bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a single aspheric beam homogenizer for accurate particle sizing application
Authors: Li Jingwen , Zhao Ruqiang , Bi Jiefang , Engarnevis Amin
Published: April 2023

Understanding, detection, and accurate monitoring of particles are of
utmost importance in various industrial fields and environmental
science. Optical sensors allow for real-time monitoring of particles
at the single species level by analyzing the elastically scattered
light intensities. Nevertheless, since most laser diodes employed for
illuminating the particle generally follow a Gaussian-type intensity
distribution, the non-uniform energy distribution across the aerosol
channel causes considerable errors in the conversion of the scattered
light intensities into the actual particle sizes. In order to achieve
uniform illumination of particles across the aerosol channel and
improve the particle sizing and classification accuracy, we design and
customize a single aspheric lens, which efficiently converts the
divergent Gaussian beam profile of a TO packaged laser diode into a
one-dimensional flattop beam profile along the fast axis at the
desired working distance. A beam uniformity better than 5% has been
achieved. Furthermore, we demonstrate a practical sensing application
using the designed lens for accurate particle sizing, and an obvious
improvement in the accuracy has been achieved compared to that based
on off-the-shelf aspheric lenses. The singlet beam homogenizer
developed in this work has many appealing features (e.g., high
uniformity and energy efficiency, compactness, and low stray light),
which is especially relevant for building portable particle sensors in
order to address various industrial applications where on-site or
remote metrology and classification of particles are required.
OM-NAS: pigmented skin lesion image classification based on a neural architecture search
Authors: Yang Tiejun , He Qing , Huang Lin
Published: April 2023

Because pigmented skin lesion image classification based on manually designed convolutional neural networks (CNNs) requires abundant experience in neural network design and considerable parameter tuning, we proposed the macro operation mutation-based neural architecture search (OM-NAS) approach in order to automatically build a CNN for image classification of pigmented skin lesions. We first used an improved search space that was oriented toward cells and contained micro and macro operations. The macro operations include InceptionV1, Fire and other well-designed neural network modules. During the search process, an evolutionary algorithm based on macro operation mutation was employed to iteratively change the operation type and connection mode of parent cells so that the macro operation was inserted into the child cell similar to the injection of virus into host DNA. Ultimately, the searched best cells were stacked to build a CNN for the image classification of pigmented skin lesions, which was then assessed on the HAM10000 and ISIC2017 datasets. The test results showed that the CNN built with this approach was more accurate than or almost as accurate as state-of-the-art (SOTA) approaches such as AmoebaNet, InceptionV3 + Attention and ARL-CNN in terms of image classification. The average sensitivity of this method on the HAM10000 and ISIC2017 datasets was 72.4% and 58.5%, respectively.
Fiber-to-the-room: a key technology for F5G and beyond
Authors: Zhang Dechao , Zhu Jinglong , Liu Xiang , Wu Xuming , Li Junwei , Zeng Yan , Si Xiaoshu , Li Han
Published: April 2023

Fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) has been proposed as a promising fifth-generation fixed network (F5G) technology for high-quality home networking. Recently, multiple global and regional standardization organizations, e.g., the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, and the China Communications Standards Association, have started projects on FTTR. The development of FTTR is in the early stages, and many innovative technologies have emerged. Two essential features of FTTR have been widely recognized. One is the further extension of the operations, administration, and maintenance capabilities of the passive optical network (PON) down to every room, which lays the foundation for collaborative networking of the PON and FTTR. The other is centralized fiber–Wi-Fi integrated networking, which provides telecom-quality Wi-Fi experience and premium home broadband connectivity. This paper reviews the current progress on FTTR. Several experiments that demonstrate FTTR’s two essential features for the first time are presented, providing critical references for future technical developments. Future trends and perspectives of FTTR are also discussed.
Nonlinear polarization crosstalk canceled wavelength conversion for Pol-Mux OFDM signal with polarization-diversity FWM
Authors: Zhouw Hui , Deng Zhigao , Li Wangman , Fei Chuyuan , Chen Ming
Published: April 2023

We present a model that is capable of describing the polarization crosstalk in terms of nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in wavelength conversion for polarization multiplexing (Pol-Mux) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. Then a simple nonlinear polarization crosstalk canceled wavelength conversion (NPCC-WC) with polarization-diversity four-wave mixing (FWM) is proposed. The effectiveness is achieved successfully in the proposed wavelength conversion for the Pol-Mux OFDM signal by using simulation. In addition, we studied the influence of several system parameters on the performance, including the power of the signal, SOA’s injection current, frequency spacing, polarization angle of signal, laser linewidth, and modulation order. The results show that the proposed scheme has better performance due to crosstalk cancellation than the conventional scheme, such as wider wavelength tunability, lower polarization sensitivity, and wider laser linewidth tolerance.
Design of a compact optical antenna system with high transmission efficiency utilizing a ring-like VCSEL array
Authors: Jiang Ping , Liu Jianing , Shang Shunyuan , Zheng Yifan , Yang Huajun
Published: April 2023

Vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with gigahertz bandwidth and good beam quality possess great potential for multi-wavelength free-space optical communication. In this Letter, a compact optical antenna system utilizing a ring-like VCSEL array that can realize the parallel transmission of multi-channel and multi-wavelength collimated laser beams and has the advantages of aberration elimination and high transmission efficiency is proposed. Ten different signals can be transmitted simultaneously, greatly increasing the channel capacity. Based on the vector theory of reflection, ray tracing and the performance of the proposed optical antenna system are demonstrated. This design method has a certain reference value for designing complex optical communication systems with high transmission efficiency.
Ho3+ doped low-phonon single crystals and chalcogenide glasses for mid-IR source application
Authors: Brown Ei Ei , Fleischman Zackery D. , McKay Jason , Merkle Larry , Hommerich Uwe , Palosz Witold , Trivedi Sudhir , Dubinskii Mark
Published: April 2023

A comparative study was conducted to investigate the 3.9 µm mid-IR emission properties of Ho3+ doped NaYF4 and CsCdCl3 crystals as well as Ho3+ doped Ga2Ge5S13 glass. Following optical excitation at ∼890 nm, all the studied materials exhibited broad mid-IR emissions centered at ∼3.9 µm at room temperature. The mid-IR emission at 3.9 µm, originating from the 5I5 → 5I6 transition, showed long emission lifetime values of ∼16.5 ms and ∼1.61 ms for Ho3+ doped CsCdCl3 crystal and Ga2Ge5S13 glass, respectively. Conversely, the Ho3+ doped NaYF4 crystal exhibited a relatively short lifetime of ∼120 µs. Temperature dependent decay time measurements were performed for the 5I5 excited state for all three samples. The results showed that the emission lifetimes of Ho3+:CsCdCl3 and Ho3+:Ga2Ge5S13 were nearly temperature independent over the range studied, while significant emission quenching of the 5I5 level was observed in Ho3+:NaYF4. The temperature dependence of the multi-phonon relaxation rate for 3.9 µm mid-IR emission in Ho3+:NaYF4 crystal was determined. The room temperature stimulated emission cross-sections for all three samples were calculated using the Füchtbauer-Landenburg equation. Furthermore, the results of Judd-Ofelt analysis are presented and discussed.
The effect of combining punishment and reward can transfer to opposite motor learning
Authors: Yin Cong , Gao Tian , Li Biao
Published: April 2023

Recent laboratory findings have demonstrated that, when imposed separately, punishment and reward have different effects on motor learning. In real-world applications, however, they are usually used in combination to improve human behavior. For instance, a student may be punished when failing an examination and rewarded when getting a high score. It remains unclear precisely how people are motivated when punishment and reward are combined. Moreover, whether it is possible for the effects of punishment and reward to transfer to other learning situations remains unknown. In the present study, four groups of participants were trained on a motor adaptation task under conditions of either punishment, reward, both punishment and reward combination, or a neutral control condition (neither). We tested what the effect of combining punishment and reward is on motor learning and memory. Further, we examined whether the effect could transfer to later opposite-direction learning in the absence of motivational feedback. Specifically, during the initial learning when there is motivational feedback, combining punishment and reward can not only accelerate learning rate, but can also increase learning extent. More interestingly, the effect can even transfer to later opposite-direction learning. The findings suggest that the combination of punishment and reward has a distinct advantage over pure punishment or reward on motor learning and the effect can transfer to opposite motor learning.
Measuring spatial accessibility of residents’ medical treatment under hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system: Multi-scenario simulation in China
Authors: Wei Zhongyu , Bai Jianjun
Published: April 2023

In order to improve the operational efficiency of medical institutions and build a more complete and efficient medical system, the Chinese government is vigorously promoting the reform of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment. We constructed a multi-factor composite selection weight to characterize the residents’ medical treatment behavior in the context of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment. By combining the weight with the two-step floating catchment area method, we analyzed the spatial variation characteristics of residents’ accessibility to medical care under different scenarios. Results show that the referral rate between medical institutions increases gradually along with the occurrence of public health events. When there is a major public health event, the proportion of the population transferred from the primary medical institutions to the county hospitals and the county hospitals to the municipal hospitals exceeded 65%. In three scenarios, the spatial pattern of accessibility shows obvious consistency and local differences. Among the three-tier medical institutions in China, the service capacity of county hospitals is poor, and the contribution rate of accessibility is less than 20%. The results clearly show the spatial differences in the accessibility of Chinese residents in different scenarios and the impact of public health events on accessibility. This research can provide a reference for the layout optimization of medical resources in the future.
Potential impacts of climate change on the productivity and soil carbon stocks of managed grasslands
Authors: Puche N. J. B. , Kirschbaum M. U. F. , Viovy N. , Chabbi Abad
Published: April 2023

Rain-fed pastoral systems are tightly connected to meteorological conditions. It is, therefore, likely that climate change, including changing atmospheric CO2 concentration, temperature, precipitation and patterns of climate extremes, will greatly affect pastoral systems. However, exact impacts on the productivity and carbon dynamics of these systems are still poorly understood, particularly over longtime scales. The present study assesses the potential effects of future climatic conditions on productivity and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of mowed and rotationally grazed grasslands in France. We used the CenW ecosystem model to simulate carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles in response to changes in environmental drivers and management practices. We first evaluated model responses to individual changes in each key meteorological variable to get better insights into the role and importance of each individual variable. Then, we used 3 sets of meteorological variables corresponding to 3 Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for long-term model runs from 1975 to 2100. Finally, we used the same three RCPs to analyze the responses of modelled grasslands to extreme climate events. We found that increasing temperature slightly increased grasslands productivities but strongly reduced SOC stocks. A reduction in precipitation led to reductions of biomass and milk production but increased SOC. Conversely, doubling CO2 concentration strongly increased biomass and milk production and marginally reduced SOC. These SOC trends were unexpected. They arose because both increasing precipitation and CO2 increased photosynthetic carbon gain, but they had an even greater effect on the proportion of biomass that could be grazed. The amount of carbon remaining on site and able to contribute to SOC formation was actually reduced under both higher precipitation and CO2. The simulations under the three RCPs indicated that grassland productivity was increased, but that required higher N fertilizer application rates and also led to substantial SOC losses. We thus conclude that, while milk productivity may continue at current rates under climate change, or even increase slightly, there could be some soil C losses over the 21st century. In addition, under the highest-emission scenario, the increasing importance of extreme climate conditions (heat waves and droughts) might render conditions at our site in some years as unsuitable for milk production. It highlights the importance of tailoring farming practices to achieve the dual goals of maintaining agricultural production while safeguarding soil C stocks.
Adherence of health workers to guidelines for screening and management of cryptococcal meningitis in Uganda
Authors: Namuju Olivie C. , Namuwenge Proscovia M. , Kwizera Richard , Obuya Emmanuel , Kirumira Paul , Naluyima Rose , Ahimbisibwe Cynthia , Ndyetukira JaneFrancis , Nakato Hawa , Kirungi Robert , Gakuru Jane , Junju Samuel , Nuwagira Edwin , Rutakagirwa Morris , Nsibirwa Sara , Nabitaka Vennie , Nalintya Elizabeth , Mpoza Edward , Muzoora Conrad K. , Musubire Abdu K. , Boulware David R. , Meya David B.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Health workers’ failure to adhere to guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a significant public health concern. We aimed to assess adherence to the standards of care and management of HIV patients at risk of CM per the MoH guidelines and assess stock management of CM supplies in the period of January to June 2021 at selected public health facilities (HFs) in Uganda.

Methods

The study employed an observational cross-sectional design to assess the level of adherence of health workers to standards of clinical care and management of HIV positive patients at risk of CM as per the clinical guidelines for Uganda, and stock management of CM supplies in the period of January to June 2021in selected public health facilities. The study team used a survey guide designed by MoH to assess and score the screening, diagnosis and management practices of Health Facilities towards CM. Scoring was categorized as red (< 80%), light green (80%-95%), and dark green (˃95%) in the order from worst to best adherence. The data was transcribed into a spread sheet and analysed using STATA–v15.

Results

The study team visited a total of 15 public health facilities including 5 general hospitals, 9 regional referral hospitals (RRHs) and 1 National Referral hospital (NRH). The mean score for adherence to screening and management of CM for all the combined facilities was 15 (64.7%) classified as red. 10 (66.7%) HFs had not performed a baseline CD4 test for eligible patients within 2 weeks of ART initiation. With regards to treatment, 9 (60%) of the HFs were scored as light green on knowledge of the procedure for reconstituting intravenous Liposomal Amphotericin B. None of the HFs visited had potassium chloride tablets in stock.

Conclusion

Major MoH guidelines are generally not being adhered to by health workers while managing cryptococcal meningitis. It is vital that government and implementing partners regularly support HFs with training, mentorship, and support supervision on CM management to improve adherence to CM screening and treatment guidelines.
Development of an approach to monitor the manufacturing consistency of HIV rapid diagnostic tests: Panel qualification and potential impact on country programs
Authors: Jenkins David , Peck Roger , Fernando Ashini
Published: April 2023

Although regulatory bodies have standards that manufacturers of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) must meet for market approval, RDTs have no specific sampling and testing standards to monitor ongoing lot production, unlike pharmaceuticals and certain devices. With the importance of accurate diagnosis for improved health outcomes, independent quality assurance testing is key to ensuring the availability of high-quality RDTs, particularly in low-resource settings. This work develops an approach for HIV RDT lot testing, involving qualification of specimens to enable testing across various RDTs (namely Determine HIV-1/2, OraQuick HIV-1/2, Bioline HIV-1/2 3.0, UniGold HIV, and HIV Ag/Ab Combo). A sampling plan and acceptance criteria were developed per lot (approximating sensitivity and specificity) based on ISO 2859–1: 1999, using the test line response to a qualified panel (disease-positive and negative specimens) as the attribute. Based on general performance of HIV RDTs, an average % defective tests allowed per lot (acceptance quality limit) of 0.65% within ISO 2859–1: 1999 was selected, where RDTs are tested with 80 positives (accept 1 / reject 2 defective results) and 80 negatives (accept 1 / reject 2 defective results) per lot. Panel qualification was conducted with 83 positive and 84 negative serum specimens to select specimens that consistently provided expected results when tested in quadruplicate with three lots per product. While all products yielded consistent results with at least 80 negative specimens, only 4 products did the same for positive specimens. With this approach, each of these 4 RDT products can be tested with the qualified 80-positive specimen panel, requiring the other product to be tested with 20 specimens in quadruplicate. Additionally, this approach was adapted to evaluate HIV antibody/antigen combination tests with Ag panel qualification using p24 samples. While panels were qualified to monitor ongoing lot consistency of HIV RDTs, this approach could be mimicked with other types of diagnostics for monitoring manufacturing consistency, field investigation, small-scale stability checks, and proficiency testing.
Measurement of China’s green development level and its spatial differentiation in the context of carbon neutrality
Authors: Liang Kun , Luo Li
Published: April 2023

China’s green development in the context of carbon neutrality is facing both new constraints and new practices. In the new situation, it is crucial to further refine the indicator system and re-measure green development. Based on previous studies and carbon neutral background, the theoretical framework of green development is improved and an indicator system is constructed, and the panel entropy method, Thiel index and Moran index are used to measure and analyze green development level and its spatial evolution pattern in China from 2010 to 2019. The study shows that: (1) China’s green development level is on the rise and its growth rate is high, and it generally shows a spatial distribution pattern of northeast >east > west > central, and the fastest growth rate in the east; (2) There are some spatial differences in green development level in China and the spatial differences are gradually narrowing, while only the spatial differences in the green wealth index and the inter-regional differences in the green growth index are slightly expanding; (3) There is no obvious spatial clustering phenomenon in China’s green development level as a whole, and there is a positive spatial matching relationship between green development level and green wealth index and green growth index locally, which does not form a close correlation with green welfare index. The study proposes countermeasures based on stimulating the endogenous power of green development and narrowing the regional differences of green growth index, which are of reference value for China to promote green development in the context of carbon neutrality.
Region-based analysis of sensory processing using diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Nakagawa Kai , Cheong Yongjeon , Lee Seonkyoung , Habata Kaie , Kamiya Taku , Shiotsu Daichi , Omori Ichiro M. , Okazawa Hidehiko , Kosaka Hirotaka , Jung Minyoung
Published: April 2023

The caudate nucleus has been thought to be involved in the control of motor commands by the cerebrum, and recent studies suggest that it may play a role in the control of attachment behavior, cognition, emotion, and mental functions. Implied by the basal ganglia’s involvement in the execution, planning and control of movement, the caudate nucleus functions in a situation-dependent manner where processing of external stimuli is important on the basis of learning and memory. Sensory processing, which determines the response to external stimuli, has been shown to be related to various brain regions but it remains unknown how sensory processing is associated with the structure of the caudate nucleus and white matter microstructures of the caudate. Using four diffusion parameters derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) (i.e., fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axonal diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD)) and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire of 99 healthy subjects [42 males and 57 females; mean age:26.9 years, standard deviation 6.9], we investigated the relationship between white matter structure in the caudate nucleus and sensory processing. In consistent with what had been suggested by the results of previous studies, we found significant correlations between AD, MD and tactile sensation. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between AD, MD and tactile sensory avoidance, the AASP sub-scores regarding the tactile senses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that DTI diffusion parameters correlate with AASP scores in specific brain regions.
The association between body image perception and metabolic syndrome in normal-weight adults
Authors: Shin Jieun , Kwak Sungjung
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study analyzed the association between metabolic syndrome and its components according to body image perception in normal-weight adults.

Background

Management of chronic diseases that are the main cause of death in Korea is essential. The representative cause of the increase in these chronic diseases is metabolic syndrome, and preventing it is essential for chronic disease management.

Methods

For data analysis, this study used data from Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES-VII), 2016–2019. A total of 6479 survey respondents with normal BMI, aged 19 to 64 years old, were finally selected for analysis. Analysis was performed separately for men and women because gender-dependent differences were observed in the self-perceived body image types (underestimation, congruence, and overestimation groups). The incidence and risk of metabolic syndrome-related indicators according to body image perception were analyzed.

Results

As a result, it was found that men tending toward underestimation had lower prevalence and risk of metabolic syndrome and women tending toward overestimation had higher prevalence and risk of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

This suggests that even individuals with the same BMI can have effects on the prevalence and risk of metabolic syndrome depending on their body image perception. This allows the conclusion that subjective body image perception can function as a supplementary predictor of metabolic syndrome.
Measuring for primary prevention: An online survey of local community perspectives on family and domestic violence in regional Australia
Authors: Woods John A. , Ward Andrew C. , Greville Heath S. , Moran Monica C. , Nattabi Barbara , Martin Karen E. , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Family and domestic violence, encompassing diverse behaviours including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse, is endemic worldwide and has multiple adverse health and social consequences. Principal drivers include traditional gender values that disempower women. Changing these is a key prevention strategy. In Australia, high-quality national surveys provide data on public perspectives concerning family and domestic violence but may not capture community-level diversity. As part of a project for primary prevention family and domestic violence in outer regional Australia, our aims were to develop and administer a questionnaire-based survey suitable for the local community encompassing knowledge about, attitudes towards, and personal experiences of family and domestic violence, to describe and to investigate the theoretical (factor) structure and local socio-demographic predictors of responses, and to determine the extent to which the survey findings are locally distinctive.

Methods

The online community survey for local residents (≥15 years), comprised items on respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics plus questions abridged from pre-existing national instruments on knowledge about, attitudes towards, and personal experiences of family and domestic violence. Responses were rake-weighted to correct census-ascertained sample imbalance and investigated using exploratory factor analysis, with sociodemographic predictors determined using multiple linear regression and dominance analysis.

Results

Among 914 respondents, males (27.0%), those from age-group extremes, and less-educated persons were underrepresented. Familiarity with diverse family and domestic violence behaviours was high among all subgroups. Poorer knowledge of the FDV behaviour continuum and attitudes supporting traditional gender roles and FDV were disproportionately evident among males, older respondents and those with lower education levels. Both the factor structure of extracted composite measures reflecting community perspectives and sociodemographic predictors of responses generally aligned with patterns evident in national data.

Conclusions

Local reinforcement of existing nationwide findings on community understanding of and attitudes towards family and domestic violence provides salience for targeted interventions.
The Municipal Drinking Water Database
Authors: Hughes Sara , Kirchhoff Christine J. , Conedera Katelynn , Friedman Mirit
Published: April 2023

Drinking water services in the U.S. are critical for public health and economic development but face technical, political, and administrative challenges. Understanding the root cause of these challenges and how to overcome them is hindered by the lack of integrative, comprehensive data about drinking water systems and the communities they serve. The Municipal Drinking Water Database (MDWD) combines financial, institutional, demographic, and environmental conditions of U.S. municipalities and their community water systems (CWS). Municipally owned and operated CWS are ubiquitous and play a critical role in ensuring safe, affordable drinking water services for most Americans; they also offer important opportunities for understanding municipal government behavior and decision making. The MDWD is publicly available and will enable researchers and practitioners interested in viewing or tracking drinking water spending, the financial condition of municipal governments, or myriad demographic, political, institutional, and physical characteristics of municipal drinking water systems to access the data quickly and easily. This paper describes the database and its creation, details examples of how the data can be used and discusses illustrative analyses of trends and insights that can be gleaned from the database. Building and sharing more integrated datasets provides new opportunities for asking novel questions about the drivers and consequences of local decision making about drinking water.
The REKO model: Facebook as a platform for food system reconnection
Authors: Hagolani-Albov Sophia E. , Ehrnström-Fuentes Maria
Published: April 2023

The rise of the globalized, industrial food system has widened the distance between producers and consumers. Over the last several years there has been a call for closing the distance between producers and consumers, and for more transparency in food systems. This need can be filled via procurement of local food, but there are often barriers to connect producers and consumers even when they live in proximity. The REKO model (short for Fair Consumption in Swedish) offers space for virtual reconnection via Facebook, which is used as its communication and ordering platform. The use of an already existing platform, which is often already widely in use among producers and consumers, has allowed the REKO concept to replicate and diffuse very effectively. Thus, REKO is a situated example of how digital interaction can radically alter the producer/consumer interactions in a local food community without having to invest heavily in infrastructures and technological developments. Drawing on experiences from the REKO network, this article explores the opportunities for food system reconnection, as well as the limitations of utilizing an existing technological platform to reconfigure local food interactions.
Dianthus × belkinii (Caryophyllaceae), a new hybrid taxon from Altai
Authors: Smirnov Sergey V. , Skaptsov Michail V. , Uvarova Olga V. , Hoffmann Mathias , Kechaykin Aleksey A. , Shmakov Alexander I.
Published: April 2023

Dianthus × belkinii is an intersectional hybrid newly described from the Republic of Altai (Talduair massif). This taxon was also noted in Mongolia (Bayan-Ulegei aimag). The article describes the morphological features of the new taxon and discusses its relationship with parental species. The described hybrid has intermediate morphological features between the parental species, most notable are the fringed corollas. The stems are sparsely branched, relatively tall and similar to those of D. superbus. The calyx lobes and bracts are transitional between D. superbus and D. versicolor. The limb of the corolla is cut for ⅓–¼ of its length into a few lobes. Cytometry data showed an identical ploidy level of the new taxon and its putative parent species. The average value of the relative DNA content is almost intermediate, however, somewhat closer to D. versicolor. The ITS sequences of D. × belkinii show characteristic double peaks, which may point to a hybridogeneous origin of the plants. Identical chloroplast DNA sequences with D. versicolor but differences to D. superbus suggests that D. versicolor may be the maternal parent of this hybrid. Based on these polymorphisms, it is possible to state that the ITS sequence and D. versicolor × superbus itself are of a hybrid nature, where D. versicolor and D. superbus are the parent forms.
Willow communities at technogenic habitats in the middle-taiga subzone of north-east of the European part of Russia
Authors: Likhanova Irina A. , Zheleznova Galina V. , Shushpannikova Galina S.
Published: April 2023

The paper highlights the diversity of willow communities at technogenic habitats of the middle taiga subzone of north-east of the European part of Russia. Willow communities at technogenic habitats normally develop at places with excessive soil moisture content. At places with optimal soil moisture content, they are found in relatively rich loams. Four new associations are described. They are mesophytic willow communities in middle loamy, as well as residual carbonate soils – Calamagrostio arundinaceae–Salicetum capreae, forest communities surrounding them –Calamagrostio arundinaceae–Piceetum obovatae, willow communities in excessively moist meso- and oligotrophic acid soils – Polytricho communis–Salicetum phylicifoliae, willow communities in meso- and eutrophic waterlogged soils confined to groundwater outlets – Drepanoclado adunci–Salicetum myrsinifoliae. For the latter association, 3 new subassociations are described (typicum, bryetosum pseudotriquetri, philonotietosum fontanae). Mesophytic willow communities at anthropogenically disturbed territories belong to the new alliance Betulo pubescentis–Salicion capreae. Willow communities at technogenic habitats with excessive soil moisture content are described within the alliance Alno incanae–Salicion pentandrae Kielland-Lund 1981. The communities dominated with willows at technogenic habitats mainly include early-succession species. The floristic composition of communities largely depends on the particular soil type. Comparing the species composition of willow communities and forest communities surrounding them, we diagnose certain signs of restoration even at the first succession stages. For example, the willow communities include species being typical of syntaxa of forest ecosystems at advanced successional stages.
Adventive species in the flora of Tyva
Authors: Shaulo Dmitry N. , Zykova Elena Yu. , Shmakov Alexander I.
Published: April 2023

Disturbance of natural ecosystems resulting from the economic development of any region leads to changes in the structure of the vegetation cover. At the beginning of the 21st century, about 70 adventive species were known on the territory of Tyva. To date, the presence of 117 species has been noted in the adventive flora of the region. Most of them are xenophytes, ergasiophytes (departed from culture) – 31 species. According to the degree of naturalization, ephemerophytes predominate – 73 species. The adventive flora of Tuva contains 41 species included in the “List of invasive and potentially invasive species of Siberia” (2014). In comparison with other Siberian regions, there are fewer invasive and potentially invasive species in Tyva, which is associated both with the natural and climatic conditions of the region and with the later economic development of the territory. The most vulnerable to the introduction of alien species were the northern and central regions of the republic, which are characterized by the highest degree of recreational pressure. On the contrary, the outlying territories of the republic, relatively remote from the Central Tuva Basin, are sufficiently protected from the invasion of adventive plants, where, when alien, mainly mesophytic, species are introduced into the flora, the harsh sharply continental climate acts as a limiting factor. The successful introduction of alien species on fallow lands is due to the weakening, up to complete destruction, of natural habitats and plant communities.
Bioactive compounds of Prosopis africana oil (african mesquite) using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique
Authors: Alagbe John Olujimi
Published: April 2023

Phytochemicals (bioactive compounds) are generally regarded as chemicals of plant origin used for plants for growth, defense against competitors and pathogens. They also have a wide range of pharmacological activities including – antiarrhythmic, antioxidant, antimalarial, vasodilatory, antimicrobial, analgesics, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, hypo-cholesterolemic, anti-androgenic, antiviral, antifungal and immune-modulatory. This study was carried out to investigate the bioactive compounds of Prosopis africana oil (african mesquite) using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry technique. A total of 73 bioactive compounds 77.16% were identified based on their peak areas. The major compounds identified in the oil sample were; prosogerin A 29.90%, caryophyllene 12.33%, 2,4-bis (1-phenylethyl) phenol 5.80%, gallic acid 5.22%, β-cyclocitral 3.11%, β-sitosterol 2.50%, α-terpinene 2.09% and ellagic acid 2.04%. The other compounds were less than 1%, however, they exert various pharmacological properties. It was concluded that Prosopis africana oil is loaded with phytochemicals and also has several health promoting properties and it can also be used as a remedy for the treatment of several ailments in human being and animals.
Nilpotent and supersoluble groups
Authors: Razzaghmaneshi Behnam
Published: April 2023

Let G = AB be the mutually permutable product of this supersoluble subgroups A and B. If G’ is nilpotent, then G is supersoluble.
“Not All That Fistulizes Is Crohn's Disease”: A Rare Case of Ischemic Jejunocolic Fistula
Authors: Gala Khushboo , Ghusn Wissam , Chedid Victor
Published: April 2023

Enterocolic fistulae lead to abnormal diversion of gastrointestinal contents from the small intestine to the colon, causing diarrhea and protein energy malnutrition. We describe a rare case of a 40-year-old patient presenting with chronic diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, sitophobia, and severe abdominal pain in the setting of extensive thrombosis due to JAK2 V617F mutant disorder and associated tobacco use. Computed tomography enterography demonstrated an enterocolic fistula (jejunum to cecum), and a colonoscopy confirmed a 4 mm fistula in the cecum. The patient was nutritionally optimized with plans for a surgical fistula takedown in the future.
Feasibility for cage farming in Africa: The case of the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria
Authors: Shitote Zacharia , Munala Norman Osieko , Maremwa Julius S.
Published: April 2023

Fish catches in Lake Victoria have been on the decline, while demand for fish has been increasing because of rapid human population growth and awareness of the health benefits of fish. This decline is attributed to socioeconomic activities around the lake and climate change effects. To bridge the gap, cage culture has presented itself as a new socioeconomic frontier with good prospects for income in Lake Victoria, besides conserving declining wild fish stocks. However, these cages are greatly influencing the biodiversity of the lake both negative and positive. The study adopted a descriptive survey research where a total of 200 cage fish farmers were targeted. A sample of 60 fish farmers was selected using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Interview schedules and self-administered questionnaires were the main tools for data collection. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results were: the majority of cage fish farmers were male (87%) while the female was 13%, with a majority (75%) of the secondary and tertiary level of education. The beach management units and fish farmers were responsible for siting of cages. The fish farmers experienced several challenges including high cost of feeds leading to the use of poor quality feeds that sink and increase eutrophication, which enhances the growth of algae and water hyacinth in the lake. Overstocking leads to the emergence of diseases and fish kills, and fish theft resulting in economic loss. Most (80%) of respondents were not aware of policy guidelines on cage culture in Lake Victoria, while (75%) were not aware if cage culture was promoting climate change effects in Lake Victoria. This paper recommends the government to create awareness of policy guidelines on cage fish farming.
Challenges to the lake fisheries, and factors affecting the effectiveness of a co-management regime in African Great Lakes: A case study of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Odoli C.O. , Owiti H. , Mwamburi J. , Oduor-Odote P. , Nyaboke H. , Nyamweya C. , Aura C.
Published: April 2023

There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher community and other stakeholders across the African Great Lakes. This could aid in promoting community livelihoods and sustainability of the fishery and lakes ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of established co-management regimes remains unknown. This study evaluated the effectiveness of established co-management units, specifically Beach Management Units, along Lake Victoria, Kenya. Data was collected through site observations, and questionnaire led interviews involving the key informants and Beach Management Units’ members. The study depicted presence of illegal gears (5.7%), pollution (10.2%), insecurity (3.4%) and targeting of undersized fish (1.1%) among others. The role of the management units in lessening aforesaid challenges was reported overall to be below 36%. Features donating to overall performance, enforcement, conflict resolution, welfare and awareness creation, were rated at 17.6%, 33.8%, 35.5% and 13.2% correspondingly. The low rating of such measurable attributes advocates lack of effectiveness of co-management in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Albeit key registers and records were known to most of the members, there were no signs of progressive growth in the management units. This was attributed mainly to lack of continuous awareness creation amid the changing lake environmental conditions and dynamics in the specific species fishery. There is need to sustain the achievements so far attained in promoting co-management and ecosystem sustainability, as enforcement of laws and regulations can be a challenging undertaking without government support. Governments should ensure financial and material provision in expanding capacity of co-management units in promoting community livelihoods and fishery sustainability.
Protection of fish breeding areas in Lake Baringo and the potential for sustainable resource management
Authors: Mugo James , Odoli Cyprian , Nyakeya Kobingi
Published: April 2023

Lake Baringo (located in Kenya, East Africa) fishery is currently under perturbation with diverse annual fluctuations in the catch landings. In an attempt to remedy the declining fishery, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Department and Beach Management Units, identified and demarcated three fish breeding areas for protection. To assess the effectiveness of these protected fish breeding areas, three fleets of multifilament gillnets (mesh sizes; 25.4 to 203.2 mm) were set between February and December 2018. One fleet was set inside the breeding area, whereas the other two fleets were set 200m and 400m outsides. Fish species abundance, size structure and maturity stages were analyzed from the catch. Fish species abundance was higher within fish breeding areas (67.8%) than outside (32.2%). Labeobarbus intermedius was the most abundant (55.3 %), followed by Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis (29.9%), Labeo cylindricus (13.2%) and Clarias gariepinus (1.7%). Even though larger fish sizes were recorded outside than inside fish breeding areas, they were not statistically different irrespective of seasons (P˃0.05). Majority of the fish (approx. 70%) both inside and outside the breeding areas were in gonad stages 1 and 2. The results indicate that the three areas have great potential to increase fish productivity through fish recruitment and subsequent spillover into fishing grounds. It is recommended that stakeholders, especially Beach Management Units and County Government Department of Fisheries, focus on actualizing the protection of fish breeding areas through enhanced monitoring and surveillance. Fishers should also be sensitized on protected areas concept, coupled with the need to use proper mesh sizes and fishing effort. Beach Management Units should be strengthened as co-management units to guarantee sustainable fisheries resource utilization in Lake Baringo.
Los volcanes de Alexander von Humboldt y Johann Moritz Rugendas. El complejo humboldtiano del paisaje
Authors: Olivares Sandoval Omar
Published: April 2023

La historia y teoría del paisaje han incluido reflexiones sobre su desarrollo paralelo como concepto analítico y como género visual y pictórico. En tal contexto, el trabajo del polímata Alexander von Humboldt es un referente, al haber considerado a la estética y la epistemología del paisaje como elementos sustanciales de su noción de “fisionomía”. A través de los casos de Humboldt, del pintor bávaro Johann Moritz Rugendas y de sus imágenes para el libro de Christian Sartorius, este artículo propone un análisis del desarrollo del paisaje en el marco interdisciplinario de la geografía y la geología y sus redes de agentes interesados en la mutua dependencia de conocimientos científicos y el desarrollo industrial. El enfoque adoptado explora el modo de construcción visual del paisaje y las trayectorias científicas y sociales involucradas en su producción. A través del caso del volcán Jorullo, se presenta la forma en que la estética del paisaje fue usada para generalizar conocimientos geológicos y, en paralelo, una geografía para la colonización del país. Asimismo, a partir del caso del volcán de Colima, se analiza la producción imbricada de paisaje, observaciones geológicas, geográficas y cartográficas, al igual que puntos de vista sobre la modernización industrial. A esta constelación de relaciones se denomina “complejo humboldtiano del paisaje”.
Thoreau, H. D. (2022). Primavera.
Authors: De Pina Ravast Valeria Consuelo
Published: April 2023

Thoreau, H. D. (2022). Primavera. Buenos Aires: Ediciones Godot. 112 pp. ISBN 978-987-8928-04-3.
Conferencia: Geografía en transición hacia el mundo que viene Federico Fernández Christlieb
Authors: Marcó del Pont Lalli Raúl
Published: April 2023

Conferencia: Geografía en transición hacia el mundo que viene ederico Fernández Christlieb Fórum del Instituto de Geografía, UNAM Auditorio “Ing. Geog. Francisco Díaz Covarrubias”  04510 Ciudad Universitaria, Alcaldía Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, 12:00 horas, viernes, 3 de marzo de 2023
Cultural reality of nyogug pendhalungan: social unearned revenues (ethnososiology pendhalungan approach)
Authors: Prasetyo Whedy , Toha Akhmad
Published: April 2023

This qualitative research on pendhalungan etnososiology aims to reveal nyogug cultures. Cultural tradition helps the wedding feast as a sacrificial unit of present and future economic resources that are certainly to be returned because of social agreement. This atmosphere makes social unearned revenues. Therefore, nyogug cultural tradition becomes an analytical tool. Data were collected through participant observation. The result of this research shows cultural tradition is social unearned revenues recording unity of revenue and expenses. So, measuring it at time of acquisition is also for expenses when itâ€™s incurred. A situation that provides the development of recording transactions based on fairness and equity based on togetherness, as a business entity recognizes revenue and expenses as one. For both of these requirements is the future sacrifice of economic resources. Conditions to bind continue or to become obligatory until satisfied as unearned revenues to economic and physical benefits, revenue and expenses must also be measured and recognized when the nyogug activity occurs. Thus, the measurement of these two accounts at the time of acquisition is also for expenses when incurred.