bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular quantum wire symmetrically loaded with a graphene strip as the plasmonic micro/nano laser: threshold conditions analysis
Authors: Kaliberda Mstyslav E. , Pogarsky Sergey A. , Kostenko Oleksii V. , Nosych Oleksandr I. , Zinenko Tatiana L.
Published: March 2024

We study, apparently for the first time, the threshold conditions for the time-harmonic natural modes of the micro-to-nanosize plasmonic laser shaped as a circular quantum wire with a flat graphene strip, placed symmetrically inside it, in the H-polarization case. We suppose that the quantum wire is made of a nonmagnetic gain material, characterized with the aid of the “active” imaginary part of the complex refractive index. The emergence of lasers integrating plasmonic effects marks a significant trend in contemporary photonics. Here, the graphene offers a promising alternative to the noble metals as it exhibits the capacity to sustain plasmon-polariton natural surface waves across the infrared and terahertz (THz) spectra. The used innovative approach is the lasing eigenvalue problem (LEP), which is classical electromagnetic field boundary-value problem, adapted to the presence of active region. It is tailored to deliver both the mode-specific emission frequency, which is purely real at the threshold, and the value of the gain index of the active region, necessary to make the frequency real-valued. The conductivity of graphene is characterized using the quantum Kubo formalism. We reduce the LEP for the considered nanolaser to a hyper-singular integral equation for the current on the strip and discretize it by the Nystrom-type method. This method is meshless and computationally economic. After discretization, a matrix equation is obtained. The sought for mode-specific pairs {the frequency and the threshold gain index} correspond to the zeros of the matrix determinant. It should be noted that the convergence to exact LEP eigenvalues is guaranteed mathematically if the discretization order is taken progressively larger. Two families of modes are identified and studied: the modes of the quantum wire, perturbed by the presence of the graphene strip and the plasmon modes of the strip. The frequencies of all plasmon modes and the lowest mode of the quantum wire are found to be well-tuned by changing the chemical potential of graphene. Engineering analytic formulas for the plasmon-mode frequencies and thresholds are derived. We believe that the presented results can be used in the creation of single-mode tunable micro and nanolasers.
Augmented reality system based on the integration of polarization-independent metalens and micro-LEDs
Authors: Li Sheng-Hui , Sun Chi , Tang Pei-Yu , Liao Jui-Hsun , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Fung Bo-Heui , Fang Yen-Hsiang , Kuo Wei-Hung , Wu Ming-Hsien , Chang Hsueh-Chih , J.Su Guo-Dung
Published: March 2024

Augmented reality (AR), a technology that superimposes virtual information onto a user's direct view of real-world scenes, is considered one of the next-generation display technologies and has been attracting considerable attention. Here, we propose a flat optic AR system that synergistically integrates a polarization-independent metalens with micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A key component is a meticulously designed metalens with a numerical aperture of 0.25, providing a simulated focusing efficiency of approximately 76.5% at a wavelength of 532 nm. Furthermore, the laser measurement system substantiates that the fabricated metalens achieves a focusing efficiency of 70.8%. By exploiting the reversibility of light characteristics, the metalens transforms the divergent light from green micro-LEDs into a collimated beam that passes through the pupil and images on the retina. Monochromatic pixels with a size of 5×5 µm2 and a pitch of 10 µm can be distinctly resolved with a power efficiency of 50%. This work illustrates the feasibility of integrating the metalens with microdisplays, realizing a high-efficiency AR device without the need for additional optical components and showcasing great potential for the development of near-eye display applications.
Research on the phase error of a Sagnac interferometer induced by modulation of a multifunctional integrated optical modulator
Authors: Wang Q. H. , Shu X. W. , Bi Ran
Published: March 2024

High-precision IFOG requires an optical sensitivity of up to 10−8 rads−1 for interferometers; noise and error are two of the main reasons limiting its accuracy improvement. Any potential source of the signal error is worth being studied. This article introduces work on the modulation signal error caused by the mechanical vibration energy loss of MIOC crystals. This article theoretically derives and simulates the frequency spectrum of an energy loss from the perspective of electromechanical coupling and verifies it through experiments. This article also verifies the influence of MIOC mechanical loss on the output of a Sagnac interferometer through experiments. This study is an indispensable part of the bottleneck for improving the accuracy of ultrahigh-precision closed-loop IFOG and has potential engineering application value.
High performance mid-infrared optical isolators based on Y3Fe5O12 magneto-optic ceramics
Authors: Jiang Renjie , Chen Jie , Shen Shiji , Yang Xuan , Zhou Sheng Ming , Liu Jing , He Zhenxing , Yu Ting , Wang Zhengjuan , He Xiyun , Wang Jun
Published: March 2024

As one of the essential optical components, optical isolators and their core magneto-optic (MO) materials have been widely researched in the range of visible to near-infrared wavelengths. However, there is a relatively limited selection of MO materials reported for mid-infrared wavelength optical isolators, and their performances are not satisfactory. In this study, the Faraday effects of Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) MO materials in the forms of commercial single crystals, films, and recently emerging ceramics were tested and compared at mid-infrared wavelengths. YIG ceramics have Faraday rotation angles as large as 114 deg/cm and 60 deg/cm at 2.1 µm and 3.8 µm, respectively. Combined with their size advantages, the mid-infrared optical isolators based on YIG ceramics exhibited an extinction ratio of 25.26 dB and an insertion loss of 1.01 dB at a wavelength of 2.1 µm, and an extinction ratio of 28.3 dB and an insertion loss of 1.17 dB at a wavelength of 3.8 µm. Further improvement in YIG ceramic optical quality is expected to provide a feasible approach for realization of mid-infrared optical isolators.
Sex-specific differences in physiological parameters related to SARS-CoV-2 infections among a national cohort (COVI-GAPP study)
Authors: Grossmann Kirsten , Risch Martin , Markovic Andjela , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Weideli Ornella C. , Velez Laura , Kovac Marc , Pereira Fiona , Wohlwend Nadia , Risch Corina , Hillmann Dorothea , Lung Thomas , Renz Harald , Twerenbold Raphael , Rothenbühler Martina , Leibovitz Daniel , Kovacevic Vladimir , Klaver Paul , Brakenhoff Timo B. , Franks Billy , Mitratza Marianna , Downward George S. , Dowling Ariel , Montes Santiago , Veen Duco , Grobbee Diederick E. , Cronin Maureen , Conen David , Goodale Brianna M. , Risch Lorenz ,   on behalf of the COVID-19 remote early detection (COVID-RED) consortium
Published: March 2024

Considering sex as a biological variable in modern digital health solutions, we investigated sex-specific differences in the trajectory of four physiological parameters across a COVID-19 infection. A wearable medical device measured breathing rate, heart rate, heart rate variability, and wrist skin temperature in 1163 participants (mean age = 44.1 years, standard deviation [SD] = 5.6; 667 [57%] females). Participants reported daily symptoms and confounders in a complementary app. A machine learning algorithm retrospectively ingested daily biophysical parameters to detect COVID-19 infections. COVID-19 serology samples were collected from all participants at baseline and follow-up. We analysed potential sex-specific differences in physiology and antibody titres using multilevel modelling and t-tests. Over 1.5 million hours of physiological data were recorded. During the symptomatic period of infection, men demonstrated larger increases in skin temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate as well as larger decreases in heart rate variability than women. The COVID-19 infection detection algorithm performed similarly well for men and women. Our study belongs to the first research to provide evidence for differential physiological responses to COVID-19 between females and males, highlighting the potential of wearable technology to inform future precision medicine approaches.
Uncovering the endogenous features of potassium salts’ global transfer: A complex network perspective
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Wensong
Published: March 2024

Potassium is a decisive strategic resource to ensure food safety production and supply, which many nations define as a critical metal. Due to the unbalanced distribution of resources and production capacity and the separation of the primary potassium-consuming and supplying countries, international trade is the main supply channel for potassium-consuming countries to acquire enough resources. Understanding the characteristics of potassium trade networks and the evolution of trade patterns is essential for supply security. To explore this issue, this paper employs the complex network theory to quantitatively analyze the evolution characteristics of the global potassium trade network (PTN) from 2000 to 2021. The results show (1) Overall, the potassium trade shows a trend of gradual prosperity, efficiency, and concentration; (2) During the two decades, the main exporting countries of potassium remained stable, while imports changed significantly; (3) The evolution of the potassium trade community has characterized the fragmentation-regionalization-high concentration over time; (4) The trade flow of PTN is unbalanced, and few countries show outstanding capabilities but a single function. These findings would help trade policymakers manage the supply of strategic raw materials more effectively.
Utilisation of mobile phone interventions to improve the delivery of maternal health services in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Constantine Asahngwa , Fantaye Arone Wondwossen , Buh Amos , Obegu Pamela , Fournier Karine , Kasonde Mwenya , Jacobs Choolwe , Clementina Phiri , Gobina Ronald , Kibu Odette , Foretia Denis , Nkangu Miriam , Yaya Sanni
Published: March 2024

Introduction

There has been significant progress in maternal health outcomes in the sub-Saharan African region since the early 1990s, in part due to digital and mobile health interventions. However, critical gaps and disparities remain. Mobile phones in particular have potential to reach underserved, hard-to-reach populations with underdeveloped infrastructure. In spite of the opportunities for mobile phones to address maternal mortality in the region, there is no extensive mapping of the available literature on mobile phone interventions that aim to improve access of maternal care in sub-Saharan Africa. The proposed scoping review aims to map literature on the nature and extent of mobile phones interventions designed to improve maternal care health services in the region.

Methods

Conduct of this scoping review will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute approach. Literature searches will be conducted in multiple electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, African Index Medicus, Web of Science, and Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts. Grey literature will also be identified. Keyword searches will be used to identify articles. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible titles, abstracts and full articles with a third reviewer to help resolve any disputes. We will extract data on general study characteristics, population characteristics, concept, context, intervention details, study results, gaps and recommendations.

Discussion

Understanding use of mobile phones among underserved, hard-to-reach populations with underdeveloped infrastructure to address maternal mortality in developing countries is very critical to informing health systems on potential effective strategies. This review will complement the evidence base on utilisation of mobile phone interventions to improve the delivery of maternal health services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Association between albuminuria and retinal microvascular parameters measured with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kim Jin Sug , Kim Eung Suk , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Yu Seung-Young , Kim Kiyoung
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between urine albumin excretion (UAE) and retinal microvascular parameters assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 180 patients with diabetes and 50 age-matched controls. Patients with diabetes were grouped according to the five-stage DR severity, combined with the presence of albuminuria. All subjects underwent 12×12mm2 field SS-OCTA. The foveal avascular zone metrics, vessel density, and capillary nonperfusion area (NPA) were quantified using a semi-automatic software algorithm on three different rectangular fields (3×3 mm2, 6×6 mm2, and 10×10 mm2). The correlations between albuminuria and the four OCTA parameters were analyzed.

Results

A total of 105 subjects had normal UAE, and 75 subjects had albuminuria. Of the 102 subjects whose DR severity was higher than mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), capillary NPA on the 3×3 mm2, 6×6 mm2, and 10×10 mm2 fields was significantly larger in the albuminuria group. None of the OCTA parameters were significantly different between the two groups in subjects with mild NPDR or without DR. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in NPA in the 6×6 mm2 and 10×10 mm2 fields was a significant risk factor for the presence of albuminuria (odds ratio = 1.92 and 1.35).

Conclusion

An increase in capillary NPA was independently associated with albuminuria in patients with clinically significant DR levels. SS-OCTA imaging can be a useful marker for the early detection of diabetic nephropathy.
Child support grant expansion and cognitive function among women in rural South Africa: Findings from a natural experiment in the HAALSI cohort
Authors: Chakraborty Rishika , Kobayashi Lindsay C. , Jock Janet , Wing Coady , Chen Xiwei , Phillips Meredith , Berkman Lisa , Kahn Kathleen , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa Whiteson , Rosenberg Molly
Published: March 2024

Background

Cash transfers are a promising but understudied intervention that may protect cognitive function in adults. Although South Africa has a rapidly ageing population, little is known about the nature of association between cash transfers and cognitive function in this setting.

Objectives

We leveraged age-eligibility expansions to South Africa’s Child Support Grant (CSG) to investigate the association between duration of CSG eligibility and cognitive function of biological mothers of child beneficiaries in South Africa.

Methods

We analysed 2014/2015 baseline data from 944 women, aged 40–59 years with at least one CSG-eligible child, enrolled in the population-representative HAALSI cohort in Agincourt, South Africa. Duration of CSG eligibility for each mother was calculated based on the birth dates of all their children and the CSG age-eligibility expansion years (2003–2012). Cognitive function was measured using a cognitive battery administered at the HAALSI baseline interview. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between duration of CSG eligibility, dichotomized as low (≤10 years) and high (>10 years) eligibility, and cognitive function z-scores of the mothers.

Results

High vs. low duration of CSG eligibility, was associated with higher cognitive function z-scores in the full sample [β: 0.15 SD units; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.26; p-value = 0.01]. In mothers with one to four lifetime children, but not five or more, high vs. low duration of CSG eligibility, was associated with higher cognitive function z-scores [β: 0.19 SD units; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.34, p-value = 0.02].

Conclusion

Government cash transfers given to support raising children may confer substantial protective effects on the subsequent cognitive function of mothers. Further studies are needed to understand how parity may influence this relationship. Our findings bring evidence to policymakers for designing income supplementation programmes to promote healthy cognitive ageing in low-income settings.
The impact of digital transformation on enterprise performance: An empirical analysis based on China’s manufacturing export enterprises
Authors: Wang Yunpei , Wang Tao , Wang Qingnian
Published: March 2024

Currently, countries worldwide are embracing digital strategies, enabling enterprises to utilize digital technology, digital supply chains, blockchain, and additional digital measures to increase their competitiveness. This paper analyzed the correlation between the digital transformation of manufacturing export enterprises and their business and export performance, focusing on China’s manufacturing export enterprises through empirical analysis. The study investigated the influence of digital transformation on enterprise performance. Using the Resource Based View theory and Trade theory, hypotheses were proposed and regression models were developed to analyze a sample of 1007 enterprises listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock markets from 2012 to 2019. The study conducted regression analysis, intermediate effect test, robustness test, stage lag, and heterogeneity analysis. The study found that (1) Manufacturing export enterprises listed in the stock market implemented digital transformation, leading to a significant positive impact on their overall performance. (2) Digital transformation led to cost reduction, improved R&D intensity, and enhanced human resources, among other benefits for enterprise performance. (3) According to the fractal analysis, non-state-owned enterprises exhibited more favorable effects on enterprise performance, and the digital transformation of manufacturing export companies in developed regions had a more significant impact on their performance. Finally, the study’s empirical results yielded pertinent proposals for digital transformation.
Is Instagram changing the agenda for political self-personalization? Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen’s professional and public private self on Instagram
Authors: Thorlacius Lisbeth
Published: March 2024

With the advent of digital media, politicians have increasingly turned to social media platforms to personalize themselves independently from the mass media. With a focus on three dimensions of self-personalization, that is, the public professional self, the public private self and the use of Instagram practices, this study explores the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen’s strategic visual self-personalization practices on Instagram during a two-year period following her election on 27 June 2019. Firstly, based on a visual content analysis, this study sheds light on how the prime minister presents her professional and private self and how she exemplifies a change in political self-personalization practices using the platform-specific features that Instagram has brought to political communication. Secondly, a quantitative data collection of user engagement suggests that private and softer political content especially succeed in engaging the followers.
Vasa de porfido rosso. Ejemplares de Hispania
Authors: García-Entero Virginia , Aranda González Raúl , Perna Simona
Published: March 2024

Presentamos las evidencias de recipientes de porfido rosso documentadas en Hispania, en los yacimientos de Los Bañales (Uncastillo, Zaragoza) y Carranque (Toledo), poniendo en contexto la elaboración y usos de estas piezas en el ámbito romano.
Harpies and Boreads, tornadoes and aerial whirlwinds: The Strophades Islands and the myth of Phineus in the Greek tradition
Authors: Cursaru Gabriela
Published: March 2024

The Strophades are one of those places that enter into the imagination of a culture and shape its vision of the world. These islands entered the Greek cosmographical world as an etiological myth resulting from the transposition of a myth of divine punishment (Phineus) into a mythical conflict between two related, yet opposite cosmic powers (Boreads vs. Harpies). The whirling winds, the swirling/spinning movements and patterns associated with tornadoes and other turbulent atmospheric phenomena play a prominent role in the foundation narrative of the Strophades, 'Islands of Turning' where the Boreads turned around. The careful analysis of these motifs will allow to better understand how, in the context of the Alexandrian poetry's efforts to cast a new perspective on the world and to redefine its contours, a myth of aerial pursuit turns into an aition and into a nesiotic foundation myth with a cosmological dimension.
Avaliação microbiológica de queijos Minas artesanais da região do Triângulo Mineiro
Authors: Lima Carla Ferreira de , Rodrigues Istefane Cristina Borges , Candinho Patrícia De Oliveira , Silva Lorena Barbosa Vieira , Santos Milla Gabriela Dos , Freitas Guilherme Ramos Oliveira e , Sentanin Michelle Andriati
Published: March 2024

O Estado de Minas Gerais apresenta destaque na produção de queijo, sendo oito regiões caracterizadas tradicionalmente como produtoras de Queijo Minas Artesanal: Serro, Canastra, Araxá, Cerrado, Campo das Vertentes, Triângulo Mineiro, Serra do Salitre e Serras de Ibitipoca. O Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA), em fevereiro de 2014 reconheceu o Triângulo Mineiro (TM) como sexta região produtora de Queijo Minas Artesanal. O Queijo Minas Artesanal (QMA) é caracterizado pelo uso de leite cru em sua fabricação e pela adição de culturas start naturais conhecidas como "pingo", seguindo um processo de fabricação simples, familiar e costumeiro. Cinco produtores do Triângulo Mineiro registrados em algum serviço de inspeção (SIM, IMA ou SIF) foram selecionados pela Emater. Nas propriedades selecionadas foram coletadas amostras de queijos, em intervalos de dias pré-definidos até 22 dias de maturação, durante a estação chuvosa e seca do ano de 2021, para a realização de análises microbiológicas. O período de maturação contribuiu para a redução nas contagens de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, coliformes à 35°C e à 45°C. Salmonella spp. foi detectada em amostras de um único produtor, na estação seca. O gênero Listeria não foi encontrado em nenhuma amostra. Diante da pluralidade de resultados de cada produtor, conclui-se que definir um período de maturação para cada propriedade individualizada seja mais adequado que definir o mesmo para uma determinada região produtora de QMA.
Relación entre gratitud, satisfacción con la vida y resiliencia en adultos colombianos: una comparación por sexo e ingresos económicos
Authors: Betancourt-Salamanca Sofia , Ávila-Nivia Natalia , Mena-Borrero Nicolle , Sánchez-Ruales Natalia , Ruíz-Castillo Claudia T. , Varela-Jaramillo Mariana , Riveros Munévar Fernando
Published: March 2024

La gratitud ha sido considerada como un factor protector de diferentes enfermedades mentales y proporciona a los individuos mayores sentimientos de connotación positiva hacia la vida, lo que favorece al bienestar de las personas, pero poco se ha explorado su relación con la satisfacción con la vida y la resiliencia. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de la presente investigación es identificar si existe relación entre la gratitud, la resiliencia y la satisfacción con la vida, y compararlas según el sexo e ingresos económicos en adultos colombianos. Para ello se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, con alcance correlacional. Se aplicaron los cuestionarios Cuestionario de Gratitud (G-20), Escala de Resiliencia Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC 10) y Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) en una muestra de 1099 participantes de nacionalidad colombiana, 123 hombres, 971 mujeres y 5 otros. Sus edades oscilaban entre los 19 y 67 años, y recibían en su mayoría mensualmente entre 400 000 COP y 900 000 COP (96.06 USD-218.07 USD). Los resultados mostraron altos niveles de gratitud, resiliencia y satisfacción con la vida, a nivel comparativo no se encontraron diferencias entre hombres y mujeres, los participantes con mayores ingresos económicos presentaron mayores niveles de gratitud y satisfacción con la vida en comparación de aquellos con menores ingresos, y finalmente se hallaron correlaciones fuertes y positivas entre la gratitud, resiliencia y satisfacción con la vida. En conclusión, puede contemplarse a la gratitud como un aspecto favorable para la salud, la calidad de vida y el mejoramiento de otras condiciones psicológicas.
Effect of sucrose nutrition on the histological structure of carob shoot
Authors: Vinterhalter Branka , Vinterhalter Dragan
Published: March 2024

Analysis of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) shoot cultures grown on 2 and 8 % sucrose in light and darkness (etiolation) showed marked differences in histological structure. Etiolated, dark grown shoot cultures were hypolignified on both sucrose concentrations. They had highly reduced sclerenchyma and xylem production, endodermis with Casparian bands and absence of lenticel formation. In light grown cultures shoots in transection showed nearly concentric ring of sclerenchyma (outer) and xylem (inner) ring and the absence of Casparian bands in endodermal cells. Increased sucrose nutrition promoted lignification and efficiently prevented lenticel hypertrophy characteristic for low sucrose concentration.
Environmental Transformation: A Systematic Literature Review on Green Innovation and Its Key Elements
Authors: Bakarim Nur Aisya Addina Ahmad , Abdul Rahim Ramita , Hamzah Muhammad Iskandar
Published: March 2024

Green Innovation is rapidly becoming a critical business component for many organizations.  Thus, this study aims to examine Green Innovation practice research in the literature.  At the same time, this study stresses that the practice of implementing Green Innovation may be used by any firm.  A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method is utilized for this aim, with 42 out of 125 studies meeting the search criteria.  24 of those studies are concerned with Green Innovation.  Based on the findings of the investigations, five variables (green product innovation, green process innovation, green services innovation, green managerial innovation and green marketing innovation) have been highlighted as elements of Green Innovation for organizations.  Therefore, this article will serve as a useful guide for firms looking to implement greener technologies through the usage of Green Innovation.
Gen Y’s Preferences for Learning in Malaysia
Authors: Abu Bakar Zuraida , Mashahadi Faizah
Published: March 2024

Gen Y born between 1980 until 2000, currently the most important generation in Malaysia's workforce. They stand out from the crowd that they value open communication, look for a positive work environment, and give work-life balance a higher priority. They probably operate well in teams and in groups. Thus, some learning preferences will improve Gen Y's productivity at the workplace. Gen Y employees will continuously deliver excellent work if they are able to develop personally via their work experiences. There is an efficacy level to some learning preferences that may be measured. This study will objectively assess a few helpful learning preferences in order to assist everyone in the workplace in understanding the phenomenon of Gen Y and their learning preferences in Malaysia. The purpose of this article is to help Gen Y employees apply their newfound knowledge to enhance their performance at work. There are three learning preferences such as informal learning, flexible learning, and mentoring that will enhance Generation Y's performance are presented in this study. Since the learning preferences will be the financial investment that drives Gen Y to become extremely effective employees in Malaysia, they are vital for any organization.
Charting the course of Physiology within the post‐Bologna European higher education area: Insights from Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues Luis Monteiro , Guerreiro Iris , Isca Vera M. S. , Gregório João
Published: March 2024

The future of physiology has been a recurrent concern for physiologists and Physiological Societies within post‐Bologna Europe and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Our paper provides an overview of Physiology teaching and research in Portugal, an EU member state and part of the EHEA. A descriptive study was designed to analyze data publicly available from the National Higher Education Directorate agency (DGES) from September to November 2022 to find all Portuguese syllabi containing at least one discipline related to human Physiology. A detailed database was established, including teaching staff, with a total of 365 courses/degrees and 764 Physiology disciplines. A bibliometric analysis of the identifiable lecturers' scientific production between 2017 and 2022 was made using Web of Science and PUBMED databases. Physiology is part of all health‐related professions. However, universities and technical colleges differ greatly in programs, staff backgrounds, and scientific profiles. Medical schools were found to provide the most complete formation. Noteworthy, the profession of Physiologist has practically no expression within the EHEA, compared with the USA‐UK realities. A better knowledge and understanding of these Physiology modalities in teaching and research within the EHEA will be instrumental to defining a stronger identity for European Physiology in the near future.
Apneic response to fentanyl in adult rats: Role of laryngeal afferents
Authors: Zhuang Jianguo , Gao Xiuping , Shi Shan , Xu Fadi
Published: March 2024

Intravenous (systemic) bolus injection of fentanyl (FNT) reportedly induces an immediate vagal‐mediated apnea; however, the precise origin of vagal afferents responsible for this apnea remains unknown. We tested whether intralaryngeal (local) application of FNT would also trigger an apnea and whether the apneic response to both local and systemic administration of FNT was laryngeal afferent‐mediated. Cardiorespiratory responses to FNT were recorded in anesthetized male adult rats with and without bilateral sectioning of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLNx) or peri‐SLN capsaicin treatment (SLNcap) to block local C‐fiber signal conduction. Opioid mu‐receptor (MOR)‐immunoreactivity was detected in laryngeal C‐ and myelinated neurons. We found that local and systemic administration of FNT elicited an immediate apnea. SLNx, rather than SLNcap, abolished the apneic response to local FNT application though MORs were abundantly expressed in both laryngeal C‐ and myelinated neurons. Importantly, SLNx failed to affect the apneic response to systemic FNT administration. These results lead to the conclusion that laryngeal afferents' MORs are responsible for the apneic response to local, but not systemic, administration of FNT.
Attempts at including, mediating and creating ‘new’ knowledges: problematising appropriation in intercultural communication education and research
Authors: R’boul Hamza , Dervin Fred
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there have been multiple endeavours at unsettling the dominance of western voices in knowledge production, consumption and dissemination in language and intercultural communication education and research. Including, mediating and creating ‘new’ knowledges about interculturality are epistemic acts that may sustain and exercise decoloniality and decentering through (potential) dialogues with e.g., the Global South. However, these acts might unknowingly precipitate epistemological appropriation through their complicity or due to the pressures to comply with the skewed geopolitics of knowledge production, consumption and dissemination. This paper unpacks the complex deployment of languaging and knowledging in contesting, blurring and problematising both the dominant epistemological tenets and/or decentring attempts. For example, it presents the notion of ‘epistemological chameleon’ which captures how our knowledgings and languagings are (in)deliberately revamped and reshaped to fit ‘trendy’ narratives without destabilizing one’s assumptions and perspectives; an act that may often be driven by the necessity to survive within the skewed geopolitics of knowledge. The concepts and methods of devenir-langue and transknowledging as proposed by the authors, are used to examine how six recently published research papers in English by prominent Northern and Southern scholars may exhibit potential lingua-epistemological inaccuracies to include and showcase the voice of the Global South(s) while claiming in-/directly to push for decoloniality and epistemological diversity in language and intercultural communication education and research. These articles were selected as example cases based on their indicated rationales and intentions for decoloniality, criticality and inter-epistemological collaborations and are not meant to generalise the current state of this complex field. Implications from these analyses are the development of six ideal-types of inclusion, mediation and creations versus epistemological appropriation based on the papers. Further insights are made into the factors precipitating appropriation that may often be implicit, unheeded and unintentional.
Strategic Partial Inattention in Oligopoly
Authors: Pan Lijun
Published: March 2024

This article examines firms’ choices on partial (in)attention prior to quantity competition. Being partially (in)attentive, a firm accounts for a part of its market impact. We find that regardless of the number of firms, there is always a unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium where all firms choose to be partially attentive. The optimal attention level decreases in the number of firms, increases in product differentiation, and converges to zero, i.e. firms tend to be fully inattentive, as either the number of firms goes to infinity or product differentiation goes to zero.
Gut microbiota changes associated with low-carbohydrate diet intervention for obesity
Authors: Li Li , Zhao Xiaoguo , Abdugheni Rashidin , Yu Feng , Zhao Yunyun , Ma Ba-Fang , Yang Zhifang , Li Rongrong , Li Yue , Maimaitiyiming Yasen , Maimaiti Mayila
Published: March 2024

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) are frequently recommended for alleviating obesity, and the gut microbiota plays key roles in energy metabolism and weight loss. However, there is limited in-human research on how LCD changes gut microbiota. In this before–after study, 43 participants were assigned to the LCD intervention for 4 weeks. The main objective was to investigate the specific changes that occur in the participants’ microbiome in response to the LCD. Changes in gut microbiota were analyzed using 16s rRNA sequencing. Body composition was measured using InBody 770. Remarkably, 35 participants (79.07%) lost more than 5% of their body weight; levels of BMI, body fat, and total cholesterol were significantly decreased, indicating the effectiveness of the LCD intervention. The richness of microbiota significantly increased after the intervention. By taking the intersection of ANOVA and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis results, we identified three phyla, three classes, four orders, five families, and six genera that were differentially enriched between baseline and week-4 time points. Among the three phyla, relative abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota decreased significantly, while Bacteroidetes increased significantly. At the genus level, Ruminococcus, Agathobacter, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium showed a significant reduction in relative abundances, whereas Parabacteroides and Bacteroides increased steadily. Our results demonstrate that LCD can effectively alleviate obesity and modify certain taxa of gut microbiota, providing potential insights for personalized dietary interventions against obesity.
Bioactivity and chemical screening of endophytic fungi associated with the seaweed Ulva sp. of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Noor Sadia , Begum Mst. Nadira , Rony Satyajit Roy , Uddin Mohammad Zashim , Sohrab Md. Hossain , Mazid Md. Abdul
Published: March 2024

Several studies have shown that endophytic fungal metabolites possess vital biological activities; nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the medicinally important marine endophytic fungi associated with the seaweeds mainly found in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. In this study, six endophytic fungi, belonging to five genera and four classes, were isolated from the well-known chlorophyte, Ulva sp. and were most closely related to Chaetomium globosum, Nigrospora magnoliae, Curvularia sp., Curvularia moringae, Aspergillus terreus and Collariella sp. This is the first report of these fungi as endophytes associated with Ulva sp. from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. A preliminary biological evaluation of the ethyl acetate extract of each endophytic fungal crude extract was the prime objective of this research, e.g., antimicrobial assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity and brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Evaluation of test results revealed that each fungal crude extract possessed one or more relevant biological activities. Preliminary chemical screening using TLC and NMR spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites in the crude fungal extracts. These findings suggest that the marine endophytic fungus may be a valuable source for investigating potentially bioactive chemicals or leads for novel drug candidates.
Extractive desulfurization of crude petroleum oil and liquid fuels using trihexyl tetradecyl phosphonium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate ionic liquid
Authors: Solouki Amin , Chaouki Jamal
Published: March 2024

Increasing environmental concerns have led to the development of alternative methods for the desulfurization of petroleum crude oil and liquid fuels. Phosphonium-based ionic liquids (PILs) have recently demonstrated promising potential for effective extractive desulfurization (EDS). The present study focuses on the synthesis and application of trihexyl tetradecyl phosphonium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate [THTDP][D2EHP] for EDS of synthetic model fuels and real crude oils. The molecular confirmation and thermal stability of [THTDP][D2EHP] were investigated using FTIR and TGA analyses. In addition, the conductivity, solubility, and viscosity of the synthesized ionic liquid (IL) were analyzed. The impact of reaction time, temperature, and sulfur compounds, such as thiophene, benzothiophene, and dibenzothiophene (DBT), on the desulfurization efficiency from synthetic fuels was also investigated. The results indicated up to 63 and 57 % sulfur removal from DBT-based model fuels and Iranian crude oil, respectively. The optimum extraction conditions were found as 1:1 IL/fuel mass ratio, 35 °C, and 30 min. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the synthesis and utilization of PILs as promising solvents for extractive desulfurization of crude oil and liquid fuels.
An image encryption method based on modified elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol and Hill Cipher
Authors: Hadi Hiba Hilal , Neamah Ammar Ali
Published: March 2024

Digital image protection is crucial since images often contain private and sensitive information in business, medical, and military. One of the best techniques for securing the content of these images is encryption. This article introduces a cryptosystem known as the elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman Hill Cipher (ECDHHC) that uses the modified eliptic curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) key exchange protocol to generate the shared secret key integrated with the Hill Cipher. An elliptic curve point-based secret shared key matrix using the ECDHHC, which will be used for encryption and decryption, is generated. Thereafter, the input image is split into a set of 8 × 8 submatrices and then changes the values of these matrices by multiplying each block with the secret shared key matrix. The encrypted image is constructed by merging all encrypted blocks. With this combination, the correlation between adjacent pixels in the ciphered image is effectively removed, and the level of unpredictability and uncertainty for the ciphered image is also enhanced. The suggested approach used the key space, entropy, histogram, antinoise attack, differential attack, and correlation coefficient to evaluate the performance of the encryption method. According to simulation findings, the proposed method offers a high level of security and efficiency, and resists attackers.
Optimization of local modified metakaolin-based geopolymer concrete by Taguchi method
Authors: Al Obeidy Nazar F. , Khalil Wasan I. , Ahmed Hisham K.
Published: March 2024

Geopolymer in recent concrete (GP) has gained significant attention due to its sustainability and environmental friendliness. Local metakaolin-based geopolymer is weaker than geopolymers made from other materials due to its low Si/Al ratio. A consistent mixture design is also lacking because geopolymers are affected by many variables. This study presents a method to find the optimal geopolymer mixture based on locally modified metakaolin as a source of aluminates and silicates using the Taguchi method. Metakaolin was modified using different contents of materials rich in silica, such as silica fume (SF), or materials rich in calcium, such as calcium oxide (CaO) of 5, 10, and 15%. The inclusion of 5% SF, 10% CaO, and a combination of 5% SF and 5% CaO as substitutes for metakaolin increases the compressive strength by 16.8, 6.9, and 22.8%, respectively, compared to the reference mixture without any modifications. In other words, adding 5% SF and CaO increased the molar ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 (R) from 1.782 to 1.914, resulting in the highest compressive strength of 53.3 MPa after 7 days of sun curing. To obtain the optimal mixture that achieves the highest compressive strength, the impact of three main variables, including the concentration of sodium hydroxide (SH), alkali solution-to-binder (Al/B) ratio, and sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide (SS/SH) ratio, must be considered using Taguchi method. A total of nine mixtures were investigated. It was found that 13 M of SH, 0.65 Al/B, and 2.5 SS/SH give a high compressive strength of 58.6 MPa at 7 days. Also, it was found that the concentration of SH plays a more important role in increasing the compressive strength than the alkali-to-binder ratio and SS/SH ratio. The scanning electron microscopy images show that the 5% weight replacement of metakaolin by silica and CaO could source fewer and smaller pores and reduce the microcracks’ width.
Genetic alterations in mature B- and T-cell lymphomas – a practical guide to WHO-HAEM5
Authors: López Cristina , Fischer Anja , Rosenwald Andreas , Siebert Reiner , Ott German , Kurz Katrin S.
Published: March 2024

The identification of recurrent genomic alterations in tumour cells has a significant role in the classification of mature B- and T-cell lymphomas. Following the development of new technologies, such as next generation sequencing and the improvement of classical technologies such as conventional and molecular cytogenetics, a huge catalogue of genomic alterations in lymphoid neoplasms has been established. These alterations are relevant to refine the taxonomy of the classification of lymphomas, to scrutinize the differential diagnosis within different lymphoma entities and to help assessing the prognosis and clinical management of the patients. Consequently, here we describe the key genetic alterations relevant in mature B- and T-cell lymphomas.
Genetic alterations in lymphoblastic leukaemia / lymphoma – a practical guide to WHO HAEM5
Authors: Steinemann Doris , Dawidowska Małgorzata , Russell Lisa J , Harrison Christine J , Göhring Gudrun
Published: March 2024

We present a practical guide for analyzing the genetic aspects of lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma according to the 5th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of haematolymphoid neoplasms (WHO-HAEM5) issued in 2024. The WHO-HAEM5 acknowledges the increasing importance of genetics in the diagnosis of lymphoid neoplasia. Classification is based on the established genetic subtypes according to cell lineage, with precursor cell neoplasms followed by mature malignancies. This guide describes those genetic abnormalities in acute precursor B- and T-cell neoplasms required for risk stratification, and for treatment, providing diagnostic algorithms under the headings of ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ diagnostic criteria.
Genetic studies in clonal haematopoiesis, myelodysplastic neoplasms and acute myeloid leukaemia – a practical guide to WHO-HAEM5
Authors: Hörst Katharina , Kühn Constanze , Haferlach Claudia , Haferlach Torsten , Khoury Joseph D.
Published: March 2024

In recent years, technology developments and increase in knowledge have led to profound changes in the diagnostics of haematologic neoplasms, particularly myeloid neoplasms. Therefore an updated, fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of haematolymphoid neoplasms (WHO-HAEM5) will be issued in 2024. In this context, we present a practical guide for analysing the genetic aspects of clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS), myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) based on WHO-HAEM5. This guide navigates through the genetic abnormalities underlying myeloid neoplasms which are required to be detected for classification according to WHO-HAEM5 and provides diagnostic algorithms.
The crystal structure of R,S-{N-[(2-oxidonaphthalen-1-yl)methylidene]phenylglycinato}divinylsilicon, C23H19NO3Si
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Fels Sabine
Published: March 2024

C23H19NO3Si, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.5543(3) Å, b = 24.0927(8) Å, c = 9.7971(4) Å, β = 113.265(3)°, V = 1854.96(12) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0355, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0932, T = 153 K.
The transfer of irradiated uranium from the Irish Sea coast to the terrestrial environment in Cumbria, UK
Authors: Priest Nicholas , Moore Maurice , Thirlwall Matthew
Published: March 2024

Sea-to-land transfer of irradiated uranium in soil samples was measured along a transect from the Cumbrian coast south of the Windscale Sellafield nuclear site in a NE direction across the Cumbrian coastal plain. Soluble uranium components were extracted by ion exchange chromatography and ratios 236U:238U and 235U:238U were measured using multi-collector ICP-MS. The method employed demonstrated the utility of 236U ratio measurements for the determination of irradiated uranium in environmental samples. The results produced for uranium were like those that have been reported for other fission product and nuclear fuel components that have been shown to be marine in origin. Measured 236U levels were highest close to the seashore and decreased rapidly as an exponential function of distance. The results indicated the absence of depleted uranium, such as might result from the deposition of aerosols generated by the testing of DU munitions at the nearby Eskmeals firing range in all but one sample.