bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling imaginative heritage.
Authors: Reijnders Stijn , Van Es Nicky
Published: January 2023

This paper focuses on media tourism - people travelling to places associated with film, TV-series, games or other forms of popular culture. In order to investigate the roles and impacts of the multiple stakeholders that are involved in this booming phenomenon, the concept ‘imaginative heritage’ is introduced. In particular, we refer to the multitude of popular, fictional narratives that have been projected upon or appropriated by specific sites throughout time and that together make up an important part of local place identity. As is argued here, imaginative heritage results from an active involvement of not only locals, fans and tourists, but also the media industries, the tourism industries and the local governments. By applying this concept to cases of crime fiction tourism and addressing the power configurations behind these heritage and tourism practices, this paper aims to contribute to a more holistic understanding of media tourism and, more in particular, the reciprocal nature of the relation between popular crime fiction, heritage and place.
Wukro Medhane Alem: A Medieval Rock-hewn Church in Historic Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebabey Tsegaye
Published: January 2023

This study explores the historical and architectural heritage of Wukro Medhane Alem, a least-known monolithic rock-hewn church in South Gondar. Primary and secondary sources of the study were collected through fieldwork, interviews, and literature review. The study shows that it is one of the medieval churches traditionally attributed to King Lalibela (r. 1181-1221). The hypogeum has a rectangular plan being deeply excavated out of bedrock. There is a built-up feature added over the roof's edge of the rock-hewn church. It imitates a Gondarine architectural tradition, implying the transition from the earlier rock-hewn tradition to the building architectural orientation of the Gondarine period (1636-1769). Its hypogeum reflects an Aksumite and medieval architectural tradition. Internally, the basilica is partitioned into kine mahilet (chanting), kiddist (holy) and mekides or kiddiste kiddusan (sanctuary) rooms through the arranged rock-hewn pillars, which are refined with arches, capitals, and entablatures that create the ceiling of the roof which is also decorated with engraved cruciform, geometrical, quadrifoliate, and crown-like protruding features. The kiddiste kiddusan has six sub-sanctuaries with doubled circular domed roofs and rectangular altars cut from the main rock. The hypogeum, thus, has such potential values to be promoted as an alternative tourist site in historic Gondar, which is mainly known to tourists for its built palaces.
All-fiber saturable absorber based on slightly tapered graded index multimode fiber for conventional and bound soliton generation
Authors: Wang Sanfei , Wang D. N. , Xu Ben
Published: January 2023

A slightly tapered graded index multimode fiber (GIMF) is demonstrated
as the saturable absorber (SA) for a conventional soliton and tightly
bound soliton generation. The SA device is simply a GIMF spliced with
single-mode fiber (SMF) at its two ends. The waist diameter of the
slightly tapered fiber is

∼

23.8

µ

m

, located at one of the splicing
points of SMF and GIMF. The mode-locked output of conventional
solitons and tightly bound solitons can be obtained in a ring fiber
laser based on such a SA. The central wavelength of the output
conventional solitons is 1563.5 nm, and the pulse width is as
short as 473 fs at the fundamental frequency of
19.53 MHz. The central wavelength of the tightly bound solitons
is 1563.5 nm, with a pulse width of 636 fs and a
separation of 1.89 ps. The device is featured with a simple and
robust structure and stable operation capability and can effectively
overcome the difficulty in requirement of precise control of the GIMF
length, which make it attractive in ultrafast lasers and optical fiber
communication systems.
Terahertz all-dielectric metasurface sensor based on quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Xue Yao-Yao , Li Jiu-Sheng
Published: January 2023

We proposed a quasi-bound states in the continuum (QBICs) metasurface
to realize sensing in the terahertz band. It consists of silicon split
ellipse cylinders with different short-long axes and a quartz
substrate. By introducing two asymmetric split ellipse cylinders unit
cells, magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole resonances of the
proposed structure are investigated by multiple Pole theory. This
shows that the continuum bound states are transformed into quasi-BICs
by tuning the length of the ellipse long axis, and so a high-quality
factor can be obtained. The Q value of the proposed structure is 3205,
and the figure of merit is 469.64. It has potential applications in
gas, liquid, and biomaterial sensing.
Sensitivity enhanced vector accelerometer based on FBG-FP inscribed on multicore fiber
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Chen Fengyi , Zhou Rui , Wang Ruohui , Qiao Xueguang
Published: January 2023

We propose and fabricate a high-sensitivity vector vibration accelerometer with a multicore fiber Bragg grating Fabry–Perot (FBG-FP) structure. The acceleration sensitivities of the FBG and FBG-FP are 0.15 and 1.26 V/g, respectively. After packaging, the acceleration sensitivity of the FBG-FP is further improved to 6.89 V/g, which is 45.9 times higher than that of the FBG. The resonant frequency of the accelerometer increases from 30 to 86 Hz. Both the sensitivity and resonant frequency of the accelerometer are improved. Owing to the asymmetry of the outer core of the multicore fiber, high-sensitivity two-dimensional vector acceleration sensing can be realized.
Machine learning in analytical spectroscopy for nuclear diagnostics [Invited]
Authors: Rao Ashwin P. , Jenkins Phillip R. , Pinson Ryan E. , Auxier II John D. , Shattan Michael B. , Patnaik Anil K.
Published: January 2023

Analytical spectroscopy methods have shown many possible uses for
nuclear material diagnostics and measurements in recent studies. In
particular, the application potential for various atomic spectroscopy
techniques is uniquely diverse and generates interest across a wide
range of nuclear science areas. Over the last decade, techniques such
as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray
fluorescence spectroscopy have yielded considerable improvements in
the diagnostic analysis of nuclear materials, especially with machine
learning implementations. These techniques have been applied for
analytical solutions to problems concerning nuclear forensics, nuclear
fuel manufacturing, nuclear fuel quality control, and general
diagnostic analysis of nuclear materials. The data yielded from atomic
spectroscopy methods provide innovative solutions to problems
surrounding the characterization of nuclear materials, particularly
for compounds with complex chemistry. Implementing these optical
spectroscopy techniques can provide comprehensive new insights into
the chemical analysis of nuclear materials. In particular, recent
advances coupling machine learning methods to the processing of atomic
emission spectra have yielded novel, robust solutions for nuclear
material characterization. This review paper will provide a summation
of several of these recent advances and will discuss key experimental
studies that have advanced the use of analytical atomic spectroscopy
techniques as active tools for nuclear diagnostic measurements.
Spatially resolved multimode excitation for smooth supercontinuum generation in a SiN waveguide
Authors: Kou Rai , Ishizawa Atsushi , Yoshida Koki , Yamamoto Noritsugu , Xu Xuejun , Kikkawa Yugo , Kawashima Kota , Aihara Takuma , Tsuchizawa Tai , Cong Guangwei , Hitachi Kenichi , Nishikawa Tadashi , Oguri Katsuya , Yamada Koji
Published: January 2023

We propose a method of supercontinuum light generation enhanced by multimode excitation in a precisely dispersion-engineered deuterated SiN (SiN:D) waveguide. Although a regularly designed SiN-based nonlinear optical waveguide exhibits anomalous dispersion with the fundamental and first-order multimode operation, the center-symmetric light pumping at the input edge has so far inhibited the full potential of the nonlinearity of SiN-based materials. On the basis of numerical analysis and simulation for the SiN:D waveguide, we intentionally applied spatial position offsets to excite the fundamental and higher-order modes to realize bandwidth broadening with flatness. Using this method, we achieved an SNR improvement of up to 18 dB at a wavelength of 0.6 µm with an offset of about 1 µm in the Y-axis direction and found that the contribution was related to the presence of dispersive waves due to the excitation of TE10, and TE01 modes.
Spectrally-shaped illumination for improved optical inspection of lateral III-V-semiconductor oxidation
Authors: Monvoisin Natan , Hemsley Elizabeth , Laplanche Lucas , Almuneau Guilhem , Calvez Stéphane , Monmayrant Antoine
Published: January 2023

We report an hyperspectral imaging microscopy system based on a spectrally-shaped illumination and its use to offer an enhanced in-situ inspection of a technological process that is critical in Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) manufacturing, the lateral III-V-semiconductor oxidation (AlOx). The implemented illumination source exploits a digital micromirror device (DMD) to arbitrarily tailor its emission spectrum. When combined to an imager, this source is shown to provide an additional ability to detect minute surface reflectance contrasts on any VCSEL or AlOx-based photonic structure and, in turn, to offer improved in-situ inspection of the oxide aperture shapes and dimensions down to the best-achievable optical resolution. The demonstrated technique is very versatile and could be readily extended to the real-time monitoring of oxidation or other semiconductor technological processes as soon as they rely on a real-time yet accurate measurement of spatio-spectral (reflectance) maps.
Detection of 1.4 μg/m3 Na+ in aerosol at a 30 m distance using 1 kHz femtosecond laser filamentation in air
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Zhang Nan , Wang Yuezheng , Xie Bofu , Xiang Yuyan , Guo Jiewei , Shang Bingpeng , Guo Lanjun , Zhao Xing , Xie Maoqiang , Lin Lie , Liu Weiwei
Published: January 2023

An optimized remote material detection scheme based on the laser filament-induced plasma spectroscopy and light detection and ranging (FIPS-LIDAR) is proposed in this work. The elemental composition and concentration of aerosol are measured by FIPS-LIDAR. By focusing the femtosecond laser with a large aperture (Φ41 cm) concave mirror and coaxial fluorescence collection scheme, the remote detection of aerosol in air at μg/m3 level has been realized at a distance of 30 m. The limit of detection for Na+ in aerosol droplets is 8 ppm (3 μg/m3 in air), which is the lowest detection limit that has been reported using millijoule femtosecond laser pulse (4.4 mJ). Furthermore, using spectral preprocessing and optimization of the proposed significance of peak (SOP) algorithm, feature peak signals are extracted from weak signals and the limit of detection can be further decreased to 1.4 μg/m3.
Dual-band terahertz absorber based on square ring metamaterial structure
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Xu Kai-Da , Luo Siyuan , Cui Yuqing , Zhang Liuyang , Liao Zhen , Cui Jianlei
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a dual-band terahertz absorber based on metamaterial structure is designed, fabricated, and measured. The metal periodic array is located on the upper surface of a silicon wafer with a metal ground plane, while the metamaterial structure is created utilizing a square metal ring with four T-shaped metal strips loaded inside of the ring. Two absorption peaks are realized at 0.715 and 1.013 THz with high Q-factors of 152.1 and 98.3, respectively, under normal TE and TM polarized incidence. A prototype of the proposed metamaterial absorber is fabricated by electron beam lithography (EBL) and electron beam evaporation (EBE) technology. Furthermore, a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) measurement system is employed to test the absorber sample, with good measurement results obtained. This work provides a new option for the design of multi-band terahertz metamaterial absorbers.
Differentiable optimization of the Debye-Wolf integral for light shaping and adaptive optics in two-photon microscopy
Authors: Vishniakou Ivan , Seelig Johannes D.
Published: January 2023

Control of light through a microscope objective with a high numerical aperture is a common requirement in applications such as optogenetics, adaptive optics, or laser processing. Light propagation, including polarization effects, can be described under these conditions using the Debye-Wolf diffraction integral. Here, we take advantage of differentiable optimization and machine learning for efficiently optimizing the Debye-Wolf integral for such applications. For light shaping we show that this optimization approach is suitable for engineering arbitrary three-dimensional point spread functions in a two-photon microscope. For differentiable model-based adaptive optics (DAO), the developed method can find aberration corrections with intrinsic image features, for example neurons labeled with genetically encoded calcium indicators, without requiring guide stars. Using computational modeling we further discuss the range of spatial frequencies and magnitudes of aberrations which can be corrected with this approach.
Plasmon Mediated Optical Transmission Through an Optically Opaque Plasmonic Metagrating
Authors: Srivastava Sachin , VERMA SAGAR
Published: January 2023

Extra-ordinary optical transmission (EOT) through subwavelength plasmonic nano-apertures is possible due to the funneling of light via surface plasmons (SPs) at the resonant wavelengths through the apertures. In this letter, we experimentally demonstrate optical transmission through an optically opaque plasmonic metagrating (PM). The PM was fabricated by deposition of silver (Ag) on a 1-dimensionally patterned flexible and transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grating obtained via pattern imprinting and subsequent peeling off a commercially available blue ray disk (BD). For normal incidence of TM-polarized light on the top surface of PM, transmission of light through the PM was obtained in the visible wavelength range of electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. Control experiments on variation of Ag film thickness were performed to attain optimal parameters for maximum transmission, followed by polarization and refractive index (RI) dependent performance of the PM. Electric field with Poynting vector profile was simulated using finite element method (FEM) to explain the interaction of light with the PM and the mechanism of plasmon mediated optical transmission. Such a large optical transmission is possible because the SP modes generated at metal air interface penetrate through PM and couple with those supported by the metal- substrate interface. As a model application, RI sensing using the PM was demonstrated. The present study shows that optical transmission is possible from opaque structures and enriches literature with better understanding of EOT. Moreover, it opens avenues for development of flexible, cost-effective PMs for sensors, spectral filters, polarizers etc.
Automated design of freeform imaging systems for automotive head-up display applications
Authors: Ma Donglin , Fan RunDong , Wei ShiLi , Ji Huiru , Tan Hao , Mo Yan , Qian Zhuang
Published: January 2023

Freeform imaging system is playing a significant role in developing an optical system for the automotive head-up display (HUD), which is a typical application of augmented reality (AR) technology. There exists a strong necessity to develop automated design algorithms for automotive HUDs due to its high complexity of multi-configuration caused by movable eyeballs as well as various drivers’ heights, correcting additional aberrations introduced by the windshield, variable structure constraints originated from automobile types, which, however, is lacking in current research community. In this paper, we propose an automated design method for the automotive AR-HUD optical systems with two freeform surfaces as well as an arbitrary type of windshield. With optical specifications of sagittal and tangential focal lengths, and required structure constraints, our given design method can generate an initial structure with high image quality automatically, and then the final system is realized by our proposed iterative optimization algorithms with superior performances due to the extraordinary starting point. Two examples of AR-HUD systems at different structures are realized automatically by our presented automated design algorithms. Both AR-HUD designs can have superior optical performance for an eye-box of 130mm×50mm and a field of view of 13°×5°, which demonstrates the feasibility and superiority of our proposed design framework.
Testing of a novel questionnaire of Household Exposure to Wood Smoke
Authors: Meek Paula M. , Schmiege Sarah J. , Sood Akshay , Petersen Hans , Vazquez-Guillamet Rodrigo , Irshad Hammad , McDonald Jacob , Tesfaigzi Yohannes
Published: January 2023

Household air pollution from wood smoke (WS), contributes to adverse health effects in both low- and high-income countries. However, measurement of WS exposure has been limited to expensive in-home monitoring and lengthy face-to-face interviews. This paper reports on the development and testing of a novel, self-report nine-item measure of WS exposure, called the Household Exposure to Wood Smoke (HEWS). A sample of 149 individuals using household wood stoves for heating from western states in the U.S., completed the HEWS during the winter months (November to March) of 2013 through 2016 with 30 subjects having in-home particle monitoring. Hard copy or online surveys were completed. Cronbach’s alpha (α), intraclass correlations (ICC), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and tests of associations were done to evaluate reliability and validity of the HEWS. Based on initial analysis, only 9 of the 12 items were retained and entered in the EFA. The EFA did not support a unitary scale as the 9 items demonstrated a 3-factor solution (WS exposure duration, proximity, and intensity) with Cronbach’s α of 0.79, 0.91, and 0.62, respectively. ICC was 0.86 of the combined items with single items ranging from 0.46 to 0.95. WS intensity was associated with symptoms and levoglucosan levels, while WS duration was associated with stove and flume maintenance. The three-dimensional HEWS demonstrated internal consistency and test-retest reliability, structural validity, and initial criterion and construct validity.
Awareness, understanding, and interest in personalized medicine: A cross-sectional survey study of college students
Authors: Xu Yingke , Wu Qing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Personalized Medicine (PM) holds great potential in healthcare. A few existing surveys have investigated awareness, understanding, and interest regarding PM in the general public; however, studies investigating college students’ opinions about PM are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the college student’s awareness, understanding, and interest in PM, and their opinion was also analyzed by their gender and major.

Methods

The study samples were undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). A web-based survey with 42 questions was emailed to all UNLV undergraduate students. Overall survey results were analyzed by gender and each student’s major. A chi-square test evaluated the significant association between responses to questions with regard to gender or major.

Results

Among the participants, 1225 students completed the survey. This survey found that most college students had a neutral attitude to PM and were not entirely familiar with this field. For example, most students (57.6%) had a “neutral” attitude toward PM. In addition, 77.6% of students never received any personal genetic testing. More than 80% of students thought “interests” was the most important factor in using PM, and 50% of respondents chose “somewhat likely” to the recommendation about PM from the doctor. Also of importance was the finding that a significant association between the most important factor of using PM and gender was observed (p = 0.04), and the associations between a student’s major affected his or her reaction to PM, how well informed she or he was about PM, his or her attitude toward a doctor’s recommendation about using PM were all significant (all participant’s p<0.004).

Conclusion

UNLV undergraduate students had a neutral attitude to PM and were not entirely familiar with this field.
Genome-wide screen in human plasma identifies multifaceted complement evasion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Janet-Maitre Manon , Pont Stéphane , Masson Frerich M. , Sleiman Serena , Trouillon Julian , Robert-Genthon Mylène , Gallet Benoît , Dumestre-Perard Chantal , Elsen Sylvie , Moriscot Christine , Bardoel Bart W. , Rooijakkers Suzan H. M. , Cretin François , Attrée Ina
Published: January 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, is a leading cause of bacteremia with a high mortality rate. We recently reported thatP.aeruginosaforms a persister-like sub-population of evaders in human plasma. Here, using a gain-of-function transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) screen in plasma, we identified and validated previously unknown factors affecting bacterial persistence in plasma. Among them, we identified a small periplasmic protein, named SrgA, whose expression leads to up to a 100-fold increase in resistance to killing. Additionally, mutants inpurandbiogenes displayed higher tolerance and persistence, respectively. Analysis of several steps of the complement cascade and exposure to an outer-membrane-impermeable drug, nisin, suggested that the mutants impede membrane attack complex (MAC) activityper se. Electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed the formation of polyphosphate (polyP) granules upon incubation in plasma of different size inpurDand wild-type strains, implying the bacterial response to a stress signal. Indeed, inactivation ofppkgenes encoding polyP-generating enzymes lead to significant elimination of persisting bacteria from plasma. Through this study, we shed light on a complexP.aeruginosaresponse to the plasma conditions and discovered the multifactorial origin of bacterial resilience to MAC-induced killing.
Relationships between dance, health and aesthetic performance in a company of mature dancers: An exploratory study
Authors: Farmer Claire , Laws Helen , Eldon Stella , Maliphant Russell
Published: January 2023

Dance with the older body is often viewed as a means to slow the physiological and cognitive decline associated with ageing or chronic health conditions. However, little research has investigated the aesthetic qualities and performance potential of mature dancers and how this might influence health outcomes. During a choreographic project bringing together a renowned contemporary dance company with one of mature dancers, a co-designed, mixed-methods approach was taken to explore the impact of a somatically informed approach to choreography on the dancers’ movement quality, efficiency and performance aesthetics. Quality-of-life measurements showed no significant differences between pre- and post-choreographic project, although high scores suggested good overall health amongst participants. Subjective changes in movement quality were observed alongside improvements in balance ability ascribed to the inward focus of the somatically informed creative process. Participants commented that they were able to achieve more, physically and aesthetically, than they had previously believed possible.
Effect of Brand Loyalty. Brand Awareness, Brand Image Against Brand Equity On Indomie Products
Authors: Kabangunan Rizaldy , Hidayat Anas
Published: January 2023

This study aims to find out the extent to which Indomie products (brands) can influence consumer interest in Indomie products. Brand equity keeps customers loyal to products of any type and price. Currently, the selection criteria are at the technical level of the brand. The three basic components are: consumer perception, negative or positive effects, and the resulting value. Quantitative methods were used in the study. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires. The respondents of this study were buyers of Indomie products. Then the number of samples taken amounted to 150 respondents spread throughout Indonesia. The analysis technique used is SEM analysis and is processed with the AMOS application. The results showed that brand image has a positive and significant effect on brand awareness, brand awareness and brand image have a positive and significant effect on brand loyalty, and brand awareness and brand loyalty have a positive and significant effect on brand equity.
Physical inactivity by tail suspension alters markers of metabolism, structure, and autophagy of the mouse heart
Authors: Rojo‐García Ana Victoria , Vanmunster Mathias , Pacolet Alexander , Suhr Frank
Published: January 2023

Sedentary behavior has become ingrained in our society and has been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Physical inactivity is the main characteristic of sedentary behavior. However, its impact on cardiovascular disease is not clear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of physical inactivity in an established mouse model on gene clusters associated with cardiac fibrosis, electrophysiology, cell regeneration, and tissue degradation/turnover. We investigated a sedentary group (CTR, n = 10) versus a tail suspension group (TS, n = 11) that caused hindlimb unloading and consequently physical inactivity. Through histological, protein content, and transcript analysis approaches, we found that cardiac fibrosis‐related genes partly change, with significant TS‐associated increases in Tgfb1, but without changes in Col1a1 and Fn1. These changes are not translated into fibrosis at tissue level. We further detected TS‐mediated increases in protein degradation‐ (Trim63, p < 0.001; Fbxo32, p = 0.0947 as well as in biosynthesis‐related [P70s6kb1, p < 0.01]). Corroborating these results, we found increased expression of autophagy markers such as Atg7 (p < 0.01) and ULK1 (p < 0.05). Two cardiomyocyte regeneration‐ and sarcomerogenesis‐related genes, Yap (p = 0.0535) and Srf (p < 0.001), increased upon TS compared to CTR conditions. Finally, we found significant upregulation of Gja1 (p < 0.05) and a significant downregulation of Aqp1 (p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that merely 2 weeks of reduced physical activity induce changes in genes associated with cardiac structure and electrophysiology. Hence, these data should find the basis for novel research directed to evaluate the interplay of cardiac functioning and physical inactivity.
Voluntary activation of the diaphragm after inspiratory pressure threshold loading
Authors: Ramsook Andrew H. , Schaeffer Michele R. , Mitchell Reid A. , Dhillon Satvir S. , Milne Kathryn M. , Ferguson Olivia N. , Puyat Joseph H. , Koehle Michael S. , Sheel A. William , Guenette Jordan A.
Published: January 2023

After a bout of isolated inspiratory work, such as inspiratory pressure threshold loading (IPTL), the human diaphragm can exhibit a reversible loss in contractile function, as evidenced by a decrease in transdiaphragmatic twitch pressure (PDI,TW). Whether or not diaphragm fatigability after IPTL is affected by neural mechanisms, measured through voluntary activation of the diaphragm (D‐VA) in addition to contractile mechanisms, is unknown. It is also unknown if changes in D‐VA are similar between sexes given observed differences in diaphragm fatigability between males and females. We sought to determine whether D‐VA decreases after IPTL and whether this was different between sexes. Healthy females (n = 11) and males (n = 10) completed an IPTL task with an inspired duty cycle of 0.7 and targeting an intensity of 60% maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure until task failure. PDI,TW and D‐VA were measured using cervical magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves in combination with maximal inspiratory pressure maneuvers. At task failure, PDI,TW decreased to a lesser degree in females vs. males (87 ± 15 vs. 73 ± 12% baseline, respectively, p = 0.016). D‐VA decreased after IPTL but was not different between females and males (91 ± 8 vs. 88 ± 10% baseline, respectively, p = 0.432). When all participants were pooled together, the decrease in PDI,TW correlated with both the total cumulative diaphragm pressure generation (R2 = 0.43; p = 0.021) and the time to task failure (TTF, R2 = 0.40; p = 0.30) whereas the decrease in D‐VA correlated only with TTF (R2 = 0.24; p = 0.041). Our results suggest that neural mechanisms can contribute to diaphragm fatigability, and this contribution is similar between females and males following IPTL.
Fixed-point results for convex orbital operators
Authors: Popescu Ovidiu
Published: January 2023

The aim of this article is to introduce a new type of operator similar to those of A. Petruşel and G. Petruşel type (Fixed point results for decreasing convex orbital operators, J. Fixed Point Theory Appl. 23 (2021), no. 35) and prove some fixed-point theorems which generalize and complement several results in the theory of nonlinear operators.
Improved dimensional stability and mechanical properties of rubberwood via modification with maleated lignin and densification
Authors: Gao Zhizun , Wang Wenjing , Yu Fanjun , Wang Yonggui , Xiao Zefang , Xie Yanjun
Published: January 2023

Rubberwood was modified using a two-step process involving impregnation with maleated lignin (ML) followed by densification. The effects of ML modification and densification on the physical and mechanical properties of modified wood were studied. The successful preparation of ML was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the densified rubberwood structure, which featured fully compressed cell walls and cell lumina filled with ML. The rubberwood modification resulted in a more uniform structure and increased density compared to untreated wood. Further, water immersion and moisture absorption experiments revealed thickness swelling of only 27.7% and 20.9%, a reduction of nearly 76% and 55%, respectively, compared to the densified wood that was only impregnated with water. The ML modification can alleviate the embrittlement of wood caused by densification. The modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of ML-treated and densified wood improved by nearly 54% and 200%, respectively, compared to untreated wood. Therefore, the synergistic treatment strategy can contribute to the high-value utilization of low-quality rubberwood.
Activation of PPARα Exhibits Therapeutic Efficacy in a Mouse Model of Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Authors: Jana Malabendu , Dutta Debashis , Poddar Jit , Pahan Kalipada
Published: January 2023

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a fatal inherited neurodegenerative disease of children that occurs because of defective function of the lysosomal membrane glycoprotein CLN3. JNCL features glial activation and accumulation of autofluorescent storage material containing subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase (SCMAS), ultimately resulting into neuronal loss. Until now, no effective therapy is available for JNCL. This study underlines the possible therapeutic importance of gemfibrozil, an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and a lipid-lowering drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration in an animal model of JNCL. Oral gemfibrozil treatment reduced microglial and astroglial activation, attenuated neuroinflammation, restored the level of transcription factor EB (TFEB; the master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis), and decreased the accumulation of storage material SCMAS in somatosensory barrel field (SBF) cortex of Cln3Δex7/8(Cln3ΔJNCL) mice of both sexes. Accordingly, gemfibrozil treatment also improved locomotor activities of Cln3ΔJNCL mice. While investigating the mechanism, we found marked loss of PPARα in the SBF cortex of Cln3ΔJNCL mice, which increased after gemfibrozil treatment. Oral gemfibrozil also stimulated the recruitment of PPARα to theTfebgene promoterin vivoin the SBF cortex of Cln3ΔJNCL mice, indicating increased transcription ofTfebin the CNS by gemfibrozil treatment via PPARα. Moreover, disease pathologies aggravated in Cln3ΔJNCL mice lacking PPARα (Cln3ΔJNCLΔPPARα) and gemfibrozil remained unable to decrease SCMAS accumulation, reduce glial activation, and improve locomotor performance of Cln3ΔJNCLΔPPARαmice. These results suggest that activation of PPARα may be beneficial for JNCL and that gemfibrozil may be repurposed for the treatment of this incurable disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite intense investigations, no effective therapy is available for JNCL, an incurable inherited lysosomal storage disorder. Here, we delineate that oral administration of gemfibrozil, a lipid-lowering drug, decreases glial inflammation, normalizes and/or upregulates TFEB, and reduces accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in SBF cortex to improve locomotor activities in Cln3Δex7/8(Cln3ΔJNCL) mice. Aggravation of disease pathology in Cln3ΔJNCL mice lacking PPARα (Cln3ΔJNCLΔPPARα) and inability of gemfibrozil to decrease SCMAS accumulation, reduce glial activation, and improve locomotor performance of Cln3ΔJNCLΔPPARαmice delineates an important role of PPARα in this process. These studies highlight a new property of gemfibrozil and indicate its possible therapeutic use in JNCL patients.
Alianzas electorales ideológicamente inconsistentes. El caso de México en perspectiva comparada
Authors: Cansino César , Pérez Morales José Faustino
Published: January 2023

En tiempos recientes hemos visto en un puñado de naciones democráticas la formación de alianzas partidistas muy inusuales o insólitas y que, por lo mismo, han tomado por sorpresa a los expertos. Se trata de alianzas electorales entre partidos ideológicamente contrastantes o antagónicos, o sea, alianzas entre partidos que se mueven en los extremos opuestos del espectro ideológico existente en un contexto nacional y que prácticamente no comparten nada entre sí a no ser la ambición de conquistar o mantener el poder a toda costa. El objetivo del presente artículo es precisamente ofrecer algunas explicaciones persuasivas sobre este fenómeno, o sea, sobre los factores que hacen electoralmente viables a las APIIs, para lo cual nos concentraremos en el caso reciente de México.
Delignification’s effect on microcrystalline cellulose obtained from oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres
Authors: Norazli Najieha , Mohammad Rawi Nurul Fazita , Abdulwahab Taiwo Owolabi Folahan , Mohamad Kassim Mohamad Haafiz , Jawaid Mohammad
Published: January 2023

The effects of acidified chlorite (NaClO2) and totally chlorine free (TCF) bleaching were evaluated relative to the properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) fabricated from oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres (OPEFB). The MCC properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods, and they were compared with commercial MCC. The results revealed that all MCC belongs to cellulose type 1 and OPEFB-NaClO2-MCC showed a higher crystallinity index than OPEFB-TCF-MCC. The TGA indicated that all MCC samples showed a higher decomposition temperature compared to pure cellulose. However, OPEFB-NaClO2-MCC showed better thermal stability than OPEFB-TCF-MCC. It was clear from SEM images that the different MCC particles had rough surfaces and micro-sized particles. Overall, results confirmed that the obtained MCC samples displayed comparable properties with those of commercial MCC. The MCC produced from OPEFB using NaClO2 is a promising material to prepare high value-added products compared to MCC produced using TCF delignification treatment.
The effect of digital maturity level of workplace on perceived employee well-being as moderated by locus of control
Authors: Stankevičienė Asta , Budrionytė Ramunė , Baniulienė Vilma
Published: January 2023

Choices, determined by an employee's locus of control, affect their perceived well-being. But there is a lack of research that shows whether locus of control acts as a direct factor or a moderator. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the level of digital maturity of the workplace on the perceived well-being of employees as moderated by the locus of control in the banking sector of Lithuania. The analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, as well as information interpretation and generalization were applied in the research. A survey of 232 employees of Lithuanian commercial banks was conducted. Descriptive statistics methods, significance tests, polynomial regression analysis were used for data analysis and formulation of conclusions. We found that locus of control moderates the relationship between employee perceived well-being and the salience of digital tools and the use of digital tools, although the relationship was weak. Employees with the dominance of internal locus of control believe that the importance of digital tools in their work is high and important, compared to the frequency of using these tools. Employees with an external locus of control tend to use digital tools more and feel greater psychological well-being when they use them to complete assigned tasks. Respondents with a high internal locus of control more often occupy high positions in the organisation, have subordinate employees and work with more complex digital tools. They are not concerned with the abundance or frequency of use of tools, but with the necessary functionality and capabilities. Therefore, the perceived psychological well-being of such employees is more influenced by the significance of digital tools.
Konsens naturalnie wystarczający: jego konsekwencje prawne i moralne
Authors: Wójcik Andrzej
Published: January 2023

El artículo analiza la noción del consenso naturalmente suficiente ubicándola en el contexto de la noción jurídica del consentimiento matrimonial. Al distinguir ambos conceptos describe el efecto del consentimiento naturalmente suficiente en el caso de no contraer el matrimonio por causa del defecto de la forma canónica o por la existencia de un impedimento dirimente. Este efecto – habitual estado de voluntad como la base necesaria para la sanatio in radice y las circunstancias de hecho en las que puede aparecer – es el siguiente objeto de la análisis. La última parte expone la utilidad de la noción del consentimiento naturalmente suficiente y perseverante para encontrar un lazo adecuado entre los conceptos de la imposibilidad de cumplir e incapacidad de asumir las obligaciones esenciales del matrimonio.
Ogłoszenie akt w kanonicznym procesie małżeńskim
Authors: Bartczak Adam
Published: January 2023

The legislator in can. 1598 § 1 CIC said: ,,After the proofs have been collected, the judge by a decree must permit the parties and their advocates, under penalty of nullity, to inspect at the tribunal chancery the acts not yet known to them”. The author of this article analyses the institution of the acts publication. He shows the concept of publication in the Code of Canon Law of 1917 and the Code of 1983. It is important to identify the rights and responsibilities associated with the publication of the act. The judge must allow the parties to watch the files. Otherwise, we will have to deal with the penalty of nullity. The legislature guarantees the right to defense. Furthermore, it should be noted the new regulations contained in the Dignitas connubii.
Ks. Tomasz Rakoczy, Publiczne stowarzyszenia wiernych w Kodeksie Prawa Kanonicznego z 1983 roku, Gniezno 2010, ss. 425
Authors: Rozkrut Tomasz
Published: January 2023

Recenzja publikacji: "Publiczne stowarzyszenia wiernych w Kodeksie Prawa Kanonicznego z 1983 roku", Ks. Tomasz Rakoczy
Tratamiento con bromuro de piridogstimina en un canino con dificultad para vaciar la vejiga en canino positivo para miastenia gravis adquirida
Authors: Mundo Silvia , Montoro Andrea , Kim Angélica , Ruidiaz Viviana , Suraniti Adriana
Published: January 2023

Introducción: La miastenia gravis adquirida (MGA) es una enfermedad inmunomediada, que presenta disminución en el número o funcionalidad de receptores de la acetilcolina a nivel nicotínico. Esto conlleva que la contracción muscular sea menos efectiva. La manifestación clínica más común es la debilidad episódica que aumenta con el ejercicio y mejora con el reposo. Otros signos clínicos son regurgitaciones y cambios de voz. El propósito de este reporte es describir un canino hembra con disuria sin estranguria que fue llevado a consulta al Hospital Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad de Buenos Aires.

Metodología: se realizaron análisis de sangre y orina, urocultivos, radiografías de columna, ecografía abdominal, electromiografía (EMG) de esfínter anal y de estimulación repetitiva, se midieron anticuerpos contra receptores de la acetilcolina (ACRA).

Resultados: fueron normales los análisis de sangre, urianálisis, radiografías de columna y ecografía de abdomen. Los urocultivos fueron negativos. La EMG del esfínter anal fue conservada. La EMG estimulación repetitiva fue compatible con MGA. El paciente resultó ACRA positivo y su respuesta al tratamiento con bromuro de piridostigmina (BRP) fue favorable.

Conclusiones: incluir dentro del diagnóstico deferencial a la MGA en pacientes caninos con disuria.
Canales
Authors: Cardona Giraldo Marco
Published: January 2023

Hacer una presentación para un libro de poesía es como intentar preparar al lector para lo inasible. Es, de una forma muy particular, pretender que puede darse por anticipado la comprensión de unas frases que, precisamente, quieren escapar, que buscan estar más allá de una definición o de un mensaje. La poesía es esa paradoja: transmitir un sentido que siempre queda oculto, que es necesario desvelar, intentar atrapar en ese más allá informe que se abre cuando las palabras no alcanzan. Un libro de poesía debería pensarse como una invitación a transitar por lo desconocido, a dejarnos impregnar de aquello que nos es ajeno y nos confronta. Pero este libro, estas canales recorridas por palabras como lluvia o que se atascan como hojas secas que se convierten en madrigueras o esas cenizas como polvo arrastrado por las carreteras… estos poemas nos enfrentan a lo cotidiano. Aquí veremos la levedad de una vida: aquello que se nos escapa como espectadores de la muerte, que se nos convierte en perorata, en cháchara, en abandono existencial que, de a pocos, se refugia en las noticias, en los eventos deportivos vistos en televisión que, como parte del encierro, nos hacen pensar en un afuera, a veces promesa utópica, a veces crueldad descarnada. Un mundo de mensajes perdidos en autopistas informáticas que nos van llenando de ausencias hasta enfermarnos, hasta obligarnos a aceptar una soledad que no desaparece ni siquiera en las calles de las ciudades y su bullicio. Sin embargo, estas urbes nos enseñan sobre un miedo que se convierte en desprecio, que luego se convertirá en desapego. Un desapego que nos permitirá tomar una carretera, una línea de fuga que nos habrá dejado salir de nosotros mismos. Ediciones UCC quiere agradecer a Marco Cardona por permitirnos publicar sus poemas y presentar al público lo que sabemos es una obra emotiva y bella. Pero sobre todo, es una apuesta por una escritura honesta y dispuesta a tratar de descifrar lo que en lo rutinario de nuestras vidas queda escondido porque lo tomamos como sobreentendido.
Coping with COVID-19: Measuring self-efficacy, collective efficacy and proxy efficacy beliefs
Authors: Silva Andrêze Cristine do Nascimento , Oliveira Juliana Célia de , Barbosa Altemir José Gonçalves , Mendonça Roseane Ribeiro
Published: January 2023

Investigating efficacy beliefs for coping with COVID-19 can be helpful when proposing interventions that contribute to mitigate the disease. Six scales of efficacy beliefs for coping with COVID-19 were built: self-efficacy; family and community collective efficacy; and proxy efficacy to the municipal, state and federal governments. To obtain evidence of validity based on the internal structure and reliability estimates of these measures, 518 participants completed an online form. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that all scales had a unidimensional structure. Cronbach's alphas ranged from .819 to .968. Although positive correlations predominated between the scores of the six scales, the magnitudes were, in general, weak or moderate, showing that they were distinct constructs. These scores differed from each other, with levels of efficacy decreasing as individual control over the actions necessary to mitigate COVID-19 decreased. Thus, the six scales initially presented satisfactory psychometric properties. Study-related limitations, implications and recommendations are also presented.
Controlling parenting and executive functioning in children born preterm
Authors: Toscano Carolina , Sá Cindy , Baptista Joana , Moutinho Vanessa , Soares Isabel
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the relations between mothers’ and fathers’ controlling behaviors and the executive functioning of children born preterm. Sixty-eight preterm children and their parents were assessed when the children were 3 ½ years old. The executive functioning was measured using the Head-to-Toes-Task and controlling parenting behaviors were measured through a standardized observation of a parent-child interaction. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that both mothers’ and fathers’ controlling behaviors were associated with worse child executive functioning performance, after controlling for the child’s cognitive ability. Findings suggest that both mothers and fathers play an important role in the development of executive functioning of children born prematurely, highlighting the need to consider both parents in the study of and intervention with these children.
Parenting sensitivity, salivary oxytocin levels and children’s behavioral problems in a Portuguese sample
Authors: Torres Nuno , Santos Carolina , Monteiro Lígia
Published: January 2023

The present study focused on the quality of parenting behaviors (sensitivity and intrusiveness), its associations with children's levels of oxytocin (OXT), and with children's behavioral problems in the preschool context. Thirty nuclear families, including both parents and one focal child, and their preschool teachers participated in the study. Salivary OXT was collected (during two separate home visits) from children after a play task with each parent. Sensitivity and intrusiveness were coded based on the videotapes of these dyadic play interactions. Preschool teachers reported children’s behavioral problems using the Caregiver-Teacher Report Form. Salivary OXT was collected by passive drooling, and quantified by radioimmunoassay, after extraction. Results show that only fathers’ sensitivity and intrusiveness were significantly correlated with children’s OXT concentrations. Both mothers’ and fathers’ sensitivity were negatively correlated with children’s internalizing problems. Mothers’ intrusiveness was positively correlated with children’s externalizing problems, and fathers’ intrusiveness with children’s internalizing problems.