bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning-enabled data transmission with up to 32 multiplexed orbital angular momentum channels through a commercial multi-mode fiber
Authors: Tang Jihong , Yin Yaling , Zhou Jingwen , Xia Yong , Yin Jianping
Published: March 2024

Multiplexing orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes enable high-capacity optical communication. However, the highly similar speckle patterns of adjacent OAM modes produced by strong mode coupling in common fibers prevent the utility of OAM channel demultiplexing. In this paper, we propose a machine learning-supported fractional OAM-multiplexed data transmission system to sort highly scattered data from up to 32 multiplexed OAM channels propagating through a commercial multi-mode fiber parallelly with an accuracy of >99.92%, which is the largest bit number of OAM superstates reported to date (to the best of our knowledge). Here, by learning limited samples, unseen OAM superstates during the training process can be predicted precisely, which reduces the explosive quantity of the dataset. To verify its application, both gray and colored images, encoded by the given system, have been successfully transmitted with error rates of <0.26%. Our work might provide a promising avenue for high-capacity OAM optical communication in scattering environments.
Terahertz metalens for generating multi-polarized focal points and images with uniform intensity distributions
Authors: Lu Binbin , Fu Yefei , Zhang Teng , Jin Zuanming , Zang Xiaofei , Zhu Yiming
Published: March 2024

Metasurfaces have provided a flexible platform for designing ultracompact metalenses with unusual functionalities. However, traditional multi-foci metalenses are limited to generating circularly polarized (CP) or linearly polarized (LP) focal points, and the intensity distributions are always inhomogeneous/chaotical between the multiple focal points. Here, an inverse design approach is proposed to optimize the in-plane orientation of each meta-atom in a terahertz (THz) multi-foci metalens that can generate multi-polarized focal points with nearly uniform intensity distributions. As a proof-of-principle example, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate an inversely designed metalens for simultaneously generating multiple CP- and LP-based focal points with homogeneous intensity distributions, leading to a multi-polarized image (rather than the holography). Furthermore, the multi-channel and multi-polarized images consisting of multiple focal points with homogeneous intensity distributions are also numerically demonstrated. The unique approach for inversely designing multi-foci metalens that can generate multi-polarized focal points and images with uniform intensity distributions will enable potential applications in imaging and sensing.
Vortex ring beams in nonlinear P
T-symmetric systems
Authors: Mejía-Cortés Cristian , Muñoz-Muñoz Jesús , Molina Mario I.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we investigate a two-dimensional photonic array featuring a circular shape and an alternating gain and loss pattern. Our analysis revolves around determining the presence and resilience of optical ring modes with varying vorticity values. This investigation is conducted with respect to both the array’s length and the strength of the non-Hermitian parameter. For larger values of the array’s length, we observe a reduction in the stability domain as the non-Hermitian parameter increases. Interestingly, upon increasing the vorticity of the optical modes, full stability windows emerge for shorter lattice size regime.
Deformation measurement by digital speckle pattern interferometry using holographically recorded object in LiNbO3 as a reference
Authors: Moustafa Nasser A.
Published: March 2024

A new method, to the best of our knowledge, in digital speckle pattern interferometry is introduced. It depends on extending the applicability of using LiNbO3 crystal as a holographic recording medium for the evaluation of the difference in displacement between two similar objects (master and test), and displaying the comparison result in the form of an interference pattern. The method is a two-stage process. In the first stage, two states (un-displaced and displaced states) of the master object are recorded in a LiNbO3 crystal using the usual holographic arrangement. In the second stage, various phase stepping algorithms are applied, using the reconstructed wavefronts of the master object as a holographic optical element to produce a reference wave field in the comparison process. Recording and analysis of the difference correlation fringes are performed using the phase wrapping algorithm and real experiment.
Anaesthesia delivery systems in low and lower-middle-income Asian countries: A scoping review of capacity and effectiveness
Authors: Shahbaz Sumbal , Howard Natasha
Published: March 2024

Literature on anaesthesia systems in low and lower middle-income countries is limited, focused on the Africa region, and provides minimal data on anaesthesia or associated disciplines within intensive care, pain management and emergency medicine. We thus conducted a scoping review of primary and secondary research literature on capacity and effectiveness of anaesthesia delivery in low and lower middle-income countries in the Asia region from 2000–2021, to clarify existing knowledge, important gaps, and possible subsequent steps. We applied Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping literature review method to search five databases (i.e. EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), screen, extract, and synthesise data under three themes: (i) availability and type of anaesthesia workforce; (ii) anaesthesia system infrastructure, equipment, and supplies; and (iii) effectiveness of anaesthesia provision. We included 25 eligible sources of 603 identified. Only ten (40%) were published in the last 5 years and Asian lower-income countries were primarily represented in 15 multi-country sources. Fifteen (60%) sources used quantitative methods and provided limited information on data collection, e.g. sampling criteria or geographic areas included. No sources included countrywide data, despite anaesthesia delivery and resources differing significantly sub-nationally (e.g. central versus rural/remote, or insecure areas). Data on anaesthesiology delivery were limited, with findings including insufficiencies in workforce, supplies, training, and skills-building of anaesthesia personnel, along with the lack of consistent strategies for overcoming maldistribution of resources and improving anaesthesia delivery systems in the region. This review, a first attempt to synthesise existing data on anaesthesia delivery systems in low and lower-middle-income Asian countries, shows the anaesthesia literature is still limited. Findings highlight the urgent need for additional research and collaboration nationally and regionally to strengthen anaesthesia delivery and surgical facilities in resource-constrained settings.
Establishment of a hybrid model of atherosclerosis and acute colitis in ApoE-/- mice
Authors: Chen Keke , Zhang Shengwei , Cui Guanghui , Zhang Xue , Song Yujian , Zheng Jie , Chen Yun , Zheng Tingting
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and atherosclerosis (AS) are both common chronic inflammatory diseases with similar pathophysiological mechanisms. Some studies have shown that IBD patients are at increased risk for early atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and venous thrombosis. Here we set up a hybrid mouse model associated with atherosclerosis and acute colitis in order to investigate the interplay of the two diseases. We fed ApoE-/- mice with high fat diet to establish atherosclerosis model, and used animal ultrasound machine to detect the artery of mice noninvasively. Then a new hybrid model of atherosclerosis and acute colitis was prepared by drinking water for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, the hybrid model mice showed typically pathological and intuitionistic changes of atherosclerosis and acute colitis. We found the shortened colon length, high histopathological scores of the colon with mucosal erosion and necrosis, hyperlipidemia, a plaque—covered mouse aorta and plaque with foam cells and lipid deposition in the hybrid model group, which proved that the hybrid model was successfully established. At the same time, ultrasonic detection showed that the end-diastolic blood flow velocity and the relative dilation value were decreased, while systolic time / diastolic time, the wall thickness, systolic diameters as well as diastolic diameters were gradually increased, and statistical significance appeared as early as 8 weeks. We clearly described the process of establishing a hybrid model of atherosclerosis and acute colitis, which might provide a repeatable platform for the interaction mechanism exploring and drug screening of atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease in preclinical study.
Linear feedback coding scheme for multiple-access fading channels with degraded message sets
Authors: Liao Yuan , Wang Xiaofang
Published: March 2024

Channel coding technology plays an important role in wireless communication systems, and it serves as a crucial mechanism to reduce interference during the transmission process. As the fifth-generation (5G) and sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication systems rapidly advance, requirements of the users on the quality and security of wireless service are increasing. To solve these problems, it calls for us to explore the new channel coding technologies. In this paper, a linear feedback coding scheme for fading multiple-access channels with degraded message sets (FMAC-DMS) is proposed. In this scheme, the transmitting beamforming and channel splitting are used to transform the channel with complex signals into scalar equivalent sub-channels. Then, the extended Schalkwijk-Kailath coding scheme (SK) is further applied to each sub-channel. The channel capacity, finite blocklength (FBL) sum-rate and FBL secrecy achievable sum-rate of the FMAC-DMS in single-input single-output (SISO) and multi-input single-output (MISO) cases are derived. Finally, we show that the proposed scheme not only provides a FBL coding solution but also guarantees physical layer security(PLS). The numerical and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme as a channel coding solution. The study of this paper provides a new method to construct a practical FBL scheme for the FMAC-DMS.
Missing Black males among preterm births in the US, 1995 to 2019
Authors: Bruckner Tim A. , Chakrabarti Suman , Bustos Brenda , Catalano Ralph , Gemmill Alison , Casey Joan A. , Lee Hedwig
Published: March 2024

Background

In the US, non-Hispanic (NH) Black birthing persons show a two-fold greater risk of fetal death relative to NH white birthing persons. Since males more than females show a greater risk of fetal death, such loss in utero may affect the sex composition of live births born preterm (PTB; <37 weeks gestational age). We examine US birth data from 1995 to 2019 to determine whether the ratio of male to female preterm (i.e., PTB sex ratios) among NH Black births falls below that of NH whites and Hispanics.

Methods

We acquired data on all live births in the US from January 1995 to December 2019. We arrayed 63 million live births into 293 “conception cohort” months of which 2,475,928 NH Black, 5,746,953 NH white, and 2,511,450 Hispanic infants were PTB. We used linear regression methods to identify trend and seasonal patterns in PTB sex ratios. We also examined subgroup differences in PTB sex ratios (e.g., advanced maternal ages, twin gestations, and narrower gestational age ranges).

Results

The mean PTB sex ratio for NH Black births over the entire test period (1.06, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.07) is much lower than that for NH white births (1.18, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.19). NH Black PTB sex ratios are especially low for twins and for births to mothers 35 years or older. Only NH white PTB sex ratios show a trend over the test period.

Conclusions

Analysis of over 10 million PTBs reveals a persistently low male PTB frequency among NH Black conception cohorts relative to NH white cohorts. Low PTB sex ratios among NH Black births concentrate among subgroups that show an elevated risk of fetal death. PTB sex ratios may serve as an indicator of racial/ethnic and subgroup differences in fetal death, especially among male gestations.
Air enema reduction versus hydrostatic enema reduction for intussusceptions in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Lan , Zhang Ling , Fang Yifan , Yang Yingying , You Wen , Bai Jianxi , Zhang Bing , Xie Siqi , Fang Yuanyuan
Published: March 2024

Objectives

We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety of fluoroscopy-guided air enema reduction (FGAR) and ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema reduction (UGHR) for the treatment of intussusception in pediatric patients.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on retrospective studies obtained from various databases, including PUBMED, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and VIP Database. The search included publications from January 1, 2003, to March 31, 2023, with the last search done on Jan 15, 2023.

Results

We included 49 randomized controlled studies and retrospective cohort studies involving a total of 9,391 patients, with 4,841 in the UGHR and 4,550 in the FGAR. Specifically, UGHR exhibited a significantly shorter time to reduction (WMD = -4.183, 95% CI = (-5.402, -2.964), P < 0.001), a higher rate of successful reduction (RR = 1.128, 95% CI = (1.099, 1.157), P < 0.001), and a reduced length of hospital stay (WMD = -1.215, 95% CI = (-1.58, -0.85), P < 0.001). Furthermore, UGHR repositioning was associated with a diminished overall complication rate (RR = 0.296, 95% CI = (0.225, 0.389), P < 0.001) and a lowered incidence of perforation (RR = 0.405, 95% CI = (0.244, 0.670), P < 0.001).

Conclusion

UGHR offers the benefits of being non-radioactive, achieving a shorter reduction time, demonstrating a higher success rate in repositioning in particular, resulting in a reduced length of postoperative hospital stay, and yielding a lower overall incidence of postoperative complications, including a reduced risk of associated perforations.
Equilibrium landscape of ingress/egress channels and gating residues of the Cytochrome P450 3A4
Authors: Ackad Edward Michael , Biggers Laurence , Meister Mary , Kontoyianni Maria
Published: March 2024

The Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes metabolize a variety of drugs, which may potentially lead to toxicity or reduced efficacy when drugs are co-administered. These drug-drug interactions are often manifested by CYP3A4, the most prevalent of all CYP isozymes. We carried out multiple MD simulations employing CAVER to quantify the channels, and Hidden Markov Models (HMM) to characterize the behavior of the gating residues. We discuss channel properties, bottleneck residues with respect to their likelihood to deem the respective channel ingress or egress, gating residues regarding their open or closed states, and channel location relative to the membrane. Channels do not display coordinated motion and randomly transition between different conformations. Gateway residues also behave in a random fashion. Our findings shed light on the equilibrium behavior of the gating residues and channels in the apo state.
The impact of rivers and lakes on urban transportation expansion: A case study of the century-long evolution of the road network in Wuhan, China
Authors: Peng Ran , Ding Keyuan , Guo Haixu , Liu Xueliang , Liu Yehao , Weng Huaiyang , Li Rui
Published: March 2024

Throughout history, rivers and lakes have wielded a profound influence on the dynamics of urban transportation expansion. To illustrate this phenomenon, we turn to the century-long evolution of the road network in Wuhan, China, as a case study. The study aims to explore the relationship framework between water bodies and urban transportation, characterized by the sequence of “strong connection” to “weakened connection”, then to “mutual restriction”, and ultimately to “mutual benefit”. Additionally, the analysis of the impact mechanisms of rivers and lakes on urban transportation at different stages of development is also a key research objective. To facilitate our exploration, we select the road networks in Wuhan from four years of 1922, 1969, 1995, and 2023 as the primary research subjects. By establishing water buffers, we scrutinize the evolving characteristics of riverside and lakeside transportation amidst the city’s expansion. Based on the modified shortest path model, we introduce the innovative concepts of “Detour Index” and “Weighted Detour Index” to assess the road accessibility of each node in the city based on its inherent environmental conditions. This allows for the effective analysis of the potential impact of water bodies as “obstacles” on the road network at different stages of urban development. The study found that in the areas adjacent to the rivers and lakes in Wuhan, there is insufficient road accessibility based on their inherent environmental conditions. Particularly, some areas along the rivers may become “terminals” in the urban road network. Furthermore, during the process of urban expansion, the correlation between the urban road network and rivers continues to weaken, while the correlation with lakes continues to strengthen. These conclusions can provide valuable insights for the planning of urban roads near water bodies.
Obtaining accurate population estimates with reduced workload and lower fish mortality in multi-mesh gillnet sampling of a large pre-alpine lake
Authors: Bader Steffen , Gaye-Siessegger Julia , Scholz Barbara , Mota-Ferreira Mário , Brinker Alexander
Published: March 2024

The EU Water Framework Directive requires monitoring of the ecological status of lakes, with fish as a relevant class of biotic quality indicator, but monitoring fish populations in large lakes is demanding. This study evaluated use in Lake Constance of a novel multi-mesh gillnet modified to reduce catch numbers. In direct comparison with conventional European Committee for Standardization (CEN) nets we achieved 48% reduction in fish mortality with 38% less labour for tasks directly influenced by fish catch numbers, while maintaining comparable species composition and catch per unit effort. Comparison of mesh sizes indicated no significant reduction in species detection in area-reduced panels of the small mesh sizes, while total observed species richness was greater when using the modified nets. Differences in benthic species communities among depth strata were common, while those of pelagic zones were more homogeneous and did not differ significantly with depth. Catches of different net types from the same depth stratum did not exhibit significant differences. The dominance structure of the most common species, relevant to lake assessment, was similar in catches of both net types, suggesting overall superiority of the modified nets in Lake Constance. Sampling conducted according to standard European CEN protocol, while deploying 60% fewer nets, yielded sufficiently precise abundance estimates for monitoring shallow areas of the benthic zone. A 50% difference in the abundance of dominant species was detected among sampling events with a certainty of 95%. The sample did not provide comparable accuracy in deep benthic strata or the pelagic zone, but was adequate to record complete inventories of species present. Based on this trial data, a new stratified sampling design is proposed for monitoring large lake fish communities for ecological assessment. Depth-dependent fish communities were used to calculate the required number of nets, which resulted in a 69% reduction for the entire lake compared to the CEN calculation method. Using the modified nets increases the feasibility of performing WFD surveys, by reducing effort and cost, while the simultaneous halving of fish mortality minimises the negative impact of fish surveys.
Impact of rural soundscape on environmental restoration: An empirical study based on the Taohuayuan Scenic Area in Changde, China
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang ShuangQuan
Published: March 2024

Previous studies on environmental restorative effects have mainly focused on visual landscapes, and less on the influence of soundscapes on restorative, but soundscapes play a crucial role in restorative environments, especially rural soundscapes, but there is insufficient existing theoretical evidence on the subject. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of Rural Soundscape Perception on Environmental Restoration Perception, and introduces two affective variables, tourism nostalgia and place attachment, to explore the mechanism of Rural Soundscape Perception on Environmental Restoration Perception, as well as the moderating role of the number of trips is also discussed. Based on the theory of restorative environment, this study took the Taohuayuan Scenic Spot in Changde, Hunan Province, China, as the case site, and selected the rural soundscape in the area as the research object; a total of 506 valid data were collected through questionnaire surveys, and structural equation modeling was used to validate the collected data. It was found that rural soundscape perception had a significant positive effect on tourism nostalgia, place attachment, and environmental restoration perception. The results also showed that tourism nostalgia and place attachment mediated the relationship between rural soundscape perception and environmental restoration perception. Additionally, the results revealed that the number of trips did not play a moderating role in the structural relationship between rural soundscape perception and environmental restoration perception. Last, the results of the study shed light on the complex influence path of "rural soundscape perception→tourism nostalgia→place attachment→environmental restoration perception", which provides a new perspective for understanding the mechanism of the rural environment to people’s health, and also has a certain guiding significance for the landscape planning of rural tourism sites.
Evaluating population-level interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in healthcare and community settings: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Wu Shishi , Magwood Olivia , Dong Quanfang , Wei Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Background

Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes significantly to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. While government-initiated population-level interventions are fundamental in addressing this issue, their full potential remains to be explored. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use among antibiotic providers and users in healthcare and community settings.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic literature search across multiple databases and grey literature sources. We will include studies which evaluate the effectiveness of population-level interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in healthcare and community settings in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries. This includes government-initiated measures targeting antibiotic use through education, restriction, incentivization, coercion, training, persuasion, context modification, behavior modeling, or barrier reduction. Two reviewers will independently perform screening to select eligible studies, followed by data extraction. The outcomes of interest are various measures of antibiotic prescription and consumption, such as Defined Daily Dose (DDD) or number of prescriptions per year. We anticipate including a broad range of study designs and outcome measures. Therefore, we will narratively synthesize results using the categories of the population-level policy interventions of the Behavior Change Wheel Framework. We will organize outcome data by economic contexts, target populations, and implementation settings.

Discussion

This review will strengthen the evidence base for the use of population-level interventions to address inappropriate antibiotic use. Drawing lessons from global experiences, the findings will provide valuable guidance to health policymakers, public health authorities, and researchers on tailoring interventions to specific economic contexts, populations, and settings, thereby enhancing their capacity to drive substantial improvement in appropriate antibiotic use.
Conflicts in real-world labs ‐ Perspectives of critical and ambivalent residents on a temporary public space redesign project in Berlin
Authors: Klaever Anke , Goetting Katharina , Jarass Julia
Published: March 2024

Real-world labs make the mobility transition tangible for residents. However, these experiences are not always positive, and often local conflicts arise. Based on in-depth interviews, the authors show that perceived procedural unfairness as well as the redistribution of space are the
main drivers of a sceptical attitude towards redesign projects.Real-world labs (RwLs) are often used to explore and foster the mobility transition. Many RwLs dealing with mobility transition temporarily reallocate public spaces from motorized to active transport or to leisure activities.
While some residents accept and enjoy the changes, others react with scepticism, rejection, or protest. This can lead to conflicts. Controversial perceptions and conflicts among residents make a permanent redesign rather challenging for the administration and the politicians. In this paper
the authors investigate the related conflict types and counterarguments by studying the case of a temporary redesign of an intersection in Berlin. Based on in-depth interviews, they untangle procedural, distributional, and identity conflicts which might underlie the critical and ambivalent
perceptions of residents. An abundance of conflict issues pertaining to procedural and distributional conflicts are revealed and emphasize the role of the RwL process.
Impacts of urban real-world labs: Insights from a co-evaluation process informed by structuration theory in Wuppertal-Mirke
Authors: Wanner Matthias , Augenstein Karoline , von Wirth Timo , Lang Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

To address the evaluation of the societal impact of real-world labs, we present a framework developed for the analysis of structure-agency dynamics: structuration theory. Using this tool on a neighbourhood level, we assess the outcomes of six projects on co-productive city-making.Ways of evaluating the societal impact of real-world labs as a transdisciplinary and transformative research format are under discussion. We present an evaluation approach rooted in structuration theory, with a focus on structure-agency dynamics at the science-society interface. We applied the theory with its four modalities (interpretation schemes, norms, allocative and authoritative resources) to the case of the Mirke neighbourhood in Wuppertal, Germany. Six projects promoted the capacity for co-productive city-making. The effects of the projects were jointly analysed in a co-evaluation process. Previously proposed subcategories of the modalities as an empirical operationalisation were tested and confirmed as being applicable. Five new subcategories were generated. The use of the modalities seems appropriate for co-evaluation processes. The tool is practical, focused on real-world effects, and suitable for transdisciplinary interpretation processes. We encourage further empirical testing of the tool, as well as development of the subcategories.
Creating and observing impacts in transdisciplinary projects ‐ Insights from the social design lab
Authors: Franck Marlene , Hempel Nadja , Preiß Sebastian , Boch Ralph
Published: March 2024

Thorough yet feasible impact assessment concerns projects of all kinds, including transdisciplinary real-world labs. In many cases, ex-post impact analysis for accountability and reporting is the goal. However, the real-time impact observation methodology developed by the social design lab seeks to identify impacts, potentials, and changing needs during the course of the project, complemented by ex-ante and ex-post analysis. This allows for learning and prompt iteration of the research/project design.In this article, we reflect on approaches for creating and observing impact in transdisciplinary projects. Based on the insights from the work of the social design lab (sdl), we describe the demands for impact observation in a transdisciplinary project context ‐ enable strategic project iteration through real-time observation of achievements, challenges and potential, learn about impact patterns and record intangible forms of impact ‐ which created the need for developing a new methodology. We therefore outline the main elements of our impact observation methodology: ex-ante impact orientation, impact observation and reflection throughout the process as well as ex-post analysis. The sdl’s experience has shown that integrating impact observation into daily work is time-consuming but worthwhile. For us, impact observation is a central research tool for identifying social transformation and its potential, to account for organisations’ own activities and for supporting internal learning and project management processes.
Gaining deep leverage? Reflecting and shaping real-world lab impacts through leverage points
Authors: Schäpke Niko , Beecroft Richard , Wanner Matthias , Wagner Felix , Rhodius Regina , Laborgne Pia , Parodi Oliver
Published: March 2024

Real-world laboratories (RwLs) are gaining further traction as a means to achieve systemic impacts towards sustainability transformation. To guide the analysis of intended impacts, we introduce the concept of leverage points, discerning where, how, and to what end RwLs intervene in systems. Building on conceptual reasoning, we further develop our argument by exploring two RwL cases. Examining RwLs through the lens of the leverage points opens the way for a balanced and comprehensive approach to systemic experimentation. We invite RwL researchers and practitioners to further advance RwLs’ transformative capacity by targeting the design and emerging direction of a system, contributing to a culture of sustainability.
Impacts beyond experimentation ‐ Conceptualising emergent impacts from long-term real-world laboratory processes
Authors: Bernert Philip , Weiser Annika , Kampfmann Teresa , Lang Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

Real-world laboratories are settings for joint experimentation on sustainability challenges, through the transdisciplinary collaboration of diverse actor groups. By approaching a real-world laboratory from three perspectives, this paper uncovers the emergent impacts of a long-term collaborative process.Real-world laboratories have become a recognised research format for addressing sustainability challenges. In these transdisciplinary settings, actors from civil society, local government, and academia work together using a transdisciplinary research approach to jointly experiment and learn about sustainability transformations. While these labs are considered to have potential, their impact has not yet been fully measured. Therefore, in our paper we explore the case of theZukunfts-stadt Lüneburg 2030+process to uncover the impacts that this long-term effort has generated over the past eight years. By examining the process and its design features from three analytical perspectives, we identify emergent impacts in three dimensions: education, governance, and the lab as an actor for sustainability. Based on our case study, we suggest that real-world labs contribute to sustainability on a local level, beyond the intentional experiments, through impacts that emerge over the course of the joint operation of the lab.
Insights into 15 years of transdisciplinary research on a small Greek island
Authors: Noll Dominik , Petridis Panos , Gingrich Simone , Skoulikidis Nikos , Singh Simron Jit , Jongen Marjan , Papaioannou George , Fischer-Kowalski Marina
Published: March 2024

Small islands offer unique conditions for studying human-nature relations. Our study uses the real-world laboratory concept to reflect on a long-term transdisciplinary research process that aimed to facilitate a sustainability transition for an entire island.This article introduces a long-term transdisciplinary research process on the Greek island of Samothraki, aiming at sustainability solutions that are not only scientifically sound, but also co-designed, well received and adopted by the local community. We reflect on 15 years of socioecological research by utilizing the conceptual lens of real-world laboratories (RwLs). We present the research approach pursued on the island, based on a sociometabolic understanding of society-nature interaction, by relating local natural resources (and their self-regenerating capacities) to their social utilization and the resulting environmental pressures. We reflect on the research activities by using an established evaluation framework based on the three RwL principles: the “lab context”, “experiments”, and “interventions”. We describe success and setbacks by integrating, as objects of evaluation, the research process, its outputs, outcomes, and impacts. While we can certainly showcase success in terms of research design, scientific outputs, and institutional outcomes, gauging potential impacts poses a more challenging task.
Editorial
Authors: Asavei Maria Alina , Filipová Lucie , Šír Jan
Published: March 2024

Editorial
The Archaeology of the Imperial Past: “Nostalgizing” in the German and Turkish Museums of the Interwar Period
Authors: Willert Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Until 1918, representatives of the Konigliche Museen zu Berlin (Royal Museums of Berlin, now State Museums of Berlin) and Istanbul’s Muze-i Humayun (Imperial Museum, now the Istanbul Archeological Museum) excavated, extracted, and exhibited antiquities as part of their countries’ imperial projects. The material culture of past civilizations was used as a symbol of both empires’ imperial grandeur and territorial power. With the end of World War I, German and Ottoman archaeologists lost access to territories where they formerly acquired objects for their collections while previously transferred artifacts remained in the collections. After the empires collapsed and republics emerged in their place, German and Turkish museums were still managed by directors who had entered the institutions during imperial rule. A longing for the past and specific imaginings of the future emerged in both nations after the war. Nostalgic discourses shaped the development of the museums in the interwar period. This article focuses on the activities of museum directors from both countries. It provides a comparative analysis of nostalgizing museum practices in each country marked by examples of longing for a real or imagined past and expectations for the future found in correspondence, publications, and the process of musealization.
Liquid-liquid flow pattern and mass transfer in a rotating millimeter channel reactor
Authors: Zheng Liang , Qi Yu-Hui , Liao Hai-Long , Zou Hai-Kui , Ouyang Yi , Luo Yong , Chen Jian-Feng
Published: March 2024

Currently, microchannels are widely used in liquid-liquid heterogeneous mass transfer systems due to its excellent mass transfer performance. However, because of the passive mixing principle of traditional microchannels, the improvement of mass transfer performance has a bottleneck. This work proposes a novel rotating millimeter channel reactor (RMCR), capable of achieving liquid-liquid heterogeneous mass transfer enhance by centrifugal force. Three typical flow patterns of slug flow, parallel-droplet flow, and parallel flow in the RMCR were observed by high-speed photography technology. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient (K
O
a) of the RMCR increased with the increase of the total volumetric flow rate and rotational speed (N) increased. Compared with N = 0 r/min, the K
O
a of the RMCR increases by 61.5 % at 200 r/min, ranging from 0.013 to 0.021 s−1. The RMCR proposed in this work is expected to be applied to the liquid-liquid heterogeneous mass transfer system with high processing capacity and easy plugging.
Bilingualism-induced language change: what can change, when, and why?
Authors: Hawkins John A. , Filipović Luna
Published: March 2024

Contact between languages has become increasingly recognized as a major source of historical change, as linguistic properties are introduced from one language into another. Yet contact does not necessarily lead to such changes. In fact, arguably most of the properties that contrast between two languages in contact at a given place and time do not change. This paper argues that historical and contact linguistics should now look more systematically at different kinds of bilingualism rather than contact per se and should incorporate recent sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic findings from this literature, since these can help us understand both when change occurs and when it does not. In this context we build on the general model of bilingualism, CASP (short for “complex adaptive system principles”), proposed by Filipović and Hawkins and explore its predictions for whether and when changes will occur in one or the other language of a bilingual. In the event that the relevant speech community comprises monolinguals in addition to bilinguals, these changes may then spread to the wider community when social and demographic circumstances favor this. The paper gives illustrative data supporting CASP’s predictions for change in both language usage and grammar among bilinguals.
Two-dimensional unconfined seepage flow toward a highway cut slope
Authors: Zerihun Yebegaeshet
Published: March 2024

The unconfined gravity-flow system near a free-outflow boundary such as a highway cut slope was investigated by using a higher-order numerical model. Unlike the Dupuit–Forchheimer equation, which is applicable mainly to a hydraulic flow problem, the proposed model accounts for the effects of the vertical component of the flow for a full treatment of the problem of plane phreatic flow. The model equations were numerically solved by means of a finite-difference scheme. Their accuracy was then verified using the solutions of the full two-dimensional potential-flow method and rigorous mathematical approaches, revealing that for a face slope flatter than 70º, the differences between the solutions of the model and the earlier approaches for the relative seepage-face height were nearly negligible. The comparison results also demonstrated the substantial effects of the slope of the downstream face on this height and the seepage discharge. Furthermore, the accuracies of the model predictions for the phreatic-surface profile and the distributions of the piezometric head at different vertical sections are much better than the earlier method, which approximates the trapezoidal-shaped aquifer by its equivalent rectangular one. Such a satisfactory performance may be attributed to the model’s higher-order correction factor for the effects of the phreatic-surface curvature and steep slope.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA INTERAKTIF BERBASIS MICROSOFT SWAY UNTUK KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA PEMAHAMAN MATERI TEKS NONFIKSI SISWA KELAS IV SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Aulia Abinda Nova
Published: March 2024

Abstrak

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dan pengembangan dengan model Sugiyono yang bertujuan untuk mengembangan, mengkaji, dan menguji media interaktif berbasis microsoft sway untuk kemampuan membaca pemahaman materi teks nonfiksi siswa kelas IV SDN Mangkang Kulon 02. Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh kurangnya inovasi penggunaan media pembelajaran yang berbasis IT. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 28 siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui: observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi dan angket. Teknik analisis kelayakan media: angket penilaian validator, tanggapan guru dan siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa media layak digunakan dengan memperoleh persentase; ahli materi 90% dan ahli media 88,6%. Media dinyatakan efektif berdasarkan uji paired sample t-test dengan nilai sig (2-tailed) 0,000 < 0,05 maka Ha diterima. Uji N-gain memperoleh nilai 0,80 (tinggi). Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa peneliti berehasil mengembangkan media interaktif berbasis micorosft sway sesuai dengan karakteristik yang telah didesain, serta layak dan efektif digunakan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia materi teks nonfiksi kelas IV sekolah dasar.

Abstract

This research is research and development with the Sugiyono model, which aims to develop, study, and test-based interactive media Microsoft Sway for the ability to read comprehension of nonfiction text material for fourth-grade students at SDN Mangkang Kulon 02. This research is motivated by the need for more innovation in using IT-based learning media. The research subjects totaled 28 students. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews, documentation and questionnaires. Media feasibility analysis techniques: validator assessment questionnaire, teacher and student responses. The research results show that the media is feasible to use by obtaining a % of material experts and 90% of media experts 88.6%. The media is declared effective based on the test paired sample t-test with a sig (2-tailed) value of 0.000 <0.05, then Ha is accepted. At the same time, the N-test gain obtained a value of 0.80 (high). So, the researcher succeeded in developing interactive media based on Microsoft sway following the characteristics that have been designed, as well as appropriate and effective for use in learning Indonesian nonfiction text material for grade IV elementary schools.
KEEFEKTIFAN ALAT MUSIK HADROH BERBANTUAN METODE DRILL TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN RITMIS SISWA
Authors: Nanda Yossy Eka
Published: March 2024

Abstrak

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menguji keefektifan penggunaan alat musik hadroh sebagai media pembelajaran dengan bantuan metode drill terhadap kemampuan ritmis siswa kelas III SD Islam Al-Hilal Kartasura. Jenis Penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi experimental dengan non-equivalent control group sebagai desain penelitiannya. Hasil pengujian hipotesis T-Test menunjukkan bahwa thitung>ttabel yakni 3,143 > 2,011. Hasil tersebut menunjukkan adanya perbedaan kemampuan ritmis siswa antara kelas eksperimen yang menggunakan alat musik hadroh berbantuan metode drill daripada media pembelajaran pada kelas kontrol. Hasil uji n-gain kelas eksperimen lebih unggul dan efektif dibandingkan kelas kontrol yaitu sebesar 0,6241 > 0,3342. Kedua hasil n-gain termasuk dalam kriteria “sedang”. Artinya, alat musik hadroh berbantuan metode drill lebih efektif terhadap kemampuan ritmis siswa. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah pada pembelajaran SBdP seni musik menggunakan alat musik hadroh berbantuan metode drill efektif terhadap kemampuan ritmis siswa kelas III SD Islam Al-Hilal Kartasura.  

 

The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of using hadroh musical instruments as a learning media assisted with the drill method on the rhythmic abilities of grade III students at Al-Hilal Islamic Elementary School, Kartasura. The type of research used is quasi-experimental with a non-equivalent control group as the research design. The results of testing the T-Test hypothesis show that the tcount>ttable is 3.143 > 2.011. These results show that there are differences in students' rhythmic abilities between the experimental class which uses hadroh musical instruments assisted by the drill method compared to the learning media in the control class. The n-gain test results for the experimental class were superior and effective than the control class is 0.6241>0.3342. Both n-gain results are categorized as “medium”. This means that the hadroh musical instrument assisted by the drill method is more effective on students' rhythmic abilities. The conclusion of this research is that SBdP learning the art of music using hadroh musical instruments assisted by the drill method is effective for the rhythmic abilities of grade III students at Al-Hilal Islamic Elementary School, Kartasura.
Wet Reinforcing of Paper and Board by Novel Crosslinking Chemicals
Authors:   State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Luner Philip , Zhou Ya Jun ,   State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Caluwe Paul ,   State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Tekin Bulent ,   State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Published: March 2024

Among the most extensively used chemicals in the paper industry are wet strength resins. They enhance the performance of paper products ranging from tissue to board. Environmental concerns are questioning the use of several of these additives and a strong effort is being made to replace these chemicals with benign ones. This paper reports one such study. Highly water soluble polyfunctional carboxylic acids succinic acid, citric acid, tricarballylic acid, and 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) when applied in a 1% solution to paper, dried, and heated (120 – 150 °C) with a catalyst develop wet strength as high as 55%. The effectiveness of these acids is in the order tetrafunctional> trifunctional >difunctional. This sequence is a reflection of their ability to form multiple anhydrides. Additional experiments indicate that the wet strength is the result of crosslinking of the hydroxyl groups in cellulose. The wet reinforced papers are easily dispersed under alkaline conditions. The crosslinking of the papers results in an increased dimensional stability. Most wet strength chemicals are added at the wet-end where they are substantively adsorbed on the pulp and cured during the drying process. In contrast, the chemicals used in this study are water soluble and therefore are applied to the paper by a saturation technique. Additional research will focus on the optimization of their delivery.
Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Dhaduk Nehal , Chaus Adib , Williams David , Vainrib Alan , Ibrahim Homam
Published: March 2024

Secondary mitral regurgitation is one of the most common valve diseases. The disease is a result of left atrial or left ventricular dysfunction. It is generally classified into stages based on its severity. While surgical intervention does not confer improved survival in this subset of mitral disease, recent advances in transcatheter interventions have resulted in improved survival and symptomatology in carefully selected patients. In this review, the multimodality imaging evaluation of the mitral valve and secondary mitral regurgitation is discussed. Commercially available and investigational transcatheter interventions for secondary mitral regurgitation management are also reviewed.
Insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and differential diagnosis of schistosomiasis
Authors: Ponzo Elena , Midiri Angelina , Manno Andrea , Pastorello Martina , Biondo Carmelo , Mancuso Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. There are five human pathogenic species, of which Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum are the most prevalent worldwide and cause the greatest burden of disease in terms of mortality and morbidity. In addition, hybrid schistosomes have been identified through molecular analysis. Human infection occurs when cercariae, the larval form of the parasite, penetrate the skin of people while bathing in contaminated waters such as lakes and rivers. Schistosomiasis can cause both urogenital and intestinal symptoms. Urogenital symptoms include haematuria, bladder fibrosis, kidney damage, and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Intestinal symptoms may include abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and blood in the stool. Schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people and causes approximately 70 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), mainly in Africa, South America, and Asia. To control infection, it is essential to establish sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for epidemiological surveillance and morbidity reduction. This review provides an overview of schistosomiasis, with a focus on available diagnostic tools for Schistosoma spp. Current molecular detection methods and progress in the development of new diagnostics for schistosomiasis infection are also discussed.