bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Constitutionalization of Democracy
Authors: Ginsburg Tom , Versteeg Mila
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Recent decades have seen a sharp rise in constitutional provisions regulating core aspects of democracy, including the rules about parties, voting, and elections. The trend is apparent in both democracies and nondemocracies, although democracies tend to constitutionalize slightly more matters. Constitutionalization can help democracy by tying the hands of politicians. Looking at cross-national data, we find that constitutionalizing democracy is correlated with higher levels of democracy. However, some rules have the potential to undermine democracy, particularly in contexts where the military plays a major role in politics. The essay illustrates these dynamics with the case studies of Kenya and Thailand.
How Erdoğan Rules Through Crisis
Authors: Aydın-Düzgit Senem , Kutlay Mustafa , Keyman E. Fuat
Published: September 2023

Abstract: What does the enduring rule of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan tell us about the resilience of authoritarian populism despite economic and governance crises? This essay argues that a key source of authoritarian resilience lies in the mutually reinforcing interaction of state capture and market capture. The AKP government not only established firm control over state institutions but also reshaped state-market relations in a way that helped the party build an extensive network that closely ties different segments of society to the state. The authors maintain that the fallout from Turkey's growing crisis of governance is not felt evenly across society and thus defies expectations that economic and governance crises necessarily result in the downfall of an authoritarian-populist regime.
Kuulla
Authors: Farah Ubah Cristina Ali
Published: September 2023

Abstract: The narrator, Indhokuusha, migrates from country to country in search of a place to rest. But no nation welcomes him; he’s exiled again and again—constantly in motion. He wanders around at night and finds solace in the company of another night-time traveler, a garbageman.
Time domain diffuse Raman spectroscopy using single pixel detection
Authors: Bossi Alessandro , Sekar Sanathana Konugolu Venkata , Lacerenza Michele , Gandolfi Valerio , Šušnjar Stefan , Lanka Pranav , D’Andrea Cosimo , Vanna Renzo , Valentini Gianluca , Farina Andrea , Pifferi Antonio
Published: September 2023

Diffuse Raman spectroscopy (DIRS) extends the high chemical specificity of Raman scattering to in-depth investigation of thick biological tissues. We present here a novel approach for time-domain diffuse Raman spectroscopy (TD-DIRS) based on a single-pixel detector and a digital micromirror device (DMD) within an imaging spectrometer for wavelength encoding. This overcomes the intrinsic complexity and high cost of detection arrays with ps-resolving time capability. Unlike spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) or frequency offset Raman spectroscopy (FORS), TD-DIRS exploits the time-of-flight distribution of photons to probe the depth of the Raman signal at a single wavelength with a single source-detector separation. We validated the system using a bilayer tissue-bone mimicking phantom composed of a 1 cm thick slab of silicone overlaying a calcium carbonate specimen and demonstrated a high differentiation of the two Raman signals. We reconstructed the Raman spectra of the two layers, offering the potential for improved and quantitative material analysis. Using a bilayer phantom made of porcine muscle and calcium carbonate, we proved that our system can retrieve Raman peaks even in the presence of autofluorescence typical of biomedical tissues. Overall, our novel TD-DIRS setup proposes a cost-effective and high-performance approach for in-depth Raman spectroscopy in diffusive media.
Generation of rotationally symmetric power-exponent-phase vortex beams based on digital micromirror devices
Authors: Zhang Mei , Dou Jiantai , Xu Jiaqing , Li Bo , Hu Youyou
Published: September 2023

In this paper, what we believe to be a new method for the generation of rotationally symmetric power-exponent-phase vortex beams (RSPEPVBs) based on digital micromirror devices (DMD) was proposed and demonstrated. Based on the theory of binary amplitude holography and Lee method, the two-dimensional amplitude holograms for the generation of RSPEPVBs were obtained. Then, the experimental setup was established for the generation of RSPEPVBs based on DMD and to verify the phase structure of RSPEPVBs by the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The experimental results showed that the RSPEPVBs can be generated based on DMD with high beam quality and stability, and the ±1st-order diffracted beams were respectively corresponding to the RSPEPVBs with contrary TCs, which was the first time to report the RSPEPVBs with negative TC. Besides, the overall and ±1st-order diffraction efficiencies of RSPEPVBs generated by DMD were 7.18% and 1.73%, respectively. The method can be applied for the generation of RSPEPVBs with different parameters and quickly achieve mode switching by loading different binary amplitude holograms, which provides a new choice for the generation of new structure beams based on DMD.
Asymmetric Mach-Zehnder prism interferometer coupler-based combined fiber ring resonator system for a Brillouin gyroscope
Authors: Chenchen Liu , Ningfang Song , Shilei Zhang , Xiaobin Xu
Published: September 2023

Brillouin fiber-optic gyroscope (BFOG) is a fiber ring resonator (FRR)-based ring laser gyroscope with a large dynamic range and high sensitivity. Previous BFOGs operated under simultaneous resonance of the pump and Brillouin laser light in the FRR, resulting in complex control systems. This article introduces an asymmetric prism Mach–Zehnder interferometer coupler (APMZIC)-based FRR system, in which the coupling ratio of pump light is large, while the Brillouin laser resonates in the cavity with a negligible coupling loss, resulting in a simple control system. We analyzed the characteristics of the APMZIC and its combined resonator system both theoretically and experimentally and verified the feasibility of connecting the APMZIC with the resonant cavity of a Brillouin laser. This coupler system is compact, easy to fabricate, highly stable, and exhibits good repeatability, which are necessary for miniaturizing lasers and gyroscopes.
Design of freeform phase diffractive optical elements based on the quadratic assignment problem
Authors: Shi Kuo , Yoshimoto Naoto , Zhang Gongjian
Published: September 2023

The design of freeform phase diffractive optical elements is a challenging task, typically necessitating the use of complex differential equations or a large number of iterative calculations. This paper proposes what we believe to be a novel approach to address this problem. In this strategy, we introduce overall comparison optimization (OCO) to ensure the fast convergence of the cost function. The quadratic assignment problem (QAP) is used as the mathematical framework for designing freeform phase diffraction optics. Specifically, the ray mapping calculation problem in geometric optics is simplified as a QAP. To solve this problem, we apply the OCO method, which ensures that the cost function rapidly progresses in the “non-negative” direction, thereby facilitating fast convergence in each optimization iteration. In this manner, the proposed approach alleviates the computational burden associated with repeated evaluations of the cost function and accelerates convergence in the design process. We construct holographic masks using the OCO method and perform simulations to demonstrate the potential of the proposed method in swiftly realizing complex illumination patterns. The results show that the design model has good performance when dealing with complex illumination tasks. The conclusions obtained in this paper can be extended to the realization of phase-only holography and the solution of freeform surfaces illumination design.
All-fiber tunable devices based on high-index photonic crystal fibers filled with liquid crystals
Authors: Ertman Sławomir , Chychłowski Miłosz , Bednarska Karolina , Paździor Adam , Jaworska Olga , Czapla Aleksandra , Bieda Marcin , Halendy Monika , Różycka Julia , Wasilewska Natalia , Kołodyńska Oliwia , Harmata Piotr , Pysz Dariusz , Buczyński Ryszard , Woliński Tomasz R.
Published: September 2023

In this paper we present all-in fiber tunable devices based on specially designed and optimized high-index photonic crystal fibers filled with nematic liquid crystals. A special host microstructured optical fibers have been designed and manufactured to ensure low-loss index guiding and mode field diameter matching to SMF-28 fiber, ensuring low losses on interconnections with leading in-out FC/PC connectorized pigtails. We present four types of tunable all-fiber devices: tunable retarders with tuning range as high as 20 λ, tunable polarizers with variable axis of polarization and continuously tunable polarization dependent losses, tunable and fully controllable polarization controller and finally indeterministic depolarizer in which depolarization is caused by random thermodynamic process. We also present a cost-effective method to achieve change in the direction of the steering electric field, which was controlled by custom-made programable controllers. Finally, we present a method for effective packaging for the proposed devices.
Ultrafast Yb:YAG laser oscillator with gigahertz repetition rate
Authors: Seidel Moritz , Pilat Jérémie , Lang Lukas , Phillips Christopher R. , Keller Ursula
Published: September 2023

We present a SESAM modelocked Yb:YAG solid-state laser providing low-noise narrowband pulses with a pulse duration of 606 fs at a 1.09-GHz repetition rate, delivering up to 2.5 W of average output power. This laser provides access to a new parameter space that could previously not be reached by solid-state lasers and, to the best of our knowledge, is the first modelocked solid-state Yb:YAG laser in the gigahertz regime. This is achieved by introducing a single additional intracavity element, specifically a nonlinear birefringent YVO4 crystal, for soliton formation, polarization selection, and cavity intensity clamping. The isotropic pump absorption in Yb:YAG allows for stable and low-noise operation with multimode fiber pumping. This laser is ideally suited as a seed source for many commercial high-power Yb-doped amplification systems operating at a center wavelength around 1.03 µm. The laser exhibits a high power per comb line of 5.0 mW which also makes it interesting for applications in frequency comb spectroscopy, especially if it is used to pump an optical parametric oscillator. We measure a relative intensity noise (RIN) of 0.03%, integrated from 1 Hz to 10 MHz. Furthermore, we show that the laser timing jitter for noise frequencies >2 kHz is fully explained by a power-dependent shift in the center wavelength of 0.38 nm/W due to the quasi-three-level laser gain material. The narrow gain bandwidth of Yb:YAG reduces this contribution to noise in comparison to other SESAM modelocked Yb-doped lasers.
Asymmetrical neural network for real-time and high-quality computer-generated holography
Authors: Yu Guangwei , Wang Jun , Yang Huan , Guo Zicheng , Wu Yang
Published: September 2023

Computer-generated holography based on neural network holds great promise as a real-time hologram generation method. However, existing neural network-based approaches prioritize lightweight networks to achieve real-time display, which limits their capacity for network fitting. Here, we propose an asymmetrical neural network with a non-end-to-end structure that enhances fitting capacity and delivers superior real-time display quality. The non-end-to-end structure decomposes the overall task into two sub-tasks: phase prediction and hologram encoding. The asymmetrical design tailors each sub-network to its specific sub-task using distinct basic net-layers rather than relying on similar net-layers. This method allows for a sub-network with strong feature extraction and inference capabilities to match the phase predictor, while another sub-network with efficient coding capability matches the hologram encoder. By matching network functions to tasks, our method enhances the overall network’s fitting capacity while maintaining a lightweight architecture. Both numerical reconstructions and optical experiments validate the reliability and effectiveness of our proposed method.
Degree of linear polarization of light at backscattering by a single large particle of irregular shape
Authors: Kustova Natalia , Konoshonkin Alexander , Borovoi Anatoli
Published: September 2023

Light backscattering by large randomly oriented particles of irregular shape is calculated using the physical optics approximation (PhOA). It is shown that the degree of linear polarization reveals the polarization surge because of the coherent backscattering. The sign of the polarization surge for pairs of conjugate beams can be either negative or positive depending on the shape of the photon trajectory that predominantly contributes to backscattering. Summing up the surges, we conclude that the conventional negative polarization phenomena are not obligatory in the case of a single backscattering particle.
Full space terahertz quasi-non-diffraction vortex beam generation based on a metasurface
Authors: Liu Wenqing , Deng Li , Li Shufang , Xiao Long , Chen Lijie , Yao Gengjiang
Published: September 2023

The divergence of orbital angular momentum (OAM) plays a crucial role in practical terahertz OAM applications. However, most of the existing research focuses on half-space configurations, which significantly limit the utilization of space and are not aligned with the future development of wireless communication. In this paper, we present the modeling and design of two broadband high-efficiency janus transmit-reflect metasurfaces (JTRMS). These metasurfaces enable the generation of quasi-non-diffracting terahertz beams carrying OAM in the forward transmission space (FTS), forward reflection space (FRS), and backward transmission space (BTS). The key difference lies in the polarization characteristics: TRMS1 produces a left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) quasi-non-diffracting beam in both the FTS and FRS, while generating a right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) beam in the BTS. On the other hand, TRMS2 generates a LHCP beam in the FTS and BTS, while producing a RHCP beam in the FRS. This design allows for flexible control of the polarization of the outgoing waves in different spaces. The proposed design strategy and the high-performance janus transmit-reflect metasurfaces hold promising application prospects in future communication systems that require large capacity and support multi-directional communication scenarios.
Surface acoustic wave-tuned plasmonic resonances in liquid crystal-covered gold nanostructures
Authors: Ma Zongjun , Wang Zhenming , Cheng Ming , Kong Delai , Cai Wenfeng , Cen Mengjia , Liu Jianxun , Luo Dan , Liu Yan Jun
Published: September 2023

In this work, we propose an acoustically tunable plasmonic device based on liquid crystal (LC)-covered gold nanostructures. By utilizing the standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs) to realign LC molecules, one can effectively tune the effective refractive index of LCs, and subsequently tune localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of the gold nanostructures. A 15 nm blue shift of the LSPR peak with the driving voltage of 400 mVpp is experimentally observed. Upon removal of the applied SSAWs, the LC molecules can return to their original orientation, and so does the LSPR peak. Besides the excellent reversibility, this active plasmonic device also features low power consumption and easy integration, which could find many potential applications including switches, modulators, and couplers.
Identifying a developmental transition in honey bees using gene expression data
Authors: Daniels Bryan C. , Wang Ying , Page Robert E. , Amdam Gro V.
Published: September 2023

In many organisms, interactions among genes lead to multiple functional states, and changes to interactions can lead to transitions into new states. These transitions can be related to bifurcations (or critical points) in dynamical systems theory. Characterizing these collective transitions is a major challenge for systems biology. Here, we develop a statistical method for identifying bistability near a continuous transition directly from high-dimensional gene expression data. We apply the method to data from honey bees, where a known developmental transition occurs between bees performing tasks in the nest and leaving the nest to forage. Our method, which makes use of the expected shape of the distribution of gene expression levels near a transition, successfully identifies the emergence of bistability and links it to genes that are known to be involved in the behavioral transition. This proof of concept demonstrates that going beyond correlative analysis to infer the shape of gene expression distributions might be used more generally to identify collective transitions from gene expression data.
Methionine biosynthesis enzyme MoMet2 is required for rice blast fungus pathogenicity by promoting virulence gene expression via reducing 5mC modification
Authors: Li Huimin , Mo Pengcheng , Zhang Jun , Xie Zhuoer , Liu Xinyu , Chen Han , Yang Leiyun , Liu Muxing , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: September 2023

The emergence of fungicide resistance severely threatens crop production by limiting the availability and application of established fungicides. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new fungicidal targets for controlling plant diseases. Here, we characterized the function of a conserved homoserine O-acetyltransferase (HOA) from the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae that could serve as the candidate antifungal target. Deletion of the MoMET2 and MoCYS2 genes encoding HOAs perturbed the biosynthesis of methionine and S-adenyl methionine, a methyl group donor for epigenetic modifications, and severely attenuated the development and virulence of M. oryzae. The ∆Momet2 mutant is significantly increased in 5-methylcytosine (5mC) modification that represses the expression of genes required for pathogenicity, including MoGLIK and MoCDH-CYT. We further showed that host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting MoMET2 and MoCYS2 effectively controls rice blasts. Our studies revealed the importance of HOA in the development and virulence of M. oryzae, which suggests the potential feasibility of HOA as new targets for novel anti-rice blast measurements.
Sociocultural and patient-health care professional related factors influencing self-management of multiethnic patients with multimorbidities: A thematic synthesis
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Shahzad Sharoon , Tejada-Garrido Clara Isabel , Monari Esther Nyangate , Durante Angela
Published: September 2023

Self-management is critical for the general well-being and disease management of individuals with multimorbidities. A better understanding of sociocultural and patient-professional level factors affecting self-management can be valuable for designing individual and community-based strategies to promote optimal self-management. The purpose of this review was to explore sociocultural and patient-health care professional related factors affecting self-management among patients with multimorbidities. A metasynthesis was conducted. Literature was searched in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and OVID databases. In total, 21 qualitative studies published from January 2010-March 2023 were critically appraised and reviewed. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis and eight descriptive and three analytical themes were generated. The analytical themes illustrated that personal and structural vulnerabilities, social and family struggles, and fragmented interpersonal relationships with health care professionals affect health care access, navigation, and self-management of individuals with multimorbidities. Engagement in self-management for individuals with multiple chronic conditions is hampered by under-resourced community and health care environments, structural vulnerabilities, familial and interpersonal conflicts, and disjointed relationships. There is a dire need to ensure optimal community resources to support individuals to address and navigate complexities associated with accessing care and effectively managing their illnesses.
Patterns of sedentary behaviour in adults with acute insomnia derived from actigraphy data
Authors: Rani Sunita , Shelyag Sergiy , Angelova Maia
Published: September 2023

Background

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, have been associated with extended periods of inactive, sedentary behaviour. Many factors contribute to insomnia, including stress, irregular sleep patterns, mental health issues, inadequate sleeping schedules, diseases, neurological disorders and prescription medications.

Objectives

Identification of the patterns of sedentary time and its duration in adults with acute insomnia and healthy controls to determine the statistically significant sedentary bouts; comparison of the sedentary behaviour patterns in acute insomnia adults with healthy controls.

Methods

We investigate the daytime actigraphy data and identify temporal patterns of inactivity among adults with acute insomnia and healthy adults. Seven days of actigraphy data were utilised to calculate sedentary time and bouts of variable duration based on a threshold of activity counts (<100 counts per minute). Statistical analysis was applied to investigate sedentary bouts and total sedentary time during weekdays and weekend. A logistic regression model has been used to determine the significance of sedentary bouts.

Results

We found that individuals with acute insomnia accumulate a significant amount of their sedentary time in medium (6—30 minutes and 31—60 minutes) and longer (more than 60 minutes) duration bouts in comparison to healthy adults. Furthermore, a low p value for total sedentary time (2.54 ⋅ 10−4) association with acute insomnia supports the finding that acute insomnia individuals are significantly more engaged in sedentary activities compared to healthy controls. Also, as shown by the weekend vs weekday analysis, the physical and sedentary activity patterns of acute insomnia adults demonstrate higher variability during the weekdays in comparison to the weekend.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that adults with acute insomnia spend more time in low-intensity daily physical activities compared to healthy adults.
Global outlook of the multiplier effect of research and development on environmental sustainability
Authors: Ansah-Mensah Kow , Osman Adams , Yalley Clarke Ebow , Adu-Boahen Kofi
Published: September 2023

In a time of severe environmental problems and growing public and private expenditure to promote a sustainable society, studies on the impact of Research and Development (R&D) on environmental sustainability hardly ever exist. This study looked at how R&D promotes the attainment of environmentally sustainable goals, globally. Data at the country level was compiled from the United Nations-Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) database and the World Bank, then processed and analysed using spatial techniques such as spatial merge, autofill, autocorrelation, and geographic weighted regression. Expenditure on R&D and publications in scientific journals had a positive impact on SDGs 8 and 11 for all nations. R&D expenditure on SDG 8 was higher for Southern African countries. The impact of scientific and technical journal articles was greater for Middle East countries. Also, scientific and technical journal articles had greater effects on attainment of SDG 11 in Africa. Exports of high technology from South America and Europe were important for achieving SDG 15. However, the effect of patent and trademark applications had minimal effect on achieving environmentally sustainable goals. The study recommends boosting R&D expenditure by governments and international organisations, particularly in Africa because the multiplier impact extends beyond economic development to environmental sustainability which is necessary for the continent to abate the challenges of climate change.
Predicting the aesthetics of dynamic generative artwork based on statistical image features: A time-dependent model
Authors: Meng Pu , Meng Xin , Hu Rui , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2023

Several automated aesthetic assessment models were developed to assist artists in producing artwork with high aesthetic appeal. However, most of them focused on static visual art, such as photographs and paintings, and evaluations of dynamic art received less attention. Dynamic visual art, especially computer-based art, includes diverse forms of artistic expression and can enhance an audience’s aesthetic experience. A model for evaluating dynamic visual art can provide valuable feedback and guidance for improving artistic skills and creativity, thereby benefiting audiences. In this study, we created eight generative artworks with dynamic art forms based on a commonly used method. We established a time-dependent model to predict the aesthetics based on visual features. We quantified the artworks according to selected image features and found that these features could effectively capture the characteristics of the changing visual forms during the generation process. To explore the effects of time-varying features on aesthetic appeal, we built a panel regression model and found that the aesthetic appeal of the generated artworks was significantly affected by their skewness of the luminance distribution, vertical symmetry, and mean hue value. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the aesthetic appeal of dynamic generative artworks could be predicted by integrating image features into the temporal domain.
Safety analysis of a live attenuated mumps vaccine in healthy adolescents in China: A phase 4, observational, open-label trial
Authors: Hu Weijun , Jia Ningning , Meng Weining , Zhou Tiantian , Wang Ruize , Xiong Yongli , Luan Chunfang , Zhang Shaobai
Published: September 2023

Mumps is an acute infectious disease, which was well controlled in the past, but recently it has resurged in some areas. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of the live attenuated mumps vaccine after large-scale vaccination. We conducted an observational, open-label phase 4 trial in Shaanxi, China from October 2020 to March 2021. Eligible participants were freshmen of junior high school who were not above 14 years old. Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) monitoring was carried out by active and passive surveillance. Safety follow-ups were conducted during the study participation. Overall, 10057 subjects were enrolled in the active surveillance analysis. A total of 214 subjects reported adverse reactions with an incidence of 2.13% (214/10057). Most adverse reactions were grade 1, and the incidence of grade 1 adverse reactions was 1.44% (145/10057); 0.60% for grade 2 (60/10057); and 0.09% for grade 3 (9/10057). The majority of adverse reactions were solicited (1.73%, 174/10057). Injection-site pain was the most frequently reported local adverse reaction (0.71%, 71/10057), followed by redness (0.29%, 29/10057). The most common systemic adverse reactions were nausea (0.19%, 19/10057) and fever (0.16%, 16/10057). For passive AEFI surveillance, 57 AEFI cases were reported, with an incidence of 19.28/100000 (57/287608). And most AEFI cases were common adverse reactions (66.67%, 38/57). In total, the live attenuated mumps vaccine evaluated in this trial has a favorable safety profile and can be used for large-scale inoculation.
Acceptance of communication technology, emotional support and subjective well-being for Chinese older adults living alone during COVID-19: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Nai Ze Ling , Tan Woan Shin , Tov William
Published: September 2023

Stringent social distancing measures implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 affected older adults living alone by limiting their social interaction beyond their households. During these restrictions, interactions beyond the household could be facilitated by communication technology (CT) such as voice calls, instant messages. Our study provides evidence on how CT acceptance could influence the emotional support and in turn, subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults living alone. We did a cross-sectional survey with 293 community-dwelling Chinese older adults. Participants were surveyed from September to November 2020 and had completed measures on CT acceptance (competency), emotional support, and SWB. PROCESS Model 1 was used to estimate the conditional effects of CT acceptance (competency) on emotional support for those living alone versus with others. Following which, PROCESS Model 7 was used to estimate the conditional indirect effects of CT acceptance (competency) on SWB through emotional support. Our results suggested that living arrangement moderated the indirect effect of CT acceptance (competency) on SWB. For older adults living alone, CT acceptance (competency) was significantly associated with perceived emotional support and, in turn, their SWB. For older adults living with others, CT acceptance was not associated with emotional support and SWB. Our findings call for more research and support to increase older adults’ acceptance of CT as an option for communication to increase emotional support for older adults living alone, even during non-pandemic times.
Brains over beauty: A preregistered test of the effects of objectification on women’s cognitive performance
Authors: Zola Anne , Engeln Renee
Published: September 2023

The present study was a preregistered, well-powered experimental test of findings related to the effect of state self-objectification and anticipation of the sexualized male gaze on women’s cognitive performance. College women (n= 407) performed a working memory task in one of three randomly assigned conditions. In the experimental conditions (self-objectification and male gaze), women completed the task while being video recorded from the neck down. In the male gaze condition, participants were told their videos would later be evaluated by men as part of a separate dating study. Women in the control condition were not video recorded. Results indicated women experienced a moderate increase in state self-objectification in both experimental conditions. However, compared to the control condition, women in the experimental conditions did not show reduced performance on the working memory task (in either latency or accuracy), decreases in body satisfaction, or increases in negative mood. Across conditions, state self-objectification was not associated with accuracy or latency on the working memory task. Mixed findings concerning objectification’s effect on cognitive performance may be attributed to variability in experimental manipulations and dependent variables employed in this area of research.
Long non-coding RNA as a potential diagnostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Masrour Mahdi , Khanmohammadi Shaghayegh , Fallahtafti Parisa , Rezaei Nima
Published: September 2023

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of malignancies arising from the epithelium of the head and neck. Despite efforts in treatment, results have remained unsatisfactory, and the death rate is high. Early diagnosis of HNSCC has clinical importance due to its high rates of invasion and metastasis. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of lncRNAs in HNSCC patients.

Methods

PubMed, ISI, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were searched for original publications published till April 2023 using MeSH terms and free keywords “long non-coding RNA” and “head and neck squamous cell carcinoma” and their expansions. The Reitsma bivariate random effect model pooled diagnostic test performance for studies that reported specificity and sensitivity; diagnostic AUC values from all trials were meta-analyzed using the random effects model with the inverse variance method.

Results

The initial database search yielded 3209 articles, and 25 studies met our criteria. The cumulative sensitivity and specificity for lncRNAs in the diagnosis of HNSCC were 0.74 (95%CI: 0.68–0.7 (and 0.79 (95%CI: 0.74–0.83), respectively. The pooled AUC value for all specimen types was found to be 0.83. Using the inverse variance method, 71 individual lncRNAs yielded a pooled AUC of 0.77 (95%CI: 0.74–0.79). Five studies reported on the diagnostic accuracy of the MALAT1 lncRNA with a pooled AUC value of 0.83 (95%CI: 0.73–0.94).

Conclusions

LncRNAs could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for HNSCC, but further investigation is needed to validate clinical efficacy and elucidate mechanisms. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics should be used to ascertain expression profiles.
Genomic object detection: An improved approach for transposable elements detection and classification using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Orozco-Arias Simon , Lopez-Murillo Luis Humberto , Piña Johan S. , Valencia-Castrillon Estiven , Tabares-Soto Reinel , Castillo-Ossa Luis , Isaza Gustavo , Guyot Romain
Published: September 2023

Analysis of eukaryotic genomes requires the detection and classification of transposable elements (TEs), a crucial but complex and time-consuming task. To improve the performance of tools that accomplish these tasks, Machine Learning approaches (ML) that leverage computer resources, such as GPUs (Graphical Processing Unit) and multiple CPU (Central Processing Unit) cores, have been adopted. However, until now, the use of ML techniques has mostly been limited to classification of TEs. Herein, a detection-classification strategy (named YORO) based on convolutional neural networks is adapted from computer vision (YOLO) to genomics. This approach enables the detection of genomic objects through the prediction of the position, length, and classification in large DNA sequences such as fully sequenced genomes. As a proof of concept, the internal protein-coding domains of LTR-retrotransposons are used to train the proposed neural network. Precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, execution times and time ratios, as well as several graphical representations were used as metrics to measure performance. These promising results open the door for a new generation of Deep Learning tools for genomics. YORO architecture is available at https://github.com/simonorozcoarias/YORO.
Behavioral Artifacts: What is an Artifact? Or Who Does it?
Authors: Friedman Ken
Published: September 2023

The word “artifact” comes from two Latin words. The first, “arte”, means “by skill”, from “ars”, skill. The second, “factum”, is the past participle of “facere”, to do or to make.The word dates back to the early 1800s, meaning “something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially: an object remaining from a particular period” and “something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend, or individual” (Merriam-Webster, 1990, p. 105). Most definitions focus on the quality of artifacts as things, speaking of objects and remains rather than process or production. Typical definitions are “anything made by human art and workmanship; an artificial product. In archeology, applied to the rude products of aboriginal workmanship as distinguished from natural remains”, “a product of human art or workmanship”, “any object made by human beings” (Oxford English Dictionary, 2006, n.p.; Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 1993, p. 120; Wordsmyth, 2006, n.p.).I am as interested in the artifacts of doing as in the artifacts of making. Many artifacts exist only in human behavior, individual and social. These are the focus of this essay.
Relationships among teachers’ emotional competences, emotional labour strategies and self-efficacy in moral and character education: A Hong Kong case
Authors: Wong Linnie Koon Lin , Qiu Defeng , Kuang Xiaoxue , Zhang Xingzhou , Meng Xie , Lee John Chi-Kin
Published: September 2023

Teachers’ emotions and well-being are critical not only for their personal and professional development but also for facilitating holistic development of students. With increasing risks and uncertainties from sociopolitical changes and the global pandemic, teachers are facing tremendous stress which has affected their self-efficacy. This cross-sectional study of 1614 teachers from 50 primary schools in Hong Kong investigates how teachers’ perception of emotional competences and their emotional labour strategies relate to their self-efficacy in moral and character education via confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The results reveal that both teachers’ emotional competences and teachers’ emotional labour strategies are positively associated with teachers’ self-efficacy in moral and character education. Understanding the relationships among emotional competences, emotional labour strategies and teachers' self-efficacy may be the first step in intervention implementation and effective policy development that could improve teachers’ self-efficacy in their provision of moral and character education.
Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli genes isolated from cat rectal swabs at Surabaya Veterinary Hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Farizqi M. Thoriq Ihza , Effendi Mustofa Helmi , Adikara R. Tatang Santanu , Yudaniayanti Ira Sari , Putra Giovanni Dwi Syahni , Khairullah Aswin Rafif , Kurniawan Shendy Canadya , Silaen Otto Sahat Martua , Ramadhani Safira , Millannia Saumi Kirey , Kaben Sergius Erikson , Waruwu Yusac Kristanto Khoda
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Escherichia coli causes a bacterial illness that frequently affects cats. Diseases caused by E. coli are treated using antibiotics. Because of their proximity to humans, cats possess an extremely high risk of contracting antibiotic resistance genes when their owners touch cat feces containing E. coli that harbor resistance genes. This study was conducted to identify multidrug-resistant E. coli and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing genes from cat rectal swabs collected at Surabaya City Veterinary Hospital to determine antibiotic sensitivity.

Materials and Methods: Samples of cat rectal swabs were cultured in Brilliant Green Bile Lactose Broth medium and then streaked on eosin methylene blue agar medium for bacterial isolation, whereas Gram-staining and IMViC tests were conducted to confirm the identification results. The Kirby–Bauer diffusion test was used to determine antibiotic sensitivity, and the double-disk synergy test was used to determine ESBL-producing bacteria. Molecular detection of the genes TEM and CTX-M was performed using a polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Based on morphological culture, Gram-staining, and biochemical testing, the results of sample inspection showed that of the 100 cat rectal swab samples isolated, 71 (71%) were positive for E. coli. Furthermore, 23 E. coli isolates (32.39%) demonstrated the highest resistance to ampicillin. Four isolates were confirmed to be multidurg-resistant and ESBL-producing strains. Molecular examination revealed that three E. coli isolates harbored TEM and CTX-M.

Conclusion: In conclusion, pet owners must be educated on the use of antibiotics to improve their knowledge about the risks of antibiotic resistance.

Keywords: cat, Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum β-lactamase, multidrug resistance, public health.
A Empirical Analysis of Depression and PTSD on Disaster Victims’ Quality of Life: Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Community Resilence
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kim Sang Im , Kim Boine
Published: September 2023

Disaster victims are accompanied by psychological and mental damage, and this damage is analyzed as a risk factor that significantly affects the quality of life. Therefore, in order to recover psychological and mental damage and improve the quality of life, this study focused on community resilience and the relationship between them. The empirical result showed, first, depression had a negative effect on the quality of life, and community resilience had a positive effect. Second, the interaction between depression and community resilience has a negative effect on the quality of life, and the interaction between PTSD and community resilience has a positive effect. These findings confirmed that efforts to reduce depression and enhance community resilience are needed to improve the quality of life of disaster victims. community resilience has different moderating effects on the quality of life and between depression and PTSD. Therefore, it was confirmed that it is necessary to differentiate the application of community resilience according to the psychological and mental damage conditions of disaster victims.
Mathematical models and X-ray image analysis in the drying of cumbaru seeds
Authors: Cardoso Vilarinho Marcella Karoline , Araújo da Silva Tonny José , Magalhães Antoniacomi Luis Augusto , Dos Santos Oliveira Andrea , Baptista da Luz Petterson , Soares Alves Caldeira Daniela , Pedroza Isquierdo Eder , Carvalho Senigalia Ritielly Laiany
Published: September 2023

The cumbaru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) is a native species of the Cerrado. The species is of great economic expression for family farming. This study aimed to determine the drying curves and fit mathematical models to the experimental data obtained in the drying of cumbaru seeds. Furthermore, it aimed to define the best-fitted model and correlate the damage caused by the drying process through X-ray images. The Dipteryx alata Vog. seeds were obtained from fruits collected from 20 matrices in the municipality of Cáceres, in the state of Mato Grosso (MT), approximately 255 days after anthesis. The seeds were extracted and stored for 15 days until they reached hygroscopic equilibrium and a 14.5% water content. Drying was conducted in a continuous airflow dryer with an approximate temperature of 40° and a constant airflow velocity of 2.5 m/s. The experimental data were fitted to twelve mathematical models. The values of the coefficients of determination (R2), the relative mean error (P), and the estimated mean error (SE) were used to check the models’ fit degree. After drying, 40 seeds from each treatment were subjected to X-ray testing using the Faxitron MX-20 DC 12 equipment. The Midilli mathematical model was the best fit for the experimental data. The X-ray images showed no cracks or any other damage caused by the drying process.
Conventional vs Short Duration of Antibiotics in Patients With Moderate or Severe Cholangitis: Noninferiority Randomized Trial
Authors: Srinu Deshidi , Shah Jimil , Jena Anuraag , Jearth Vaneet , Singh Anupam K. , Mandavdhare Harshal S. , Sharma Vishal , Irrinki Santosh , Sakaray Yashwant Raj , Gupta Rajesh , Gautam Vikas , Rana Surinder , Dutta Usha
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Successful biliary drainage and antibiotics are the mainstays of therapy in management of patients with acute cholangitis. However, the duration of antibiotic therapy after successful biliary drainage has not been prospectively evaluated. We conducted a single-center, randomized, noninferiority trial to compare short duration of antibiotic therapy with conventional duration of antibiotic therapy in patients with moderate or severe cholangitis.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients were screened for the inclusion criteria and randomized into either conventional duration (CD) group (8 days) or short duration (SD) group (4 days) of antibiotic therapy. The primary outcome was clinical cure (absence of recurrence of cholangitis at day 30 and >50% reduction of bilirubin at day 15). Secondary outcomes were total days of antibiotic therapy and hospitalization within 30 days, antibiotic-related adverse events, and all-cause mortality at day 30.

RESULTS:

The study included 120 patients (the mean age was 55.85 ± 13.52 years, and 50% were male patients). Of them, 51.7% patients had malignant etiology and 76.7% patients had moderate cholangitis. Clinical cure was seen in 79.66% (95% confidence interval, 67.58%–88.12%) patients in the CD group and 77.97% (95% confidence interval, 65.74%–86.78%) patients in the SD group (P = 0.822). On multivariate analysis, malignant etiology and hypotension at presentation were associated with lower clinical cure. Total duration of antibiotics required postintervention was lower in the SD group (8.58 ± 1.92 and 4.75 ± 2.32 days; P < 0.001). Duration of hospitalization and mortality were similar in both the groups.

DISCUSSION:

Short duration of antibiotics is noninferior to conventional duration in patients with moderate-to-severe cholangitis in terms of clinical cure, recurrence of cholangitis, and overall mortality.
conocimiento de Dios que de niño recibí de mi bienaventurada madre y de mi abuela Macrina»
Authors: Villa Betancourt Ana Cristina
Published: September 2023

El artículo presenta de manera nueva las figuras femeninas que se encuentran en las obras de Basilio de Cesarea, ofreciendo una inédita mirada de conjunto sobre las relaciones de este Padre de la Iglesia con las mujeres. Se analizan las figuras de su familia que más lo influyeron y se intenta explicar el silencio respecto a su hermana Macrina. Seguidamente se trata sobre las mujeres presentes en su epistolario destacando las discusiones teológicas que mantenía con ellas; por último, se reflexiona sobre la presencia de mujeres en el monacato basiliano. Se concluye que este gran Padre del siglo IV tuvo una relación significativa con mujeres que suele conocerse poco y que puede, en parte, explicar la visión positiva de la feminidad que está presente en sus obras a pesar de su contexto cultural tardo-antiguo, del que no se libera del todo.
A dimensão ecumênica das reformas eclesiais no ensino de Francisco
Authors: Wolff Elias
Published: September 2023

O magistério do Papa Francisco revigora o processo de recepção do Vaticano II por iniciativas de reformas na Igreja, o redimensionamento da mentalidade teológica, a afirmação da sinodalidade, um novo modo de exercer o ministério petrino, entre outros. Isso acontece no esforço de uma Igreja «em saída» numa perspectiva missionária e no diálogo com as culturas, Igrejas e religiões. O objetivo deste artigo é verificar as implicações ecumênicas dessas propostas. O método é a análise qualitativa de documentos e pronunciamentos nos quais o papa expressa, explícita ou implicitamente, a convicção ecumênica conciliar. A conclusão é que o ecumenismo é uma clara opção no magistério de Francisco e em suas iniciativas de reformas na Igreja. Embora ele não tenha, por ora, trabalhado questões doutrinais em perspectiva ecumênica, cria uma nova situação eclesial que favorece para o diálogo doutrinal entre as diferentes Igrejas.
lugar del texto en la Teología de la Liberación
Authors: Carbullanca Núñez César
Published: September 2023

El artículo analiza y discute el estatuto epistemológico del lugar del texto en la Teología de la Liberación (TdL). Las ambigüedades, simplificaciones, sesgos constatados por múltiples autores radican en la visión instrumental del lenguaje que desconecta los conceptos de texto y lugar. Por lo cual analizamos los conceptos de texto y lugar referidos tanto a la historia como al texto bíblico. En vista de esto, primero colocamos en perspectiva el desarrollo de los problemas nudos, ambigüedades y yuxtaposiciones en estos conceptos empleados por los autores como por diversos grupos de cristianos. Posteriormente, realizamos una reflexión crítica analizando y cuestionando los puntos críticos de estos conceptos usados por la TdL, intentando dar pistas semióticas que ayuden a superar e impulsar una teoría integral del texto en el trabajo bíblico y teológico en Latinoamérica. De este modo, estas reflexiones semióticas pretenden mostrar que la relevancia epistémica de la voz de los pobres en la Hermenéutica de la Liberación (HdL) sigue siendo un desafío actual que es preciso reflexionar y continuar en vista de promover una nueva generación de estudios bíblicos al servicio de la liberación en el Continente.