bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial oxygen tension in critically ill patients receiving red blood cell transfusions: a multicenter observational cohort study
Authors: Baysan M. , Hilderink B. , van Manen L. , Caram-Deelder C. , Mik E. G. , Juffermans N. P. , van der Bom J. G. , Arbous M. S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Currently, there is no marker of efficacy of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. This study describes the impact of RBC transfusion on mitochondrial oxygen tension (mitoPO2) and mitochondrial oxygen consumption (mitoVO2) in critically ill patients with anemia.

Methods

Critically ill patients with a hemoglobin concentration < 10 g/dL, for whom a single RBC unit had been ordered, were included. MitoPO2 was measured with the COMET device immediately before RBC transfusion, 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, and 24 h after RBC transfusion. MitoVO2 was calculated from dynamic mitoPO2 measurements during cessation of local oxygen supply.

Results

Sixty-three patients participated, median age 64.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 52.3–72.8) years, median hemoglobin concentration before transfusion 7.4 (IQR 7.1–7.7) g/dL. Median mitoPO2 values were 55.0 (IQR 49.6–63.0) mmHg before RBC transfusion, 51.0 (IQR 41.5–61.2) directly after and 67.3 (IQR 41.6–83.7) at 24 h after RBC transfusion. Median mitoVO2 values were 3.3 (IQR 2.1–5.9) mmHg/s before RBC transfusion, 3.7 (IQR 2.0–5.1) mmHg/s directly after, and 3.1 (IQR 2.5–4.8) mmHg/s 24 h after RBC transfusion. In the higher Hb concentration group (> 7 g/dL), we saw a dissociation of the effect of RBC transfusion on mitoPO2 versus on mitoVO2 values. MitoPO2 and mitoVO2 values were not associated with commonly used parameters of tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

Conclusion

RBC transfusion did not alter mitoPO2 and mitoVO2 in critically ill patients with anemia. MitoPO2 and mitoVO2 values were not notably associated with Hb concentrations, parameters of severity of illness and markers of tissue perfusion or oxygenation. Given the high baseline value, it cannot be excluded nor confirmed whether RBC can improve low mitoPO2.

Trial registration number NCT03092297 (registered 27 March 2017)
Synthesis of composite films using polymer blends of chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals from marine origin
Authors: Varma Rahul , Vasudevan Sugumar
Published: July 2024

Thin films reinforced with chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were produced using the casting process. In this study, the impact of plasticisers and sizing agents such as glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) respectively on morphological, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties was investigated. The results showed the blends of CNC/PVA/glycerol gave better results when compared to films produced by blends of chitosan/PVA/glycerol films and chitosan/CNC/PVA/glycerol films. The UV spectroscopy showed 65% transmittance for chitosan/PVA/glycerol films, while the film of CNC/PVA/glycerol showed transmittance of 40%. The transmittance of chitosan/CNC/PVA/glycerol showed 75%. The films formed by the combination of CNC/PVA/glycerol showed better stress/strain properties than other films. The films of all combinations showed good thermal stability between the range of 350 and 450 °C. The morphological study using SEM revealed smooth texture for all the films. The study suggests that the films produced may be used for the food packaging applications due to its thermal stability and stress/strain properties.
Who are the immigrants that Israeli Jews prefer? The interplay between reasons for migration, religion, and religiosity
Authors: Raijman Rebeca , Gorodzeisky Anastasia , Semyonov Moshe , Hinz Thomas
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on the impact of three attributes of migrants – their reasons for migration, religion, and level of religiosity – on public support for allowing migrants to come and live in Israel. We rely on a factorial survey that was conducted in a representative sample of the Israeli Jewish population analyzing the assessments of 600 respondents of various vignettes (N = 3,595) of hypothetical migrants about admitting them to the country. The findings reveal that Israeli Jews do not evaluate all immigrant groups equally. Preferences for specific groups of migrants are primarily structured along two main attributes: religion and reasons for migration. The result is a hierarchical distinction between immigrants of Jewish ancestry and those who are non-Jewish. Jewish repatriates are perceived as “deserving migrants” who can make legitimate claims about belonging to the host society. As such, they enjoy an ethno-religious premium based on ancestral rights. By contrast, there is less support for the entry of non-Jewish migrants, whether asylum seekers or labor migrants, as their presence is viewed as a threat to the Jewish character of the state and the hegemony of the Jewish majority. The impact of the immigrants’ attributes on attitudes varies based on the level of religiosity of the Jewish population, especially in the case of non-Jewish migrants. Support is stronger in the case of secular respondents and much weaker among their more religious counterparts. The findings are discussed in light of existing theories.
Diversity of Bt toxins and their utility in pest management
Authors: Aswathi Narayanadas , Balakrishnan N. , Srinivasan T. , Kokiladevi E. , Raghu R.
Published: July 2024

Background

The rising demand for food production along with the concerns regarding the injudicious use of chemicals in pest management has paved way for the alternatives that could promise sustainable pest management. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt), a soil bacterium, is a potential biopesticide with its ability to produce crystal toxins that are insecticidal in nature.

Main body

This article provides an insight into the diverse Bt toxins and their applications as biopesticides in pest management. The selective action of Bt towards target organism is based on its specific interactions with the insect gut receptors. The significance of Bt in the management of lepidopteran, coleopteran, hemipteran, dipteran and nematode pests of crops and livestock through its mode of action is extensively reviewed.

Conclusion

Besides being a promising pest control option, the challenges faced through resistance development, variation in susceptibility across species and non-target effects of Bt are also discussed. Proactive approaches and multiple modes of action can mitigate this issue.
Multiple integer candidates ambiguity resolution: a unification ambiguity resolution algorithm
Authors: Gu Shengfeng , Fang Lizhe , Jiang Weiping
Published: July 2024

Among all the ambiguity resolution techniques, the Full Ambiguity Resolution (FAR), Partial Ambiguity Resolution (PAR) and Best Integer Equivariant (BIE) estimator are widely used. Although the researches have been done on the different classes of ambiguity resolution, we still hope to find the relationships among these specific algorithms. In this work, we unify the PAR and FAR algorithms under a whole framework of BIE by applying multiple integer candidates. A concise estimation formula of the variance of Gaussian BIE estimator based on the variance of float solution and the probability distribution of the candidates is first derived. Then, we propose an algorithm named Multiple Integer Candidates Ambiguity Resolution (MICAR) to discover as many ambiguities in the BIE as possible that can be estimated more precisely by PAR (FAR) algorithm instead of BIE. In the experiments, we utilize the simulated data of GPS (Global Positioning System) + BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) + Galileo (Galileo navigation satellite system) to contrast the effects of MICAR and single candidate estimator, i.e., FAR. By taking the threshold of 5 cm at 95% confidence level as an example, MICAR accelerates the convergence process by about 3.0 min. When the positioning sequence converges, MICAR reduces the root mean square of the positioning error by 9.8% in horizontal directions and 3.5% in vertical direction, which is attributed to more fixed NL.
Flexible generation of structured terahertz fields via programmable exchange-biased spintronic emitters
Authors: Wang Shunjia , Qin Wentao , Guan Tongyang , Liu Jingyu , Cai Qingnan , Zhang Sheng , Zhou Lei , Zhang Yan , Wu Yizheng , Tao Zhensheng
Published: July 2024

Structured light, particularly in the terahertz frequency range, holds considerable potential for a diverse range of applications. However, the generation and control of structured terahertz radiation pose major challenges. In this work, we demonstrate a novel programmable spintronic emitter that can flexibly generate a variety of structured terahertz waves. This is achieved through the precise and high-resolution programming of the magnetization pattern on the emitter’s surface, utilizing laser-assisted local field cooling of an exchange-biased ferromagnetic heterostructure. Moreover, we outline a generic design strategy for realizing specific complex structured terahertz fields in the far field. Our device successfully demonstrates the generation of terahertz waves with diverse structured polarization states, including spatially separated circular polarizations, azimuthal or radial polarization states, and a full Poincaré beam. This innovation opens a new avenue for designing and generating structured terahertz radiations, with potential applications in terahertz microscopy, communication, quantum information, and light-matter interactions.
Endobronchial Ultrasonography to Assess and Evaluate Tracheobronchial Tree Invasion in cT4b Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated with Definitive Chemoradiotherapy: Assessment of Resectability
Authors: Defize I. L. , de Groot E. M. , van de Langerijt O. , van Velzen M. , Mook S. , Haj Mohammad N. , Bulbul M. , Ruurda J. P. , van Hillegersberg R.
Published: July 2024

Background

In cT4b esophageal cancer, accurate assessment of tracheobronchial tree invasion after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) aids in the selection of patients for whom an oncologic radical esophagectomy can be achieved. The current report aimed to determine the accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound in assessing tumor invasion in the tracheobronchial tree after dCRT in patients with cT4b esophageal cancer.

Methods

Esophageal cancer patients with suspicion of tracheobronchial tree invasion on the diagnostic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) who underwent a staging endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) were eligible for inclusion in this study. To assess the accuracy of the EBUS in assessing tumor ingrowth in the tracheobronchial tree after dCRT, patients who had an EBUS during restaging and underwent surgery were included in the final analysis.

Results

The final analysis included 26 patients. For 18 (90%) of 20 patients in whom the anatomy of the tracheobronchial tree was restored on the restaging EBUS and tumor invasion was considered to be absent, a radical esophagectomy was achieved. In six patients, persistent ingrowth was observed during the restaging EBUS. For these patients, the EBUS was repeated after a median of 9 weeks. Tumor invasion was considered to be absent in four patients, and a radical resection was achieved in three of these patients.

Conclusion

The EBUS provides valuable information on the assessment of tracheobronchial tree invasion in cT4b esophageal cancer patients after dCRT. This information could aid in the proper selection of patients who benefit from a curative but highly invasive esophagectomy.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: a complex case of teratogenic effects of maternal alcohol consumption and clinical managment
Authors: Koziej Sylwia , Kowalczyk Emilia , Borkowska Joanna , Bajorek Julia
Published: July 2024

Introduction and purpose 
 
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a well-documented risk factor for adverse fetal outcomes, encompassing a spectrum of disorders known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), the most severe form of FASD, manifests with craniofacial anomalies, growth retardation, neurological deficits, and cognitive impairments, imposing lifelong challenges on affected individuals.
This article presents a case report of a 4-week-old female newborn with suspected Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, highlighting the clinical complexities and diagnostic challenges associated with FAS. The infant exhibited characteristic dysmorphic features and cardiac abnormalities, underscoring the diverse spectrum of health issues linked to maternal alcohol consumption. 
 
Conclusion
 
A presented case report illustrating the clinical complexities of FAS underscores the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management. Early identification of FAS is imperative to mitigate long-term outcomes, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to clinical care. Strategies for addressing maternal alcohol consumption include targeted education, preconception counseling, and innovative therapeutic modalities. 
This case report underscores the need for ongoing research and collaborative efforts to reduce the prevalence and impact of FASD on affected individuals and society.
Peyronie's disease - a condition affecting many
Authors: Łoś Dawid , Nowak Aleksandra , Janus Anita , Kaptur Agata , Dziedziński Dawid
Published: July 2024

Introduction
 
Peyronie’s Disease (PD) is an acquired connective tissue disorder resulting in abnormal healing of the tunica albuginea causing abnormal curvature, narrowing and shortening of the penis, can also lead to difficulties in coitus. In affecting up to 13% of the adult male population, it can also be a major psychological issue, therefore many of existing therapeutic options are worth looking into. This article provides a review of current knowledge about etiology and ways of treatment as well as a closer look into the impact on mental health among males affected with PD
 
Review methods
 
English-language scientific literature found in PubMed was used for the review. Articles were searched based on keywords. Each article was analyzed for knowledge currency and relevance for use in the review.
 
Description of the State of Knowledge
 
After searching the articles, 32 articles were selected for final analysis. The collected data provided the latest information on Peyronie’s disease while showing the connection between Peyronie’s disease and overexpression of HLA-B7 antigen, TGF-β1, anti DNA, antinuclear and anti elastin antibodies. The treatment could be non-invasive, intralesional or surgical.
 
Summary
 
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that requires a holistic approach with physical difficulties being as important as a patient's mental health.
The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and the Prognosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dobrzeniecki Krzysztof , Hopej Natalia , Muc Katarzyna , Turek Kacper , Błaszczyszyn Katarzyna , Bolek Monika , Dardzińska Nicol , Grzegorczyk Aleksandra , Pachla Magdalena
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, characterized by inadequate cellular response to insulin and insufficient insulin production by pancreatic β-cells. Epidemiological studies indicate that low serum vitamin D levels are prevalent among the general population globally, exacerbating outcomes of many diseases. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may impact type 2 diabetes mellitus prognosis. Understanding type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factors and disease progression variables is crucial for proper patient management and public health policies.
Purpose of the work: This study aims to review the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus was undertaken using the search terms encompassing the following keywords: vitamin D insufficiency / vitamin D supplementation / vitamin D2 / vitamin D3 / ergocalciferol / cholecalciferol and type 2 diabetes mellitus / complications of diabetes / hyperglycemia / insulin resistance / glucose metabolism.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency can impact the prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, exacerbating complications associated with chronic hyperglycemia such as obesity, mental health issues, vascular complications, and diabetic neuropathy. Given its prevalence among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, early screening and supplementation of vitamin D could offer potential benefits.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) - clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic options
Authors: Dobrzeniecki Krzysztof , Olesińska Natalia , Pachla Magdalena , Grzegorczyk Aleksandra , Muc Katarzyna , Hopej Natalia , Turek Kacper
Published: July 2024

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by an abnormal growth of bacterial populations within the small intestine. These conditions disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a variety of clinical symptoms and complications.
Excessive bacterial proliferation in the small intestine often results from impaired motility, anatomical abnormalities or changes in the immune system. These factors contribute to the fermentation of undecomposed carbohydrates, leading to the production of gasses and toxic by-products, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and malabsorption. A variety of diagnostic methods, including breath tests and small bowel aspirate cultures, are used to accurately identify excessive bacterial growth. Treatment of SIBO involves a multidisciplinary approach, including dietary modifications, antibiotic therapy and prokinetic agents. Antibiotic treatment remains the cornerstone of therapy, but relapses require a focus on identifying and eliminating predisposing factors.
Lucie Russell
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Derren Hayes speaks to the interim chief executive of youth charity Redthread
THE SERVICE THAT'S HELPING CHILDREN FEEL LESS ALONE
Authors: Alade Adeniyi
Published: July 2024

The NSPCC's new Building Connections service aims to support thousands of children and young people struggling with loneliness. Its service lead explains about its work and how to make a referral
Making the case for putting youth services on a sustainable footing
Authors: Russell-Moyle Lloyd , Bradley Ben
Published: July 2024

Amid rising needs for support among young people and a tough funding climate, councils face a challenge to ensure sufficient local youth provision – and need policymakers to set an ambitious national agenda
Barriers to accessing funded early education
Authors: Broome Ellen
Published: July 2024

Understanding why some parents do not make full use of funded childcare is crucial for the scheme's expansion, analysis suggests
New era for supporting children
Authors: Thompson David
Published: July 2024

Supported accommodation providers body aims to help spread good practice as inspections loom
Physical education and SEND
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: July 2024

Children with special educational needs and disabilities do not always receive the right support to participate fully in PE and sport at school. Jo Stephenson looks at ways provision can be improved
National Kinship Care Strategy
Authors: Seth Clare , Horne Ann
Published: July 2024

CoramBAAF kinship consultants Clare Seth and Ann Horne outline the government's new strategy
A visual construction history of the West Lothian shale bings
Authors: Birch Felix
Published: July 2024

The West Lothian shale bings are large deposits of spent-shale rock in Scotland, created by the first industrial scale oil refineries which operated in the region from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. Through its visual format, this gallery essay eschews formal investigative strategies to break with previous scholarship and interpret the bings as structures with their own construction history. Images of their current shape have been substituted for plans, photos and representations of them in development, to highlight the various logics and designs that converged within their construction. First-hand accounts from archived interviews have also been used to integrate the sensory and personal information that animated the bings as they were built. Social production is centred in this way to undermine an ideological narrative that sees waste as either aberrant corollary to intensive industry, or a neutral object without history. Analysing each image of the bings reveals intent, calculation and purpose which are pointedly incongruous with the view of waste as monolithic, accidental or unconscious. Such interpretations must be challenged because they obfuscate the necessarily profound impact of capital upon environmental history, as well as denuding ecology of its social aspects.
Overcommitment and employee outcomes in Swedish eldercare: the buffering effects of role clarity and leader support
Authors: Westerberg Kristina , Lundmark Robert , Nordin Maria , Romeo Marina , Yepes-Baldó Montserrat
Published: July 2024

Poor working conditions and high employee turnover in eldercare have frequently been addressed over the years. The aim of the study is to examine the relation between work overcommitment and employee well-being and turnover intentions in eldercare and whether leader support and role clarity moderate the relation between overcommitment and employee outcomes. A questionnaire was distributed to workplaces in eight Swedish municipalities. The results show that overcommitment was related to employees’ impaired well-being, as well as to their turnover intentions. We also found that leader support buffered the negative effects of overcommitment. The role clarity was quite high; however, it did not have a moderating effect.
No todas las herramientas de IA son iguales. Análisis de aplicaciones inteligentes para la enseñanza universitaria
Authors: Area-Moreira Manuel , Del Prete Annachiara , Sanabria-Mesa Ana Luisa , Sannicolás-Santos María Belén
Published: July 2024

Actualmente existen, además de las aplicaciones o herramientas de Inteligencia Artificial (IA) generativa y conversacional (ChatGPT, Gémini, Perpléxity, Copilot, Groq entre otras), una ingente cantidad de herramientas o apps de propósito específico para funcionalidades concretas. Éstas están en constante crecimiento y son accesibles a través de repositorios o portales en la web. En este artículo hemos realizado un estudio de dichas apps con los objetivos de: a) Identificar y caracterizar las herramientas de Inteligencia Artificial (IA) específicamente diseñadas para el ámbito de la Educación Superior, atendiendo a su funcionalidad y usabilidad didáctica; y b) Clasificar las potencialidades de uso de las herramientas IA en función de las fases del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje (preactiva, interactiva, postactiva) según los agentes educativos (profesorado y alumnado). Para ello se seleccionaron 118 herramientas o apps de IA creadas con fines educativos presentes en repositorios como FUTUREPEDIA o THERE´S AN AI FOR THAT. Para su revisión se creó un instrumento de análisis de elaboración propia. Se concluye que solamente un tercio de las mismas son gratuitas planteando un problema de desigualdad en el acceso a las mismas y que más de la mitad tiene una función dual: servir tanto de apoyo a la enseñanza (docentes) como al aprendizaje (estudiantes).
Inteligencia artificial: Tensiones educativas entre la verdad y la verosimilitud de los datos
Authors: Lindín Carles
Published: July 2024

Se apuntan elementos de análisis que resultan operativos para una incorporación crítica de las inteligencias artificiales (IA) generativas y no generativas. Aproximarse a un realismo pedagógico digital equilibrado en que las IA puedan potenciar espacios educativos individuales y colectivos en lugar de generar sobreproducción. Se incide en las reflexiones pedagógicas pertinentes, atendiendo a las necesidades de regulación de las IA. Se caracterizan las IA, partiendo de un breve análisis sobre el entorno social, educativo y económico en que se produce su gran difusión. Se expone el marco necesario para examinar diversas tensiones que incorporan al ecosistema educativo, que tienen su origen en el valor de verdad-verosimilitud-ficción que aportan los datos. Se comentan cuatro espacios de tensión que provoca el advenimiento masivo de las IA en educación: autoría, espiral de verosimilitud (o valor de verdad), ficción y literariedad, datificación y agencia. Como resultado se desprende la adecuación de considerar el impacto de las IA en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje atendiendo a la relación, más o menos distante, que pueden tener con la realidad material: su capacidad para crear narraciones ficcionales basadas en datos reales.
Impact of Digital Literacy, Use of AI tools and Peer Collaboration on AI Assisted Learning- Perceptions of the University students
Authors: Joseph Genimon Vadakkemulanjanal , P Athira , Thomas M Anit , Jose Dawn , V Roy Therese , Prasad Malavika Prasad
Published: July 2024

The technology-supported education systems seamlessly integrated throughout the globe in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The swift developments of the digital tools with Artificial Intelligence (AI) support are also readily diffused among the educational communities. This research paper investigates the synergistic impact of digital literacy, the incorporation of AI tools, and Peer Supported Collaborative Learning (PSCL) on the learning perceptions of university students. The research aims to discern the implications of these technological and social facets on students' attitudes towards AI assisted learning process. Structured questionnaire-based survey among the University students were done for this descriptive research. 409 responses collected were analysed with SPSS, Excel and Process Macro. It is found that the students’ Digital Literacy, Use of AI tools and PSCL on AI assisted learning were positively correlated. The partial mediatory path through the PSCL and AI tool usage has a significant positive influence on students learning process. The insights gathered from this study can inform educators, policymakers, and institutions on optimizing the amalgamation of digital literacy, AI tools and PSCL to enhance the contemporary learning environment. As universities navigate the digital age, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the dynamics shaping students' perceptions, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of AI influencing the educational landscape
Can Artificial Intelligence help provide more sustainable feed-back?
Authors: Puertas Prats Eloi , Cano García María Elena
Published: July 2024

Peer assessment is a strategy wherein students evaluate the level, value, or quality of their peers' work within the same educational setting. Research has demonstrated that peer evaluation processes positively impact skill development and academic performance. By applying evaluation criteria to their peers' work and offering comments, corrections, and suggestions for improvement, students not only enhance their own work but also cultivate critical thinking skills. To effectively nurture students' role as evaluators, deliberate and structured opportunities for practice, along with training and guidance, are essential.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can offer a means to assess peer evaluations automatically, ensuring their quality and assisting students in executing assessments with precision. This approach allows educators to focus on evaluating student productions without necessitating specialized training in feedback evaluation.

This paper presents the process developed to automate the assessment of feedback quality. Through the utilization of feedback fragments evaluated by researchers based on pre-established criteria, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Large Language Model (LM) was trained to achieve automated evaluation.  The findings show the similarity between human evaluation and automated evaluation, which allows expectations to be generated regarding the possibilities of AI for this purpose. The challenges and prospects of this process are discussed, along with recommendations for
optimizing results.

Artificial intelligence can offer a means to assess peer evaluations automatically, ensuring their quality and assisting students in executing assessments with precision. This approach allows educators to focus on evaluating student productions without necessitating specialized training in feedback evaluation.
This paper presents the process developed to automate the assessment of feedback quality. Through the utilization of feedback fragments evaluated by researchers based on pre-established criteria, an artificial intelligence Large Language Model was trained to achieve automated evaluation. The challenges and prospects of this process are discussed, along with recommendations for optimizing results.
Creativity and artificial intelligence: A study with prospective teachers
Authors: Pont-Niclos Isabel , Echegoyen-Sanz Yolanda , Orozco-Gómez Patricia , Martín-Ezpeleta Antonio
Published: July 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings enormous opportunities into learning, teaching, and assessment processes. Among them, it is convenient to explore its ability to channel students’ creativity, which is described as a basic competence in the training of people with both the OECD and the recent Spanish LOMLOE law pointing to the need to foster it in educational settings. In this context, the objective of this research is to explore the creative potential of prospective elementary school teachers related to storytelling, via a project including the rational use of AI generative tools. A combination of qualitative and quantitative instruments was used to get insight on the implications of those AI tools in the creative process and to gain understanding on the concerns of prospective teachers about AI at both their training and future teaching practice. The results show the potential of AI from an educational point of view, specially in self-assessment and co-evaluation processes, since it allows confronting not only the result of the creative task, but also the process itself by reflecting on the asked questions. Finally, the importance of continuing research on the ability to ask questions (a creative skill in itself) in the new context of AI is discussed.
Transforming and Reforming the Indian Education System with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sihag Prerna , Vibha Vibha
Published: July 2024

India’s growing economy and population proves its significant stake in the Artificial lntelligence (AI) revolution. India's education and technology sector has grown exponentially over the last few years, particularly in times of Covid-19 pandemic but owing to various reasons, it is accessible to only one in four students in India. AI has proven to be of benefit to all stakeholders alike by (a) enhancing teachers' efficiency and effectiveness in managing Multi Levelled or Multi Graded Learning Units and enabling automated development of customised teaching content; (b) using Intelligent Tutoring Systems to tailor the learning materials to a child's level of competence, style and pace of learning for improving student interactivity and attention rates; and (c) for effective teacher posting and transfer systems and predicting likely student activities such as dropout rates in government schools. The research provides a comprehensive review of the rigorous inclusion of Al in India's education sector through various policy measures. According to the findings, Al increases the efficiency of grading and encourages critical thinking and analytical skills among students. Further studies can assess effective integration of AI with educational practices and policies to increase learning needs.
Mass occurrence of planktic dendroid graptolite synrhabdosomes (Calyxdendrum) from the Early Ordovician Fezouata biota of Morocco
Authors: Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos , Maletz Jörg
Published: July 2024

The genus Calyxdendrum is here revised to include planktic dendroid graptolites from the Ordovician (Tremadocian to Sandbian). The mass occurrence of Calyxdendrum amicabilis n. sp. from the Fezouata biota represents one of the few occurrences of synrhabdosomes of dendroid morphology that have ever been discovered. Composite structures, formed from about four to six slender, conical tubaria of the species appear as umbrella-shaped synrhabdosomes. In these, the individual tubaria are connected by their short nemata forming an irregularly shaped proximal membrane. The species is found in the late Tremadocian Sagenograptus murrayi Biozone of the Bou Izargane section in the Ternata plain north of Zagora, Morocco. The mass occurrence is interpreted to represent planktic dendroid colonies transported by low velocity currents or moving actively into different water regions on a wide shallow shelf region. They settled in the “soupy” soft sediment, where they were subsequently compacted in the now lithified mudstone. Planktic dendroids of the genus Calyxdendrum are so far known exclusively from the peri-Gondwana region, but may prove to show a wider biogeographical distribution when better known.
Ultrasonic aperture-tunable gel lens
Authors: Nakamura Kosuke , Harada Yuki , Miki Haruto , Tagashira Kokichi , Matsukawa Mami , Koyama Daisuke
Published: July 2024

Conventional camera modules require mechanical moving parts to move their lenses and to adjust their focal points. This paper examines optically tunable lenses with a focal length and lens aperture that can be controlled using ultrasound vibration and a transparent gel. The lens uses the acoustic radiation force, which induces changes in the lens profile; varifocal convex and concave lenses can be fabricated by adjusting the input signals. The optical characteristics of the lenses were evaluated using ray tracing simulations. The aperture can be controlled with the driving frequency, with higher frequencies leading to a wider range of focal length changes with a lower input voltage.
Laser wireless power transmission based on spherical reflector intra-cavity beam splitting
Authors: Xu Zikun , Yang Zhaokun , Zheng Guoliang , Wan Lili , Wu Qingyang , Dong Yongjia , Lv Zhijian , He Tiefeng
Published: July 2024

The powersphere is an energy reception device in a laser wireless power transmission system, converting light into electricity, and also has a certain effect of light uniformity. However, in the actual application process, limitations due to laser power, photovoltaic cell absorption rate, and direct irradiation area restrict light uniformity, thus reducing photoelectric conversion efficiency. A spherical reflector at the center of the powersphere to enhance internal reflection and improve light uniformity was proposed. Utilizing LightTools software, we established a simulation model to simulate the energy distribution of light on the powersphere after reflection by the sphere, analyzing light uniformity and constructing an experimental platform for validation. Results show the reflector significantly boosts uniformity, doubling the powersphere’s output power and reducing voltage and current disparities, thereby enhancing system conversion efficiency.
Tantalum oxide nanotube thin films: fabrication, optical properties, and porosity analysis
Authors: Lu Jianmin , Zhang Junmeng , Hou Panzhe , Jia Lingna , Wen Guangyu , Liu Lihu , Lu Peipei , Sun Huiyuan
Published: July 2024

Tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) nanotubes exhibit remarkable properties and have garnered significant attention across diverse scientific disciplines and technological domains. This research article elucidates the successful preparation of amorphous, well-ordered Ta2O5 nanotubes through anodization in electrolytes incorporating hydrofluoric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid. The study comprehensively investigates the preparation methodology on the morphology of the nanotubes, elucidating their optical properties. Furthermore, the effective refractive index and porosity of the Ta2O5 nanotubes were quantitatively determined, offering valuable insights for the advanced utilization of Ta2O5 in several applications, encompassing battery electrode materials, memory resistors, and sensors.
Fisher information of orbital angular momentum quantum states in atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Yu Xiaotong , Zhong Wei , Zhu Yun , Wang Jicheng , Li Mengmeng , Khakhomov Sergei , Hu Zheng-Da
Published: July 2024

Free-space optical communication based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) offers advantages such as high security, large information capacity, and high-speed transmission. However, turbulence can induce random perturbations to the wavefront, thereby affecting communication performance. Hence, accurately measuring turbulence intensity is crucial. We delve into the quantum Fisher information (QFI) of the spatial coherence length, a pivotal parameter in atmospheric turbulence. Within the framework of free-space optical channels, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the QFI in models encompassing both single and biphoton systems. As photons propagate through free space, the QFI regarding turbulence parameter initially increases and then decreases, due to the coupling and decoherence between the photons and turbulence. Increasing the number of OAM modes can significantly enhance the QFI regarding turbulence parameters. We considered situations closer to practical preparation, our results indicate that the impact of entanglement on estimation precision depends on the purity of the prepared entangled state. Moreover, we discuss and compare the variations in the QFI of various parameters upon considering backward scattering (BS). We believe our work is the first theoretical attempt towards the exploration of estimating the turbulence parameter via QFI.
16 × 112 Gbps directly modulated membrane laser array for co-packaged interconnects
Authors: Fujii Takuro , Takeda Koji , Maeda Yoshiho , Diamantopoulos Nikolaos-Panteleimon , Sato Tomonari , Sugiyama Hiroki , Tsuchizawa Tai , Segawa Toru , Matsuo Shinji
Published: July 2024

A low-cost and low-power-consumption optical transmitter with a narrow shoreline is crucial for short-reach optical communication. To increase the shoreline bandwidth density (Gbps/mm) at low cost, multiple optical components, including lasers, should be integrated on a single chip. In this study, we develop a sixteen-channel membrane laser array integrated with silica-based spot-size convertors on a SiO2/Si substrate, with a footprint of 1.11 × 2.75 mm2. A thin (340 nm) membrane buried-heterostructure sandwiched between low-index silica-based materials provides high carrier and optical confinement, which contributes to reducing power consumption. We demonstrated direct modulation with 28- and 56-GBaud PAM4 signals and verified that 2-km data transmission is feasible for all sixteen channels.
Photonic quantum walk with ultrafast time-bin encoding
Authors: Fenwick Kate L. , Bouchard Frédéric , Thekkadath Guillaume S. , England Duncan , Bustard Philip J. , Heshami Khabat , Sussman Benjamin
Published: July 2024

The quantum walk (QW) has proven to be a valuable testbed for fundamental inquiries in quantum technology applications such as quantum simulation and quantum search algorithms. Many benefits have been found by exploring implementations of QWs in various physical systems, including photonic platforms. Here, we propose a platform to perform quantum walks based on ultrafast time-bin encoding (UTBE) and all-optical Kerr gating. This platform supports the scalability of quantum walks to a large number of steps and walkers while retaining a significant degree of programmability. More importantly, ultrafast time bins are encoded at the picosecond time scale, far away from mechanical fluctuations. This enables the scalability of our platform to many modes while preserving excellent interferometric phase stability over extremely long periods of time without requiring active phase stabilization. Our 18-step QW is shown to preserve interferometric phase stability over a period of 50 h, with an overall walk fidelity maintained above 95%.
High harmonic Mach–Zehnder interferometer for probing sub-laser-cycle electron dynamics in solids
Authors: Uchida K. , Tanaka K.
Published: July 2024

High harmonic emissions from crystalline solids contain rich
information on the dynamics of electrons driven by intense infrared
laser fields and have been intensively studied owing to their
potential use as a probe of microscopic electronic structures. In
particular, the ability to measure the temporal response of high
harmonics may allow us to investigate electron dynamics directly.
Here, we demonstrate a Mach–Zehnder high harmonic interferometer,
where high harmonics are generated in each path of a Mach–Zehnder
interferometer and an interferogram of them is captured. The high
harmonic interferometer allows us to detect high harmonic signals with
higher sensitivity than conventional high harmonic intensity
measurements, and achieve a relative time resolution between the
target and reference high harmonics of less than 150 attoseconds,
which is sufficient to track sub-cycle dynamics of electrons in
solids. Using high harmonic interferometry, we succeeded in capturing
the real time dynamics of Floquet states in WSe2, whose indirect signature has so far
been caught only by time-averaged measurements. Our simple technique
could enable to access attosecond electron dynamics in solids.
Genetic diversity of enteric viruses responsible of gastroenteritis in urban and rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Badjo Ange Oho Roseline , Niendorf Sandra , Jacobsen Sonja , Zongo Arsène , Mas Marques Andreas , Vietor Ann Christin , Kabore Nongodo Firmin , Poda Armel , Some Satouro Arsène , Ouattara Aminata , Ouangraoua Soumeya , Schubert Grit , Eckmanns Tim , Leendertz Fabian H. , Belarbi Essia , Ouedraogo Abdoul-Salam
Published: July 2024

Background

Viral gastrointestinal infections remain a major public health concern in developing countries. In Burkina Faso, there are very limited updated data on the circulating viruses and their genetic diversity.

Objectives

This study investigates the detection rates and characteristics of rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus (NoV), sapovirus (SaV) and human astrovirus (HAstV) in patients of all ages with acute gastrointestinal infection in urban and rural areas.

Study design & Methods

From 2018 to 2021, stool samples from 1,295 patients with acute gastroenteritis were collected and screened for RVA, NoV, SaV and HAstV. Genotyping and phylogenetic analyses were performed on a subset of samples.

Results

At least one virus was detected in 34.1% of samples. NoV and SaV were predominant with detection rates of respectively 10.5 and 8.8%. We identified rare genotypes of NoV GII, RVA and HAstV, recombinant HAstV strains and a potential zoonotic RVA transmission event.

Conclusions

We give an up-to-date epidemiological picture of enteric viruses in Burkina Faso, showing a decrease in prevalence but a high diversity of circulating strains. However, viral gastroenteritis remains a public health burden, particularly in pediatric settings. Our data advocate for the implementation of routine viral surveillance and updated management algorithms for diarrheal disease.
Associations between body mass index and all-cause and CVD mortality in agriculture, forestry, and fishing occupations: A prospective cohort study using NHANES data (1999–2014)
Authors: Qi Yanmeng , Zhang Baoshan , Yang Han
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Obesity, as indicated by elevated Body Mass Index (BMI), is a well-established global health concern associated with increased morbidity and mortality across diverse populations. However, the influence of BMI on individuals in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF) occupations, characterized by unique challenges and environmental factors, has received limited research attention.

Methods

Our study, a prospective cohort analysis, utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999–2014, targeting adults above 18 in AFF occupations with comprehensive BMI data, omitting individuals with a history of cancer. Mortality outcomes were extracted from the NHANES mortality file, and BMI was segmented into eight categories. Essential covariates such as age, sex, race, and various health factors were incorporated. The statistical analysis encompassed Cox regression, generalized additive models, smooth curve fitting, and stratified analyses.

Results

During 1,005 person-years with 201 all-cause and 57 CVD deaths, we observed L-shaped and U-shaped correlations of BMI with all-cause and CVD mortality, featuring a pivotal inflection at 26.69 and 27.40 kg/m2. Above this BMI threshold of 26.69 and 27.4 kg/m2, all-cause mortality association was not significant while CVD mortality was positive.

Conclusions

This study highlights a unique BMI-mortality association in AFF occupations, diverging from standard patterns. The rigorous labor and environmental conditions in AFF jobs suggest that a certain range of higher BMI could reduce mortality risk. This highlights the necessity for tailored health guidelines in different occupations. Future research should concentrate on diverse health indicators and enhanced risk assessment for physically strenuous occupations.
Ecological assessment of water quality in freshwater wetlands based on the effect of environmental heterogeneity on phytoplankton communities in Northeast China
Authors: Hui Hongkuan , Liu Xiao , Wei Yinxin , Su Dan , Zhou Haitao , Peng Zirui
Published: July 2024

Phytoplankton community characterized by strong vitality response to environmental change in freshwater ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using phytoplankton diversity as a water quality indicator in wetlands, and find out the main environmental variables affecting the distribution of phytoplankton. From 2020 to 2021, we examined phytoplankton assemblages and water environmental variables in spring, summer, and autumn at eight sampling sites from Hulanhe Wetland, Northeast (NE) China. The results showed that Bacillariophyta was the dominant species. Phytoplankton composition and abundance differed among sampling sites in each season; the abundance in summer (613.71 × 104 ind. L–1) was higher than that in autumn and spring. The water quality assessment of the trophic state index (TSI) based on the four physicochemical indicators was compared with phytoplankton diversity indices, which indicated that the phytoplankton community was stable, and these two indices were significantly lower in summer than in spring and autumn. According to redundancy analysis (RDA), total phosphorus (TP) and nitrogen (TN) were the main environmental variables affecting the distribution of phytoplankton. Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) changes also played a role, and their impact on the community was discussed. This work can provide relevant scientific references on the usefulness of phytoplankton diversity structure in assessing water quality in cold regions, in which the succession can be significantly affected by nutrients and temperatures.