bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of bioresorbable fibers for short-wave infrared spectroscopy using time-domain diffuse optics
Authors: Damagatla Vamshi , Boetti Nadia G. , Di Sieno Laura , Bargigia Ilaria , Negretti Fabio , Pugliese Diego , Janner Davide , Spinelli Lorenzo , Farina Andrea , Pifferi Antonio
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate the usability of bioresorbable phosphate glass fibers for time-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (TD-DOS) in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region of 950–1600 nm, with the use of an InGaAs detector. Bioresorbable fibers for diffuse optics present an exciting prospect due to their ability to be left implanted while retrieving optical properties from deeper regions (few cm) for monitoring treatments. Extending TD-DOS to the SWIR region could be useful to better identify biomarkers such as water, lipids and collagen, given their increase in absorption in this range. We attempt to use the bioresorbable fibers to spectrally identify these biomarkers by measuring a series of biological samples known to contain them, such as porcine muscle, porcine fat and bone. We further validate our measurements by comparing the optical properties of high-scattering solid silicone phantoms retrieved with these bioresorbable fibers with those by a standard Si fiber.
Neon tetra fish (Paracheirodon innesi) as farm-to-optical-table Bragg reflectors
Authors: Ryan Sheffield D. , Fiorito Anthony , Liu Hengzhou , Crescimanno Michael , Dawson Nathan J.
Published: July 2024

Iridophore networks in the skin of neon tetra fish are investigated for
use as biologically sourced, tunable, Bragg reflector arrays. This
paper reports on a method for immediate and fast post-processing of
tissue to modify the structural color of iridophores found in the
lateral color stripe. Conditions for fixation, as well as the
environment post-fixation to improve longevity of the structural
color, are also presented. Recent results from attempts to further
increase the lifetime of post-mortem iridophore color through
infiltration and embedding in low-acid glycol methacrylate are also
discussed.
Mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in As2S3-circular photonic crystal fibers pumped by 4.5  µm and 6  µm femtosecond lasers
Authors: Chu Van Ben , Le Tran Bao Tran , Chu Van Lanh
Published: July 2024

A study on As2S3 chalcogenide photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and its potential in supercontinuum generation (SCG) applications is presented. The designed fibers exhibit near-zero flattened chromatic dispersion, facilitating coherent and broad SCG utilizing femtosecond lasers at 4.5 and 6 µm wavelengths. A continuous spectrum spanning from 1.5 to 8 µm is achieved when the initial fiber is stimulated with an input power of 20 kW. With a pulse width of 100 fs and input power of 6 kW, the second fiber provides soliton-induced SCG with 2 to 15 µm spectral bandwidth. Furthermore, the integration of these large core diameter PCFs with high-power laser pulses guarantees the preservation of optical fiber integrity without damage. Consequently, these fibers hold promise for delivering SC spectra characterized by high power density, catering to a diverse range of practical applications including optical communications, spectroscopy, sensing, metrology, and calibration.
Background-free mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy using sub-cycle pulses
Authors: Cabello Neil Irvin , Ozawa Shinta , Kusama Shota , Huang Wei-Hong , Luo Chih-Wei , Zhao Yue , Fuji Takao
Published: July 2024

We have demonstrated highly sensitive single-shot based background-free mid-infrared (MIR) absorption spectroscopy using sub-cycle MIR pulses generated through filamentation. The MIR pulse transmitted through a sample was upconverted with a fast rising and long tailing gate pulse through four-wave difference frequency generation in a silicon membrane. By recording the upconverted spectrum of the free induction decay alone, we successfully measured the absorption spectrum as a positive signal in the wavenumber range from 500 to 4500 cm−1, which covers both the fingerprint and functional group regions. We obtained an absorption spectrum of ∼50 mM of aqueous glucose, which is not detectable with a standard Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.
Angular momentum modulation of vortex Cherenkov radiation in optical waveguides
Authors: Wang Yehan , Li Wenjia , Xu Wenxia , Zheng Kaihao , Jiang Zhaoqi , Zhou Hao , Qin Chunhua , Guan Chunying , Liu Jianlong , Shi Jinhui
Published: July 2024

Vortex free-electron radiation has attracted considerable interest because of its promising potential for applications in communication, high-density radiation sources, and particle detection. Here, we reveal angular momentum modulation of vortex Cherenkov radiation using subwavelength silicon waveguides. The topological charge of vortex radiation field can be controlled by the position parameters of two electron beams based on the rotational symmetry. Besides, the spin angular momentum is accompanied by the excited orbital angular momentum due to the spin-orbit interaction of light. In particular, the periodic evolution of spin and orbital angular momenta are demonstrated by breaking the symmetry of the waveguide. Our results provide a novel mechanism for flexibly regulating vortex electron radiation and exploring electro-optical interaction.
Ocean exploration-oriented temperature and salinity sensor based on bend-insensitive microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Yu Lijun , Wang Jing , Yin Bo , Liang Honglin , Zhao Zhongze , Zhuang Funa , Liu Jichao , Wang Shanshan
Published: July 2024

Ocean exploration-oriented temperature and salinity (TS) sensor based on bend-insensitive microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) is proposed and demonstrated in a marine environment. To solve the demodulation problem induced by the narrow waveband of the spectrometer used in the sea trial, a MMZI sensor is calibrated and demodulated by machine learning method. Results show that even if the wavelength range used in demodulation is as small as tens of nanometers, a relatively accurate demodulation can still be achieved. Then a sea trial is performed based on the design of the test system on board. Compared with commercial conductivity-temperature-depth systems, mean relative errors of 2.28% and 2.29% for TS measurement are obtained. In addition, the influence of spectral range on the demodulation result and response of the spectrum to fiber bending is discussed. Repeatability and stability of the sensor are proved in repeated sea trials. The sensor demonstrated here provides a new optical method for measuring TS in seawater with the advantages of multi-parameter measurement, low cost, easy deployment, and high accuracy, which will hopefully become a useful complement to the existing electrical method used in ocean exploration.
Probing the enpolarization phenomenon in a speckle pattern using a microwave photonics-inspired approach
Authors: Staes Jonathan , Fade Julien
Published: July 2024

We report how Stokes polarimetry of a highly resolved optical speckle pattern coupled to an original microwave photonics-inspired experimental approach allows new light to be shaded on the so-called enpolarization phenomenon, which consists in the local increase of the light degree of polarization (DOP) inducing a high average DOP value after interaction of unpolarized light with a totally depolarizing sample.
Fabrication of MoS2 nanoparticle dispersions using ultrasonic methods: synthesis techniques and optical characterization
Authors: Lai Chun-Liang , Karmakar Riya , Tsao Yu-Ming , Lu Song-Cun , Mukundan Arvind , Liu Ping-Hung , Wang Hsiang-Chen
Published: July 2024

This study outlines the process of preparing a dispersion of MoS2 nanoparticle from micron sized MoS2 powder using ultrasonic methods. The optical characteristics of this dispersion were investigated using optical measurement techniques. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is chosen as the dispersion solvent due to its surface energy closely matching that of MoS2. Consequently, the dispersion that ensued exhibits commendable stability. The MoS2 dispersion underwent analysis through EDX, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques to examine the correlation between the size of the MoS2 nanoparticles and the morphology of the dispersion. The dispersion color intensifies with the increase in the wavelength. A He-Cd laser with a wavelength of 325 nm was used to stimulate and generate the matching light source for the generated samples to leverage the photoluminescent attribute of MoS2 nanoparticles within the range of less than 100 nm. In the Raman measurement graph, distinct peaks can be observed in the generated nanoparticles, providing evidence of their material qualities. The surface morphology of the optical microscopic image was assessed using ultra-spectral imaging technology, allowing for the measurement and acquisition of the associated wavelength spectrum. The particle size in the dispersion was measured using the dynamic light scattering technique. These tests demonstrate that the process can be fine-tuned by adjusting parameters, such as ultrasonic oscillation time and centrifugal time. This process can also yield MoS2 nanoparticle dispersions in various sizes, each exhibiting distinct photoluminescence characteristics corresponding to the excited light wavelength.
From localized to propagating surface plasmon resonances in Au nanoparticle-coated optical fiber sensors and its implications in biosensing
Authors: dos Santos Paulo S. S. , Mendes João P. , Pérez-Juste Jorge , Pastoriza-Santos I. , de Almeida José M. M. M. , Coelho Luís C. C.
Published: July 2024

Nanoparticle-based plasmonic optical fiber sensors can exhibit high sensing performance, in terms of refractive index sensitivities (RISs). However, a comprehensive understanding of the factors governing the RIS in this type of sensor remains limited, with existing reports often overlooking the presence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomena in nanoparticle (NP) assemblies and attributing high RIS to plasmonic coupling or waveguiding effects. Herein, using plasmonic optical fiber sensors based on spherical Au nanoparticles, we investigate the basis of their enhanced RIS, both experimentally and theoretically. The bulk behavior of assembled Au NPs on the optical fiber was investigated using an effective medium approximation (EMA), specifically the gradient effective medium approximation (GEMA). Our findings demonstrate that the Au-coated optical fibers can support the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) as well as SPR in particular scenarios. Interestingly, we found that the nanoparticle sizes and surface coverage dictate which effect takes precedence in determining the RIS of the fiber. Experimental data, in line with numerical simulations, revealed that increasing the Au NP diameter from 20 to 90 nm (15% surface coverage) led to an RIS increase from 135 to 6998 nm/RIU due to a transition from LSPR to SPR behavior. Likewise, increasing the surface coverage of the fiber from 9% to 15% with 90 nm Au nanoparticles resulted in an increase in RIS from 1297 (LSPR) to 6998 nm/RIU (SPR). Hence, we ascribe the exceptional performance of these plasmonic optical fibers primary to SPR effects, as evidenced by the nonlinear RIS behavior. The outstanding RIS of these plasmonic optical fibers was further demonstrated in the detection of thrombin protein, achieving very low limits of detection. These findings support broader applications of high-performance NP-based plasmonic optical fiber sensors in areas such as biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and chemical analysis.
Ultrafast temporal-spectral analysis probes isomeric dynamics in a dissipative soliton resonator
Authors: Liu Haoguang , Luo Yiyang , Sun Yixiang , Liu Yusong , Yao Yao , Xia Ran , Xu Gang , Tang Xiahui , Sun Qizhen , Shum Perry Ping
Published: July 2024

Self-assembly of dissipative solitons arouses versatile configurations of molecular complexes, enriching intriguing dynamics in mode-locked lasers. The ongoing studies fuel the analogy between matter physics and optical solitons, and stimulate frontier developments of ultrafast optics. However, the behaviors of multiple constituents within soliton molecules still remain challenging to be precisely unveiled, regarding both the intramolecular and intermolecular motions. Here, we introduce the concept of “soliton isomer” to elucidate the molecular dynamics of multisoliton complexes. The time-lens and time-stretch techniques assisted temporal-spectral analysis reveals the diversity of assembly patterns, reminiscent of the “isomeric molecule”. Particularly, we study the fine energy exchange during the intramolecular motions, therefore gaining insights into the degrees of freedom of isomeric dynamics beyond temporal molecular patterns. All these findings further answer the question of how far the matter-soliton analogy reaches and pave an efficient route for assisting the artificial manipulation of multisoliton structures.
Long-term antibiotic exposure landscapes and resistant Escherichia coli colonization in a densely populated setting
Authors: Ng’eno Eric , Cobos Marlon E. , Kiplangat Samuel , Mugoh Robert , Ouma Alice , Bigogo Godfrey , Omulo Sylvia , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic exposure is associated with resistant bacterial colonization, but this relationship can be obscured in community settings owing to horizontal bacterial transmission and broad distributions. Locality-level exposure estimates considering inhabitants’ length of stay, exposure history, and exposure conditions of areas nearby could clarify these relationships. We used prescription data filled during 2010–2015 for 23 antibiotic types for members of georeferenced households in a population-based infectious disease surveillance platform. For each antibiotic and locality, we generated exposure estimates, expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitant days of observation (IDO). We also estimated relevant environmental parameters, such as the distance of each locality to water, sanitation, and other amenities. We used data on ampicillin, ceftazidime, and trimethoprim-and-sulfamethoxazole resistant Escherichia coli colonization from stool cultures of asymptomatic individuals in randomly selected households. We tested exposure-colonization associations using permutation analysis of variance and logistic generalized linear mixed-effect models. Overall, exposure was highest for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (1.8 DDD per 1000 IDO), followed by amoxicillin (0.7 DDD per 1000 IDO). Of 1,386 unique household samples from 195 locations tested between September 2015 and January 2016, 90%, 85% and 4% were colonized with E. coli resistant to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and ceftazidime, respectively. Ceftazidime-resistant E. coli colonization was common in areas with increased trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cloxacillin, and erythromycin exposure. No association with any of the physical environmental variables was observed. We did not detect relationships between distribution patterns of ampicillin or trimethoprim-and-sulfamethoxazole resistant E. coli colonization and the risk factors assessed. Appropriate temporal and spatial scaling of raw antibiotic exposure data to account for evolution and ecological contexts of antibiotic resistance could clarify exposure-colonization relationships in community settings and inform community stewardship program.
A method to estimate prey density from single-camera images: A case study with chinstrap penguins and Antarctic krill
Authors: Hermanson Victoria R. , Cutter George R. , Hinke Jefferson T. , Dawkins Matthew , Watters George M.
Published: July 2024

Estimating the densities of marine prey observed in animal-borne video loggers when encountered by foraging predators represents an important challenge for understanding predator-prey interactions in the marine environment. We used video images collected during the foraging trip of one chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) from Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island, Antarctica to develop a novel approach for estimating the density of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) encountered during foraging activities. Using the open-source Video and Image Analytics for a Marine Environment (VIAME), we trained a neural network model to identify video frames containing krill. Our image classifier has an overall accuracy of 73%, with a positive predictive value of 83% for prediction of frames containing krill. We then developed a method to estimate the volume of water imaged, thus the density (N·m-3) of krill, in the 2-dimensional images. The method is based on the maximum range from the camera where krill remain visibly resolvable and assumes that mean krill length is known, and that the distribution of orientation angles of krill is uniform. From 1,932 images identified as containing krill, we manually identified a subset of 124 images from across the video record that contained resolvable and unresolvable krill necessary to estimate the resolvable range and imaged volume for the video sensor. Krill swarm density encountered by the penguins ranged from 2 to 307 krill·m-3 and mean density of krill was 48 krill·m-3 (sd = 61 krill·m-3). Mean krill biomass density was 25 g·m-3. Our frame-level image classifier model and krill density estimation method provide a new approach to efficiently process video-logger data and estimate krill density from 2D imagery, providing key information on prey aggregations that may affect predator foraging performance. The approach should be directly applicable to other marine predators feeding on aggregations of prey.
Mutations in fibulin-1 and collagen IV suppress the short healthspan of mig-17/ADAMTS mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Shibata Yukimasa , Huang Yijing , Yoshida Moeka , Nishiwaki Kiyoji
Published: July 2024

The ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) family metalloprotease MIG-17 plays a crucial role in the migration of gonadal distal tip cells (DTCs) in Caenorhabditis elegans. MIG-17 is secreted from the body wall muscle cells and localizes to the basement membranes (BMs) of various tissues including the gonadal BM where it regulates DTC migration through its catalytic activity. Missense mutations in the BM protein genes, let-2/collagen IV a2 and fbl-1/fibulin-1, have been identified as suppressors of the gonadal defects observed in mig-17 mutants. Genetic analyses indicate that LET-2 and FBL-1 act downstream of MIG-17 to regulate DTC migration. In addition to the control of DTC migration, MIG-17 also plays a role in healthspan, but not in lifespan. Here, we examined whether let-2 and fbl-1 alleles can suppress the age-related phenotypes of mig-17 mutants. let-2(k196) fully and fbl-1(k201) partly, but not let-2(k193) and fbl-1(k206), suppressed the senescence defects of mig-17. Interestingly, fbl-1(k206), but not fbl-1(k201) or let-2 alleles, exhibited an extended lifespan compared to the wild type when combined with mig-17. These results reveal allele specific interactions between let-2 or fbl-1 and mig-17 in age-related phenotypes, indicating that basement membrane physiology plays an important role in organismal aging.
Comparative genomics of Tn6411 transposons carrying the blaIMP-1 gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zheng Lin , Wang Zixian , Guo Jingyi , Guan Jiayao , Lu Gejin , Jing Jie , Sun Shiwen , Sun Yang , Ji Xue , Jiang Bowen , Wang Yongjie , Zhao Chuanfang , Zhu Lingwei , Guo Xuejun
Published: July 2024

We aimed to determine the molecular characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains 18081308 and 18083286, which were isolated from the urine and the sputum of two Chinese patients, respectively. Additionally, we conducted a comparative analysis between Tn6411 carrying blaIMP-1 in strain 18083286 and transposons from the same family available in GenBank. Bacterial genome sequencing was carried out on strains 18081308 and 18083286 to obtain their whole genome sequence. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) was used for their precise species identification. Serotyping and multilocus sequence typing were performed. Furthermore, the acquired drug resistance genes of these strains were identified. The carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains isolated in the present study were of sequence type ST865 and serotype O6. They all carried the same resistance genes (aacC2, tmrB, and blaIMP-1). Tn6411, a Tn7-like transposon carrying blaIMP-1, was found in strain 18083286 by single molecule real time (SMRT) sequencing. We also identified the presence of this transposon sequence in other chromosomes of P. aeruginosa and plasmids carried by Acinetobacter spp. in GenBank, indicating the necessity for heightening attention to the potential transferability of this transposon.
La ingeniería militar al servicio de las minas de azogue de Almadén (1750-1765)
Authors: Almansa Rodríguez Emiliano , Hernández Sobrino Ángel
Published: July 2024

Almadén era una mina poco importante hasta que a mediados del siglo XVI Bartolomé de Medina aplicó el proceso industrial de amalgamación con azogue, conocido como método de patio, en el yacimiento de plata de Pachuca (Nueva España). A partir de entonces, la producción de azogue de Almadén fue en aumento, si exceptuamos la segunda mitad de la centuria del XVII, cuando hubo una fuerte escasez de consignaciones económicas para el establecimiento minero. En la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII, Almadén se había transformado en un gran establecimiento minero, el más importante del territorio metropolitano, pues sin azogue no había plata y Nueva España iba en camino de convertirse en el primer productor mundial de este metal. Por ello, el superintendente Francisco Javier de Villegas comunicó en 1750 al marqués de la Ensenada que no disponía de verdaderos técnicos de minas. Ensenada se mostró de acuerdo con Villegas y ordenaron, tanto él como su sucesor Arriaga, la búsqueda de los hombres más capacitados para solventar la situación, que por entonces eran los ingenieros militares debido a sus conocimientos matemáticos y a su experiencia en túneles y explosivos. Este artículo analiza concretamente los trabajos llevados a cabo en Almadén por los ingenieros militares Francisco Nangle, Miguel Antonio de Escurrechea, Silvestre Abarca y Jorge Juan entre 1750 y 1765, y cómo su intervención contribuyó a hacer frente a la creciente demanda de mercurio de la minería argentífera del virreinato de Nueva España.
LÓPEZ DÍAZ, María y SAAVEDRA VÁZQUEZ, María del Carmen (eds.), Gobernar reformando: Los primeros Borbones en la España del siglo XVIII, Granada, Comares, 2023, 384 pp.
Authors: Yanguas Muñoz Mónica
Published: July 2024

Reseña del libro: LÓPEZ DÍAZ, María y SAAVEDRA VÁZQUEZ, María del Carmen (eds.), Gobernar reformando: Los primeros Borbones en la España del siglo XVIII, Granada, Comares, 2023, 384 pp.
Sobre nieve y hielo en la Edad Moderna. Notas bibliográficas y estado de la cuestión
Authors: Sanz de la Higuera Francisco José Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Efectuar un permanente y ágil seguimiento del acervo bibliográfico y mejorar los análisis críticos del estado de la cuestión sobre el devenir de las publicaciones sobre la nieve, el hielo y el frío en la Edad Moderna requiere un constante otear el mercado editorial. El objetivo esencial es averiguar, en la medida de lo posible, cuáles han sido los derroteros experimentados en el pasado, cuáles son los acontecidos en el presente y cuáles serán, hipotéticamente, los futuros sesgos que puede experimentar dicha problemática. La historiografía se construye en función de un estado sistemático de alerta.
Los desastres, un testimonio social
Authors: Calvo Thomas , Machuca Paulina
Published: July 2024

Crónica del XVI Seminario internacional Historia y Clima: «Desastre climático y natural a ambos lados del Atlántico en los siglos XVI-XIX. Estrategias de prevención y defensa y construcción de saberes y discursos», celebrado en la Universidad de Alicante los días 5 y 6 de junio de 2023.
El terremoto de Mesina-Calabria de 1783: de la gestión a la reconstrucción a través de los ingenieros militares Antonio Winspeare y Francesco La Vega (9-26 de abril de 1783)
Authors: Delgado Barrado José Miguel
Published: July 2024

El terremoto de Mesina-Calabria, iniciado el 5 de febrero de 1783, fue catastrófico. La reconstrucción fue gestionada desde la corte de Nápoles a través de ministros, oficiales, científicos e ingenieros militares, entre otros personajes. El vicario general Pignatelli, máximo responsable de la gestión del terremoto en Calabria, estuvo acompañado en sus primeras pesquisas por dos ingenieros militares: Antonio Winspeare y Francesco La Vega. Ellos fueron los autores de 27 cartas enviadas a Pignatelli, Acton, Jaci y Sambuca, en las cuales se describían las primeras actuaciones para remediar los efectos devastadores del terremoto. Entre los contenidos de las cartas destacan los trabajos de inspección y valoración de las ciudades destruidas, la exploración de los posibles nuevos asentamientos, atendiendo a la calidad del aire, la presencia de agua, la proximidad del litoral y de las vías principales de comunicación, pero también las negociaciones para la toma de decisiones junto a las autoridades locales, gobernadores, señores y propietarios de las tierras, agricultores y artesanos. También realizaron tareas de desecación y desviación de nuevos lagos y aguas estancadas, así como la organización de los espacios para la sepultura de los muertos, y la atención a las urgencias más inmediatas, ya que durante sus trabajos se produjeron réplicas de diversas intensidades y destrucción. En las cartas, que fueron más bien borradores de cartas, hemos diferenciado una variedad de contenidos, desde la mera presentación a las autoridades y los objetivos de sus trabajos, hasta informes continuos enviados a Pignatelli, y, finalmente, unas breves alusiones al pasado, presente y futuro de las ciudades calabresas destruidas y trasladadas de sitio, junto a la obediencia y desobediencia de algunos municipios.
Changes in the metabolomic profiles of mammary secretion in relation to dam litter size and parity number in Black Bengal goats
Authors: Vo Tien Thi Phuong , Buranakarl Chollada , Chamsuwan Sumonwan , Thammacharoen Sumpun , Ratchakom Panupat , Nuntapaitoon Morakot , Settachaimongkon Sarn
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: The colostrum is essential for a kid’s survival and development. The metabolomic profiles of mammary secretion in goats are limited. This study investigated the metabolomic profiles of mammary secretion in purebred Black Bengal goats and their relationships with litter size and parity number.

Materials and Methods: 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance was used to analyze the metabolomic profiles of 43 colostrum and milk samples collected on delivery day and day 7 after parturition, respectively.

Results: Fifty-one metabolites were distinguished between colostrum and milk based on heatmap visualization and hierarchical cluster analysis. In colostrum, most compounds were present in significantly greater amounts than in milk. Milk of goats with multiple litter sizes had higher levels of lactose while fat, protein, total solids, solid not fat, and most of the metabolites were lower. The parity number of dams shows no difference in the composition of all components between primiparous and multiparous goats.

Conclusion: The components in colostrum were significantly more concentrated than those in milk. The multiple litter sizes in dams led to a significant impact on the composition of lactose and other milk metabolites.

Keywords: black Bengal goats, colostrum, litter size, metabolite, milk, parity number.
Diversity and Structure of Khaya Senegalensis (desr.) A.Juss Habitats Along Phytogeographical Zones in Chad (Central Africa)
Authors: Ali Mbodou Langa , Padonou Elie Antoine , Akabassi Ghislain Comlan , Akakpo Bokon Alexis , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem
Published: July 2024

In Chad, the species of Khaya senegalensis is commonly used by the local communities to treat several diseases such as malaria, fever and cough. However, the species is facing the greatest threat for the survival due to its exploitation as timber. The species is on the IUCN red list with endangered status locally. Thus, this study assessed the population structure and ecological indicators of vegetation in three climatic zones dominated by Khaya senegalensis in Chad as a basis for sustainable management and conservation strategies. A total of 88 plots (30 m x 30 m) were used in three phytogeographical zones for data collection. The structural parameters (tree density, basal area) and ecological indicators (specific richness, Shannon diversity index, Pielou’s evenness index, importance value index) were assessed for all tree species and for Khaya senegalensis following a climatic gradient. A number of 300 tree species belonging to 66 families, 11 life form and 14 chorological types were inventoried. K. senegaleensis had the highest significance value index across all three climate zones. In terms of vegetation characteristic, Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian zones were similar against Sudano-Sahelian zone which was different. These results should be fundamental for the conservation and sustainable management of K. senegalensis and its habitats specially in Chad. Likely, the findings contribute to knowledge addition for the species conservation. However, the methodological limitations related to sampling should not be obscured. Therefore, the species’ abundance areas were randomly identified while plots were placed stratified.
Remaining petroleum potential of Brazil - State of the art 2023
Authors: Zalán Pedro Victor
Published: July 2024

Petroleum and its byproducts will continue to be humankind’s primary energy source for at least 50 years. Brazil is already one of the main suppliers of this raw material and will continue as such for the next decades. Several large sedimentary basins in Brazil are practically untouched by exploration, especially in the deep and ultra-deep water realms. There are also large tracts of unexplored areas in basins that already have discoveries, reserves and hydrocarbon production. The objective of this work is to make predictions about the remaining petroleum potential of the Brazilian basins. The predictions are made based on the big data bank acquired by the petroleum industry in Brazil in the last 83 years, based on the most updated concepts in petroleum geology, and mainly on my 45 years of experience as an explorationist. Our final forecast for the remaining petroleum potential of Brazil lies in the range of 50-100 billion barrels of oil equivalent recoverable (boer) (prospective resources, already identified or not, but still needed to be discovered). The basins that will contribute the most to realizing this potential are Santos/Campos, Pará-Maranhão/Foz do Amazonas/Barreirinhas, Pelotas and Paraná; besides, in a lesser scale, but still significant, Sergipe-Alagoas, Espírito Santo, Camamu-Almada, Solimões and Parnaiba. We are perfectly aware that Geology is a complex and astounding science. New data, innovative new technologies and creative concepts never formulated can quickly destroy these predictions, for better or worse.
Decentring engineering education beyond the technical dimension: ethical skills framework
Authors: Monteiro Fátima , Sousa Armando
Published: July 2024

Engineering plays a key role in society today, influencing social behaviour, economic systems, (un)sustainability and future construction. Faced with this central and powerful role of engineering, it is urgent to recognise the need for professionals in this area to be culturally competent and sociopolitically committed in the collective ethical construction of the common good. Engineering course curricula generally focus on technical-scientific training – as is the case in Portugal – not on including or valuing other educational dimensions (namely, social, ethical, cultural or political responsibility). However, to promote an ethically responsible and sustainable future, it is imperative that these dimensions are included in engineers’ training, namely through ethical education that promotes a responsible professional practice that contributes to a viable common future. Intending to contribute to a culturally responsive engineering education, and to the development of the pedagogical dimension of the ethical education of engineering students, this study aims to develop a framework of the ethical skills necessary for the professional practice of engineering. The methodology used included a systematic literature review and document analysis. The developed framework allows systematising and interconnecting ethical skills, which can promote and facilitate the inclusion of ethical education in engineering courses. The framework helped to design a curricular module in engineering. It is a useful tool for professors of ethics in engineering, for those responsible for structuring engineering curriculum plans and for anyone responsible for enhancing this field of engineering education.
Modelos educativos para el siglo XXI
Authors: Sánchez Bobadilla Viviana Sofía , Martínez-Otero Pérez Valentín
Published: July 2024

El libro Modelos Educativos para el Siglo XXI pretende servir de referencia pedagógica a educadores, estudiantes, políticos y a todas aquellas personas interesadas en el rumbo de la educación actual. Los propósitos centrales de la obra son analizar, describir y presentar una variedad de modelos educativos de alcance teórico-práctico. La obra se concibe como un recurso básico para los profesionales de la educación, los lectores especializados y con inquietudes culturales. En lo que se refiere a los contenidos, se incluyen modelos relevantes en distintos ámbitos. Se trata de modelos que deberían ocupar un lugar central tanto en la teorización pedagógica como en la práctica educativa contextualizada, pues facilitan la comprensión, el estudio y la mejora de la realidad educativa. En efecto, los modelos se nutren de la observación, la reflexión y la experimentación de décadas, lo que puede facilitar el conocimiento de la complejidad educativa, viva y vibrante. En el terreno de la ciencia pedagógica los modelos brindan también la oportunidad de investigar sobre aspectos más generales que los habitualmente derivados de la experiencia y la experimentación. La educación, que se realiza y enriquece con las mutuas relaciones entre la ciencia y la actividad profesional, anima a proponer que se incorpore el estudio de los modelos en las aulas universitarias. En los capítulos que integran la obra se abordan sobre todo los siguientes modelos: neurobiológico y relacional, humanista y personalizado, intervención en crisis. Un libro, en suma, en el que se exponen modelos teóricos para enriquecer la praxis educativa, aunque el resultado dependerá en cada caso de las situaciones concretas, de la actuación profesional y del diálogo con las personas a las que la acción se destina. Una obra que quiere servir de sencillo enlace entre la teoría y la práctica, entre el mundo universitario y el campo profesional, con el objetivo de contribuir, siquiera sea modestamente, a la mejora de la realidad personal y social.
Editorial
Authors: Dvořák Dominik
Published: July 2024

Editorial
A comprehensive survey of the home advantage in American football
Authors: Benz Luke , Bliss Thompson , Lopez Michael
Published: July 2024

The existence and justification to the home advantage – the benefit a sports team receives when playing at home – has been studied across sport. The majority of research on this topic is limited to individual leagues in short time frames, which hinders extrapolation and a deeper understanding of possible causes. Using nearly two decades of data from the National Football League (NFL), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and high schools from across the United States, we provide a uniform approach to understanding the home advantage in American football. Our findings suggest home advantage is declining in the NFL and the highest levels of collegiate football, but not in amateur football. This increases the possibility that characteristics of the NCAA and NFL, such as travel improvements and instant replay, have helped level the playing field.
Regulating Dominant Platforms: Challenges and Opportunities of Content Moderation on Jio Platforms
Authors: Chatterjee Arjun
Published: July 2024

Indian multinational technology company, Jio Platforms with an active subscriber base of 467.6 million (February 2024, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India data) continues to lead the market in India. Digitisation has transformed India’s governance model as deep penetration of telecom and the internet in India has laid the foundation for a digital economy. This article examines the role of self-regulation mechanisms and censorship in India’s dominant platform company Jio Platforms which contributes significantly to changing the paradigm of digital governance, thereby making services seamless, and easily accessible and improving the ease of living and doing business. Facebook’s investment in Jio for a 9.99 percent stake makes it the largest investment for a minority stake by a tech company anywhere in the world. With Jio Platforms and Facebook parent Meta Platforms rolling out a grocery delivery app using Meta’s WhatsApp messaging service, the transnational ties are deepening and expanding, making it imperative to examine the role of self-regulation and censorship in a market that is open, diverse and the largest in a democratic governance structure. This article will examine the key concerns of data sharing and privacy, especially when the central plank of government policy is digitisation. With stricter government regulations for foreign players in the market, there is a distinct focus of the government on boosting Indian companies to capture and control the market. Data collated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) show India’s overall internet user base grew to around 936.16 million in 2023. Such a diverse and vibrant open market calls for effective regulations and restrictions on privacy, algorithms, deceptive practices, antitrust, financing, and governance. This article aims to investigate the challenges of regulating dominant platforms. It delves deep into understanding and analysing the challenges and opportunities that evolve in regulating Jio Platforms. The study will also inquire whether favourable government policies and national legislation boost the processes of digitisation and whether there is a need for a new regulatory framework laid by the government for platforms to abide by. India has an open market dominated by US multinational firms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Content removal and other online censorship efforts are topics of heated debate, in academia and policy circles. This makes it arduous to ensure that data protection and privacy are safeguarded, particularly by dominant platforms such as Jio Platforms which is almost monopolising the Indian market.
Request for confirmation sequences in British and American English
Authors: Küttner Uwe-A. , Szczepek Reed Beatrice
Published: July 2024

This article presents the quantitative findings from a comparative study of request for confirmation (RfC) sequences in British English (BE) and American English (AE). The study is part of a large-scale cross-linguistic research project on RfCs in ten languages. RfCs put forward a proposition about which the speaker claims some knowledge but for which they seek (dis)confirmation from an informed co-participant. The article examines linguistic resources for building RfCs and their responses in the two English varieties. RfCs are analyzed with regard to their syntactic design, polarity, modulation, inference marking, connectives, question tags, and the prosodic design of confirmables and potential question tags. Responses to RfCs are analyzed with regard to response type, the use, type and position of response tokens, (non-)minimal responses in turns with a response token, response prefacing, and repeat responses. BE and AE are found to resemble each other closely in most categories. A major exception is their prosodic design, however. Specifically, the preference for the final pitch pattern of RfCs differs markedly in the two varieties: BE shows a strong preference for final falling pitch; AE shows a preference for final rising pitch. This suggests that the two varieties have routinized distinct intonation patterns for expressing epistemic (un)certainty in RfCs.
WHO to build neglect of RF-EMF exposure hazards on flawed EHC reviews? Case study demonstrates how “no hazards” conclusion is drawn from data showing hazards
Authors: Nordhagen Else K. , Flydal Einar
Published: July 2024

We examined one of the first published of the several systematic reviews being part of WHO’s renewed initiative to assess the evidence of associations between man-made radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMF) and adverse health effects in humans. The examined review addresses experimental studies of pregnancy and birth outcomes in non-human mammals. The review claims that the analyzed data did not provide conclusions certain enough to inform decisions at a regulatory level. Our objective was to assess the quality of this systematic review and evaluate the relevance of its conclusions to pregnant women and their offspring. The quality and relevance were checked on the review’s own premises: e.g., we did not question the selection of papers, nor the chosen statistical methods. While the WHO systematic review presents itself as thorough, scientific, and relevant to human health, we identified numerous issues rendering the WHO review irrelevant and severely flawed. All flaws found skew the results in support of the review’s conclusion that there is no conclusive evidence for nonthermal effects. We show that the underlying data, when relevant studies are cited correctly, support the opposite conclusion: There are clear indications of detrimental nonthermal effects from RF-EMF exposure. The many identified flaws uncover a pattern of systematic skewedness aiming for uncertainty hidden behind complex scientific rigor. The skewed methodology and low quality of this review is highly concerning, as it threatens to undermine the trustworthiness and professionalism of the WHO in the area of human health hazards from man-made RF-EMF.
Juridical Consequences of Anticipatory Breach as a Form of Breach of a Contract
Authors: Sulistianingsih Dewi , Wijaya Christian Chandra , Yusoff Rahmawati Mohd , Adhi Yuli Prasetyo
Published: July 2024

Default is a condition in which one of the parties does not carry out or fulfill obligations to the other party as specified in an agreement. In addition, there are several forms of default: not doing something at all, doing something but it is too late, doing something only partially, and doing something prohibited. The concept, the forms, and the consequences of default are often encountered in various literature and legal experts' opinions, unlike the concept of Anticipatory Breach, which is a form of breach of contract/default that exists universally in contract law. In Indonesia, no positive legal provisions accommodate the Anticipatory Breach concept in the form of default. Its nonexistence becomes interesting from the point of view of contract law, where sometimes the parties to the agreement directly or indirectly commit a form of anticipatory breach in implementing the agreement. So that this will raise a question how the impact of an anticipatory breach on the sustainability and implementation of the agreement that the parties have made.
Has Women's Participation in Local Government Been Strengthened? A Legal and Political Analysis in Riau Province?
Authors: Firdaus Emilda , Artina Dessy , Rauf Muhammad A , Separen Separen , Wijaya Tommy Tanu
Published: July 2024

This research delves into the critical role of women within the Village Consultative Body in Siak, Indonesia, with the aim of bolstering their involvement in local community empowerment endeavors. Employing a comprehensive sociological-legal research approach and drawing from a diverse array of data sources—ranging from primary field research to secondary and tertiary literature—the study offers profound insights into the multifaceted dynamics of women's roles within these bodies. Despite strides made in recent years towards gender equality, the study reveals persistent limitations hindering women's full participation in the Village Consultative Body. Cultural norms, deeply ingrained in societal structures, often perpetuate traditional gender roles, constraining women's agency in decision-making processes. Additionally, disparities in education levels and limited access to resources further marginalize women's involvement. However, amidst these challenges, the study illuminates the invaluable contributions of women to community development within the Village Consultative Body. Their participation not only brings diverse perspectives to the decision-making table but also fosters the development of better human resources within the community. In light of these findings, the study advocates for concerted efforts to bolster women's engagement in local governance structures. This includes initiatives aimed at challenging and reshaping entrenched cultural norms that inhibit women's agency, as well as addressing systemic barriers to education and resource access. Furthermore, recognizing the vital role of women in community development, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support and empower women within the Village Consultative Body. In conclusion, the research underscores the imperative of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in their pursuit of equality and active participation in local developmental processes. By fostering an environment that values and amplifies women's voices and contributions, local governance structures can become more inclusive, responsive, and effective in addressing the diverse needs of their communities.
Resolving the Judiciary Tensions between the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Indonesia
Authors: Purwadi Hari , Hermawan Sapto , Soares Ardyllis Alves , Németh-Szebeni Zsófia , Kusuma Febrian Indar Surya
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses a critical issue undermining the legal coherence and judicial stability in Indonesia: the discord between the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court in the realm of judicial review. This paper uncovers the root cause as a weak chain of validity in law formation, aggravated by divergent legal frameworks governing each court through utilizing doctrinal research methods. Drawing on Bullygin's deontic logic theory, the paper reveals a lack of explicit cross-sectoral policy synchronization. To immediately alleviate these tensions, this paper proposes the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two courts, aiming to solidify the chain of legal norms and restore systemic stability. For a long-term resolution, a comprehensive revision of the judiciary law is advocated. This research serves as an urgent call for coordinated reforms to bolster the integrity and efficiency of Indonesia's judicial system.