Joaquín
Published: October 2023

En la actualidad, la arquitectura en madera se ha establecido como una forma de construcción atractiva para edificaciones de mediana y alta altura por sus beneficios ambientales y su fácil manejo para su montaje en obra. Produciendo una reducción significativa en la huella de carbono de un edificio en comparación si se construyera con materiales tradicionales tal como el acero y el hormigón. Sin embargo, dentro de los componentes estructurales que se integran a este tipo de edificaciones existen elementos que presentan altas emisiones de CO2, los cuales corresponden a las uniones metálicas, representando en promedio el 20% del peso del edificio, teniendo una huella de carbono de 2 Ton CO2 por cada tonelada de acero producido, al contrario que la madera tiene por cada tonelada equivale a -0.65 Ton CO2. Es por esto que la investigación tiene como objetivo abordar este componente en función de reducir la huella de carbono de las uniones metálicas en relación al resto de la construcción, mediante el desarrollo de una lógica comparativa de uniones que determine cuales se podrían combinar entre sí y que de como resultado una reducción en su huella de carbono gracias a la utilización de menos componentes de acero o utilizando madera en su lugar. Por ende, la metodología a seguir consiste en realizar un estudio de diferentes casos de edificios de madera en altura, para analizar sus respectivas uniones en relación a su impacto en la huella de carbono mediante el Software Athena, permitiendo hacer un punto de comparación entre varios tipos de uniones, evaluando también sus propiedades estructurales junto con un análisis crítico que revele los aspectos positivos y negativos de cada iteración, logrando así una lógica constructiva que considere dichos aspectos de la unión en el proceso del diseño del edificio en función de reducir su impacto.
Ruinas de tierra: 3 ensayos sobre el patrimonio construido en tierra
Authors:   , Hurtado Decombe Diego
Published: October 2023

El patrimonio construido en tierra representa una parte importante del patrimonio material de Chile. Sin embargo, su conservación es técnica y conceptualmente compleja, por no decir imposible. Este material requiere constante mantención y reemplazo de sus partes por lo que necesita de gente que lo habite y lo cuide, restaurando los daños que sufre, inevitablemente construyendo repetidas veces su aspecto original. Las casas patronales del valle de Colchagua representan un patrimonio construido en tierra que demustran la facilidad que tiene la tierra para perdurar cientos de años cuando es mantenido, y desaparecer en muy pocos cuando no lo es. Estos asentamientos propios de la colonización española del territorio y del desarrollo agrícola de Chile hasta el día de hoy, cuando la vida en el campo se ha abandonado paulatinamente en pos de zonas urbanas. Hoy, las casas patronales han crecido, decrecido y se han mantenido, adaptandose a los nuevos contextos y tomando nuevos usos en un campo de posibilidades variopinto. Cuando vemos que han decrecido, lo hacen a un ritmo acelerado. En general, esto se debe al abandono, y la alternativa para conservar este patrimonio es el reuso y restauración de estas. La restauración de estructuras de tierra entra en un marco teórico distinto al canon internacional establecido por la Carta de Venecia. Esto se debe a una necesidad estructural de establecer continuidad y homogeneidad en esta, por lo que mantener una diferenciacion de lo nuevo frente a lo antiguo es imposible. Si bien los conceptos de continuidad y autenticidad no son opuestos, sus técnicas constructivas son irreconsiliables, separando la tradición internacional de restauración, de la tradición latinoamericana de restauración en tierra. Esto tambíen significa que con las técnicas actuales, la conservación de patrimonio en tierra es en realidad una construcción. Tanto la experiencia de restauración de tierra en casas patronales como la de consolidación de ruinas internacionalmente apuntan a esto. Para conservar patrimonio construido en tierra, sean edificios o ruinas, es necesario intervenirlo a tal punto que cambia la preexistencia, muchas veces perdiendo la evidencia material que representa. Y de no hacerlo, continua un deterioro que también destruye la preexistencia. Nos encontramos ante una situación compleja donde conservar es construir, cambiando el patrimonio, pero también haciéndolo vigente.
Mathematical Modelling of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Dynamics with Vaccination Incorporating Optimal Control Analysis
Authors: Okware Fednant O. , Apima Samuel B. , Wanjara Amos O.
Published: October 2023

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an infectious illness with complex behavior that has had dangerous consequences in the society. In women, HPV is the leading cause of Cervical Cancer (CC). If not treated early, cervical cancer causes abnormal growth of the cervical walls, which leads to death. It is a threat, with half a million documented cases worldwide resulting in over 200 000 recorded deaths every year. In this research, we develop a mathematical model of HPV dynamics with vaccination and perform optimal control to reduce HPV and CC preventive expenses. The invariant region of the model solution was examined, and it was determined that the model was well posed and biologically meaningful. The feasibility of the model solution was examined, and it was discovered that the solution of the model remained positive in the feasible limited region \(\Omega\). The disease equilibrium points were shown to exist. The basic reproduction number was examined and discovered to be the biggest eigenvalue of the next generation matrix. The local stability of the equilibrium points was investigated, and it was discovered that the disease free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium points were asymptotically stable. The model was extended into optimal control, and their optimality system was derived analytically using the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. The optimality system was numerically solved using MATLAB software, and the graphs for various interventions were shown against time. Finally, the outcomes of this study suggest that when the three interventions (awareness, screening and treatment of HPV and CC, and vaccination) are combined, the infection begins to decrease considerably and eventually dies out in the community when the interventions are intensified.
The Effect of Green Compost Processed Organic Fertilizer and Chlorella Microalgae Solution on Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Carotenoid and Proline Content of Tropaeolum majus under Drought Stress
Authors: Mohsenzadeh Sasan , Karmidarenjani Maryam , Mirahmadinejad Elham Alsadat , Robati Reza
Published: October 2023

Environmental stresses, particularly drought, are the most critical contributors in reducing the growth of plants.  The effect of processed organic fertilizer of green compost and chlorella microalgae solution on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid and proline content of Tropaeolum majus plant under control and drought conditions were investigated. The experiments were carried out in pot with a completely randomized design with three replicates. Green manure treatment included 0%, 5% and 10% by volume of pots. Chlorella microalgae treatment had two levels in terms of zero cells and 368 million cells in each pot. Drought stress was administered based on a lack of ten-day and seventeen-day irrigation.  After two months, the samples were collected and the relative content of amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids, and amino acid proline were performed. The findings revealed that green compost of 10% alone and together with chlorella microalgae significantly reduced the effects of drought stress at 5% level. Compost with 10% volumetric along with chlorella caused a significant increase in chlorophyll at control and 5% level. Tropaeolum majus plants treated with chlorella algae and 10% green compost showed the greatest levels of proline amino acid under stress.
Developing Formulation of Ice Cream Utilizing Preserved Whey Protein Concentrate and Characterizing Their Physico-chemical Traits
Authors: Manjunatha B. M. , Supraja N. , Yedoti Venkateswarlu , Vijaykumar B.
Published: October 2023

Whey protein concentrate is a source for a number of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and water-soluble vitamins and presence of all these components makes it a highly nutritious product. The composition of whey varies with the type of whey, pH and pre-heat treatment given to whey; Whey proteins are highly nutritious food supplements having therapeutic benefits too. The biological components of whey include Lactoferrin, \(\beta\)-Lactoglobulin, \(\alpha\)-Lactalbumin, glycomacropeptides and Immunoglobulin. Ice cream is a frozen product obtained from milk along with required milk products, cane sugar, stabilizers, emulsifiers and edible flavours and colours. The present study pertains to characterizing the ice cream incorporating whey protein concentrate for their physico-chemical properties.
Evaluation of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides for Weed Control on Growth and Yield in Chickpea
Authors: Yousuf Mulinti , Sharma Roop Kishore , Sirazuddin  , Negi Vipin , Mishra R. K. , Raju T. Rama
Published: October 2023

Chickpea, scientifically known as Cicer arietinum L., is a significant grain legume that is cultivated in 44 countries across five continents. India holds the position of the world's largest producer of chickpeas, contributing to approximately 75% of global production. The primary states in India where chickpeas are extensively grown include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. The aim of the experiment was to assess how various herbicides impact weed control in chickpea cultivation.

An agronomic investigation on “Evaluation of pre and post emergence herbicides in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” under late sowing conditions was conducted during Rabi 2019-20 at Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Selaqui, Dehradun. To study the effect and performance of different weed control treatments. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments. The treatments were Pendimethalin@1.0 kg ha-1, Metribuzin @1.0 kg ha-1, Quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 40 a.i. g ha-1, Clodinafop @ 0.060 kg ha-1, Pinoxadan @0.005 kg ha-1, Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, Weedy check and Weed Free. They were replicated three times. Observations on growth and weed parameters were recorded periodically at an interval of 30 days. Among the treatments, weed-free recorded the highest grain and straw. It was on par with Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg ha-1 significantly superior over the rest of the treatments. Among the chemical weed control treatment application of Pendimethalin @1.0 kg ha-1 was found beneficial to higher grain yield, and straw yield and effective in controlling weeds and increasing the yield of chickpea.
SO2 Mitigation via Catalytic Oxidation using Carbonaceous Materials and Metal Oxides for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Edward Tanoko Matthew , Weng Ying , Lai Sin Yuan
Published: October 2023

The high concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the air that contributes to increasing health and environmental issues has caught the attention of all countries. Numerous tactics to regulate and lower the SO2 levels in the environment that have been applied through regulations and promising technology, progress has been obtained to decrease the SO2 concentration. Among methods for SO2 removal, one of the promising techniques used is the catalytic oxidation of SO2 to SO3, which not only reduces the SO2 concentration in the environment but also produces sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Thus, the performance of the catalysts that can promote the catalytic oxidation of SO2 to SO3 for environmental sustainability is reviewed in this study. The types of catalysts evaluated in this study are carbon-based materials and metal oxides. Worth noting that these catalysts are feasible to catalytically converting SO2 hazardous material to resources, viz. SO3 and H2SO4 for industrial use. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for devising an innovative method for SO2 mitigation through catalytic oxidation. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Variations in State Laws on Mental Health–Related Firearm Prohibition
Authors: Bowen Deirdre M. , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , McCourt Alexander , Betz Marian , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: October 2023

This quality improvement study assesses heterogeneity in state rules regarding reporting of mental health conditions to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System when individuals seek to acquire firearms.
Changes in Care Use and Financial Status Associated With Dementia in Older Adults
Authors: Choi HwaJung , Langa Kenneth M. , Norton Edward C. , Cho Tsai-Chin , Connell Cathleen M
Published: October 2023

Importance

Estimating the effects of dementia on care use and financial outcomes is timely, as the population with dementia will more than double in the next few decades.

Objective

To determine the incremental changes associated with dementia in regard to older adults’ care use and assess financial consequences for individuals, families, and society.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study included propensity score matching on national, longitudinal data using extensive baseline variables of sociodemographic characteristics, economic status, family availability, health conditions, disability status, and outpatient care use among 2 groups of US adults aged 55 years or older who did not have dementia. In total, 2387 adults experienced the onset of dementia during the 2-year follow-up (dementia group) and 2387 adults did not (control group). Participants were followed up for 8 years from the baseline. Data were analyzed from February 2021 to August 2023.

Exposure

Dementia determined based on Langa-Weir classification.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes of care use included monthly care hours from family and unpaid helpers, in-home medical services, hospital stay, and nursing facility stay. Financial outcomes included out-of-pocket medical costs, wealth, and the status of having Medicaid.

Results

Among the full sample, the mean (SD) age was 75.4 [10.4] years, and 59.7% of participants were female. Care use was similar at baseline between the matched groups but was substantially greater for the dementia group vs control group in subsequent years, especially during the 2-year follow-up: 45 vs 13 monthly care hours from family and unpaid helpers, 548 of 2370 participants (23.1%) vs 342 of 2383 (14.4%) using in-home medical care, 1104 of 2369 (46.6%) vs 821 of 2377 (34.5%) with hospital stay, and 489 of 2375 (20.6%) vs 104 of 2384 (4.4%) using a nursing facility. The increase in use of a nursing facility was especially high if baseline family care availability was low. Over the 8-year follow-up in the dementia group, the 2-year out-of-pocket medical costs increased from $4005 to $10 006, median wealth was reduced from $79 339 to $30 490, and those enrolling in Medicaid increased from 379 of 2358 participants (16.1%) to 201 of 676 participants (29.7%). No statistically significant changes in financial outcomes were found in the control group.

Conclusion and Relevance

This cohort study demonstrated that the incremental changes associated with dementia in regard to older adults’ long-term care and financial burden are substantial. Family care availability should be accounted for in a comprehensive assessment of predicting the effects of dementia.
Effectiveness of Monovalent mRNA Vaccines Against Omicron XBB Infection in Singaporean Children Younger Than 5 Years
Authors: Wee Liang En , Tang Nicole , Pang Deanette , Chiew Calvin , Yung Chee-Fu , Chong Chia Yin , Lee Vernon , Ong Benjamin , Lye David Chien , Tan Kelvin Bryan
Published: October 2023

Importance

Literature on vaccine effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for children younger than 5 years is limited.

Objective

To report the effectiveness of monovalent mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection among Singaporean children aged 1 through 4 years during a COVID-19 pandemic wave of the Omicron XBB variant.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a population-based cohort study, conducted over a 6-month study period from October 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023, after the implementation of community vaccination among all Singaporean children aged 1 through 4 years. The study period was dominated by the Omicron XBB subvariant.

Exposure

Receipt of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.

Main Outcome Measure

Vaccine effectiveness against confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The adjusted incidence rate ratio for confirmed infections using Poisson regression was reported, with the reference group being those who were unvaccinated. Analyses were stratified by prior documented SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

A total of 121 628 children (median [IQR] age, 3.1 [2.2-3.9] years; 61 925 male [50.9%]) were included in the study, contributing 21 015 956 person-days of observation. The majority of children (11 294 of 11 705 [96.5%]) received the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna). Vaccine effectiveness against confirmed infection was 45.2% (95% CI, 24.7%-60.2%) in partially vaccinated, infection-naive children and 63.3% (95% CI, 40.6%-77.3%) in fully vaccinated, infection-naive children compared with the unvaccinated group. Among previously infected children, vaccine effectiveness against reinfections in those with at least 1 vaccine dose was estimated at 74.6% (95% CI, 38.7%-89.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Study results suggest that completion of a primary mRNA vaccine series provided protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in children aged 1 through 4 years. Although incidence of hospitalization and severe illness is low in this age group, there is potential benefit of vaccination in preventing infection and potential sequelae.
Understanding the Surface Chemistry of SnO2 Nanoparticles for High Performance and Stable Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Garcia Romero David , Di Mario Lorenzo , Yan Feng , Ibarra‐Barreno Carolina Mishell , Mutalik Suhas , Protesescu Loredana , Rudolf Petra , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: October 2023

In organic solar cells, the interfaces between the photoactive layer and the transport layers are critical in determining not only the efficiency but also their stability. When solution‐processed metal oxides are employed as the electron transport layer, the presence of surface defects can downgrade the charge extraction, lowering the photovoltaic parameters. Thus, understanding the origin of these defects is essential to prevent their detrimental effects. Herein, it is shown that a widely reported and commercially available colloidal SnO2 dispersion leads to suboptimal interfaces with the organic layer, as evidenced by the s‐shaped J–V curves and poor stability. By investigating the SnO2 surface chemistry, the presence of potassium ions as stabilizing ligands is identified. By removing them with a simple washing with deionized water, the s‐shape is removed and the short‐circuit current is improved. It is tested for two prototypical blends, TPD‐3F:IT‐4F and PM6:L8:BO, and for both the power conversion efficiency is improved up to 12.82% and 16.26%, from 11.06% and 15.17% obtained with the pristine SnO2, respectively. More strikingly, the stability is strongly correlated with the surface ions concentration, and these improved devices maintain ≈87% and ≈85% of their initial efficiency after 100 h of illumination for TPD‐3F:IT‐4F and PM6:L8:BO, respectively.
Metal–Organic Frameworks for Nerve Repair and Neural Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Meng Ling , Ren Na , Dong Mengwei , Zhang Shengmin , Wang Aizhu , Zhuang Zhong , Wang Jie , Sun Chunhui , Liu Hong
Published: October 2023

Recently, neurological disorders have led to a growing global burden of fatalities and disabilities. The limited capacity for natural self‐regeneration poses a significant challenge in repairing nervous system injuries, which is closely related to the complex microenvironment and nonregenerative nature of neurons. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with their distinctive structure and properties including high surface area, porosity, tunability, stimuli‐responsive behavior, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, stand as an auspicious platform for devising therapeutic strategies aiming at nerve regeneration and repair. By taking advantage of these characteristics, researchers have the opportunity to explore innovative methods including endogenous stimulation, magnetic response therapy, phototherapy, ultrasound therapy, and drug delivery systems for the treatment of neurological diseases. Moreover, MOFs‐based stem cell therapy also is developed to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, promote axon growth, regulate stem cell differentiation, promote nerve regeneration, and finally restore the function of injured nerves. In this paper, the preparation strategy and biological characteristics of MOFs, highlighting their applications in repairing nerve injuries and treating neural stem cells is presented. Finally, an outlook on the future development and challenges in the field of neuroscience concerning MOFs is provided.
Injectable Living Probiotic Dressing Built by Droplet‐Based Microfluidics and Photo‐Cross‐Linking to Prevent Pathogenic Infection and Promote Wound Repair
Authors: Wei Yunyun , Han Ziqiang , Mao Xiaolong
Published: October 2023

The treatment of infected wounds faces great challenges due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and the lack of persistence in drug release. Here, a living probiotic dressing is constructed by integrating droplet‐shearing and photo‐cross‐linking. Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii), the only probiotic used clinically, is encapsulated and attached to a wound under light irradiation. A double‐layer hydrogel provides a protective barrier for cell growth and proliferation while preventing the escape of S. boulardii. The living probiotic dressing shows superior biosafety with fibroblast cells. Strikingly, in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that the living probiotic dressing not only inhibits bacterial survival and colonization, but also alleviates inflammation and accelerates wound closure. More significantly, the living probiotic dressing promotes collagen deposition and neovascularization, which accelerates wound healing. This work can provide new ideas for clinical wound treatment and widen the application of probiotics in tissue engineering.
Modulation Doping of Silicon Nanowires to Tune the Contact Properties of Nano‐Scale Schottky Barriers
Authors: Nagarajan Soundarya , Hiller Daniel , Ratschinski Ingmar , König Dirk , Smith Sean C. , Mikolajick Thomas , Trommer Jens
Published: October 2023

Doping silicon on the nanoscale by the intentional introduction of impurities into the intrinsic semiconductor suffers from effects such as dopant deactivation, random dopant fluctuations, out‐diffusion, and mobility degradation. This paper presents the first experimental proof that doping of silicon nanowires can also be achieved via the purposeful addition of aluminium‐induced acceptor states to theSiO2shell around a silicon nanowire channel. It is shown that modulation doping lowers the overall resistance of silicon nanowires with nickel silicide Schottky contacts by up to six orders of magnitude. The effect is consistently observed for various channel geometries and systematically studied as a function ofAl2O3content during fabrication. The transfer length method is used to separate the effects on the channel conductivity from that on the barriers. A silicon resistivity is achieved as low as 0.04–0.06 Ω ·cm in the nominal undoped material. In addition, the specific contact resistivity is also strongly influenced by the modulation doping and reduced down to 3.5E‐7 Ω ·cm2, which relates to lowering the effective Schottky barrier to 0.09 eV. This alternative doping method has the potential to overcome the issues associated with doping and contact formation on the nanoscale.
Fast and Energy‐Efficient Non‐Volatile III‐V‐on‐Silicon Photonic Phase Shifter Based on Memristors
Authors: Fang Zhuoran , Tossoun Bassem , Descos Antoine , Liang Di , Huang Xue , Kurczveil Geza , Majumdar Arka , Beausoleil Raymond G.
Published: October 2023

Silicon photonics has evolved from lab research to commercial products in the past decade as it plays an increasingly crucial role in data communication for next‐generation data centers and high‐performance computing. Recently, programmable silicon photonics has also found new applications in quantum and classical information processing. A key component of programmable silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) is the phase shifter, traditionally realized via thermo‐optic or free‐carrier effects that are weak, volatile, and power hungry. A non‐volatile phase shifter can circumvent these limitations by requiring zero power to maintain the switched phases. Previously non‐volatile phase modulation is achieved via phase‐change or ferroelectric materials, but the switching energy remains high (pico to nano joules) and the speed is slow (micro to milliseconds). Here, a non‐volatile III‐V‐on‐silicon photonic phase shifter based on a HfO2 memristor with sub‐pJ switching energy (≈400 fJ), representing over an order of magnitude improvement in energy efficiency compared to the state of the art, is reported. The non‐volatile phase shifter can be switched reversibly using a single 100 ns pulse and exhibits excellent endurance over 800 cycles. This technology can enable future energy‐efficient programmable PICs for data centers, optical neural networks, and quantum information processing.
Emission Mechanism of Bright and Eco‐Friendly ZnSeTe Quantum Dots
Authors: Cai Wenbing , Ren Yinjuan , Huang Zhigao , Sun Qi , Shen Hanchen , Wang Yue
Published: October 2023

The heavy‐metal‐free ZnSeTe quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise for the development of modern optoelectronic devices, yet, the nature of the emissive state within remains elusive. Herein, the different emission origins are clarified for the ZnSeTe QDs with dilute and heavy Te contents based on multiple spectroscopic characterizations and first‐principles calculation. In the case of dilute Te incorporation (Te/Se < 20%), the low‐energy tail of the asymmetric emission is ascribed to the recombination from the localized state induced by Te clusters, and the the hot carrier localization process occurs within a timescale of ≈500 fs. As the Te/Se ratio increases above 20%, the charge density difference shows a uniform distribution due to the decrease in electronegativity contrast, such that the carriers become delocalized and tail emission disappears. Meanwhile, the emission line‐width broadens mainly originating from the inhomogeneous broadening effect. These findings are constructive for developing sustainable QDs toward optoelectronic applications.
Distinguishable Colorimetric Biosensor for Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases
Authors: Li Ming , Ding Caiping , Zhang Dong , Chen Weiwei , Yan Zejun , Chen Zikang , Guo Zhiyong , Guo Longhua , Huang Youju
Published: October 2023

Castration‐resistant prostate cancer (PCa) causes severe bone metastasis (BM), which significantly increases mortality in men with PCa. Imaging tests and radiometric scanning require long analysis times, expensive equipment, specialized personnel, and a slow turnaround. New visualization technologies are expected to solve the above problems. Nonetheless, existing visualization techniques barely meet the urgency for precise diagnosis because the human eyes cannot recognize and capture even slight variations in visual information. By using dye differentiated superposition enhancement colorimetric biosensors, an effective method to diagnose prostate cancer bone metastases (PCa‐BM) with excellent accuracy for naked‐eye quantitative detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is developed. The biomarker ALP specific hydrolytic product ascorbic acid can be detected by rhodamine derivatives (Rd) as gold nanobipyramids (Au NBPs) are deposited and grown. Color‐recombining enhancement effects between Rd and Au NBPs significantly improved abundance. The 150 U L−1 threshold between normal and abnormal can be identified by color. And with color enhancement effect and double signal response, the ALP index is visually measured to diagnose PCa‐BM and provide handy treatment recommendations. Additionally, the proposed colorimetric sensing strategy can be used to diagnose other diseases.