bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-restricted feeding has a limited effect on hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis in a choline-deficient high-fat diet-induced murine NASH model
Authors: Sato Tomoyuki , Oishi Katsutaka
Published: January 2024

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurs worldwide and is characterized by lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and an increased risk of cirrhosis. Although a major proportion of NASH patients exhibit obesity and insulin resistance, 20% lack a high body mass and are categorized as “non-obese NASH”. Time-restricted feeding (TRF), limiting daily food intake within certain hours, improves obesity, lipid metabolism, and liver inflammation. Here, we determined whether TRF affects NASH pathology induced by a choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDAHFD), which does not involve obesity. TRF ameliorated the increase in epididymal white adipose tissue and plasma alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels after 8 weeks of a CDAHFD. Although gene expression of TNF alpha in the liver was suppressed by TRF, it did not exhibit a suppressive effect on hepatic lipid accumulation, gene expression of cytokines and macrophage markers (Mcp1, IL1b, F4/80), or fibrosis, as evaluated by Sirius red staining and western blot analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin. A CDAHFD-induced increase in gene expression related to fibrogenesis (Collagen 1a1 and TGFβ) was neither suppressed by TRF nor that of alpha-smooth muscle actin but was increased by TRF. Our results indicated that TRF has a limited suppressive effect on CDAHFD-induced NASH pathology.
The intersection of health and housing: Analysis of the research portfolios of the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Authors: Walton Liberty , Skillen Elizabeth , Mosites Emily , Bures Regina M. , Amah-Mbah Chino , Sandoval Maggie , Thigpen Tart Kimberly , Berrigan David , Star Carol , Godette-Greer Dionne , Kowtha Bramaramba , Vogt Elizabeth , Liggins Charlene , Lloyd Jacqueline
Published: January 2024

Background

Housing is a major social determinant of health that affects health status and outcomes across the lifespan.

Objectives

An interagency portfolio analysis assessed the level of funding invested in “health and housing research” from fiscal years (FY) 2016–2020 across the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to characterize the existing health and housing portfolio and identify potential areas for additional research and collaboration.

Methods/Results

We identified NIH, HUD, and CDC research projects that were relevant to both health and housing and characterized them by housing theme, health topic, population, and study design. We organized the assessment of the individual housing themes by four overarching housing-to-health pathways. From FY 2016–2020, NIH, HUD, and CDC funded 565 health and housing projects combined. The Neighborhood pathway was most common, followed by studies of the Safety and Quality pathway. Studies of the Affordability and Stability pathways were least common. Health topics such as substance use, mental health, and cardiovascular disease were most often studied. Most studies were observational (66%); only a little over one fourth (27%) were intervention studies.

Discussion

This review of the research grant portfolios of three major federal funders of health and housing research in the United States describes the diversity and substantial investment in research at the intersection between housing and health. Analysis of the combined portfolio points to gaps in studies on causal pathways linking housing to health outcomes. The findings highlight the need for research to better understand the causal pathways from housing to health and prevention intervention research, including rigorous evaluation of housing interventions and policies to improve health and well-being.
Dynamic profiles of lncRNAs reveal a functional natural antisense RNA that regulates the development of Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Cheng Shaoyun , You Yanmin , Wang Xiaoling , Yi Cun , Zhang Wei , Xie Yuxiang , Xiu Lei , Luo Fang , Lu Yan , Wang Jipeng , Hu Wei
Published: January 2024

Schistosomes are flatworm parasites that undergo a complex life cycle involving two hosts. The regulation of the parasite’s developmental processes relies on both coding RNAs and non-coding RNAs. However, the roles of non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in schistosomes remain largely unexplored. Here we conduct advanced RNA sequencing on male and female S. japonicum during their pairing and reproductive development, resulting in the identification of nearly 8,000 lncRNAs. This extensive dataset enables us to construct a comprehensive co-expression network of lncRNAs and mRNAs, shedding light on their interactions during the crucial reproductive stages within the mammalian host. Importantly, we have also revealed a specific lncRNA, LNC3385, which appears to play a critical role in the survival and reproduction of the parasite. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the dynamic nature of lncRNAs during the reproductive phase of schistosomes but also highlight LNC3385 as a potential therapeutic target for combating schistosomiasis.
"The National Eye of Conscience"
Authors: Annus Irén
Published: January 2024

Initially, I thought I would pay tribute to Zsazsa with a text developed from a lecture I gave at a symposium we both attended in November 2022. However, as I saw her drying off her tears at the end of my presentation, I realized the topic would not be appropriate. I therefore chose another one – which is not light-hearted either, but stands as testimony to how the impact of a devoted singular woman acting on her conscience will last well beyond the time of those in power who wished to silence her.
Cuban Consumer Price Index Forecasting Trough Transformer with Attention
Authors: Reynaldo Rosado  , Toledano-López Orlando G. , Gonzalez Hector , Abreu Aldis J. , Hernandez Yanio
Published: January 2024

Recently, time series forecasting modelling in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has attracted the attention of the scientific community. Several researches have tackled the problem of CPI prediction for their countries using statistical learning, machine learning and deep neural networks. The most popular approach to CPI in several countries is the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) due to the nature of the data. This paper addresses the Cuban CPI forecasting problem using Transformer with attention model over univariate dataset. The fine tuning of the lag parameter show that Cuban CPI have better performance with smalls lag and the best result was in $p=1$. Finally, the comparative results between ARIMA and our proposal show that the Transformer with attention has a very high performance despite having a small data set.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL E FATORES ASSOCIADOS À MORTALIDADE PREMATURA POR DOENÇAS DO APARELHO CARDIOVASCULAR NOS MUNICÍPIOS DO RIO DE JANEIRO (2011-2022)
Authors: Rafael Ricardo de Mattos Russo , Bello Rosangela , Paula Marcia Cristina Ribeiro , Jalles Adriana Paulo , Zimbaro Sonia Regina Reis , Silva Juliana Mendes da , Correia Luiza Mara
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: analisar a distribuição espacial e os fatores associados à redução da Taxa de Mortalidade Prematura por Doença do Aparelho Cardiovascular nos municípios do Estado do Rio de Janeiro no período de 2011 a 2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de Dados em Painel. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade e analisada a distribuição espacial com base cartográfica estadual. As variáveis independentes incluíram coberturas da Estratégia Saúde da Família e saúde suplementar, taxas de internações por condições sensíveis à Atenção Primária, taxas de enfermeiros, médicos e médicos cardiologistas por 1000 habitantes, razão de leitos de internação por 1000 habitantes e taxa de despesas totais com saúde (R$) por habitante. Para análise dos fatores associados à mortalidade foram realizadas três modelagens. Resultados: observou-se decréscimo das taxas de mortalidade após 2017, com taxas mais elevadas nas regiões Metropolitana I, Centro-Sul Fluminense e Médio Paraíba. Fatores associados à redução da mortalidade incluíram taxas de enfermeiros, despesas totais com saúde e taxas de internações por condições sensíveis à Atenção Primária. Conclusão: obseva-se a necessidade de incrementar os investimentos municipais em ações de saúde e a presença de profissionais de saúde que lidem centralmente com mudanças no estilo de vida populacional, como os enfermeiros.
Distintos enfoques de la gestación por sustitución como técnica de reproducción humana asistida
Authors: Cabezudo Bajo María José
Published: January 2024

La surrogacy es una controvertida TRHA objeto de muy diferente regulación. Algunos estados han previsto un modelo jurídicamente seguro y llevan décadas practicándola. Otros, o no la han autorizado o, permitiéndola, han establecido un modelo sin la necesaria seguridad jurídica, lo que se ha visto abocado al fracaso. Ello puede ser debido fundamentalmente a las diferentes posiciones éticas o de otra naturaleza que sobre esta TRHA coexisten, unas favorables y otras contrarias a este método reproductivo. En este contexto legislativo y social lo cierto es que hay un problema a resolver, como es el trato discriminatorio que sufren aquellos individuos con problemas de infertilidad y/o esterilidad estructural que no cuentan en sus respectivos estados nacionales con una regulación de la surrogacy que pudiera eliminar dicha desigualdad. Ello entra en colisión con el fin de las leyes de reproducción asistida y, por ello, con la posibilidad de que puedan conformar su familia. En este trabajo apostamos por la diversidad familiar. Por ello, es preciso proponer soluciones. Para empezar, consideramos que, en España, no se ha promovido suficientemente ni el conocimiento de la gestación por sustitución ni el debate por expertos en la materia, lo que ha favorecido la aparición de prejuicios y falsas posiciones en la sociedad. Para tratar de contribuir al avance en el conocimiento de esta TRHA, en este estudio, han sido abordadas diferentes cuestiones relevantes sobre esta materia por parte de expertos provenientes de diferentes ámbitos, especialmente, el jurídico, médico y psicológico. Los autores que han colaborado en esta obra han planteado posiciones favorables y contrarias a la surrogacy. Confiamos en que este trabajo pueda hacer reflexionar al legislador español, a los profesionales que precisen conocer la gestación por sustitución y, en general, a los ciudadanos que tengan interés en tener información objetiva, razonada y jurídica sobre esta TRHA, desterrando así mitos y falsas informaciones.
Relasi Bauran Aspek Demokrasi dan Pertumbuhan Ekonomi di Indonesia
Authors: Purba Samuel Fery , Hariyadi Hariyadi
Published: January 2024

Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara yang menerapkan sistem pemerintahan demokrasi dikenal dengan demokrasi Pancasila. Demokrasi yang berkualitas akan menciptakan stabilitas politik yang kokoh dan dapat berpotensi menjadi instrumen untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan ekonomi. Tulisan ini mengkaji pengaruh indeks demokrasi yang terdiri dari aspek kebebasan sipil, hak-hak politik, dan lembaga demokrasi terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi di Indonesia. Dasar teori yang digunakan adalah demokrasi dan pertumbuhan ekonomi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan bersifat gabungan, yakni secara kuantitatif, yang berbasis analisis regresi data panel dan secara kualitatif berbasis studi pustaka yang diperoleh secara daring. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keberadaan aspek lembaga demokrasi berpengaruh secara langsung dan nyata terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi di Indonesia. Sementara itu, aspek kebebasan sipil dan hak-hak politik tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi. Temuan ini memperkuat teori dan hasil penelitian terdahulu terkait demokrasi dan pertumbuhan ekonomi. Pemerintah pusat dan daerah, serta masyarakat harus terus menjaga kualitas demokrasi supaya stabilitas politik dapat terkendali dan pertumbuhan ekonomi dapat berkontribusi bagi masyarakat dan negara.
Teaching Legal Interpreting: A University Classroom Perspective
Authors: Klabal Ondřej
Published: January 2024

The paper describes the state of legal interpreting training in the Czech Republic, which, as it currently stands, focuses on legal terminology rather than specific interpreting techniques. Against this background of the existing training opportunities, the paper presents a pilot course on legal interpreting, including court interpreting, for BA and MA students of English for Translators and Interpreters at Palacký University Olomouc. It describes the design of the course, its content and the methodology applied. Specifically, it describes the different settings addressed in the courses and the materials and activities used to train interpreters for these settings, including a mock trial. Finally, the paper also discusses the challenges and potential room for further development.
Od ordinace po veletrh – Reflexe využití aktivity role play ve výuce tlumočení
Authors: Pavlisová Hana , Trlifajová Michaela
Published: January 2024

Role-playing is a well-established and widely researched method in interpreter training. In the first part of this article, we introduce its theoretical foundations, as well as some approaches to role play used in interpreter training. In the second part we share our own experience and insights from using role plays in teaching public service interpreting and dialogue interpreting in an undergraduate program. Drawing on several examples of application, we describe the use of structured, semi-structured and unstructured role plays in each class, together with the challenges they pose for the trainer and the students.
Tlumočení ve zdravotnictví – současný stav výzkumu
Authors: Koutný Václav
Published: January 2024

Healthcare interpreting has been a topic of interest for various fields of study around the world for over 60 years; however, it has not yet been discussed comprehensively in the Czech Republic. This paper aims to lay the groundwork for future research in the country by providing a basic overview of the research findings abroad. Drawing on the summary article by Pöchhacker (2021), the contribution first examines studies and other works on interpreting in healthcare by researchers in fields other than translation studies, such as nursing, psychiatry, linguistics, and social sciences from the 1960s to the early 1990s. Afterwards, the paper compiles the findings of more recent studies from Africa; Asia and Australia; the United States, Canada and Mexico; and Northern, Southern, and Central Europe, concluding with remarks on the few works on healthcare interpreting that have been produced in the Czech Republic.
Ivana Čeňková, pedagog par excellence
Authors: Malkovská Alžběta
Published: January 2024

Scientific Life
Untiring Efforts in a Pivotal Role: A Tribute to Ivana Čeňková
Authors: Pöchhacker Franz
Published: January 2024

Scientific Life
S Ivanou v kabině, ve Šporku i na cestách
Authors: Rejšková Jana
Published: January 2024

Scientific Life
Ivana – vzor pro studenty, hlavně tlumočníky
Authors: Gorgolová Eva
Published: January 2024

Scientific Life
Scaffolding in genre-based L2 writing classes: Vietnamese EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices
Authors: Nguyen Loc Tan , Bui Hung Phu , Ha Xuan Van
Published: January 2024

The facilitative role of scaffolding has been highlighted by research with empirical evidence on learners’ engagement in classroom interaction and their uptake of teacher instruction but the body of empirical research focusing on genre-based pedagogical approaches for Vietnamese learners as second language (L2) writers remains relatively limited. The present study extends this line of enquiry by investigating how five experienced EFL teachers at two Vietnamese colleges apply scaffolding strategies in genre-based L2 writing classes and how teacher professional development workshops shifted the teachers’ beliefs about such an approach to teaching EFL writing. Data were collected from 30 classroom observations (10 before and 20 after the workshops) and five individual semi-structured interviews with the teachers. A content-based approach was adopted for qualitative data analysis. Findings show that the teachers used a much wider range of scaffolding strategies, with questioning and giving feedback being the most frequently-used strategies, in their EFL writing classes compared to those observed before the workshops. The study further shows that there were remarkable changes in the teachers’ beliefs about genre-based L2 writing pedagogy and that they highly valued the potential impact of this approach on learners’ uptake in writing skills. Implications for second language writing pedagogy and teacher professional development will be discussed.
Redefining “Collapse” in the Early Bronze Age: New Evidence for Recovery, Resilience, and Societal Transformation at Khirbat Iskandar, Jordan
Authors: Richard Suzanne
Published: January 2024

This paper provides a new perspective on the long-debated issue of “collapse” at the end of the urban Early Bronze Age III (EB III, traditionally ca. 2300 BCE) in the southern Levant. In the past, the facts on the ground – manifesting the classic characteristics of a devastating collapse (destruction/abandonment) at the end of EB III – appeared to be followed by a rural “dark age” or “pastoral-nomadic” interlude in Early Bronze IV (EB IV), also known as the Intermediate Bronze Age (IBA). The “dark age” then ended upon the regeneration of urbanism after 2000 BCE in the Middle Bronze Age (MBA). This conceptualization of dramatic culture change in the Early Bronze Age has dominated the scholarly literature since the mid-20th century, bolstered by the widespread acceptance of evolutionary theories on the collapse of nations and civilizations. Current theoretical constructs on collapse look to the post-collapse period for insights on the process itself. A post-collapse urban-to-rural process, documented by nine continuous occupational phases at the EB III/IV transition, has recently come to light at Khirbat Iskandar, Jordan. This archaeological profile suggests strong local resilience in the aftermath of collapse, evident in the maintenance of traditions and social memory of settled life at the ancestral home. This adaptive cycle militates against traditional “collapse” modeling positing an apocalyptic break in Early Bronze Age civilization; instead, it resonates with resilience and resilience theory. Moreover, a plethora of new evidence has accumulated illuminating a type of “rural complexity” witnessed by a considerable database of EB IV permanent, multi-phased agricultural settlement sites belying the so-called pastoral-nomadic interlude rubric. Applying the construct of societal transformation, the hypothesis driving this research is that archaeological stratification at Khirbat Iskandar supports a process of recovery, resilience, and societal transformation, a reevaluation particularly apropos when contextualized in the new higher Early Bronze Age chronology.
Biopolymeric conjugation with polynucleotides and applications
Authors: Kaur Hardeep , Athwal Shinar , Negi Neelam , Nautiyal Aditya , Magotra Shanu
Published: January 2024

Biopolymeric conjugate units are the next-generation material having maximum appreciable attributes such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxic, bioadhesive, and bioavailability. The usage of biopolymers promotes green chemistry and sustainable development hence limiting the overgrowing toxic materials harming the environment. In addition, polynucleotide conjugates increase the efficiency of the biopolymeric conjugate unit due to their supramolecular structure. Polynucleotide conjugates comprising chitosan, peptide, cyclodextrin, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, phenanthridine, and metallocene are common conjugates with polynucleotides. The synthesis process depends on the use of substrate and available conjugates. However click chemistry involving a series of steps can be preferably used for the development of conjugated, while the new method of cycling using the Garratt–Braverman cyclization approach combined with Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction can also be used as an alternative to click chemistry. Peptide coupling, N-methylation, reductive amination, acylation reaction, and layer-by-layer can be used to fabricate polynucleotide/biopolymeric conjugates. Considering the applicability aspect of the developed polynucleotide conjugates then preferably the biomedical field has witnessed more of its usage followed by its utility as a catalyst and detection and sensor probes. Especially, RNA technology has made a preferable place as a conjugate because of its intrinsic coding, and expression of genes in the natural environment. Therefore, polynucleotide/biopolymeric conjugates can be successfully employed to achieve the required results in the desired fields.
Singular matrices possessing the triangle property
Authors: Priya K. Kranthi , Sivakumar K. C.
Published: January 2024

It is known that the inverse of an invertible real square matrix satisfying the triangle property is a tridiagonal matrix. In this note, results that may be considered as analogues of this assertion are obtained for the Moore-Penrose inverse and the group inverse.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and its receptors, soluble VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ozen Fatma Zeynep , Kaya-Sezginer Ecem , Kırlangıc Omer Faruk , Tekeli Taskomur Aysun , Aktan Fugen , Kaplan Gul , Ozgurtas Taner
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Angiogenesis is involved in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptors are key angiogenic markers. The main objective of this study was to investigate the serum levels of VEGF-C and its receptors, soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2) and VEGFR-3, in patients with PCOS and healthy controls and determine the link between serum levels of these VEGF-related proteins and the biochemical and hormonal data of patients with PCOS.

Methods

Thirty-six women with PCOS and 30 controls were included in this study. The measurement of VEGF-C, sVEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 levels in serum and routine biochemical and hormone analysis were performed.

Results

In the PCOS group, significantly higher serum sVEGFR-2 levels and no significant differences in serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were observed compared to the controls. Serum sVEGFR-2 levels exhibited positive associations with VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, total cholesterol, and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) in women with PCOS. Moreover, a positive correlation between serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 concentrations was detected in patients with PCOS. The cutoff value of serum sVEGFR-2 was 4.24 ng/mL (sensitivity 68 %, specificity 64 %) to distinguish PCOS.

Conclusions

Despite unaltered levels of serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3, there was an association between circulating levels of sVEGFR-2 and these VEGF-related proteins. sVEGFR-2 could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for PCOS. Regarding the significant correlation between sVEGFR-2 and AMH, sVEGFR-2 could have an impact on the hormonal elements of PCOS. Further studies are warranted to fully understand the function of VEGF-C and its receptors in PCOS.
Unveiling the luminescence property of Pr-incorporated barium cerate perovskites for white LED applications
Authors: Seere Valappil Jasira , Vannadil Puthiyaveetil Veena , Cherlan Kottianmadathil Shilpa , Abdul Majeed Huda Thasneem , Kavukuzhi Meerasahib Nissamudeen
Published: January 2024

The various structural and conductive attributes of barium cerate, BaCeO3 position it as a highly promising matrix for energy storage purposes. The current study illustrates that barium cerate can be effectively tailored by introducing trivalent praseodymium ions, thereby enhancing its optical properties as well. In this work, single-phased orthorhombic crystalline powders of barium cerate incorporated with Pr3+ (BaCeO3: Pr3+) were synthesized using the gel combustion procedure, followed by calcination. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into their crystal structure, vibrational characteristics, optical properties, and potential applications in wLEDs. The structure refinement indicates that Pr3+ occupies Ce4+ site, which results in the expansion of the cell and facilitates the generation of defects such as

Pr

Ce

′

${\mathrm{Pr}}_{\text{Ce}}^{\prime }$

and oxygen vacancies

V

O

⋅
⋅

${V}_{\text{O}}^{\cdot \cdot }$

. By correlating information gathered from diffuse reflectance spectra with that obtained from photoluminescence spectra, we gained a deeper understanding of the electronic level structure and the mechanism of energy transfer. We successfully achieved a finely tuned cool white light emission with very low color purity (CP), a high color rendering index (CRI), and a high correlated color temperature (CCT) with a quantum efficiency of 36.3 % by exciting the material with a 321 nm wavelength. Because of the transfer of energy within activators through dipole–dipole interaction, luminescence quenching occurs when Pr3+ concentration reaches 1 wt%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the initial investigation of luminescence properties of Pr-incorporated barium cerate perovskites.
Dynamic Gain Decomposition Reveals Functional Effects of Dendrites, Ion Channels, and Input Statistics in Population Coding
Authors: Zhang Chenfei , Revah Omer , Wolf Fred , Neef Andreas
Published: January 2024

Modern, high-density neuronal recordings reveal at ever higher precision how information is represented by neural populations. Still, we lack the tools to understand these processes bottom-up, emerging from the biophysical properties of neurons, synapses, and network structure. The concept of the dynamic gain function, a spectrally resolved approximation of a population’s coding capability, has the potential to link cell-level properties to network-level performance. However, the concept is not only useful but also very complex because the dynamic gain’s shape is co-determined by axonal and somato-dendritic parameters and the population’s operating regime. Previously, this complexity precluded an understanding of any individual parameter’s impact. Here, we decomposed the dynamic gain function into three components corresponding to separate signal transformations. This allowed attribution of network-level encoding features to specific cell-level parameters. Applying the method to data from real neurons and biophysically plausible models, we found: (1) The encoding bandwidth of real neurons, approximately 400 Hz, is constrained by the voltage dependence of axonal currents during early action potential initiation. (2) State-of-the-art models only achieve encoding bandwidths around 100 Hz and are limited mainly by subthreshold processes instead. (3) Large dendrites and low-threshold potassium currents modulate the bandwidth by shaping the subthreshold stimulus-to-voltage transformation. Our decomposition provides physiological interpretations when the dynamic gain curve changes, for instance during spectrinopathies and neurodegeneration. By pinpointing shortcomings of current models, it also guides inference of neuron models best suited for large-scale network simulations.
Cumulative Effects of Resting-State Connectivity Across All Brain Networks Significantly Correlate with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Mooney Michael A. , Hermosillo Robert J. M. , Feczko Eric , Miranda-Dominguez Oscar , Moore Lucille A. , Perrone Anders , Byington Nora , Grimsrud Gracie , Rueter Amanda , Nousen Elizabeth , Antovich Dylan , Feldstein Ewing Sarah W. , Nagel Bonnie J. , Nigg Joel T. , Fair Damien A.
Published: January 2024

Identification of replicable neuroimaging correlates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been hindered by small sample sizes, small effects, and heterogeneity of methods. Given evidence that ADHD is associated with alterations in widely distributed brain networks and the small effects of individual brain features, a whole-brain perspective focusing on cumulative effects is warranted. The use of large, multisite samples is crucial for improving reproducibility and clinical utility of brain-wide MRI association studies. To address this, a polyneuro risk score (PNRS) representing cumulative, brain-wide, ADHD-associated resting-state functional connectivity was constructed and validated using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD,N = 5,543, 51.5% female) study, and was further tested in the independent Oregon-ADHD-1000 case–control cohort (N = 553, 37.4% female). The ADHD PNRS was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms in both cohorts after accounting for relevant covariates (p < 0.001). The most predictive PNRS involved all brain networks, though the strongest effects were concentrated among the default mode and cingulo-opercular networks. In the longitudinal Oregon-ADHD-1000, non-ADHD youth had significantly lower PNRS (Cohen'sd = −0.318, robustp = 5.5 × 10−4) than those with persistent ADHD (age 7–19). The PNRS, however, did not mediate polygenic risk for ADHD. Brain-wide connectivity was robustly associated with ADHD symptoms in two independent cohorts, providing further evidence of widespread dysconnectivity in ADHD. Evaluation in enriched samples demonstrates the promise of the PNRS approach for improving reproducibility in neuroimaging studies and unraveling the complex relationships between brain connectivity and behavioral disorders.
Organizational Appeals and Civic Voluntarism
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Zhang Yiqiu
Published: January 2024

Civic organizations have long been heralded for promoting voluntarism and civic participation, yet observational studies, facing endogeneity concerns, have struggled to solidify the causal underpinnings of the neo-Tocquevillian theory. Furthermore, empirical examination of their recruitment efficacy relative to state entities, particularly in crises or authoritarian settings, remains scarce. Our survey experiment in COVID-period China provides a twofold crucial case study. By embodying both the “most likely case” of effective state-led mobilization and the “least likely case” of potent civic organization efforts, it offers unique analytical leverage and insights. Civic appeals significantly boosted volunteer inclinations, whereas governmental outreach had minimal or even negative effects. This civic boost was stronger among those with less social and political trust and channeled by heightened political efficacy and active citizenship norms. Our findings shed light on the pivotal roles of civic organizations, even in authoritarian settings featuring embryonic civil societies.
Phosphorus deactivation mechanisms by hydrogenation in the n+ emitter region and its effect on defects passivation in n+pp+ poly-silicon solar cells
Authors:   a Laboratory of Processes for Materials, Energy, Water and Environment, Mohand Oulhadj University Bouira, Algeria, Ouldamer R. , Belfennache D. ,   Research Center in Industrial Technologies CRTI, P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, 16014 Algiers, Algeria, Madi D. ,   Physics of Materials and Optoelectronic Components Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Applied Sciences, Bouira University, P.O Box 10000 Bouira, Algeria, Yekhlef R. ,   Research Center in Industrial Technologies CRTI, P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, 16014 Algiers, Algeria, Zaiou S. ,   Emergent Materials Research Unit, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif, Algeria, Ali Mohamed A. ,   School of Biotechnology,Badr University in Cairo(BUC), Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt
Published: January 2024

Doping level of the n+ emitter region is an essential parameter that controls the performance of the n+ pp+ poly-silicon solar cells. Also, most poly-silicon n+ pp+ solar cell manufacturers apply hydrogenation from the phosphorus emitter n+ side to improve photovoltaic efficiency. Although hydrogen can passivate defects as well as it changes initial phosphorus doping level through phosphorus-hydrogen complex formation. Consequently, phosphorus deactivation can have a harmful effect on photovoltaic efficiency. In this context, the primary purpose of this work is to investigate the phosphorus deactivation in n+ emitter region and its effect on defects passivation of hydrogenated n+ pp+ poly-silicon solar cells. To do this, hydrogenation is performed by microwave plasma discharge involving an electron cyclotron resonance system. Besides, hydrogen passivates defects in poly-silicon, at the same time it deactivates phosphorus. For this reason, we have chosen to separate these simultaneous effects. So, we performed phosphorus deactivation on Schottky diodes-based mono-silicon, while defect passivation was operated in n+ pp+ poly-silicon solar cells. Our results reveal that hydrogen effectively deactivates phosphorus dopant. This effect is deeper in Schottky diodes with low initial phosphorus doping level where hydrogen diffuses easily in the bulk. This behavior is clearly revealed in open circuit-voltage values (Voc) measured on n+ pp+ samples. In fact, solar cells with low phosphorus concentration in n+ region revealed 319 mV compared to 230 mV for high doping level. Also, all n+ pp+ poly-silicon solar cells show a saturation of Voc at high microwave plasma power. Reasons for such case were explained and discussed in detail.
Simulation and optimization of GaAs1-xPx/Si1-yGey/Ge triple junction solar cells
Authors:   University of Ahmed Draya, Adrar, Algeria, Azzououm A. B. , Aissat A. ,   University of Ahmed Draya, Adrar, Algeria, Vilcot J. P. ,   Institute of Microelectronics, Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN), UMR CNRS 8520.University of Sciences and Technologies of Lille 1. Poincare Avenue, 60069, 59652 Villeneuve of Ascq, France
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on studying and simulating a GaAs1-xPx/Si1-yGey/Ge triple-junction solar cell structure. First, the strain and the bandgap energy associated to the SiGe layer have been studied. The optimal germanium concentration is 0.88 with a strain around 0.45%. Then, the phosphor concentration effect on the strain and the bandgap energy of the upper layer GaAs1-xPx/Si0.12Ge0.88 has been optimized. At room temperature, the optimal output parameter reach Jsc=34.41mA/cm2 , Voc=1.27V, FF=88.42% and η=38.45% for an absorber thickness of 4.5µm and x=0.47, with a strain that doesn’t exceed 1.5%. This study has enabled us to design a high-efficiency, low cost 3J solar cell.
Resilience of Polish tertiary teachers – how to define it and how to build it
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Studium Praktycznej Nauki Języków Obcych, Dzięcioł-Pędich Agnieszka , Strawińska Anetta B. ,   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Wydział Filologiczny, Katedra Stylistyki i Lingwistyki Antropologicznej
Published: January 2024

The aim of the article is to analyse the resilience competence of Polish tertiary teachers which allowed them to cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on various aspects of education. The article specifically emphasizes how the resilience competence is defined in the Polish context. The article also presents an overview of expected tertiary learning outcomes for future teachers of Polish, and English as a foreign language, in order to analyse the degree to which tertiary teacher training courses emphasize the importance of social and emotional aspects of teaching which are part of the resilience competence. Finally, the article presents selected ways of building resilience for tertiary teachers.
Global Englishes in language teaching: a reflection on current trends in higher education
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Wydział Filologiczny, Katedra Językoznawstwa Porównawczego i Stosowanego, Sańczyk-Cruz Anna
Published: January 2024

The spread of English as a global language has stirred a debate about whether English programs should prepare students to learn English from the Global Englishes perspective. This research-informed paper offers a review of the literature on the importance of linguistic diversity and innovative English language teaching practices that integrate the Global Englishes perspective into academic teaching. While being engaged in thought-provoking reflection, the readers will gain an understanding of the critical aspects of promoting Global Englishes in the classroom and be encouraged to consider their experiences and views.
Deutschsprachige Popkultur im DaF-Unterricht im Kindergarten
Authors:   Uniwersytet Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie, Wydział Nauk Humanistycznych, Instytut Neofilologii, Katedra Językoznawstwa Niemieckiego, Sowa-Bacia Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to present how to make use of German pop culture in German as a foreign language classes at kindergarten. To this end, two elements of German pop culture were chosen, namely the animated series ‘Maya the Honey Bee’, as well as the book for children ‘Die Biene Maja. Die sch¨onsten Geschichten zum Vorlesen’ by C. Felgentreff and S. Kord, from which one of the stories, entitled ‘Ferdinand’, was selected. The story was adapted for didactic purposes and didactised according to the three-stage methodology of the narrative method, so-called storytelling. What is more, the class was enriched by another element of German pop culture, namely the song ‘Die Biene Maja’ performed by Karel Gott.
Intercultural Dimension of Internationalisation of Higher Education and Intercultural Learning in Formal and Non-formal Education: The Experts’ Views from Italy and Ukraine
Authors: Sikorska Iryna , Pendenza Massimo , Goncharenko Mykhailo , Myroshnychenko Nataliia , Rtyshchev Serhii
Published: January 2024

This research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of intercultural dimension of internationalisation of higher education and intercultural learning through perception of educators, policy-makers, representatives of civil society sector in Italy and Ukraine. We have attempted to study if internationalisation has operated a shift towards qualitative learning objectives, making universities to focus on intercultural learning within the internationalisation process. For educators the growing presence of debates on intercultural issues has posited a series of challenges on preparing interculturally competent graduates. Methodology used consisted semistructured interviews of the selected experts in both countries. Findings indicate that intercultural dimension of internationalisation can intwine appropriately with the goals of higher education however analysis showed that qualitative outcomes of internationalisation process are rather underestimated at national and institutional levels in both countries. The study underscores the critical importance of integrating intercultural dimensions into the internationalisation of higher education, revealing distinct approaches in Italy and Ukraine, advocating for collaborative efforts between academia and civil society to enhance intercultural awareness and competences, and emphasising the positive potential for a transformative evolution in the future.
Methodology for the granulometric control of aggregates. Development of limit granulometric curves for quarries, adapted to road requirements
Authors: Palumbo Demian Daniel , Bianchetto Hugo Daniel , Botasso Gerardo , Correa María José , Patrón-Costas Enrique
Published: January 2024

The absence of specifications for the granulometry a quarry must produce causes a serious problem, making it difficult for quarries to adjust their processes to produce within the range required by clients, and for costumers, making it a difficult process to design asphalt mixes and concretes that conform to the granulometric curves established in regulations. It is essential to develop limit granulometric curves for quarries, adapted to customer requirements. In this paper, a methodology for granulometric control in the quarry is proposed, which includes the collection of process information, the preparation of control charts and the process capability analysis according to the established specifications. Moreover, an example of the development of limit granulometric curves is proposed for the quarry under study located in Argentina, in the province of Buenos Aires, which would allow to produce aggregates whose granulometry can be used in asphalt mixes CAC D19 and concrete pavements.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de molienda y clasificación de materias primas: caso de estudio de una planta cementera
Authors: Colorado-Arango Laura , Osorio-Correa Adriana , Bedoya-Restrepo Carlos , Pérez-Galeano Sebastián , Gil-Posada Jorge , Muñoz-García Andrés , Bustamante-Rúa Oswaldo
Published: January 2024

En este estudio se evaluó la eficiencia del sistema de molienda y clasificación en un circuito cerrado para una planta cementera. Se compararon los requerimientos energéticos determinados mediante el modelo de Bond con el consumo de energía calculado en planta utilizando el modelo de media móvil. Se identificaron las causas de las diferencias entre los cálculos teóricos y los valores reales considerando la clasificación de partículas mediante curvas de partición y el efecto Fish-Hook. Se encontró que los requerimientos energéticos de molienda en planta superan el modelo de Bond entre un 125.9-229.3% en términos de consumo de energía, debido a una eficiencia de clasificación bastante baja causada por el alto porcentaje de partículas finas en la corriente de rechazo. Lo anterior se evidenció en las curvas de clasificación a través del cortocircuito, el índice de claridad y el efecto Fish-Hook.  Esto proporciona información para tomar medidas y mejorar la eficiencia del proceso.
INVESTIGATION OF THE NUCLEAR STRUCTURE OF THE ISOTOPES 170−180Os
Authors: Ali Fatima M. , Abed Al-Jubbori Mushtaq , Alkhayat Rabee B.
Published: January 2024

Interacting Boson Model (IBM-1), Semi Empirical Formula (SEF), and New Empirical Equation (NEE) methods were utilized to determine the energy states of the ground-state (GS), β and γ-bands in the 170-180Os isotopes. The results of the study on the GS, β, and γ bands suggest that IBM-1, SEF, NEE, and existing empirical evidence show some agreement, albeit with some discrepancies. The NEE results for GS, β, and γ bands are more reliable with empirical data than the estimates derived from the IBM-1 and SEF models. The reduced transition probabilities B(E2) of the IBM-1 model correspond well to the experimental data. In the GSB, the energies of the 6+, 8+, and 10+ states are not precisely modeled in the IBM-1 model. The R4/2 values of low-lying energy levels of Os isotopes fluctuate gradually with increasing neutron numbers. The EPS counter indicates that the transition limit of the 170-180Os isotopes has a rotational–vibrational γ-soft transition.
Unavoidable Crossings in Finite Coverings
Authors: Bezdek András , Kuperberg Włodzimierz
Published: January 2024

Motivated by the examples of Heppes and Wegner, we present several other examples of the following kind: a bounded convex region 𝐷 and a convex disk 𝐾 in the plane are described, such that every thinnest covering of 𝐷 with congruent copies of 𝐾 contains crossing pairs.
Influence of various tillage systems and tillage speed on some soil physical properties
Authors: Isaak Momtaz , Azawi Abdulla , Turky Thaer
Published: January 2024

Soil cultivation techniques can change the physical properties of soil and have the potential to influence the growth and productivity of crops. In the 2022 season, a research study was carried out on Gypsfreous soil in the College of Agriculture fields at Tikrit University. The purpose of the study was to investigate how the physical properties of the soil are influenced by three different plow types and varying plowing speeds. The study was planned using split plots within a Complete Randomized Blocks Design, with three types of plows (moldboard plow, disc plow, and chisel plow) and three tractor speeds (3.8, 5.8, and 7.6 km h−1) as the experimental treatments.

The experiment's findings indicated that the moldboard plow resulted in a greater reduction in bulk density compared to the disc plow. Consequently, the soil's bulk density decreased, and the percentage of porosity increased. On the other hand, the chisel plow had the lowest soil-specific resistance value and the highest soil volume disturbed value. The speed of operation above 3.8 km h−1 proved to be the most effective in reducing bulk soil density, increasing soil porosity, and reducing specific soil resistance. However, at a speed of 7.6 km h−1, the soil volume disturbed was significantly higher than at other speeds. Additionally, the experiment's findings demonstrated that the moldboard plow, operating at a speed of 3.8 km h−1, was significantly more effective than other methods in decreasing the soil's bulk density, increasing the porosity percentage, and reducing the specific soil resistance. Conversely, the chisel plow, working at a speed of 7.6 km h−1, had a significant advantage in achieving the highest value for the volume of soil disturbed.
Investigation of Raman dissipative solitons parameters generated near 1.7 μm
Authors:   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Volosi Vitali M. , Zhdanov Innokentiy S. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koliada Natalia A. ,   Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, Kharenko Denis S. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Babin Sergey A. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: January 2024

This work demonstrates a study Raman dissipative solitons parameters at wavelengths of 1.6-1.7 μm as a function of pump pulse energy and external cavity quality factor. In the presented scheme of the Raman dissipative solitons generator, pulses with a repetition rate of 6.54 MHz, an energy in range of 4.3-7.2 nJ, and slope efficiency of about 83% at a wavelength of 1.66 μm were obtained. Numerical simulation of an external cavity and analysis of pulse compression in an optical fiber with anomalous dispersion are presented. It is shown that an increase in the fraction of diverted radiation from the external cavity from 50% to 80% may allow increasing the quality of generated pulses.
Luminescent properties of Cd(x)Zn(1-x)S nanocrystals formed in the matrix of a Langmuir–Blodgett film
Authors:   Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Svit Kirill A. , Zhuravlev Konstantin Sergeevich ,   Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: January 2024

At a temperature of 80–300 K, the photoluminescence of Cd(x)Zn(1-x)S nanocrystals (x = 0.2 and 0.5) formed in a Langmuir–Blodgett film was studied. Two peaks can be distinguished in the PL spectra: (i) a low-energy peak, which is portable and changes significantly with increasing zinc content in nanocrystals and temperature, and (ii) a high-energy peak, the position of which weakly depends on temperature and nanocrystal content. It was found that the high-energy peak is most pronounced at elevated temperatures (>290 K). Experimental data are performed by recombination through levels of deep centers associated with the intrinsic defects and behenic acid molecules on the surface of nanocrystals.