bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterial revascularization in patients with hand pain dialyzing with upper arm Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas: A single center experience
Authors: Balamuthusamy Saravanan , Dhanabalsamy Nisha , Bala Manu S , Reddy Prashant , Siddiqui Ayla , Ellappan Manonmani , Gopalakrishnan Sowmya , Nguyen Peter
Published: December 2023

Background:

Distal hand ischemia syndrome (DHIS) is a well reported adverse outcome in patients with upper arm AV access. 25%–40% of these patients have been reported to be due to primary arterial disease complicated with significant arterial calcification. The effectiveness of revascularization of the distal arterial circulation on symptom resolution has not been reported yet.

Methods:

Retrospective single center analysis of patients evaluated for hand/forearm pain in patients with upper arm AV access who had arterial revascularization between 01/2016 and 12/2020 were included for the analysis. Fifty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Stenotic lesions greater than 70% in the subclavian, axillary, brachial, radial, or ulnar artery were treated with balloon angioplasty. Institutional approval was obtained to review charts.

Outcomes:

Successful revascularization, improvement in pain in 48 h, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results:

Seventy six percent of patients had an upper arm Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) and 24% patients had an upper arm Arteriovenous Graft (AVG). Mean access flow was 1210 (556) ml/min. 55% of patients had radial or ulnar arterial stenosis, 45% had brachial/axillary or subclavian artery stenosis. 45% patients had lesions in both radial and ulnar arteries, 88% of patients were successfully revascularized. 76% (18) of patients had improvement in symptoms within 48 h and 68% remained symptom free in 3 months. Mean DHIS stage was 3.1 before intervention and improved to 1.1 post intervention ( p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with their AV access improved from 34% to 72% ( p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis did not reveal statistically significant correlations between time on dialysis vintage and other chronic medical conditions on post procedure symptom improvement.

Conclusions:

DHIS with occlusive arterial disease can be successfully revascularized to improve symptoms. Complete evaluation of the inflow arterial segment and optimal endovascular revascularization could decrease the need for access revision procedures or access abandonment.
A sensory-friendly adaptive concert model supported by caregiver perspectives
Authors: Richards Jenna , Parkes Erin
Published: December 2023

Attending a concert may prove difficult for individuals with exceptionalities or disabilities and those who support them. While traditional performance environments may not feel welcoming or amenable for individuals with exceptionalities and their families, arts organizations have recently made efforts to produce concerts that address barriers to accessibility. These adaptive concerts, most frequently labeled as Sensory-Friendly Concerts, attempt to create environments suitable for diverse communities, supporting individuals and groups who are frequently underrepresented as audience members in performance contexts. This article explores adaptive music performances, contributing a model for sensory-friendly adaptive concerts supported by caregivers’ perspectives through a post-concert survey. The model proposed includes four areas of adaptation: pre-show work, environment audit, extra-musical aids, and programming adjustments. The authors outline the various modifications with data points from a sample of adaptive concert caregiver attendees ( n = 15), aligning the theoretical model with practice to provide practical examples and tangible outputs for researchers, presenters, musicians, educators, and policymakers.
Public scholarship in music education: Rethinking academic freedom by unthinking method
Authors: Kallio Alexis Anja
Published: December 2023

Beyond the political interference of authoritarian regimes, the neoliberalisation of the academy has emerged as one of the key threats to academic freedom in the twenty-first century. The demand to produce research outputs of sufficient quantity, quality, and impact for scholars to justify their taxpayer-funded appointments reconceptualises the responsibility of the public scholar from one who challenges the status quo and inequitable power relations, to one who provides a worthwhile return on investment. Accordingly, questions have been raised as to whether academia is a feasible realm in which to further ideals of equity and justice in music education. In this article, I examine the tension between critical imperative and methodological conformity, considering how the policing of method reinforces individualized frames of knowledge-production that fix and limit notions of what knowledge is and what it does. I argue that music education scholars may be well placed to deviate from procedural method in realizing a more creative and relational public scholarship, in working toward a more ethical conceptualisation of academic freedom through the inquiry process itself.
‘I’ve Wondered Why Am I Here?’ Expectations of Old Age and the Ageing Body in a Longitudinal Study of a Dance Group
Authors: Goulding Anna
Published: December 2023

Mainstream expectations of older age place pressure on individuals––both negative discourses focused upon frailty and isolation and successful ageing narratives that emphasize physical and mental exercise. This article considers whether older people can challenge damaging narratives through participating in the practice of modern dance. Over the course of 4 years, action research and ethnographic-based methods were used as the author worked with a dance company of seven members aged 69 to 89 as they created a modern dance piece. Data included fieldnotes, transcripts of individual interviews and group discussions and a video of the performance. A thematic analysis was applied. Moving away from a health perspective, the literature on ageing and lifestyle is advanced by in examining how the group’s creativity should be understood and valued. Participants went from presenting as active agers to developing a more accepting attitude towards their ageing body. The performance refashioned the space as a site of intergenerational connectivity as the dancers and audience co-produced narratives around the artistry of the older body. An original contribution to the work on embodiment is made by revealing how older men and women use dance differently to negotiate the ageing body. Findings have wider implications for research on inclusion by showing how the embodied practice of dance helps subvert expectations of older age.
The Relationship Between the Wrist Flexion Creases and the Volar Radiocarpal Joint: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Rust Andrew R. , Jain Sonu A.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Surgical approaches to the volar radiocarpal joint have historically entailed wide exposure, possibly contributing to poor wound healing and wrist denervation. To avoid wound complications and wrist denervation, minimally invasive and percutaneous approaches to the volar radiocarpal joint have been proposed. To help guide these minimally invasive or percutaneous approaches to the joint, we sought to characterize the relationship between the volar wrist flexion creases and the volar radiocarpal joint. We propose that the wrist flexion creases will be a reliable method for localizing the joint.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric upper-extremity specimens consisting of fingertip to mid forearm were obtained. Measurements from the proximal and distal wrist flexion creases were taken via fluoroscopy and gross dissection.

Results:

The wrist flexion creases were located distal to the volar radiocarpal joint in all specimens. The volar radiocarpal joint was located 7 and 16 mm proximal to the proximal and distal wrist flexion creases, respectively. The radiographic anatomy correlated well with the underlying deep anatomy.

Conclusions:

The wrist flexion creases can serve as a reliable superficial landmark for the identification of the volar radiocarpal joint. These landmarks aid clinicians in performing or interpreting a physical examination or in performing minimally invasive or percutaneous approaches to the volar radiocarpal joint.
The Duration of Bone Healing and Nonunion Ratio After Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy Using a 5-Hole Forearm Compression Plate With Transverse Osteotomy
Authors: Hama Shunpei , Moriya Koji , Koda Hisao , Tsubokawa Naoto , Maki Yutaka , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

Background:

Ulnar shortening osteotomy using various osteotomy sites, osteotomy methods, and surgical techniques with a variety of implants has been reported, but nonunion rates and the duration of bone healing are not uniform by the authors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the duration of bone healing and nonunion ratio in patients who underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy by a 5-hole nonlocking plate with a simple transverse osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome and to determine the correlation between the gap length of the osteotomy site and the duration of bone healing.

Methods:

We assessed patients who underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome using a 5-hole nonlocking plate fixation followed by a simple transverse osteotomy between July 2012 and October 2021. This study was a case series study, and the level of evidence was IV.

Results:

A total of 80 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 years, and 46 patients were men. The average bone union period was 41.8 ± 18.7 weeks. The correlation between the gap length of the osteotomy site and the duration of bone union of the osteotomy site was not significant. The nonunion ratio of our method was 2.5%.

Conclusion:

The nonunion rate of our ulnar shortening osteotomy with a simple transverse osteotomy and a 5-hole nonlocking plate was comparable to that in previous reports, but our method required slightly longer periods for bone union. There was no correlation between the gap length of the osteotomy and the duration of bone union.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV (Case series)
Student’s perspectives, satisfaction and experiences with online and classroom learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings and implications on blended learning
Authors: Mudenda Steward , Daka Victor , Mufwambi Webrod , Matafwali Scott Kaba , Chabalenge Billy , Skosana Phumzile , Mfune Ruth Lindizyani , Kasanga Maisa , Okonji Osaretin Christabel , Mayoka Godfrey , Kampamba Martin , Hikaambo Christabel Nang’andu , Mukosha Moses , Kanaan Manal Hadi Ghaffoori , Zikalala-Mabope Lindi Angeline , Sinkamba George , Okoro Roland Nnaemeka , Chulu Martha , Godman Brian , Fadare Joseph
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted classroom-based learning, necessitating the adoption of online learning in most universities. However, there has been a lack of information on university students’ perspectives regarding online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the perspectives, satisfaction and experiences with online and classroom learning among human health students at the University of Zambia.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 737 students at the University of Zambia from October 2022 to April 2023. Data were analysed using Stata version 16.1.

Results:

Of the 737 participants, 51.6% were female and 56.5% agreed that blended learning should continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 78.4% of the students believed that group discussions were more suitable in the classroom than online learning. Most students (67.1%) disagreed that they preferred online learning to classroom learning. Furthermore, 77.6% of the students disagreed that online learning gave more satisfaction than classroom learning.

Conclusions:

This study found that most students recommended the continuation of blended learning after the pandemic. However, they believed that follow-up tutorials and assessments were better undertaken in physical classrooms than online learning. These findings are important in sensitising stakeholders in the education sector and governments to consider blended learning as a teaching strategy in the future. There is a need to develop and implement curricula that offer blended learning to students as well as ensure the students have the necessary facilities and equipment to support such learning.
How Does Commitment Affect Employee’s Innovative Behavior? A Time-Lagged Study
Authors: Wang Peng , Hou Yong
Published: December 2023

The employee’s innovative behavior plays an important role in the process of hotel operation. The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms by which hotel industry employees’ commitment affects innovative behavior, examining the mediating role of job involvement and the moderating role of superior-subordinate guanxi (SSG). The study collected 127 hotel supervisors’ questionnaires and 694 hotel employees’ questionnaires from Shandong Province. Results show that employees’ organizational and supervisor commitments would affect their innovative behavior, whereas job involvement plays as a mediating role. Moreover, SSG present a moderating effect onto employees’ job involvement and innovative behavior. Employees with high SSG show a better innovative behavior on low job involvement than those with low SSG on a high job involvement. Our research has enriched and expanded the study of innovative behavior and SSG, and is an important guide for managers in the hospitality industry.
Online Purchase Intention Under the Integration of Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Nguyen Tam To , Thi Thu Truong Huong , Le-Anh Tuan
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on predicting the online purchase intention of consumers purchasing from e-commerce platforms using an integrated model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and extended technology acceptance model (TAM). The results showed that TAM factors, perceived value, and perceived enjoyment had significant effects on attitude toward online purchase, while the TPB inputs, perceived enjoyment, and e-commerce exchange image played strong roles in influencing online purchase intention. The results also showed that perceived enjoyment helped to raise the predictive power of attitude dramatically, while the e-commerce exchange image contributed a high portion to explain online purchase intention variation. The results indicated that the e-commerce trading platforms need to focus on improving their images and on increasing customers’ experience to improve their business performance.
The Deficit and Contextual Models of Vaccine Hesitancy: A Test of the Mediation Paths
Authors: Pavić Željko , Kovačević Emma , Šuljok Adrijana , Jurlina Juraj , Miškulin Maja , Mujkić Aida , Miškulin Ivan
Published: December 2023

The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy underscores the fact that the general public does not uniformly embrace scientific recommendations. Vaccine hesitancy represents a spectrum, encompassing both those who accept all vaccines and those who outright reject them. This paper aims to explore the relationship between science literacy, contextual factors, and vaccine hesitancy while accounting for specific mediation mechanisms. The authors applied a theoretical framework derived from the deficit model and the contextual model of public understanding of science. Hypotheses regarding the relationship between scientific literacy, religiosity, political identification, and vaccine hesitancy were tested. The authors also tested several hypotheses based on the assumption that the perception of scientific credibility and institutional trust are significant mediators of the above-mentioned relationships. The data from an online survey with a nationally representative quota sample of the Croatian population (with an average age of 42.6 years.) were used ( N = 1,500), while the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that the perception of scientific credibility plays a significant role as a mechanism that translates the impacts of literacy, religiosity, and political identification. Institutional trust proved to be a significant mediator but in a way opposite to the hypotheses, which points to the need to contextualize the aforementioned relationships. The authors also determined that younger age, right-wing political orientation, higher religiosity, and lower scientific literacy were the determinants of hesitancy in both vaccine types (COVID-19 and vaccines in general), thus indicating that they might be connected to deeply rooted value dispositions.
Women’s Help-Seeking in China and Papua New Guinea: Factors That Impact Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Nikolova Kristina , Cardenas Iris , Steiner Jordan J. , Khetarpal Rupa
Published: December 2023

Victimization due to men’s intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration against women has many negative physical and mental health effects that can last for generations. Understanding how women seek help in response to abuse, and from whom, can help to inform intervention and prevention efforts. This study sought to understand the help-seeking behavior of women who have experienced IPV in two under-researched countries in Asia and the Pacific, China, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Based on data from the United Nations Multi-Country Study on Men and Violence, this study used a series of logistic regression models to examine what factors increased women’s likelihood of seeking help from family members and what factors increased the likelihood of a positive reaction in response to help-seeking. More than three quarters of the sample never disclosed their abuse. Those who sought help most frequently went to their female family members or female in-laws. Women were more likely to seek help if they had been severely injured, were experiencing multiple forms of IPV, were experiencing suicidal ideation, held fewer beliefs about traditional gender norms or if they had not witnessed IPV between their own parents. A positive response upon disclosure was contingent on the severity of injuries and women’s knowledge of violence against women legislation and public service campaigns. These findings help to bridge the gap in knowledge about help-seeking behavior from informal supports and the role that community education on IPV could have in ensuring that victims of IPV are supported by family when disclosing partner violence.
Optimizing Contact Between Older Adults and Senior Services: South Korean users’ Perceptions of Gateway Institutions
Authors: Kim Mi-ran , Lee Kyung-Hoon
Published: December 2023

In response to the growing need for effective policy implementation strategies for older adults in South Korea, we propose the establishment of a user-centered institution tightly integrated with policies, termed, “comprehensive gateway institution for older adults.” This research addresses the challenges 231 older adult users face when navigating various health policies. Our survey findings revealed that these users experienced difficulties in dealing with the current policy approach for older adults. The respondents expressed their expectations for improved service access through the proposed gateway institution. They emphasized the importance of universal access to services and the need for personalized offerings that consider their unique circumstances, physical abilities, and skills. By incorporating these research outcomes into practice, we can help lay the groundwork for more effective policies measures and create a system that better meets the needs of older adults in the future.
Social Support, Social Participation, and Life Accomplishment of Older Adult Residents of Assisted Living Facilities and Their Adjoining Communities
Authors: Akosile Christopher Olusanjo , Onyekwuluje Chisom , Mgbeojedo Ukamaka Gloria , Okoye Emmanuel Chiebuka , Fabunmi Ayodeji Ayodele , Mong Emeka Usman , Okafor Anita Chinwendu
Published: December 2023

Objectives: To assess and compare levels of social support (SS), social participation (SP) and life accomplishment (LA) among older adults in some assisted-living facilities (ALFs) and their community-dwelling (CD) peers. Methods: One hundred twenty older adults (54 ALF, 66 CD) from a Nigerian population participated in this cross-sectional survey. The Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support, the Participation Scale and the Life Habit Questionnaires were used to evaluate levels of SS, SP, and LA, respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank order correlation, at .05 alpha level. Results: Participation restriction (PR) was significantly more prevalent among the ALF group compared to the CD group (χ2 = 12.74; p = .01) but the two groups enjoyed comparable level of SS. LA was significantly better for the CD group in the overall score. LA had significant correlation with PR in both the ALFs ( r = −.44; p < .05) and CD ( r = −.62; p < .05) group. Conclusions: Older adults in ALFs received moderate SS, had LA, and a high PR, while CD older adults received a high SS and LA but had no PR. The findings implicate that social participation and enhancing community support for older adults may be important for a sustainable community.
Targeting the tissue factor coagulation initiation complex prevents antiphospholipid antibody development
Authors: Müller-Calleja Nadine , Grunz Kristin , Nguyen T. Son , Posma Jens , Pedrosa Denise , Meineck Myriam , Hollerbach Anne , Braun Johannes , Muth Sabine , Schild Hansjörg , Saar Kathrin , Hübner Norbert , Krishnaswamy Sriram , Royce Jennifer , Teyton Luc , Lemmermann Niels , Weinmann-Menke Julia , Lackner Karl J. , Ruf Wolfram
Published: December 2023

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are a major cause for acquired thrombophilia, but specific interventions preventing autoimmune aPL development are an unmet clinical need. Although autoimmune aPL cross react with various coagulation regulatory proteins, lipid-reactive aPL, including those derived from patients with COVID-19, recognize the endolysosomal phospholipid lysobisphosphatidic acid presented by the cell surface–expressed endothelial protein C receptor. This specific recognition leads to complement-mediated activation of tissue factor (TF)–dependent proinflammatory signaling and thrombosis. Here, we show that specific inhibition of the TF coagulation initiation complex with nematode anticoagulant protein c2 (NAPc2) prevents the prothrombotic effects of aPL derived from patients with COVID-19 in mice and the aPL–induced proinflammatory and prothrombotic activation of monocytes. The induction of experimental APS is dependent on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex, and NAPc2 suppresses monocyte endosomal reactive oxygen species production requiring the TF cytoplasmic domain and interferon-α secretion from dendritic cells. Latent infection with murine cytomegalovirus causes TF cytoplasmic domain–dependent development of persistent aPL and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, which is prevented by short-term intervention with NAPc2 during acute viral infection. In addition, treatment of lupus prone MRL-lpr mice with NAPc2, but not with heparin, suppresses dendritic-cell activation in the spleen, aPL production and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, and attenuates lupus pathology. These data demonstrate a convergent TF-dependent mechanism of aPL development in latent viral infection and autoimmune disease and provide initial evidence that specific targeting of the TF initiation complex has therapeutic benefits beyond currently used clinical anticoagulant strategies.
Proteomic Profiles Associated With Postsurgical Progression in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Hallén Tobias , Johannsson Gudmundur , Thorsell Annika , Olsson Daniel S , Örndal Charlotte , Engvall Angelica , Jacobson Frida , Widgren Anna , Bergquist Jonas , Skoglund Thomas
Published: December 2023

Context

There is a lack of reliable biomarkers capable of predicting postoperative tumor progression of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).

Objective

To discover proteomic profiles associated with postoperative tumor progression in patients with NFPAs. This was a case-controlled exploratory study at a tertiary university hospital. Tissue samples were obtained from 46 patients with residual tumor following surgery for NFPAs of gonadotroph lineage. Two patient groups were compared: patients requiring reintervention due to residual tumor progression (cases; reintervention group, n = 29) and patients with a residual tumor showing no progression for a minimum of 5 years (controls; radiologically stable group, n = 17). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between patient groups were measured.

Results

Global quantitative proteomic analysis identified 4074 proteins, of which 550 were differentially expressed between the 2 groups (fold change >80%, false discovery rate–adjusted P ≤ .05). Principal component analysis showed good separation between the 2 groups. Functional enrichment analysis of the DEPs indicated processes involving translation, ROBO-receptor signaling, energy metabolism, mRNA metabolism, and RNA splicing. Several upregulated proteins in the reintervention group, including SNRPD1, SRSF10, SWAP-70, and PSMB1, are associated with tumor progression in other cancer types.

Conclusion

This is the first exploratory study analyzing proteomic profiles as markers of postoperative tumor progression in NFPAs. The findings clearly showed different profiles between tumors with indolent postoperative behavior and those with postoperative tumor progression. Both enriched pathways involving DEPs and specific upregulated proteins have previously been associated with tumor aggressiveness. These results suggest the value of proteomic profiling for predicting tumor progression in patients with NFPAs.
Verlo todo con los propios ojos: Medicina legal y policía científica en Colombia, 1886–1930
Authors: Hering Torres Max S.
Published: December 2023

Este artículo tiene por objetivo analizar los cruces entre la medicina legal y el naciente ejercicio de policía científica como un intento del Estado por hacer legible la criminalidad. Para realizar este propósito se analiza el papel que tuvieron la Oficina Central de Investigación Criminal (1911) y la Oficina Central de Medicina Legal de Bogotá (1914) en la historia de Colombia, entre 1886 y 1930. Si bien ambas instituciones han sido abordadas en la historiografía, no han sido investigadas en su conexión. En este texto queda claro que la alianza entre médicos legistas y policía científica –siempre con el deseo de verlo todo– pasa más bien por una zona gris de incertidumbres. En esta medida, la reflexión histórica permite entender cómo las instituciones fabrican, en medio de la incertidumbre, sus discursos y crean un efecto de certeza, de infalibilidad y de convicción, mientras que en las prácticas se oscila entre el desinterés, la impotencia, la duda, la criminalización, la impunidad y, en algunos casos también, el acierto.
2024 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry
Authors: Newsome A'Naja M. , Reed Rachelle , Sansone Jessica , Batrakoulis Alexios , McAvoy Cayla , W. Parrott Matthew
Published: December 2023

Apply It!

This article will inform and help readers to:

• Identify predictions for the top 20 fitness trends in the United States and across the globe for 2024.

• Use data to inform health and fitness business decisions and professional development.

• Recognize trend themes and region-specific needs to support consumer health and fitness.
DeepCLEM: automated registration for correlative light and electron microscopy using deep learning
Authors: Seifert Rick , Markert Sebastian M. , Britz Sebastian , Perschin Veronika , Erbacher Christoph , Stigloher Christian , Kollmannsberger Philip
Published: December 2023

In correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), the fluorescent images must be registered to the EM images with high precision. Due to the different contrast of EM and fluorescence images, automated correlation-based alignment is not directly possible, and registration is often done by hand using a fluorescent stain, or semi-automatically with fiducial markers. We introduce “DeepCLEM”, a fully automated CLEM registration workflow. A convolutional neural network predicts the fluorescent signal from the EM images, which is then automatically registered to the experimentally measured chromatin signal from the sample using correlation-based alignment. The complete workflow is available as a Fiji plugin and could in principle be adapted for other imaging modalities as well as for 3D stacks.
Crosstalk suppression of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor array based on five-step phase shift demodulation scheme using multiwavelength averaging
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wang Fuyin , Xia Ji , Liu Gang , Xiong Shuidong , Yao Qiong
Published: December 2023

A five-step phase shift demodulation scheme based on a multiwavelength averaging method is proposed to suppress crosstalk within an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensor array. The paper focuses on a two-element sensing system based on the EFPI sensors to investigate the crosstalk in the EFPI sensor array. A detailed theoretical analysis of crosstalk suppression using the proposed demodulation method is presented. Numerical simulations and experiments are put forward to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed demodulation scheme in suppressing crosstalk under varying parameters. The results of the multiwavelength demodulation scheme indicate superior crosstalk suppression capability in contrast to the conventional five-step phase shift demodulation scheme based on a single-wavelength demodulation method. Furthermore, the paper reveals the enhanced crosstalk suppression capability of the proposed demodulation scheme when the cavity length difference between elements is not equal to zero. It alleviates the requirement for consistent cavity length among different elements in the sensing array. The proposed demodulation scheme exhibits excellent crosstalk suppression capabilities in optical multiplexing arrays by decreasing the dependency on extinction ratio and could be potentially used in the large-scale optical hydrophone array system.
Bright source of narrowband polarization-entangled photons from a thick type-II ppKTP crystal
Authors: Omshankar  , Venkataraman Vivek , Ghosh Joyee
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate a high brightness (∼2.36 × 105 pairs/s/mW) polarization-entangled photon-pair source at 800-nm via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a 3-cm long type-II ppKTP crystal pumped unidirectionally in a single-pass geometry. A high coincidences-to-accidentals ratio (CAR ∼ 1200) depicted by our source indicates a strong temporal correlation between the generated photon pairs. This correlated photon source is tunable from collinear to non-collinear emission of the photons and over a range of signal/idler wavelengths ∼8 − 9 nm corresponding to a temperature range of 20–60°C. We measure a quantum state fidelity F>95% with the singlet entangled state |ψ−⟩=12(|HV⟩−|VH⟩) along with a violation of the CHSH-Bell’s inequality by ∼485 standard deviations (S = 2.68 ± 0.0014).
Analysis of phase calculation error introduced by the extinction ratio in instantaneous phase shifting interference
Authors: Zhou Shuhong , Wang Shanshan , Hu Yao , Zhang Nansheng , Hao Qun
Published: December 2023

Instantaneous phase shifting interferometry technology, the core component of which is the pixel micropolarizer camera, has been widely used in commercial interferometers. This technology has the superiority of single-frame acquisition, vibration insensitivity, and no need for phase shifting devices. However, due to manufacturing defects and accuracy limitations, the extinction ratios (ER) of the micropolarizer array are different and fairly small, directly affecting the phase calculation accuracy. This paper initially derives a theoretical expression for the phase calculation error introduced by the extinction ratio (ER) and proposes the error correction model to reduce phase calculation errors caused by the extinction ratio. The theoretical analysis can serve as an important basis for accurately assessing the polarization characteristics of a pixel micropolarizer camera. Quantifying the impact of the extinction ratios provides significant support for the selection of polarization equipment. In addition, the paper proposes a calibration model to improve measurement accuracy, which can serve as an effective means to reduce the impact of the extinction ratio (ER). The innovative research content revealed the influence of extinction ratio (ER), serving as a valuable complement to the existing analysis and research on extinction ratio (ER).
Topological edge and corner states in biphenylene photonic crystal
Authors: Phan Huyen Thanh , Koizumi Keiki , Liu Feng , Wakabayashi Katsunori
Published: December 2023

The biphenylene network (BPN) has a unique two-dimensional atomic structure, where hexagonal unit cells are arranged on a square lattice. Inspired by such a BPN structure, we design a counterpart in the fashion of photonic crystals (PhCs), which we refer to as the BPN PhC. We study the photonic band structure using the finite element method and characterize the topological properties of the BPN PhC through the use of the Wilson loop. Our findings reveal the emergence of topological edge states in the BPN PhC, specifically in the zigzag edge and the chiral edge, as a consequence of the nontrivial Zak phase in the corresponding directions. In addition, we find the localization of electromagnetic waves at the corners formed by the chiral edges, which can be considered as second-order topological states, i.e., topological corner states.
Synchronization of two chaotic microresonator frequency combs
Authors: Moreno David , Fujii Shun , Nakashima Ayata , Lemcke Deniz , Uchida Atsushi , Sanchis Pablo , Tanabe Takasumi
Published: December 2023

We explore the synchronization of chaotic microresonator frequency combs, emphasizing the modulation instability state, which is known for its inherent chaotic behaviors. Our study confirms that the synchronization of two such combs is feasible by injecting the output from the lead microresonator into the next microresonator’s input. We also identify the optimal parameters for this synchronization. Remarkably, even partial injection from the leader is sufficient for synchronization, paving the way for versatile future system configurations. Such systems could simultaneously utilize distinct spectral components for synchronization and transmission. This work advances our understanding of chaotic microresonator combs, showing them to be pivotal elements in next-generation optical communication systems.
Adaptive milliseconds tracking and zooming optics based on a high-speed gaze controller and liquid lenses
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Li Lin , Wang Lihui , Li Lei , Li Shaoyong , Ishikawa Masatoshi
Published: December 2023

The high-speed gaze and high resolution are critical factors for actual monitoring systems. However, the conventional method cannot track and zoom as fast as expected due to the larger inertia and it results in a low resolution due to the digital zoom. In this paper, we proposed a high-speed tracking and zooming optics that is coaxial designed and with an active tracking unit and an optical zooming unit to overcome the above issues. The tracking unit always tracks the object in the center of view by a pan-tilt mirror controller and a visual feedback tracking algorithm within 4 milliseconds response order. The zooming unit can continuously change the magnification from 1X to 2X by three liquid lenses within milliseconds. Besides, the zooming unit provides a compensation algorithm to achieve accurate zoom and focus.
AlInAsSb Geiger-mode SWIR and eSWIR SPADs with high avalanche probability
Authors: Herrera Daniel J. , Dadey Adam A. , March Stephen D. , Bank Seth R. , Campbell Joe. C.
Published: December 2023

Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) that are sensitive to photons in the Short-wave infrared and extended short-wave infrared (SWIR and eSWIR) spectra are important components for communication, ranging, and low-light level imaging. The high gain, low excess noise factor, and widely tunable bandgap of AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y avalanche photodiodes (APDs) make them a suitable candidate for these applications. In this work, we report single-photon-counting results for a separate absorption, charge, and multiplication (SACM) Geiger-mode SPAD within a gated-quenching circuit. The single-photon avalanche probabilities surpass 80% at 80 K, corresponding with single-photon detection efficiencies of 33% and 12% at 1.55 µm and 2 µm, respectively.
High-fidelity multi-channel optical information transmission through scattering media
Authors: Shao Rongjun , Ding Chunxu , Liu Linxian , He Qiaozhi , Qu Yuan , Yang Jiamiao
Published: December 2023

High-fidelity optical information transmission through strongly scattering media is challenging, but is crucial for the applications such as the free-space optical communication in a haze or fog. Binarizing optical information can somehow suppress the disruptions caused by light scattering. However, this method gives a compromised communication throughput. Here, we propose high-fidelity multiplexing anti-scattering transmission (MAST). MAST encodes multiple bits into a complex-valued pattern, loads the complex-valued pattern to an optical field through modulation, and finally employs a scattering matrix-assisted retrieval technique to reconstruct the original information from the speckle patterns. In our demonstration, we multiplexed three channels and MAST achieved a high-fidelity transmission of 3072 (= 1024× 3) bits data per transmission and average transmission error as small as 0.06%.
Pneumococcal population dynamics: Investigating vaccine-induced changes through multiscale modelling
Authors: Mulberry Nicola , Rutherford Alexander R. , Colijn Caroline
Published: December 2023

The mechanisms behind vaccine-induced strain replacement in the pneumococcus remain poorly understood. There is emerging evidence that distinct pneumococcal lineages can co-colonise for significant time periods, and that novel recombinants can readily emerge during natural colonisation. Despite this, patterns of post-vaccine replacement are indicative of competition between specific lineages. Here, we develop a multiscale transmission model to investigate explicitly how within host dynamics shape observed ecological patterns, both pre- and post-vaccination. Our model framework explores competition between and within strains defined by distinct antigenic, metabolic and resistance profiles. We allow for strains to freely co-colonise and recombine within hosts, and consider how each of these types may contribute to a strain’s overall fitness. Our results suggest that antigenic and resistance profiles are key drivers of post-vaccine success.
Implementation of Green Banking in the Largest Polish and Romanian Commercial Banks – An Analysis of Progress, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Authors: LEPCZYŃSKI Błażej , SIEMIONEK-RUSKAŃ Małgorzata , FANEA-IVANOVICI Mina
Published: December 2023

In the context of the Green Deal, which set out to transform Europe into a climate neutral area by 2050, governments and international bodies have shown a growing interest in the financing activities that contribute to this objective. This is because the financial system plays a crucial role in channelling resources towards less polluting technologies. Due to its central place in the financial system, the banking system has obviously taken on the same responsibility. Commercial banks can make a change towards a greener economy through the services they provide (green financial products), their loan portfolio (financing companies with a lower carbon footprint instead of highly polluting ones) and the internal transformation of their own activities (using renewable energies, less paper, etc.). The main aims of this paper are the assessment of the degree of development of green banking in Poland and Romania and the identification of weaknesses and strengths in the following areas: strategy, best examples of ESG (environmental, social governance) practices, ESG rating, methods to calculate and reduce the CO2 emissions, risk management, organization and management of a bank, financing the bank’s activities, credit activities (corporate banking and retail and mortgage banking). Using data from their reports and official websites, we find that steps have been made towards green banking, but progress is meagre, and the process is only in its early stages. This study will be useful to practitioners through the landmarks and set of criteria it proposes, as well as to researchers as a starting point for a deeper analysis of each area of green banking.
Innovative and Marketing Features of Agri-Food Supply Chain Development
Authors: YASNOLOB Ilona , DEMIANENKO Nataliia , GORB Oleg , TIUTIUNNYK Yurii , TIUTIUNNYK Svitlana , SHULGA Lyudmyla , DUGAR Tetiana , MAIBORODA Olena , PYSARENKO Svitlana , POMAZ Yuliia
Published: December 2023

The article emphasises that geopolitical instability (russian aggression in Ukraine, sanctions, tensions between the US and China, inflation, recession) has a negative impact on agri-food chains. In particular, the war in Ukraine is affecting Africa by increasing food prices, destabilising the situation and creating the threat of famine.

The article examines the export challenges faced by Ukraine during the war. Smart solutions provided in Ukraine and around the world in order to develop export opportunities are analysed. The specifics of investing in nearshoring production are investigated. The market of “digital logistics” as a set of services and tools for transportation is analysed. 

The research studied digital platforms that can effectively manage cross-border transport in a single system and optimise the many business processes involved. Services that help to track real-time information on cargo, their location and transport conditions are analysed. They allow customers to reduce downtime costs, assess the efficiency of carriers, monitor cargo condition and quality. 

This article focuses on the warehouse automation industry. In particular, it notes that robotic devices are already capable of sorting parcels, transporting them within warehouses and moving them from one shelf to another.

Particular attention is paid to the further transition to safer raw materials. The operators proposed to use green energy sources and support suppliers focused on renewable energy.

The main trends in 2023-2024 are expected to be the development of technology, flexibility, further transition to “green” solutions and other ways of developing the logistics market both in Ukraine and globally.

It is determined that Ukraine will be rebuild according to the principle of Build Back Better, in particular, it will build everything according to new rules and to the extent required, based on new realities.
Influence of Digital Technologies on Transition to a Circular Economy in Tourism: Values and Barriers
Authors: NASSANBEKOVA Samalgul , YESHENKULOVA Gaukhar , IBADILDIN Nurkhat
Published: December 2023

Circular economy (CE) designed as a socio-economic system where resources are maintained for a long term with minimal leakage and waste, making them circular through closing, narrowing and slowing resource loops. In this system, we should not only consider materials and technical resources but also human capital. Creating circular business strategies is one of the paradigms of sustainable development and has potential to achieve many of the SDGs. Digital technologies (DT) enable this movement to CE including in the service sectors as a tourism. The aim of this paper is to identify how DT supports the transition to CE in tourism (CET). In this study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 experts from tourism, CE and DT fields. Findings determined main values created by DT in CET, with special attention to values for human development, and existing barriers to utilize whole potential of DT for CET. This study contributes to conceptualization of knowledge about the role of digitalization in transition to CE in tourism and outlines future research areas.

Structured abstract: Purpose: to show how DT aids in the transformation of tourism to CE business model, by examine values created by DT for CE in tourism and human development and determine barriers for DT in transition to CE in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach: In this study, we applied semi-structured interviews with experts. To address study subjects, we employed a non-random judgment sampling strategy. Twelve specialists in total participated in semi-structured interviews.

Findings: Enhancing community participation, provide educational and training resources, access to information about sustainable tourism practices – are values created by DT for social development in tourism. Findings from the study suggest that DT can provide platforms for collaboration and innovation in tourism development. This can lead to new business models, products, and services that are more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. However, in order to utilize DT in CET more effectively required particular economic, social, legal conditions, in the other word there are barriers and challenges.

Originality: The present study reveals roles of DT for transition to CE in tourism particularly outlining human-centered approach. The exciting frameworks considering links between DT and CE in the literature mainly directed for closing, narrowing and slowing material resource flow and only few included human capital. In this study, we outlined the main DT important for transition to CE in tourism, values created by this DT for CE and human development in tourism and existing barriers for them.
Mitigating Pollution at the Source and Textile Waste Minimization in Poland: Findings from In-House Research
Authors: SKURPEL Dagmara
Published: December 2023

Currently, since the fast fashion phenomenon has existed, the number of new collections appearing in chains and online stores has increased from four to about fifty per year, thus the amount of clothing bought by one person per year is on average 16 kilograms, and as a result, the amount of clothing thrown away by Poles themselves is approximately 2.5 million tons of waste per year. From 1996 to 2012, the amount of clothing purchased per capita increased globally by 40%. In the years 2000–2014 it was 60% more. The problem needs to be solved because it causes a lot of damage to the environment and pollutes the environment a lot. All we need to do is extend the life cycle of clothes by 10% and we will save as much as three million tons of CO2 and 150 million liters of water per year. The aim of the article is to analyze two closely related areas: customers' awareness of the impact of clothing production on the environment and their attitude towards reusing unwanted clothing, and solutions implemented by e-shops in the fashion industry in the area of consumer returns management. The analysis used the results of secondary research and the author's own periodic research from 2017-2023.