bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PATHWAY “VOCATIONAL EDUCATION – UNIVERSITY (FULL-TIME)” FOR STUDENTS IN TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS
Authors: Kremen Sergei A. , Kremen Faina M.
Published: November 2024

Background. With an increase in the number of school graduates entering the institutions of the vocational education system, and an increase in the variability of educational and professional trajectories of young people in general, the relevance of studying students who came to university after graduating from college increases. The question of the reasons for the admission of such students to full-time education and the possibilities of their professional development remains poorly understood.
Purpose. The objective is to study the transition trajectory of university students – vocational education graduates studying in full-time teacher-training programs, as a feature of their educational and professional development.
Materials and methods. The analysis of admission statistics at Smolensk State University made it possible to identify the enrollment rates of secondary vocational education graduates and justify the sampling for the qualitative method — interviews, in which full-time students from 1st to 4th year, studying in teaching programs, participated. An analysis was conducted on 12 structured interviews, which characterized the educational trajectories of students who were graduates of teacher training and non-pedagogical programs
Results. The transit educational trajectory was planned by all respondents, but its reasons were due to factors of a different nature: territorial or personal. Two-thirds of the respondents entered pedagogical programs already having a teaching education, which generally characterizes the awareness of professional choice and is a positive prerequisite for their educational and professional development. The shift in the direction of training to pedagogical is due to a positive attitude towards this field but characterizes students as experiencing difficulties in professional self-determination. The choice of full-time education is driven by both intrinsic motives (to gain more knowledge and become a qualified professional) and economic and social reasons.
PHYSICAL HEALTH OF THE 1st YEAR STUDENTS OF THE 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR
Authors: Lyubimova Guzel N. , Kurbatov Andrei V. , Safonov Anatolii A. , Gulich Seregei S. , Ksenofontov Aleksandr N.
Published: November 2024

Background. The teacher needs to analyse and promptly make changes in each student’s dosage of physical activity in the class. At the same time, students within the group differ from each other in gender, age, physical fitness and health level. Such differences make it difficult to clearly discern the individual characteristics of every student and thus to help them develop their physical data in the best way, choose a proper motor regime to improve their health.
The aim of the work is to calculate and analyse the physical health index for 1st-year students of the 2023-2024 academic year at the Russian New University in scores in order to control their physical condition in the discipline “Physical Culture”.
Materials and methods. The survey used the methods, tests and computer programmes developed by the Association “People’s Sports Park”. The Association “People’s Sports Park” has a patent of the Russian Federation No. 2147208 for the “Method of assessing physical health reserves and working capacity of the population” and the ownership right to the computer programme processing and evaluating testing results for different categories of the population. Materials of the research: data from 15 tests for the following human body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous. The tests include measurements made both in the state of relative dormancy and in dynamics. The main method of working with the obtained data was their statistical processing and analysis of its results.
Results. The article reflects the findings of the study of the first-year students’ heart rhythm obtained with the use of technical means and recorded in real time.
The calculation of the physical health index (PHI) of the first-year students made in the 2023-2024 academic year showed the following distribution:

34% of the students scored between 3 and 3.9 out of 6 points maximum and have a satisfactory level of health and performance ability;
41% of the first-year students have an unsatisfactory physical condition, which corresponds to 2.0-2.9 points out of 6 maximum;
25% of the first-year students have good and excellent health levels, which corresponds to 4-6 points;
75% of the first-year students have a quality of health that requires perfection and maximum control by specialists.
FROM CRITICAL THINKING TO CRITICAL TRUST: THE CASE FOR ONLINE LEARNING
Authors: Golubinskaya Anastasiia V. , Viakhireva Valeriia V.
Published: November 2024

Background. On one hand, education is a specific form of social interaction where participants’ trust is a prerequisite rather than an outcome. On the other hand, the contemporary informational environment, in which new educational practices emerge, is replete with unverified and false information that complicates trust. This creates a paradox: online education simultaneously demands both swift trust and epistemic vigilance. Swift trust and epistemic vigilance are understood as two regimes of critical thinking, and the factors influencing the switch between these regimes are the subject of this study.
Purpose. To identify the factors that trigger different regimes of critical thinking in online learning.
Materials and methods.  The theoretical part of the study is based on the synthesis of epistemic trust concept, theory of swift trust and social-epistemological approach to critical thinking. Based on this, the article presents a pilot survey of students of massive open online courses of Lobachevsky University online learning platform (N=83).
Results. The main finding is that the key factor in switching between swift trust and epistemic vigilance is the previous negative online learning experiences. having such experience is consolidated and sharply reduces expectations from any subsequent online learning. The absence of negative experiences, on the contrary, increases swift trust and reduces epistemic vigilance. The main mechanisms of switching between regimes of critical thinking in online education are presented as epistemic delegation, appeal to statistics, logical-grammatical representation, and visual representation.
Sponsorship information. The work was funded with a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project № 24-28-00809 “Critical thinking studies: fundamental research on critical thinking as an interdisciplinary problem”)
Outline of Polish collective labour law
Authors: Piątkowski Jan
Published: November 2024

The intention of the authors of this publication was to give an overview of the complex and multifaceted issues of collective labour law in Poland. The work refers in particular to the concept, features and functions of collective labour law and the principles of collective labour law that reveal the face of this law. Its subject is also social dialogue, which binds together almost all institutions of collective labour law, autonomous sources of labour law and collective disputes. An important part of the monograph is the analysis of the close relationship between collective and individual labour law, as well as the discrepancies between the model of collective labour law and its operation in legal practice. The final part of the study concerns the nature of collective labour law. The problem in this respect relates to the extension of the right of trade union coalition to persons performing paid work on a basis other than employment relationships. This raises the important question of whether we are already dealing with collective employment law, or whether the concept of collective labour law is still in operation.
Bolesław Chrobry – lew ryczący
Authors: Urbańczyk Przemysław
Published: November 2024

Trzynasta książka to spora odpowiedzialność w stosunku do czytelników, którzy mają prawo oczekiwać lektury zajmującej i inspirującej do własnych przemyśleń. Odpowiedzialność okazuje się tym większa, że bohaterem rozważań jest władca zajmujący poczesne miejsce w panteonie dumy narodowej. Bolesław Chrobry jako postrach wszystkich sąsiadów już za swojego długiego życia wzbudzał wielkie emocje polityczne. Był bardzo skuteczny, gdyż odznaczał się okrucieństwem i bezwzględnością. By zrealizować swoje cele, nie wzbraniał się przed popełnianiem czynów dalekich od chrześcijańskich ideałów. Żył przecież w czasach, kiedy brutalność i podstęp nieuchronnie przeplatały się ze wspaniałomyślnością i szczodrością władców konkurujących ze sobą na scenie geopolitycznej. Bolesław został nazwany przez potomnych Wielkim, bo też dokonał rzeczy wielkich. Wywalczył sobie pierwszoplanowe miejsce w Europie Środkowej; nadał swojemu państwu cechy nowoczesnej monarchii chrześcijańskiej; wygrał większość z licznych wojen, które prowadził; znacznie rozszerzył granice państwa piastowskiego; wypromował nazwy Polski i Polaków. Powierzył jednakże swojemu synowi zadanie niewykonalne: utrzymanie wysokiego statusu monarchii w sytuacji otoczenia jej przez samych wrogów. Toteż jej upadek nastąpił już kilka lat po śmierci wielkiego Bolesława, który stał się niemal mitycznym uosobieniem dawnej chwały.
Cutting-Edge Approaches in Urinary Incontinence Treatment: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Winiarek Karolina , Michalska Martyna , Wardyn Wiktor , Guzowski Cezary , Murawska Joanna , Ziemińska Daria , Burczyk Rafał , Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Urinary incontinence is a prevalent health issue that profoundly impacts the quality of life for patients worldwide. Traditional treatments, including pharmacotherapy and surgical procedures, often fall short, leaving many individuals struggling with bladder control issues that restrict physical and social activities and cause significant psychological distress. Recent advancements in therapeutic methods—encompassing behavioral therapies, cutting-edge medical technologies, innovative pharmacotherapy, and advanced surgical techniques—offer promising alternatives. By exploring the effectiveness and advantages of these novel approaches, we can enhance treatment accessibility and elevate the quality of care for those affected by urinary incontinence, ultimately improving their daily functioning and overall well-being.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge:Current research on innovative treatments for urinary incontinence indicates significant advancements in enhancing patients' quality of life. These cutting-edge methods encompass behavioral therapies like pelvic floor muscle training, state-of-the-art medical technologies such as nerve stimulation, new pharmacological treatments with high efficacy and minimal side effects, and advanced surgical interventions, including artificial sphincter implants and urinary tract modifications.
Conclusions: Urinary incontinence is a prevalent health issue that significantly deteriorates the quality of life, particularly affecting half of women and one-third of men over the age of 80. As our society ages and the number of individuals affected by this condition rises, understanding and advancing treatment methods become increasingly crucial. Ongoing research aims to discover new and improved therapeutic approaches with minimal side effects, offering hope for enhanced patient outcomes and better management of urinary incontinence in the future.
Exploring Haptoglobin as a Promising Marker for Severe Liver Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ziemińska Daria , Burczyk Rafał , Wardyn Wiktor , Michalska Martyna , Winiarek Karolina , Murawska Joanna , Guzowski Cezary , Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: November 2024

Liver damage is a common symptom of many diseases, including metabolic disorders and cancers. Such patient condition requires effective examinations aimed at prompt diagnosis and implementation of the most appropriate treatment for a specific disease. Haptoglobin, the subject of many studies, has proven to be a protein that can be used as a biomarker of liver damage, thereby aiding not only in the diagnosis but also in the treatment, resulting in more favorable prognoses regarding patient longevity and quality of life.The aim of this study is to elucidate the role of haptoglobin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in cases of liver damage.This is a review of scientific literature and analysis of clinical data regarding haptoglobin levels in liver damage were conducted to assess the reliability of haptoglobin as a biomarker.This paper primarily utilized the latest publications produced after 2015. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to find relevant publications. All cited works provided useful information to achieve the aim of our article.Analysis of the literature suggests that haptoglobin levels may be significantly associated with the development and severity of liver damage. It may serve as a suitable biomarker for diagnosing diseases that coincide with hepatocyte damage, thus improving the diagnosis of these diseases and increasing the chance of appropriate treatment, which may contribute to prolonging and improving the patient's quality of life.Haptoglobin appears to be a promising biomarker in liver damage; however, further research is necessary to confirm its diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Haptoglobin exists in various genotypic forms, each characteristic of different disease entities. Understanding the mechanisms regulating haptoglobin levels may lead to a better understanding of liver damage pathogenesis and the development of more effective therapies, increasing the chance of patient recovery and improving their quality of life.
Advanced therapeutic strategies in patellar ligament tendinopathy: from etiology to clinical practice. A literature review.
Authors: Stachowiak Julia , Sosin Julia , Pilarz Anna , Zwierzchowska Maria , Sojka Aleksandra , Salamon Dariusz , Domagała Wojciech
Published: November 2024

Introduction: 
Tendinopathy of the patellar ligament, often referred to as “jumper's knee,” is a significant health problem for athletes subjected to repeated knee strains. The condition, resulting from microtrauma and degeneration of collagen fibers, leads to chronic pain and impaired function of the patellar ligament.
 
Aim of the study:
The aim of this study was to present current knowledge about new techniques to prevent and treat patellar tendinopathy. Analyzing current informations, understanding risk factors, and recognizing pathophysiology of patellar tendinopathy can prevent many sportsmen to withdraw from competitions. 
 
Materials and methods:
A systematic review of scientific and medical literature from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted.
Results:
A review of the literature has identified key risk factors for patellar ligament tendinopathy.  An analysis of available studies indicates that various therapeutic interventions, including shockwave therapy, eccentric exercise programs can provide pain relief and improve patellar ligament function. However, the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on individual patient characteristics.
 
Conclusions:
Recognition of risk factors, early education and prevention, and prompt introduction of treatment at an early enough stage of the disease allow for the best treatment results and rapid return of patients to sports activities before the onset of pain, and significantly improve patients' quality of life. These findings underscore the comprehensive nature of the management of patellar ligament tendinopathy, including both therapeutic and preventive interventions.
 
Keywords: patellar tendinopathy, orthopeadics, sport medicine, knee
Mammography In Breast Cancer Screening – Current Knowledge, Challenges, The Impact of Artificial Intelligence, And Effectiveness With A Focus On Poland
Authors: Pachana Maciej , Piersiak Marcin , Sawczuk Hubert , Tomasiewicz Anna , Zabierowski Jan , Kukuła Piotr , Marschollek Julia , Ziomek Maciej
Published: November 2024

Mammography is a critical tool in breast cancer screening and secondary prevention, enabling early detection and significantly reducing breast cancer mortality. This literature review assesses the effectiveness of mammography in identifying early-stage tumors, discussing its advantages, limitations, and specific challenges. Additionally, advancements in imaging techniques, such as 3D tomosynthesis, are examined, especially for their enhanced sensitivity in women with dense breast tissue, which reduces structural overlap and improves diagnostic precision. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammographic image analysis opens new opportunities, supporting radiologists by automating the detection and classification of potential lesions, thereby increasing screening efficiency and reducing false-positive rates. However, effective implementation of AI requires seamless integration with clinical systems and ongoing research to refine algorithms for diverse clinical needs. Furthermore, legal frameworks are essential to delineate responsibility in AI-supported diagnostics. This review emphasizes the status of breast cancer screening in Poland, where participation rates remain low despite the availability of free screenings. This highlights the need for improved public awareness and accessibility, especially in underserved areas. Overall, the findings underscore the fundamental role of mammography in breast cancer detection, with AI and other technological advancements significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy while identifying areas for further improvement.
Research on Teaching Idea Innovation of University Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Huang Jin , Wang Shaojie , Zhu Jun , Cai Jiao , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2024

This study takes the teaching reform concept of university PE teachers in the new era as the research object, and uses the literature method, logical analysis method and inductive deduction method to deeply analyze the development opportunity and realistic bottleneck of the teaching innovation concept of university PE teachers. The research shows that the teaching innovation concept of university PE teachers faces new challenges, and the generalization of education consciousness and the motivation of concept innovation of university PE teachers are insufficient. "Cultivating morality and cultivating people" as the basic task of education, the author puts forward the concept of "moral education first" in the innovation of teaching concept of physical education teachers in universities. Construct the evaluation system of "cultivating virtue" and "cultivating body"; To construct a new model of post-service education for physical education teachers in universities, and establish a new standard for the evaluation of professional titles of physical education teachers in universities; The new model of cultivating multi-disciplinary high quality sports talents and the concept of PE teachers' education should be integrated with aesthetic education. The aim is to provide theoretical reference for the timely updating of the teaching concept of university PE teachers under the background of the new era and optimizing the classified development of university PE teachers.
Erectile dysfunction as a common complication of radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kotuła Jacek , Kapler Marta , Mąsior Magdalena Natalia , Zinkow Karolina , Świerczek Izabella
Published: November 2024

Prostate cancer is a widespread disorder among older men cured in most cases by radical prostatectomy. Erectile dysfunction, among other sexual disabilities, following a prostatectomy, plays an important role in the quality of life of these patients. Due to the high prevalence of this problem, the knowledge about health aspects leading to postoperative erectile dysfunction should be extended, enabling better prevention of this disorder. This study aims to assess the risks and benefits of preoperative sexual stimulation in patients undergoing different types of prostatectomy on erectile dysfunction by analysing available data from articles found on several internet archives such as PubMed, Google Scholar or Embase. This research shows that erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy depends both on protective factors of ED, risk factors of ED preoperatively, active sexual rehabilitation before and after surgery, and finally on the type of procedure itself. Patients benefit from good sexual conditions before the surgery, few risk factors such as obesity or cardiovascular diseases, having undergone one of nerve-sparing techniques and active sexual rehabilitation in the postoperative period.
Multimodal Discourse Interpretation of the Paris Olympics Mascot
Authors: Xu Longhua , Wang Lei , Luo Yanni
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aims to analyze the design intention of the mascot of the Paris Olympics from a multimodal perspective. As the host of the 2024 Olympic Games, Paris' mascot carries rich meanings. With globalization and technological advancement, information spreads multimodally, and multimodal discourse analysis is important to understand how the mascot interacts with different audiences, conveys meanings as well as bridges cultural differences, and spreads the Olympic spirit and cultural heritage of the host country.
Methods: Taking Kress and Van Leeuwen's visual grammar as the theoretical basis, based on multimodal discourse analysis under the perspective of social semiotics, and combining with the analysis indexes in the multimodal image analysis software, the mascots of the Paris Olympic Games are visualized and interpreted to explore their image characteristics, design concepts and social significance.
Results: the mascot is analyzed from three aspects: reproduction meaning, composition meaning and interaction meaning. In terms of reproduction, the mascot is related to the Olympic Games and French culture; in terms of composition, the emblem and other elements are the core information carrier, and the color and other elements play an important role; in terms of interaction, the mascot has a variety of interactions with the viewers and so on.
Conclusion: Olympic mascots are important components of Olympic culture. The multimodal discourse analysis comprehensively and accurately interpreted the connotation of the mascot of the Paris Olympic Games, reflecting the information of the organizing country and integrating it with the Olympic movement, reflecting the spirit of sports. The study has deficiencies, and the mascots can be further explored in the real context.
Introducción
Authors: Cediel Becerra Juan Fernando
Published: November 2024

En primer lugar, el capítulo 5 nos muestra el análisis y la propuesta de evaluación integral y programática, a nivel de posgrado, en el módulo de circulación extracorpórea de un programa de perfusión y circulación para profesionales de enfermería. En el capítulo 6 se hace un análisis del sistema de evaluación en diferentes rotaciones de especialidades quirúrgicas de estudiantes de pregrado. A partir de dicho análisis, los autores presentan una propuesta de evaluación programática de tres pasos dirigida a las rotaciones en especialidades quirúrgicas que, al mismo tiempo, es flexible, pues tiene en cuenta las particularidades de cada una de las rotaciones. Finalmente, en el capítulo 7, los autores analizan los distintos escenarios de evaluación en una rotación de consulta externa e interconsultas de un programa de posgrado en Medicina Interna. Basándose en dicho análisis, los estudiantes proponen unos elementos de mejora de este sistema. En cada uno de estos capítulos se brindan aportes y herramientas acerca de cómo llevar a cabo análisis estructurados respecto a los procesos de evaluación; de igual manera, los autores muestran al lector cómo al hacer estos análisis y reflexionar sobre ellos es factible generar acciones concretas dirigidas a la darle un papel pertinente y fundamental a la evaluación dentro de los procesos y los sistemas educativos.
Microcurrículo en rotaciones de especialidades quirúrgicas: diseño e implementación
Authors: Girón-Luque Fernando , Téllez Rodríguez Luis J. , Rueda Gutiérrez Jorge A.
Published: November 2024

Nuestro propósito es indagar y concretar las condiciones por las cuales existe esta brecha entre el currículo determinado por la institución y el que se enseña para generar un modelo de recomendaciones que optimicen el microcurrículo en esta área.
Code and Data Repository for Optimized Noise Suppression for Quantum Circuits
Authors: Wagner Friedrich , Egger Daniel J. , Liers Frauke
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this software is to optimize quantum circuits. Given a quantum circuit and a hardware connectivity, the software builds an equivalent quantum circuit which meets the connectivity restrictions while at the same time minimizing gate count and error probability.
Code and Data Repository for Efficient Implementation of Interior-Point Methods for Quantum Relative Entropy
Authors: Karimi Mehdi , Tunçel Levent
Published: November 2024

Domain-Driven Solver (DDS) is a MATLAB-based software package for convex optimization problems in Domain-Driven form.
Employee Board Representation and Capital Investment
Authors: Jin Qinglu , Ma Hui , Schmid Thomas , Zhang Guochang
Published: November 2024

We examine how parity employee representation (PER) on corporate boards affects firms’ capital investments. In Germany, PER is legally mandated for firms with more than 2,000 domestic employees, but not for those below this threshold. Exploiting this discontinuity, we show that PER has heterogeneous effects on firms operating in diverse environments. For firms experiencing positive growth, PER increases their responsiveness to investment opportunities, suggesting that employee participation increases firms’ ability to exploit growth options. The effect through growth options is particularly salient in situations in which growth options are highly valuable. In contrast, for firms experiencing negative growth, PER reduces investment responsiveness, suggesting that employees resist the exercise of abandonment options. This effect is more pronounced in firms with high labor intensity, in which employees are likely to have a strong voice. Furthermore, operational risk moderates the effects of employee representation––the positive effect through growth options is attenuated in high-risk firms and the negative effect through abandonment options is exacerbated, thereby suggesting that employee board representatives are less interested in pursuing growth where businesses are relatively risky, and they protect their constituents more forcefully in high-risk environments. Moreover, the positive effect of PER on exploiting growth options is attenuated by collective bargaining agreements, while its effect through abandonment options is little affected. Evidence from stock price behavior further supports the viewpoint that employee representation affects capital investment. Our findings are relevant to policymakers as well as to firms’ various stakeholders.

This paper was accepted by Eric So, accounting.

Funding: This work was supported by China’s National Science Foundation [Grants 72032003, 72102166]; China’s Ministry of Education [111 Project (B18033)]; and China’s Ministry of Education (Project of Key Research Institutes of Humanities and Social Science in Universities [22JJD790094]).

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.03495 .
Relato de experiência: Uma professora universitária autista nas engenharias com diagnóstico na fase adulta como berço de projeto de extensão sobre neurodiversidade
Authors: Von Muhlen Carin
Published: November 2024

Apesar do diagnóstico de autismo ter crescido nos últimos anos, sua prevalência nas instituições de ensino superior ainda é desconhecida ou sub-representada. No ambiente acadêmico, a neurodiversidade começa a ser discutida nas instâncias da educação, mas a existência de professores com TEA ainda é tratada como tabu entre profissionais da educação superior. Nas áreas de ciências exatas e engenharias não são encontrados estudos ou relatos de professores autistas brasileiros e suas vivências nesses ambientes. O presente relato em primeira pessoa traz uma reflexão sobre a trajetória de uma professora universitária de cursos de engenharia que recebeu diagnóstico de autismo na idade adulta. Esse relato apresenta a trajetória da profissional desde o processo de diagnóstico, a divulgação ao ambiente acadêmico e seus impactos, apresentando os caminhos que levaram a criação de um projeto de extensão focado na neurodiversidade e o processo de inclusão no ambiente universitário.
Research and practice in the university classroom
Authors: Jiang Zhi-jie
Published: November 2024

Almost twenty years of teaching has made the author pay more and more attention to classroom teaching. But what should be done in the classroom to ensure the quality of classroom? In this paper, the author proposes five aspects for classroom teaching research and practice to ensure the quality of classroom teaching.
Generalization of the method based on parameterization developed for solving integer programming problems
Authors: Alan Kadriye Simsek
Published: November 2024

This study presents the generalization of methods based on parameterization proposed for solving integer programming problems with linear objectives and linear constraints. Initially, the method based on parameterization, proposed for solving 2, 3, and 4-variable integer linear programming problems, is generalized to n-variable integer linear programming problems. The proposed method relies on the parameterization obtained from Diophantine equations. Using this parameterization, the original problem is reformulated as another integer linear programming problem that can be solved more efficiently using simple mathematical programming. The method can be used regardless of the number of constraints of the problem and also provides all alternative solutions to the decision maker. It is demonstrated with some examples that this method provides an efficient algorithm.
Tm3+-doped barium antimony germanate glass fibers for achieving 1.8–2  µm lasers
Authors: Wan Jie , Geng Xin , Song Xiangyang , Wang Weichao , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: November 2024

Near- and mid-infrared fiber lasers at the ∼2µm wavelength range are essential for applications such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and military confrontation. However, developing materials that provide both anti-crystallization stability and high gain in this range remains challenging. This study presents the development of high-gain Tm3+-doped barium antimony germanate (BaO−Sb2O3−GeO2, abbreviated as BSG) glass fiber, designed to achieve laser emission at 1.8–2 µm. Based on the glass-forming region, the composition of BSG bulk glass is optimized, and it exhibits a high Tm3+ doping concentration (N=3.3×1020ions/cm3), excellent anti-crystallization stability (ΔT=250∘C), and a large emission cross-section (σ
e
=8.4×10−21cm2). Tm3+-doped BSG optical fibers are fabricated using a melting–quenching method with a large full width at half-maximum of up to 200 nm in their amplified spontaneous emission spectra. Such Tm3+-doped BSG fibers produced gain coefficients of 6.48 dB/cm at 1950 nm and 6.03 dB/cm at 1867 nm when pumped at 1570 nm, respectively. Furthermore, laser outputs of 1862 nm and 1964 nm are achieved using a 2 cm long Tm3+-doped BSG glass fiber, highlighting the potential of BSG glass fibers in near- and mid-infrared laser applications.
Atomic entanglement concentration via photonic Faraday rotation in cavity QED
Authors: Xiu Xiao-Ming , Zhao Zi-Lin , Wang Xin-Ying , Yuan Zi-Qing , Li Jiu-Ming , Ji Yan-Qiang , Dong Li
Published: November 2024

By utilizing Faraday rotation of photons, we present a highly efficient protocol for entanglement concentration of atomic Bell states, which departs from the conventional method of sequential interactions between the auxiliary photon and two optical cavities. Instead, the simultaneous interaction of the auxiliary photon with two atomic cavities is involved in order to significantly reduce the time requirement for achieving atomic Bell state entanglement concentration. By employing iterative applications of the protocol for entanglement concentration, the discarded states can be repeatedly concentrated, efficiently increasing the probability of success. Furthermore, our entanglement concentration protocols (ECPs) operate in low-Q cavities, which are easier to implement in practical applications than high-Q cavities. Finally, it can be generalized to an N-atom GHZ states entanglement concentration protocol.
Measurement polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber nonlinear response using phase shift between orthogonal polarization modes
Authors: Kulieşaitš Miglė , Vengelis Julius , Jarutis Vygandas
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present what we believe to be a new method for estimating the nonlinear refractive index of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber using the phase shift between orthogonal polarization modes. This method is based on measurements of the spectra of light emitted from the photonic crystal fiber behind a Glan-Taylor prism, used as an analyzer, at different pump pulse powers and different Glan-Taylor prism orientations. The estimated n2 value of 2.5 cm2/W agrees very well with the values reported in the literature.
All-dielectric metasurfaces enabled by quasi-BIC for high-Q near-perfect light absorption
Authors: Huang Zhisen , Wang Jin , Jia Wei , Zhang Shanwen , Zhou Changhe
Published: November 2024

All-dielectric metasurface (ADM) absorbers driven by quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC) are critical for high-performance optoelectronic devices due to their ability to offer high Q-factor absorption. However, these all-dielectric metasurfaces usually require the aid of degenerate critical coupling schemes or back-metal reflective layers to achieve high absorption, which often suffers from limitations such as sensitive geometrical parameters, ohmic losses, and low Q-factors. This work presents an ADM for high-Q near-perfect light absorption, which consists of double Si nanorods and SiO2/Ta2O5 multilayers. By breaking the symmetry of the length of the Si nanorods, this ADM can excite a single quasi-BIC resonance corresponding to the electric dipole. Without introducing a metal layer, we realize the highly asymmetric coupling of quasi-BIC by only 6 layers of SiO2/Ta2O5 films. It is theoretically and numerically demonstrated that the quasi-BIC has more than 98% absorption at 943.68 nm and a Q-factor as high as 2842. In addition, the ADM exhibits excellent tolerance to geometrical parameters while ensuring high absorption performance. Our results provide new ideas for the design of all-dielectric perfect absorbers with large tolerances and high Q-factors and also open up new possibilities for optical filtering, optical sensing, and photon detection devices.
MosAIC: An annotated collection of mosquito-associated bacteria with high-quality genome assemblies
Authors: Foo Aidan , Brettell Laura E. , Nichols Holly L. ,   2022 UW-Madison Capstone in Microbiology Students, Medina Muñoz Miguel , Lysne Jessica A. , Dhokiya Vishaal , Hoque Ananya F. , Brackney Doug E. , Caragata Eric P. , Hutchinson Michael L. , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo , Lampe David J. , Martin Edwige , Valiente Moro Claire , Povelones Michael , Short Sarah M. , Steven Blaire , Xu Jiannong , Paustian Timothy D. , Rondon Michelle R. , Hughes Grant L. , Coon Kerri L. , Heinz Eva
Published: November 2024

Mosquitoes transmit medically important human pathogens, including viruses like dengue virus and parasites such as Plasmodium spp., the causative agent of malaria. Mosquito microbiomes are critically important for the ability of mosquitoes to transmit disease-causing agents. However, while large collections of bacterial isolates and genomic data exist for vertebrate microbiomes, the vast majority of work in mosquitoes to date is based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon data that provides limited taxonomic resolution and no functional information. To address this gap and facilitate future studies using experimental microbiome manipulations, we generated a bacterial Mosquito-Associated Isolate Collection (MosAIC) consisting of 392 bacterial isolates with extensive metadata and high-quality draft genome assemblies that are publicly available, both isolates and sequence data, for use by the scientific community. MosAIC encompasses 142 species spanning 29 bacterial families, with members of the Enterobacteriaceae comprising 40% of the collection. Phylogenomic analysis of 3 genera, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Elizabethkingia, reveal lineages of mosquito-associated bacteria isolated from different mosquito species in multiple laboratories. Investigation into species’ pangenomes further reveals clusters of genes specific to these lineages, which are of interest for future work to test for functions connected to mosquito host association. Altogether, we describe the generation of a physical collection of mosquito-associated bacterial isolates, their genomic data, and analyses of selected groups in context of genome data from closely related isolates, providing a unique, highly valuable resource for research on bacterial colonisation and adaptation within mosquito hosts. Future efforts will expand the collection to include broader geographic and host species representation, especially from individuals collected from field populations, as well as other mosquito-associated microbes, including fungi, archaea, and protozoa.
A new look at TFPI inhibition of factor X activation
Authors: Santiago Fabian , Kaur Amandeep , Bride Shannon , Monroe Dougald , Leiderman Karin , Sindi Suzanne
Published: November 2024

Blood coagulation is a vital physiological process involving a complex network of biochemical reactions, which converge to form a blood clot that repairs vascular injury. This process unfolds in three phases: initiation, amplification, and propagation, ultimately leading to thrombin formation. Coagulation begins when tissue factor (TF) is exposed on an injured vessel’s wall. The first step is when activated factor VII (VIIa) in the plasma binds to TF, forming complex TF:VIIa, which activates factor X. Activated factor X (Xa) is necessary for coagulation, so the regulation of its activation is crucial. Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) is a critical regulator of the initiation phase as it inhibits the activation of factor X. While previous studies have proposed two pathways—direct and indirect binding—for TFPI’s inhibitory role, the specific biochemical reactions and their rates remain ambiguous. Many existing mathematical models only assume an indirect pathway, which may be less effective under physiological flow conditions. In this study, we revisit datasets from two experiments focused on activated factor X formation in the presence of TFPI. We employ an adaptive Metropolis method for parameter estimation to reinvestigate a previously proposed biochemical scheme and corresponding rates for both inhibition pathways. Our findings show that both pathways are essential to replicate the static experimental results. Previous studies have suggested that flow itself makes a significant contribution to the inhibition of factor X activation. We added flow to this model with our estimated parameters to determine the contribution of the two inhibition pathways under these conditions. We found that direct binding of TFPI is necessary for inhibition under flow. The indirect pathway has a weaker inhibitory effect due to removal of solution phase inhibitory complexes by flow.
Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months among caregivers of children under five years in northern Ghana: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Thompson Gretchen H. , Sefa Eunice , Deshpande Ashwini S. , Mensah Ransford , Lenzi-Weisbecker Rachel , Wilder Rose , Pennas Thad , Martinez Andres , Boadi Kingsley K. , Abdul-Hamid Adnan , Asabire Godwin , Aboagye Dacosta , Yakubu Eliasu , Abubakari Abdulai , Mensah David Yao
Published: November 2024

Despite consistent evidence highlighting the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months, EBF duration sometimes falls short of six months or exceeds it. This research seeks to explore factors influencing the practice of optimal duration of EBF and identify factors associated with suboptimal EBF durations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 16 districts across four Northern regions of Ghana with 2000 caregivers of children under five years old. The analysis specifically focused on a subset of 1761 biological mothers. Logistic regression was conducted to discern socio-demographic, care-seeking, and behavioral determinants influencing the practice of EBF for a six-month duration. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with suboptimal EBF durations, categorized as less than and beyond six months. All biological mothers breastfed their youngest child, varying in durations: 75% exclusively breastfed for six months, 19.2% for less than six months, and 5.9% for beyond six months. Several behavioral determinants influenced EBF for six months, with biological mothers ’ confidence in their ability to EBF (aOR: 6.8 95% CI, 4.13–11.33), willingness to recommend EBF practice to friends and family (aOR: 10.5 95% CI, 4.13–26.62) and perception of practicing EBF as normative in the community showing statistically significant associations (aOR: 6.3, 95% CI, 4.41–9.10). Education and religion of biological mothers were also significantly associated with EBF for six months. While there was overlap in behavioral factors associated with EBF for less than and beyond six months, the socio-demographic characteristics of biological mothers associated with these suboptimal durations of EBF differed. Among the factors included in this study, social norms, caregiver confidence, and approval of EBF were key factors influencing the recommended duration of EBF practices. These findings highlight the importance of community and cultural contexts in shaping biological mothers’ behavior and emphasize the need to address socio-cultural barriers and facilitators that influence EBF practices, as well as empower biological mothers to adopt and sustain these practices.
Effects of early treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the bronchoalveolar lavage proteome and oxylipids during bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection
Authors: Hägglund Sara , Laloy Eve , Alvarez Ignacio , Guo Yongzhi , Hallbrink Ågren Gabriella , Yazdan Panah Haleh , Widgren Anna , Bergquist Jonas , Hillström Anna , Baillif Vincent , Saias Laure , Dubourdeau Marc , Timsit Edouard , Valarcher Jean François
Published: November 2024

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are not recommended for use against pneumonia in humans, but are commonly utilised against bovine respiratory disease. This study aimed to determine if the use of NSAIDs in the early phase of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)-infection limits pulmonary inflammation. Four to nine-week old calves were infected with BRSV by aerosol and were treated with either meloxicam intravenously on day (D)4 (n = 5, MEL), acetylsalicylat-DL-lysin intravenously on D4 and D5 (n = 5, ASA), or were left untreated as controls (n = 5, CTR). Clinical signs were monitored daily until necropsy on D7, BRSV-RNA was detected in nasal swabs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) by RT-qPCR, inflammatory cells and proteins were identified in BAL by cytology and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, respectively, and oxylipids were quantified in BAL and plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole mass detectors. The calves developed mild to moderate signs of respiratory disease and, with the exception of one MEL-treated and one ASA-treated calf, limited lung lesions. None of the treatments had a significant effect on virus replication, clinical signs or lung lesion extent. Relative to controls, both treatments initially induced a downregulation of proteins in BAL. Immunoglobulin (Ig)-related proteins, such as the Ig kappa and lambda locus and the joining chain of IgA and IgM, were downregulated in MEL-treated calves compared to controls. In addition, meloxicam induced an increased neutrophil influx in BAL in response to BRSV, possibly related to a reduction in plasma prostaglandin, and to a downregulation of The Liver X Receptor/ Retinoid X Receptor (LXR/RXR), the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR)/RXR and the 24-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase (DHC24) signalling pathways in the lung. The risk of NSAIDs to increase neutrophil activity during stimulation with BRSV or other toll-like receptor 4 agonists needs to be investigated further. Since augmented neutrophil responses can be detrimental, the results of the present study do not support the use of NSAIDs to prevent the clinical expression of BRSV-infection.
Spatial and temporal distribution and ecological risk assessment of typical antibiotics in natural and wastewater of Jinjiang River Basin
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Jiale , Zhou Yongkang , Zhou Wenjia , Huang Shuai
Published: November 2024

Antibiotics are widely used in human medical, livestock, and aquaculture fields. Most antibiotics are water-soluble and cannot be fully absorbed by humans or animals. If feces or wastewater containing antibiotics are improperly treated or discharged directly into surface water or groundwater, it will undoubtedly have an impact on aquatic organisms. The Ganjiang River is the largest river in Jiangxi Province and the largest tributary of Poyang Lake Basin. Jinjiang River, a tributary of Ganjiang River, is a typical livestock and poultry breeding area in the Poyang Lake Basin, along which many townships and counties are distributed. Gao’an and Shanggao counties are important agricultural and animal husbandry production areas in Jiangxi Province. In this paper, automatic solid phase extraction-ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPE-UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to simultaneously detect 27 antibiotics in 5 categories of macrolides, tetracyclines, quinolones, nitroimidazoles and sulfonamides in water. Based on this method, the concentrations and distributions of these antibiotics were analyzed. Ecological risk assessment of the Jinjiang River Basin was conducted using the ecological risk quotient method, aiming to supplement antibiotic data in the Jinjiang River Basin and provide scientific basis for local ecological environment management. The research results indicate that from 2019 to 2021, two years later, there was an increase in the use of Sulfadiazine and Roxithromycin in the Jinjiang River Basin, while the usage of Ciprofloxacin and Oxytetracycline was relatively low. In 2021, out of the 27 antibiotics, 24 were detected in surface water, 20 in groundwater, and all in wastewater. Among them, Sulfamethoxazole was the most widely used antibiotic, primarily in livestock and poultry farming. Gao’an City, a key breeding area in the Jinjiang River Basin, exhibited the highest concentration of Sulfamethoxazole at 409.96 ng·L-1, which far exceeds other antibiotics and warrants significant attention. A comparison of surface water concentrations between the Jinjiang River and 12 other regions revealed higher overall pollution levels of Roxithromycin and Sulfamethoxazole. Furthermore, according to the ecological risk assessment results, only Sulfamethoxazole poses a moderate risk to aquatic organisms.