bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater polarization image de-scattering utilizing a physics-driven deep learning method
Authors: Wu Liyang , Zhang Xiaofang , Chang Jun , Li Bingchen
Published: July 2024

The remarkable ability of polarization imaging to suppress the backscattered light makes it a highly attractive solution for various underwater applications. In recent years, emerging learning-based polarization technologies have shown significant potential for application and achieved great success. However, the majority of learning-based studies primarily employ data-driven approaches, which lack interpretability and generalizability. To address this problem, we propose a polarization de-scattering method in which the combination of an active polarization imaging model with deep learning is well executed. Firstly, the network can focus more attention on specific polarization information by applying a well-designed polarization feature-refined block. Secondly, the network directly predicts the polarization-related parameters of the active polarization imaging model, eliminating the need for prior parameters and manual estimation during its operation. Lastly, the network generates clear de-scattered images under the guidance of the model. Additionally, we design efficient loss functions to fully restore the polarization information of degraded images and further improve the recovery performance of intensity information. Several groups of experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms other advanced methods for targets with different materials and under varying turbidity conditions.
Theory of the interference tunability of second harmonic generation for two-dimensional materials in layered structures
Authors: Wang Weiming , Song Ying , Shan Yuwei , Sipe J. E. , Cheng Jin Luo
Published: July 2024

We theoretically study how the intensity of second harmonic generation (SHG) for a sheet of two-dimensional (2D) material is controlled by an underlying layered structure. By utilizing the transfer matrix method with the inclusion of a nonlinear sheet current to describe the response of the 2D material, an explicit expression for the intensity of upward propagating second harmonic (SH) light is obtained, and the effects of the layered structure can be identified by a structure factor β, defined as the ratio of SH intensity from such a structure to that from a freely suspended 2D material. Our results show that the influence of a layered structure on the SHG intensity arises from interference effects of both the fundamental light and the SH light; the value of the structure factor is 0 ≤ β ≤ 64. Furthermore, when the incident light is pulsed, the interference effects are partially canceled due to the existence of many wave vectors and frequencies, and the cancellation becomes severe for thick films, small beam spots, and short pulses. For a specific structure of 2D material/dielectric film/substrate, the thickness of the dielectric film can effectively tune the value of β in an interval [βmin, βmax], and detailed discussions are performed for the thicknesses when these two extreme values can be obtained. When there is optical loss or the substrate is not perfectly reflective, the extreme value of βmax or βmin cannot reach 64 or 0. A large βmax requires two conditions to be fulfilled: (1) the substrate should be highly reflective, and (2) the refractive indices of the dielectric film at the fundamental and the SH frequencies should differ. Our results indicate how practical substrate structures can be used to achieve high SH signals, and the simple expression we give for the SH enhancement will be useful in characterizing the nonlinear susceptibility of 2D materials.
Comprehensive design of all-optical logic devices utilizing polarization holography
Authors: Qi Peiliang , Yuan Xinyi , Zhang Di , Wang Jinyu , Liu Yiping , Chen Zaijing , Cheng Hong , Yang Yi , Tan Xiaodi
Published: July 2024

Polarization holography has emerged as a promising method for manipulating the amplitude, phase, and polarization states of light waves. This study proposes what we believe to be a novel design method for various all-optical logic devices, including a complete set of all-optical Boolean logic gates and a polarization-controlled 1 × 4 optical switch, utilizing polarization holography. Through the angle multiplexing technique, specially designed polarization holograms are recorded in polarization-sensitive material, transforming it into all-optical Boolean logic gates and a polarization-controlled 1 × 4 optical switch. The all-optical logic devices developed in this work function as passive diffractive optical elements, enabled by a single piece of polarization-sensitive material, eliminating the need for additional circuit control. This approach offers the advantages of a simple structure, low cost, and instantaneous response. We contend that this advancement will facilitate the expansion of the application domains of polarization holography, particularly enhancing the capabilities of all-optical information processing.
Kangaroo mother care prior to clinical stabilisation: Implementation barriers and facilitators reported by caregivers and healthcare providers in Uganda
Authors: Tumukunde Victor S. , Katongole Joseph , Namukwaya Stella , Medvedev Melissa M. , Nyirenda Moffat , Tann Cally J. , Seeley Janet , Lawn Joy E.
Published: July 2024

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an evidence-based method to improve newborn survival. However, scale-up even for stable newborns has been slow, with reported barriers to implementation. We examined facilitators and barriers to initiating KMC before stabilisation amongst neonates recruited to the OMWaNA study in Uganda. The OMWaNA study was a randomised controlled trial that examined the mortality effect of KMC prior to stabilisation amongst newborns weighing ≤2000 grams. At the four trial hospitals, we conducted focus group discussions (FGD) separately with caregivers and healthcare providers, in-depth interviews (IDI) with caregivers and key informant interviews (KII) with hospital administrators and healthcare providers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Systems Building Blocks were used to guide thematic analysis. Eight FGDs (4 caregivers, 4 healthcare providers), 41 caregiver IDIs (26 mothers, 8 grandmothers, 7 fathers), and 23 KIIs were conducted. Key themes based on the building blocks were; family and community support/ involvement, health workforce, medical supplies and commodities, infrastructure and design, financing, and health facility leadership. We found that the presence of a family member in the hospital, adequate provision of healthcare workers knowledgeable in supporting KMC prior to stability, and adequate space for KMC beds where neonatal care is being delivered, can enable implementation of KMC before stability. Implementation barriers included fear of inadvertently causing harm to the newborn, inadequate space to practice KMC in the neonatal unit, and a limited number of trained healthcare workers coupled with insufficient medical supplies.
A study of time-fractional model for atmospheric internal waves with Caputo-Fabrizio derivative
Authors: Vivas-Cortez Miguel , Sadaf Maasoomah , Perveen Zahida , Akram Ghazala , Fatima Sharmeen
Published: July 2024

The internal atmospheric waves are gravity waves and occur in the inner part of the fluid system. In this study, a time-fractional model for internal atmospheric waves is investigated with the Caputo-Fabrizio time-fractional differential operator. The analytical solution of the considered model is retrieved by the Elzaki Adomian decomposition method. The variation in the solution is examined for increasing order of the fractional parameter α through numerical and graphical simulations. The accuracy of the obtained results is established by comparing the obtained solution of considered fractional model with the results available in the literature.
Corals that survive repeated thermal stress show signs of selection and acclimatization
Authors: McCarthy Orion S. , Winston Pomeroy Morgan , Smith Jennifer E.
Published: July 2024

Climate change is transforming coral reefs by increasing the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, often leading to coral bleaching and mortality. Coral communities have demonstrated modest increases in thermal tolerance following repeated exposure to moderate heat stress, but it is unclear whether these shifts represent acclimatization of individual colonies or mortality of thermally susceptible individuals. For corals that survive repeated bleaching events, it is important to understand how past bleaching responses impact future growth potential. Here, we track the bleaching responses of 1,832 corals in leeward Maui through multiple marine heatwaves and document patterns of coral growth and survivorship over a seven-year period. While we find limited evidence of acclimatization at population scales, we document reduced bleaching over time in specific individuals that is indicative of acclimatization, primarily in the stress-tolerant taxa Porites lobata. For corals that survived both bleaching events, we find no relationship between bleaching response and coral growth in three of four taxa studied. This decoupling suggests that coral survivorship is a better indicator of future growth than is a coral’s bleaching history. Based on these results, we recommend restoration practitioners in Hawaiʻi focus on colonies of Porites and Montipora with a proven track-record of growth and survivorship, rather than devote resources toward identifying and cultivating bleaching-resistant phenotypes in the lab. Survivorship followed a latitudinal thermal stress gradient, but because this gradient was small, it is likely that local environmental factors also drove differences in coral performance between sites. Efforts to reduce human impacts at low performing sites would likely improve coral survivorship in the future.
Predictors of time to death among under-five children in pastoral regions of Ethiopia: A retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Hagos Bsrat Tesfay , Gebrerufael Gebru Gebremeskel
Published: July 2024

Background

In Ethiopia, the mortality rate for children under five is a public health concern. Regretfully, the problem is notably underestimated and underreported, making it impossible to fully recognize how serious the situation is in the nation’s developing regions. Unfortunately, no single study has been conducted to reveal the rates and predictor factors of under-five child death in Ethiopia’s pastoral regions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the critical variables that led to a shorter survival time to death for children in Ethiopia’s pastoral regions under the age of five.

Methods

Between January 18 and June 27, 2016, a retrospective follow-up study was done among under-five children in pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The statistically significant difference between categorical predictors was shown using the log-rank test, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to determine the survival time. In order to identify the time-to-death predictor factors in children under five, Cox proportional hazards (PH) model analyses of bivariable and multivariable variables were fitted.

Results

A total 7,677 children were included in the study. The overall incidence rate of under-five mortality was 8.4% (95% CI 7.77%, 9.0%). In the multivariable Cox PH model analysis, children vaccinated (AHR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.88), mothers aged 35–40 (AHR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.52), and above 41 (AHR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.59, 2.98), not initiating exclusively breastfeeding (AHR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.55), the agriculture sector of the mother’s occupation (AHR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.74, 3.31), the male sex of the household head (AHR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.81), non-anemic child (AHR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.83), and rural residence (AHR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.45, 7.38) were identified as main predictors of time to death among under-five children.

Conclusions

In this study, the authors found a higher rate of under-five deaths than the national figure. A child vaccinated, exclusively breastfeeding, mother’s occupation, sex of household head, anemic child, mother’s age, and residence were found to be the most influential predictors for time-to-death. Therefore, to lower the high incidence of under-five mortality, the government should focus on the pastoral regional states of Ethiopia.
Synergistic effect of PAK and Hippo pathway inhibitor combination in NF2-deficient Schwannoma
Authors: Benton Dorothy , Yee Chow Hoi , Karchugina Sofiia , Chernoff Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a genetic disorder that results in the formation and progressive growth of schwannomas, ependymomas, and/or meningiomas. The NF2 gene encodes the Merlin protein, which links cell cortical elements to the actin cytoskeleton and regulates a number of key enzymes including Group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs), the Hippo-pathway kinase LATS, and mTORC. While PAK1 and PAK2 directly bind Merlin and transmit proliferation and survival signals when Merlin is mutated or absent, inhibition of Group 1 PAKs alone has not proven sufficient to completely stop the growth of NF2-deficient meningiomas or schwannomas in vivo, suggesting the need for a second pathway inhibitor. As the Hippo pathway is also activated in NF2-deficient cells, several inhibitors of the Hippo pathway have recently been developed in the form of YAP-TEAD binding inhibitors. These inhibitors prevent activation of pro-proliferation and anti-apoptotic Hippo pathway effectors. In this study, we show that PAK inhibition slows cell proliferation while TEAD inhibition promotes apoptotic cell death. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of PAK and TEAD inhibitor combinations in several NF2-deficient Schwannoma cell lines.
Associations of psychosocial factors and cardiovascular health measured by Life’s Essential 8: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Peter-Marske Kennedy M. , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Wong Eugenia , Mok Yejin , Palta Priya , Lutsey Pamela L. , Rosamond Wayne
Published: July 2024

Aims

Few studies investigate whether psychosocial factors (social isolation, social support, trait anger, and depressive symptoms) are associated with cardiovascular health, and none with the American Heart Association’s new definition of cardiovascular health, Life’s Essential 8 (LE8). Therefore, we assessed the cross-sectional associations of psychosocial factors with Life’s Essential 8 and individual components of Life’s Essential 8.

Methods

We included 11,311 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort participants (58% females; 23% Black; mean age 57 (standard deviation: 6) years) who attended Visit 2 (1990–1992) in this secondary data analysis using cross-sectional data from the ARIC cohort study. Life’s Essential 8 components included diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep quality, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Life’s Essential 8 was scored per the American Heart Association definition (0–100 range); higher scores indicate better cardiovascular health. Associations of categories (high, moderate, and low) of each psychosocial factor with continuous Life’s Essential 8 score and individual Life’s Essential 8 components were assessed using multivariable linear regressions.

Results

11% of participants had high Life’s Essential 8 scores (80–100), while 67% and 22% had moderate (50–79) and low Life’s Essential 8 scores (0–49) respectively. Poor scores on psychosocial factor assessments were associated with lower Life’s Essential 8 scores, with the largest magnitude of association for categories of depressive symptoms (low β = Ref.; moderate β = -3.1, (95% confidence interval: -3.7, -2.5; high β = -8.2 (95% confidence interval: -8.8, -7.5)). Most psychosocial factors were associated with Life’s Essential 8 scores for diet, physical activity, nicotine, and sleep, but psychosocial factors were not associated with body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, or blood pressure.

Conclusion

Less favorable measures of psychosocial health were associated with lower Life’s Essential 8 scores compared better measures of psychosocial health among middle-aged males and females.
Hibernating or not hibernating? Brown bears’ response to a mismatch between environmental natural cues and captive management, and its welfare implications
Authors: Dori Paolo , Anastasio Isabella , Macchi Elisabetta , Manenti Isabella , Hones Maik , Carosi Monica
Published: July 2024

In wild brown bears, likely factors triggering hibernation response to harsh environmental conditions are temperature, photoperiod, and food resources availability. In fact, constantly fed captive brown bears are described as skipping hibernation being active all year-round. Is the hibernation response so flexible and subordinate to contingencies, or else is an adaptation that, if dismissed, may negatively impact on bear well-being? This study investigates the potential hibernation response in captive brown bears under unvaried management conditions using an integrative approach simultaneously analyzing multiple animal-based variables together with environmental covariates. Data from a mid-latitude zoo revealed distinct behavioral, fecal glucocorticoids, and body condition score seasonal fluctuations, resembling natural hibernation cycles, despite constant food access. Environmental variables like photoperiod and visitor numbers significantly influenced activity levels. Bears exhibited behaviors indicative of hyperphagia and fall transition, such as appetitive feeding and denning behaviors. Hormonal analyses revealed high fecal cortisol metabolites levels during hyperphagia, suggesting physiological responses to seasonal changes. Findings underscore the importance of environmental cues and food availability in shaping zoo bear behavior and physiology. Considering that the hibernating vs. non-hibernating description might represent an oversimplification, management strategies should deal with captive bear potential need to freely express their adaptive predispositions by accommodating their natural behaviors, such as providing denning spots and adjusting diet composition as soon as typical hyperphagic and predenning behaviors emerge, ultimately enhancing their well-being.
Cumulative incidence and risk of infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with janus kinase inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ouranos Konstantinos , Avila Diana V. , Mylona Evangelia K. , Vassilopoulos Athanasios , Vassilopoulos Stephanos , Shehadeh Fadi , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: July 2024

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who receive immunosuppressive medications have a heightened risk of infection. The goal of our study was to calculate the pooled cumulative incidence and risk of infection in patients with RA treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). The PubMed and EMBASE databases were queried for randomized controlled trials comparing patients with RA treated with JAKi (upadacitinib, baricitinib, tofacitinib, peficitinib, or filgotinib), defined as the treatment group, compared with control subjects, defined as participants receiving placebo or treatment regimen that was similar to that of participants in the treatment group, with the exception of JAKi. The primary study endpoint was the relative risk (RR) of any-grade and severe infection. The secondary endpoints were RR and cumulative incidence of opportunistic infections, herpes zoster, and pneumonia. The Stata v17 software was used for all data analysis. Results showed that treatment with baricitinib was associated with an increased risk of any-grade (RR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.19–1.52) and opportunistic (RR 2.69; 95% CI: 1.22–5.94) infection, whereas treatment with filgotinib (RR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05–1.39), peficitinib (RR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.05–1.86) and upadacitinib (RR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.09–1.56) was associated with increased risk of any-grade infection only. Analysis based on type of infection showed a pooled cumulative incidence of 32.44% for any-grade infections, 2.02% for severe infections, 1.74% for opportunistic infections, 1.56% for herpes zoster, and 0.49% for pneumonia in patients treated with any JAKi during the follow-up period. Treatment with specific JAKi in patients with RA is associated with an increased risk of any-grade and opportunistic infections but not severe infection. Close clinical monitoring of patients with RA treated with JAKi is required to establish the long-term infection risk profile of these agents.
Non-controlling large shareholders and dynamic capital structure adjustment in China
Authors: Liao Jia , Zhan Yun , Yuan Yu , Xu Ailing
Published: July 2024

Using the sample of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2020, this study examines the impact of non-controlling large shareholders (NCLSs) on corporate capital structure adjustment. The results show that NCLSs significantly increase the dynamic capital structure adjustment speed and reduce capital structure deviation. NCLSs have an asymmetric influence on capital structure adjustment speed for different deviation directions, i.e. compared to the speed of upward adjustment after a downward deviation of the capital structure, the effect of NCLSs on the speed of downward adjustment of the capital structure after an upward deviation is stronger. Whether in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs), NCLSs significantly increase the dynamic capital structure adjustment speed. However, compared with SOEs, NCLSs in NSOEs have a more significant positive impact on the dynamic capital structure adjustment speed. The mechanism analysis suggests that reducing agency costs and mitigating financing constraints serve as the important channels through which NCLSs influence the dynamic adjustment of capital structure. This paper not only enriches and improves the theoretical basis of dynamic capital structure adjustment, but also helps to deepen the understanding of dynamic capital structure adjustment of Chinese listed firms.
Beyond digital interfaces: The human element in online teaching and its influence on student experiences
Authors: Chai Soo See , Ting Su-Hie , Goh Kok Luong , Chang Yee Hui Robin , Wee Bui Lin , Novita Dila , Karthikeyan J.
Published: July 2024

Amidst the digital transformation of education, the essence of the human touch in online teaching remains pivotal. Despite growing literature, there remains a significant gap in understanding how the human element in online teaching directly influences student engagement and learning outcomes, especially in diverse educational contexts. This study develops a quantifiable index capturing the essence of humanized online teaching and investigates the determinants influencing this humanization. Additionally, an index encapsulating students’ online learning experiences, as perceived by their instructors, has been constructed. Bridging these indices, the research unravels the intricate relationship between the humanization of online teaching and the resulting student experiences in the virtual realm. Sourced from a self-constructed questionnaire and encompassing responses from 152 instructors across 22 Malaysian institutions, the data revealed an average incorporation of 81.38% humanized online teaching elements. Key determinants, such as subject matter, teaching experience, Internet quality, and platform choices, emerged as significant influences. A regression model showed approximately 31.7% (R-squared = 0.317, p<0.001) of the variation in the dependent variable. A significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.423, p<0.001) between the Humanized Online Teaching Index and the Students’ Online Learning Experiences Index highlights the intertwined nature of humanized instructional methodologies and enhanced student engagement in online settings. Though contextualised during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, the study’s implications transcend the immediate circumstances, offering transformative insights for future online teaching methodologies and enhancing student experiences in the evolving digital age.
Apixaban plasma concentrations before and after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Aakerøy Rachel , Loennechen Jan Pål , Dyrkorn Roar , Lydersen Stian , Helland Arne , Spigset Olav
Published: July 2024

Background

Catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation is associated with a transient increase in thromboembolic risk and adequate anticoagulation is highly important. When patients are anticoagulated with apixaban, monitoring of plasma concentrations of the drug is not routinely performed. This study aimed to assess the influence of clinical patient characteristics, concomitant drug treatment and self-reported adherence on apixaban concentrations, and to describe the intra- and inter-individual variability in apixaban concentrations in this group of patients.

Method

Apixaban concentrations from 141 patients were measured in plasma one week before ablation and two, six and ten weeks after ablation, employing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. In samples not obtained at trough, apixaban concentrations were adjusted to trough levels. Self-reported adherence was registered by means of the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale before and after ablation.

Results

There were statistically significant, positive correlations between apixaban concentrations and increased age, female sex, lower glomerular filtration rate, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, use of cytochrome P450 3A4 and/or p-glycoprotein inhibitors, and use of amiodarone. Self-reported adherence was generally high. The mean intra-individual and inter-individual coefficients of variation were 29% and 49%, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, age, sex, renal function, interacting drugs and cerebrovascular risk profile were all associated with altered plasma apixaban concentration. In this group of patients with a generally high self-reported adherence, intra-individual variability was modest, but the inter-individual variability was substantial, and similar to those previously reported in other patient apixaban-treated populations. If a therapeutic concentration range is established, there might be a need for a more flexible approach to apixaban dosing, guided by therapeutic drug monitoring.
Key influences on dysglycemia across Fujian’s urban-rural divide
Authors: Lin LiHan , Hu XiangJu , Liu XiaoYang , Hu GuoPeng
Published: July 2024

Background

Screening and treatment of dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes) represent significant challenges in advancing the Healthy China initiative. Identifying the crucial factors contributing to dysglycemia in urban-rural areas is essential for the implementation of targeted, precise interventions.

Methods

Data for 26,157 adults in Fujian Province, China, were collected using the Social Factors Special Survey Form through a multi-stage random sampling method, wherein 18 variables contributing to dysglycemia were analyzed with logistic regression and the random forest model.

Objective

Investigating urban-rural differences and critical factors in dysglycemia prevalence in Fujian, China, with the simultaneous development of separate predictive models for urban and rural areas.

Result

The detection rate of dysglycemia among adults was 35.26%, with rates of 34.1% in urban areas and 35.8% in rural areas. Common factors influencing dysglycemia included education, age, BMI, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. For rural residents, higher income (OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.74, 0.87]), average sleep quality (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.99]), good sleep quality (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 1.00]), and high physical activity (PA) (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.79, 0.96]) emerged as protective factors. Conversely, a daily sleep duration over 8 hours (OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.03, 1.28]) and middle income (OR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.03, 1.22]) were specific risk factors. In urban areas, being male (OR = 1.14, 95% CI [1.02, 1.26]), cohabitation (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.02, 1.37]), and central obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.19, 1.53]) were identified as unique risk factors. Using logistic regression outcomes, a random forest model was developed to predict dysglycemia, achieving accuracies of 75.35% (rural) and 76.95% (urban) with ROC areas of 0.77 (rural) and 0.75 (urban).

Conclusion

This study identifies key factors affecting dysglycemia in urban and rural Fujian residents, including common factors such as education, age, BMI, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Notably, rural-specific protective factors are higher income and good sleep quality, while urban-specific risk factors include being male and central obesity. These findings support the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies for dysglycemia, tailored to the unique characteristics of urban and rural populations.
Advancing micro-electrometric techniques for the detection of organophosphate and carbamate residues using cricket cholinesterase
Authors: Wongta Anurak , Anand Priyanshi , Aning Nealler A. A. , Sawarng Nootchakarn , Hongsibsong Surat
Published: July 2024

The widespread use of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) pesticides requires efficient and cost-effective detection methods. This study introduces a micro-electrometric method using cricket cholinesterase (ChE) to detect OP and CM residues, providing a rapid and economical alternative to conventional chromatographic techniques. The parameters of the method, including the substrate concentration, incubation temperature, and incubation time, were optimized. By leveraging the sensitivity of cricket ChE to OP and CM inhibition, this approach translates enzyme inhibition into an electrical signal to quantify pesticide levels, achieving an impressive limit of detection (LOD) from 0.036 to 0.086 parts per million (ppm). This method demonstrated reproducibility and stability, making it suitable for field applications and on-site testing across various environmental matrices. This research represents a significant advancement in pesticide residue analysis with potential applications in the development of portable biosensor devices for real-time environmental monitoring and public health protection.
Beyond the veil: Popular culture, morality and the afterlife in contemporary society
Authors: Nairn Angelique , Matthews Justin
Published: July 2024

Ongoing interest in the afterlife serves to navigate existential crises by offering solace or amplifying anxieties about death. Popular cultural narratives, deeply intertwined with religious doctrines, serve as interpretative frameworks for understanding human experiences, ethical conduct and the mysteries of death. This Special Issue, then, explores how, in an increasingly secular world, the afterlife is portrayed in media narratives, which, while primarily aimed at entertainment, also respond to deep-seated existential and moral questions. It discusses how these portrayals offer a mix of hope, happiness and moral guidance, reflecting broader societal values and beliefs about life, death and what lies beyond. This collection of scholarly contributions aims to dissect the portrayal of morality and religion in media representations of the afterlife, examining how these portrayals reflect, critique or reinforce societal norms and values. By focusing on themes such as digital immortality and the supernatural, the Special Issue not only highlights the evolving nature of afterlife narratives but also underscores the role of popular culture in navigating and negotiating the existential dilemmas of the twenty-first century.
Marveling Religion: Critical Discourses, Religion, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jennifer Baldwin and Daniel White Hodge (eds) (2022)
Authors: Nairn Angelique
Published: July 2024

Review of: Marveling Religion: Critical Discourses, Religion, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jennifer Baldwin and Daniel White Hodge (eds) (2022)

London: Lexington, 285 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-79362-139-9, h/bk, AUD 168.85

ISBN 978-1-79362-139-9, e-book, AUD 70.59
Trends of educational theatre practices in Hungary: Effects, impacts, contents, central issues and opinions
Authors: Cziboly Ádám , Bethlenfalvy Ádám
Published: July 2024

During the second half of the 2012–13 theatre season, we mapped all then-existing educational theatre practices in Hungary against a standardized set of criteria. We contacted a total of 298 institutions and observed 118 programmes in person. For each programme, we collected data from six sources: children or youth participating in the programmes; teachers accompanying the participants; organizational contact persons; creators/performers of the programmes; observing of the programmes by independent observers; and secondary research on the internet. In this article, we present an interpretative qualitative analysis of the findings. Covered areas include whether a programme could alter prejudice and bias, whether post-show workshops can find solutions to issues raised by theatre performances and whether participant children and youth can link performances and programmes to current Hungarian events.
Difficulties of translating language and ideas in process drama research across cultural contexts: Insight from Sri Lankan experiences
Authors: Irugalbandara Ayomi Indika
Published: July 2024

Completing Ph.D. degrees in western or European countries has long been a practice for students and researchers around the world, which contributes to scientific productivity, allows for international recognition and encourages international ties and collaboration between researchers from different countries. Many of these doctoral students conduct data collection for their research projects in their native language in their home country before moving on to the analysis and interpretation stages with the support of language translation. The quality of the translation process and interpretation of data has a huge impact on the ultimate effectiveness and success of proposed interventions. However, conducting data collection in one’s native language, particularly in creative arts such as drama, presents unique challenges for translation and interpretation processes. This article reflects upon the challenges encountered during the translation of data from two original sources – one in Australia and one in Sri Lanka – during an investigation of a process drama intervention. It discusses the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of research methodologies within different educational contexts, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors for ensuring research credibility and validity. By addressing these challenges, educators and researchers can create more inclusive and impactful learning environments for students across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Revisiting From Cliché to Archetype for artistry in addressing artificial intelligence in media ecology and managing change
Authors: Cheyunski Fred
Published: July 2024

This article goes back to McLuhan and Watson’s bookFrom Cliché to Archetype, in its respective editions, regarding artistic recognition and treatment of media effects. It examines the core aspects of these texts as well as relatedExplorations in Media Ecologyarticles that help explain key aspects more clearly. The narrative relates these parallel constructs to those employed in information technology change management impact assessment. It situates these matters in terms of Bolter’sDigital Plenitude. The article presents a framework for combining these ideas and applying them in initiating an investigation of artificial intelligence academic use. This schema suggests tools that foster scholar and practitioner collaboration to better deal with an increasingly digitized environment. This article balances on the line between the theoretical and the pedagogical coming together in its final section to suggest a specific way to proceed in preparing for the next phases of the digital era.
The News Event: Popular Sovereignty in the Age of Deep Mediatization, Francis Cody (2023)
Authors: Mahadevan Sudhir
Published: July 2024

Review of: The News Event: Popular Sovereignty in the Age of Deep Mediatization, Francis Cody (2023)

Chicago, IL and London: University of Chicago Press, 260 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-22682-472-7, p/bk, $27.50

Media and the Constitution of the Political: South Asia and Beyond, Ravi Vasudevan (ed.) (2022)

New Delhi: Sage Publications and Spectrum, 335 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-35479-076-8, p/bk, ₹795
Lahore Cinema: Between Realism and Fable, Iftikhar Dadi (2022)
Authors: Ahmad Aqeel
Published: July 2024

Review of: Lahore Cinema: Between Realism and Fable, Iftikhar Dadi (2022)

Seattle: University of Washington Press, 238 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-29575-081-1, p/bk, $32
Mecanismos de ruptura por tração em maciço rochoso com fundações diretas. Pontes em granito do Porto
Authors: Galindo Rubén , Da Fonseca Antonio Viana , De Alencar Ana Teresa Santos , Millán Miguel Ángel , Muñiz Menéndez Mauro
Published: July 2024

A resistência à tração é um parâmetro geomecânico que tem recebido muito menos atenção do que a resistência à compressão, sendo tradicionalmente difícil de estimar, utilizando-se habitualmente ensaios indiretos ou correlações empíricas. Este artigo apresenta os mecanismos de ruptura que podem ocorrer sob uma fundação direta, dando especial atenção às configurações que induzem ruptura por tração no terreno e para as quais é essencial avaliar corretamente a resistência à tração direta. Além disso, é apresentada uma nova configuração não estabelecida pelos mecanismos clássicos de ruptura, relativa a terrenos estratificados, onde é possível que a ruptura seja condicionada pelo parâmetro de resistência à tração. Estuda-se em particular o granito do Porto, cuja geologia local apresenta configurações de maciço rochoso horizontalmente estratificado, devido a distintos estados de alteração do material; obtêm-se amostras de granito com diferentes graus de alteração e efetua-se uma campanha de ensaios laboratoriais para avaliar corretamente o parâmetro de resistência à tração. Finalmente, o estudo é aplicado a duas fundações de pontes sobre maciços de granito do Porto, com diferentes e invertidos graus de alteração, onde a resistência à tração pode ser limitante: 1) a ponte Infante Dom Henrique; 2) a nova ponte da Ferreirinha.
Los florilegios de autores latinos y su estado actual: del manuscrito a los proyectos digitales
Authors: Herrera Gregorio Rodríguez
Published: July 2024

This work reviews the characterization, typologies and studies on Latin Florilegia with the aim to give a general overview of both the works in question and the researchers’ areas of interest, with a special section on the emergence of digital humanities.
Os Lira, impressores dos séculos xvi e xvii. Percursos económicos e relações familiares
Authors: Fonseca Jorge
Published: July 2024

Manuel de Lira was one of the most important Portuguese printers of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This chapter traces his biographical journey from Viseu, his birthplace, to Évora, the city where his career and life ended, passing through Lisbon, where his talent blossomed and flourished. It also deals with the teaching of two of his sons, Francisco and João, and of his stepson, Jorge Rodrigues, two of them eminent printers of their time, as well as with the projection of his work in Lima, Peru. It addresses furthermore the economic and social environment that shaped his family’s path and that of himself and his descendants, in an outward-looking country, driven by the opportunities offered by overseas trade and in close connection with the territories of the empire, the Spanish colonies and Castile. To reach my goal, I searched not only in known parochial and inquisitorial sources and in the print production of Manuel de Lira and his continuators, but also in sources not yet explored by the historiography of the book, such as some inquisitorial processes from the inquisitions of Lisbon and Cartagena de Indias.
Inovações na edição de livros ou a metáfora revolucionária
Authors: Medeiros Nuno
Published: July 2024

This chapter systematizes a set of notes on the theme of innovation in book publishing and one of its narrative effects, the revolution as a transfiguring consequence of certain innovations. Based on two examples, the paperback book and the book club, this chapter seeks to provide a critical framework to help deconstruct certain linear and automatic perspectives about the consequences on print culture of the discovery and invention of certain formulas for the production and circulation of books.
Processos editoriais e percursos curatoriais de uma coleção bibliográfica digital: a Biblioteca Básica de Cultura Colombiana
Authors: Cammaert Felipe
Published: July 2024

The present text provides a description of the editorial processes and curatorial paths associated with a digital bibliographic collection, published in Colombia between 2015 and 2018 by the National Library of Colombia. Due to its digital nature, the implementation of the Biblioteca Básica de Cultura Colombiana (BBCC) has determined a series of editorial challenges for the team of researchers and editors of this project that, in a certain way, contributed to an in-depth reflection on the Colombian literary canon. The different aspects of the process that enabled the transformation of the printed book into an electronic book will be discussed here.
Da palavra dita à palavra impressa: os sermonários «um riquíssimo tesouro» (séculos xvi-xvii) — estudo de casos
Authors: Campos Fernanda Maria Guedes de
Published: July 2024

The use of the press in the post-Trent period was the process par excellence of guaranteeing and controlling the dissemination of the doctrinal principles of Reformed Catholicism. A key element in ensuring the appropriation of these works by a diverse but abundant readership was the fact that many of them were written in vernacular languages. It is in this context that the vast typographical production of sermons is situated. Although they were typically texts prepared for oral transmission, their authors wished to pass them on to posterity and there was a public eager to acquire them. In Portugal, between the 16th and 18th centuries, authors and printers worked together, contributing to the increase in the number of printed sermons, establishing rules and models of graphic presentation that have remained over time. In this article, we intend to show some of those models and norms, using the information provided by paratextual analysis, including the title page, the dedication, the printing licenses, the prefaces and the indexes, and choosing, as case studies, some sermon collections. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to a more informed view of what sermon compilations, organized by their authors or sponsors, which contained very detailed indexes, were like, to facilitate content research by prospective readers and thus become useful for other preachers of the secular and regular clergy.
Introduction. Women Architects Informing from the Outside: Distances and Differences
Authors: Parra-Martínez José
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Women Architects Informing from the Outside: Distances and Differences.
Domestic, Not Private: Feminine Proposals for Carabanchel PAU Expansion, Madrid, Spain
Authors: Cordero Ampuero Ángel , Ruiz Usero Paula , Muñoz Martín Marta
Published: July 2024

This paper offers a gender-based analysis of collective space in the domestic realm, beyond privacy, produced in significant social housing case studies in the urban expansion of Carabanchel neighbourhood (Carabanchel PAU, Madrid, Spain). Designed at the beginning of the 21st century, this period involves the incorporation of women into young architectural teams. Thus, this study seeks to delve into the significance of this role through the detailed study of eleven cases. Focussing on the common spaces of housing buildings, these small elements seem to recall the passage from the safe to the unsafe environment, from the space of the reproductive labour to that of the intersectionality. Following this finding, we propose an incipient study of the transitional spaces between the private and the public, where contacts between neighbours and the exchange of care beyond the private sphere are celebrated, as well as the public representation of domestic life. The methodological approach has stablished four meaning aspects to analyse, related to inhabitants’ life and intended as architectural parameters: spaces for neighbourhood flows, both for residents and visitors; areas of activity and leisure, available for resident daily life; connections between these areas of activity and leisure and, finally, connections of the common areas with the dwellings. The aim is to investigate the extent to which the participation of women architects makes these spaces more effective for care giving—or simply, more suitable for the expansion of intimate life and socialisation with neighbours. The results provide optimistic data for the discipline and its capacity, through this type of sensitivity, to correct some of the errors in the system of production of public space.
El ciberespacio pornográfico: una reflexión crítica, geográfica y feminista a partir del caso OnlyFans
Authors: Delicado-Moratalla Lydia , Ortiz-Pérez Samuel
Published: July 2024

En este artículo se plantean algunas líneas de reflexión sobre el espacio virtual que crea la pornografía contemporánea, a partir de argumentos teóricos del feminismo y de la geografía crítica. Utilizamos un procedimiento hermenéutico, es decir, empleamos la lectura y la interpretación de literatura académica sobre la temática para examinar el caso de la plataforma y app OnlyFans. Por un lado, nos aproximamos al ciberespacio como territorio prioritario de la cultura pornográfica en el marco de interpretación crítico feminista sobre la pornografía. El ciberespacio dedicado a la pornografía se identifica como parte del proceso de consolidación de la pornificación de la sociedad y de la cultura y su intrínseco reflejo en el mundo digital. Por otro lado, se analiza el significado de la pornografía digital desde el concepto de capitalismo escópico de Illouz (2020). También se discuten y se plantean objeciones a la conceptualización de uberización de la pornografía en referencia al formato de OnlyFans. En conclusión, el ciberespacio pornográfico, en rasgos generales, tiene como elemento intrínseco y fundamental la idea de complacer el deseo y la demanda sexual de otros mediante la representación ajustada al gusto construido desde la mirada masculina. De modo que, se observa una reproducción de pautas sociales, culturales y productivas presentes en nuestra cotidianidad, proyectando su propia racionalidad espacial bajo la lógica predominante de la acumulación capitalista, de las relaciones patriarcales y de la dominación de grupos de poder económicos altamente masculinizados. Así, mediante el análisis de OnlyFans, hemos captado la existencia de sinergias tecnológicas que sirven de estructura para la articulación de un negocio que utiliza viejas dinámicas patriarcales de explotación sexual. Finalmente, la selección del tema analizado, la metodología y el marco de interpretación empleado permiten establecer un punto de inicio de trabajo geográfico y feminista sobre el ciberespacio pornográfico desde una perspectiva crítica, con la finalidad de abrir nuevas líneas de discusión e innovación en la disciplina.