bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffraction model-driven neural network with semi-supervised training strategy for real-world 3D holographic photography
Authors: Fang Qiwei , Zheng Huadong , Xia Xinxing , Peng Junchang , Zhang Tengfei , Lin Xingyu , Yu Yingjie
Published: November 2024

Compared to traditional 2D displays, 3D display technology provides richer information to the viewer. Learning-based computer-generated holography (CGH) has shown great potential in realizing real-time holographic 3D displays. However, most of the current learning-based CGH algorithms cannot quickly complete the training stage and produce high-quality holograms due to insufficient constraints in the training stage of the neural network. In this paper, we propose a diffractive model-driven neural network trained using a semi-supervised training (SST-holo) strategy and incorporate a state-of-the-art monocular depth estimation algorithm to achieve the fast generation of holograms of real-world 3D scenes. Compared to the supervised training strategy, our proposed semi-supervised training strategy does not require high-quality labeled datasets, but can significantly improve the imaging quality and generalization of the algorithm. Incorporating the Res-MSR block in SST-holo to adaptively learn image features of different scales enhances the learning capability of the network. In addition, we adopt a random splicing processing strategy to preprocess the dataset to ensure that the original features in the dataset are not corrupted. SST-holo can generate high-quality 3D phase-only holograms with 2 K resolution in 0.015 seconds. Both monochrome and color optical experiments show that the proposed algorithm has good 3D effect and generalization ability and can effectively improve the quality of reconstructed images.
Optimization of CMOS detector structures coupled with 2.58 THz miniaturized differential antenna and high-speed imaging
Authors: Zhang Xin , Fu Haipeng , Ma Kaixue , Yan Ningning
Published: November 2024

This paper presents five different detector structures integrated with a 2.58 THz miniaturized differential antenna-on-chip (AoC) in a 55-nm standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The primary goal is to study the impact of different connection methods on the performance of the detectors. The article provides a detailed analysis of the detector response models under gate-driven and source-driven modes, and derives a formula for calculating the responsivity (Rv). Additionally, this paper introduces what we believe to be a novel gate-driven series-structured detector, which achieved a maximum Rv of 343.9 V/W and a minimum noise equivalent power (NEP) of 150 pW/Hz1/2 at a modulation frequency of 195 Hz. At this frequency, imaging of items such as a screw within envelope and a scalpel blade was realized. Finally, this study also performed high-speed terahertz (THz) imaging of dry leaf at a modulation frequency of 100 kHz, clearly displaying the venation of the leaf.
Four-port circularly polarized antenna array with enhanced isolation and polarization conversion using metasurface for 5G communications
Authors: Raza Muhammad Usman , Zhang Kai , Yetneberk Zenebe Melesew , Yan Sen
Published: November 2024

This study presents a four-port sequentially rotated circular polarized (SRCP) low-profile antenna array with enhanced isolation through a dual-layer, double-sided metasurface-based decoupling (DSMD) structure for 5G communications. The dual-layer DSMD structure is placed over the SRCP antenna array. The DSDM, with positive permeability and epsilon-negative properties, improves the isolation in an SRCP antenna array by manipulating electromagnetic wave behavior. Its band-stop characteristics attenuate 3.5 GHz within the CP antenna's bandwidth, minimizing interference between closely spaced CP antennas. The dual-layer DSDM has achieved a polarization conversation ratio (PCR) of 92% at 3.5 GHz and 90% at 3.1 to 3.7 GHz. To validate our simulation results, a prototype of the SRCP antenna array with dimensions 0.92λo × 0.92λo × 0.0281λo at 3.5 GHz is fabricated, along with the proposed decoupling DSMD with dimensions of 1.03λo × 1.03λo × 0.0409λo at 3.5 GHz. The measurements show that integrating a DSMD substantially enhances inter-port isolation, realized gain, and efficiency. The measured isolation between the SRCP antenna array elements is increased by over 25 dB across the frequency band of 3.3 GHz to 3.7 GHz. At the 3.5 GHz, the measured isolation reaches 27 dB. Additionally, a 3 dB axial ratio and envelope correlation coefficient <0.0004 are achieved across the operating band, with a peak realized gain of 8.20 dBic and 76% total efficiency obtained at 3.5 GHz. The CP antenna generates a broadside radiation pattern at 45° and 135° in the azimuth plane. These advancements position it as a promising solution for 5G communication applications.
Phase-modulated Airy beam generation by a leaky-wave structure
Authors: Zhang Qunhao , Meng Fan-Yi , Fu Jiahui , Chen Wan , Zhang Kuang , Wu Qun , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: November 2024

This work presents the generation of an Airy beam by a leaky-wave structure (LWS) designed from a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) with dimension-varying slots. The Airy beam is radiated by judiciously designing the length of the slots to modulate the phase distribution. Compared to Airy beams generated by phased array antennas or metasurfaces, no complex feeding network associated with phase shifters and no space-wave illumination is required, thus allowing one to reach a low-profile structure. The features of the generated Airy beam are verified by experimental measurements performed on the LWS operating in the microwave domain. The parabolic path as well as the self-accelerating mainlobe of the Airy beam is validated in a frequency band spanning from 7.5 GHz to 8 GHz. The proposed low-profile Airy beam generator can be readily applied to wireless near-field communications for applications related to wireless power transfer, radio frequency identification, and the Internet of Things.
High-efficiency single-mode erbium-doped lithium niobate microring laser with milliwatt output power
Authors: Sun Chao , Liang Youting , Liu Jian , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Zhihao , Chen Jinming , Liu Zhaoxiang , Fang Zhiwei , Wang Min , Zhang Haisu , Cheng Ya
Published: November 2024

Erbium-doped thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) lasers have attracted great interest in recent years due to their compatibility with high-speed electro-optic (EO) modulation on the same platform. In this work, high-efficiency single-mode erbium-doped microring lasers with milliwatt output powers were demonstrated. Monolithic lithium niobate microring resonators using pulley-waveguide-coupling were fabricated by the photolithography assisted chemo-mechanical etching (PLACE) technique. The maximum single-mode laser power of 1.26 mW with the side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 50 dB was achieved around the wavelength of 1562 nm, as well as the maximum laser slope efficiency of 2.51% and the minimum laser linewidth of 30 kHz. Besides, the lasing band was easily switched by the pulley-coupler with variable waveguide widths. The demonstrated milliwatt-level on-chip microlasers hold great promise as bright light sources for various integrated devices on the TFLN platform such as EO modulators and combs.
Evolutionary history of calcium-sensing receptors unveils hyper/hypocalcemia-causing mutations
Authors: Bircan Aylin , Kuru Nurdan , Dereli Onur , Selçuk Berkay , Adebali Ogün
Published: November 2024

Despite advancements in understanding the structure and functions of the Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR), gaps persist in our knowledge of the specific functions of its residues. In this study, we used phylogeny-based techniques to identify functionally equivalent orthologs of CaSR, predict residue significance, and compute specificity-determining position (SDP) scores to understand its evolutionary basis. The analysis revealed exceptional conservation of the CaSR subfamily, emphasizing the critical role of residues with high SDP scores in receptor activation and pathogenicity. To further enhance the findings, gradient-boosting trees were applied to differentiate between gain- and loss-of-function mutations responsible for hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia. Lastly, we investigated the importance of these mutations in the context of receptor activation dynamics. In summary, through comprehensive exploration of the evolutionary history of the CaSR subfamily, coupled with innovative phylogenetic methodologies, we identified activating and inactivating residues, providing valuable insights into the regulation of calcium homeostasis and its connections to associated disorders.
Patient safety in a rural sub-Saharan Africa hospital: A 7-year experience at the AIC Kijabe Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Nthumba Peter M. , Mwangi Caroline , Odhiambo Moses
Published: November 2024

The development of a safety culture is challenging, primarily because it often disrupts institutional attitudes, norms and values. In the healthcare industry, most of the data on the results of unsafe care come from High-Income Countries. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPS) is a tool for assessing, building, sustaining and comparing institutional safety cultures within healthcare organizations. We used the HSOPS over a 7-year period, and herein report our experience. The authors report their experience using the HSOPS tool in Kijabe Hospital, an institution with 650 employees, over a 7-year period. The HSOPS tool, with no local modifications, was distributed to all employees during each survey. The institutional HSOPS percent positive dimension scores for 2015, 2017 and 2019 were compared with baseline data from the 2013 survey. The average response rate during the study period was 84.5% (range 65.1% to 93.6%). In general, the mean percentage positive dimension scores of most domains improved in the 2019 survey (p<0.05), including reduced staff turnover and, improved hospital support for patient safety (p<0.0001), amongst other domains. The overall patient safety grade (excellent/very good), was 50% (range 43–64%). Although the dynamics of high staff turnover and hospital leadership change presented challenges in developing and measuring institutional patient safety culture, this study demonstrates that patient safety ideals can be developed and embraced in sub-Saharan Africa. Patient safety champions, a generative institutional leadership that is supportive of patient safety, are important for the development of an institutional safety culture. Creating an institutional just culture creates a patient safety culture.
Medication adherence and quality of life among geriatric patients: Insights from a hospital-based cross-sectional study in India
Authors: Khaiser Umaima Farheen , Sultana Rokeya , Das Ranajit , Alzahrani Saeed G. , Saquib Shahabe , Shamsuddin Shaheen , Fareed Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Background

Understanding the factors that influence medication adherence and the multidimensional aspects of quality of life in the elderly is of paramount importance in enhancing their overall well-being. Since geriatric patients usually suffer from multiple morbidities due to their declining age, the adherence towards their medications plays a very crucial role in their quality of life.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study explores the intricate relationship between medication adherence and quality of life among 310 elderly patients at a single medical college and hospital. Participants completed the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to assess medication adherence and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, which comprises four domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment) to evaluate quality of life. Statistical analyses, including correlations, paired t-tests, ANOVA, and Backward Multiple Linear Regression, were employed to examine the relationships and differences among variables.

Results

The findings indicate varying levels of medication adherence among participants, with a significant proportion exhibiting medium adherence (47.1%) and highlighting the need for interventions to address challenges in medication adherence among the elderly population. Notably, gender emerged as a significant factor influencing quality of life, with males reporting higher satisfaction across all domains compared to females. Medication adherence exhibited a significant correlation with the social relationships domain (DOM3) of the WHOQOL-BREF, underlining the importance of adherence in fostering positive social interactions.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a significant association between medication adherence (MMAS- 8) and the quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) among elderly patients. We also observed noteworthy gender differences in quality-of-life perceptions. It emphasizes the need for tailored interventions that consider medication adherence issues to enhance the overall quality of life among this vulnerable population.
RSG-YOLOV8: Detection of rice seed germination rate based on enhanced YOLOv8 and multi-scale attention feature fusion
Authors: Li Huikang , Liu Longbao , Li Qi , Liao Juan , Liu Lu , Zhang Yujun , Tang Qixing , Rao Yuan , Gao Yanwei
Published: November 2024

The lack of obvious difference between germinated seeds and non-germinated seeds will cause the low accuracy of detecting rice seed germination rate, remains a challenging issue in the field. In view of this, a new model named Rice Seed Germination-YOLOV8 (RSG-YOLOV8) is proposed in this paper. This model initially incorporates CSPDenseNet to streamline computational processes while preserving accuracy. Furthermore, the BRA, a dynamic and sparse attention mechanism is integrated to highlight critical features while minimizing redundancy. The third advancement is the employment of a structured feature fusion network, based on GFPN, aiming to reconfigure the original Neck component of YOLOv8, thus enabling efficient feature fusion across varying levels. An additional detection head is introduced, improving detection performance through the integration of variable anchor box scales and the optimization of regression losses. This paper also explores the influence of various attention mechanisms, feature fusion techniques, and detection head architectures on the precision of rice seed germination rate detection. Experimental results indicate that RSG-YOLOV8 achieves a mAP50 of 0.981, marking a 4% enhancement over the mAP50 of YOLOv8 and setting a new benchmark on the RiceSeedGermination dataset for the detection of rice seed germination rate.
Glycine soja, PI424025, is a valuable genetic resource to improve soybean seed-protein content and composition
Authors: Taliercio Earl , Gillenwater Jay , Woodruff Lisa , Fallen Ben
Published: November 2024

Soybean seed-protein content and composition is important because it contributes over half the value of this $61 billion crop. Historic negative correlation between seed-protein content and oil have been reported. Similarly, negative correlation between seed-protein content and yield have been reported but may be at least in part mitigated by increasing the genetic diversity of the elite soybean germplasm. Improvements in amino acid composition of seed-protein would increase the value of soybean meal and protein for animal and human consumption. We have identified a genetic resource in wild soybean germplasm, PI424025B, with elevated seed-protein, elevated cysteine in the seed and increased sulfur content in the seed. We have developed a population of Recombinant Inbred Lines derived from a cross between NC-Raleigh and PI424025B. We evaluated the carbon, nitrogen and sulfur (C, N and S) content of seeds from the progeny, the parents and other high-seed protein soybean lines. N content and C/N (ratio of C to N) were well correlated with protein content measured by NIR. PI424025B had a N content comparable to high-protein soybean lines and a superior N/S. These traits were inherited by some of the progeny. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with high-seed protein were identified on chr2, chr20 and chr15 and colocalizes with well characterized loci on chr 15 and chr 20 known to affect seed-protein content and quality. A potentially unique QTL was identified on Chr15. Unlike the chr20 QTL, the chr15 QTL improved S content relative to N content and was superior to other high seed-protein phenotypes tested. These data indicate that PI424025B is a valuable resource to diversify the genetics of soybean while improving soybean seed-protein content and composition.
Childhood socioeconomic position relates to adult decision-making: Evidence from a large cross-cultural investigation
Authors: Wang Simon B. , Hanson Jamie L.
Published: November 2024

Early exposure to poverty may have profound and enduring impacts on developmental trajectories over the lifespan. This study investigated potential links between childhood socioeconomic position, recent economic change, and temporal discounting in a large international cohort (N = 12,951 adults from 61 countries). Temporal discounting refers to the tendency to prefer smaller immediate rewards over larger rewards delivered after a delay, and connects to consequential outcomes including academic achievement, occupational success, and risk-taking behaviors. Consistent with multiple theories about the impacts of stress exposure, individuals who reported lower socioeconomic positions in childhood exhibited greater temporal discounting in adulthood compared to peers who did not. Furthermore, an interaction emerged between childhood socioeconomic position and recent economic change, such that the steepest temporal discounting was found among those from lower childhood socioeconomic positions who also recently experienced negative economic change as a result of the COVID pandemic. These associations remained significant even when accounting for potentially confounding factors like education level and current employment. Findings provide new evidence that childhood socioeconomic position relates to greater temporal discounting and steeper devaluation of future rewards later in adulthood, particularly in response to contemporaneous economic change. This suggests childhood socioeconomic position may have longer-term impacts on developmental trajectories. Speculatively, childhood socioeconomic position may shape adult behavior through increased life stress, diminished access to resources, and lower perceived trust and reliability in social systems. These findings underscore the long-term implications of socioeconomic gaps, cycles of disadvantage and economic marginalization.
Budget impact analysis of subcutaneous infliximab (CT-P13 SC) for treating inflammatory bowel disease in Saudi Arabia: Analysis from payer perspective
Authors: Alkhatib Nimer S. , Almutairi Abdulaali R. , Almadi Majid , Halloush Shiraz , Al-Ruthia Yazed Sulaiman H. , Rashdan Omar , Al-Shatnawi Samah , Azzam Nahla A. , Mosli Mahmoud H. , Badawoud Amal M. , Al Yami Majed S. , Alhossan Abdulaziz , AlHarbi Ibtisam
Published: November 2024

Background

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved the subcutaneous (SC) administration of infliximab, presenting a more convenient alternative with reduced outpatient visits and diminished expenses compared to the intravenous (IV) administration. However, the financial implications of this formulation have not been examined from the perspective of Saudi payers.

Methods and materials

A prevalence-based budget impact model was developed to evaluate the financial effects of introducing "environment without" versus "with infliximab SC." The model’s time horizon spanned over 2 years (2021–2023), aligning with the biennial national pharmaceutical procurement cycle. The comparison focused on infliximab SC versus all available formulations of infliximab IV in the Saudi market for two inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). Treatment comparators’ comparability and dose escalations were substantiated by published studies, utilizing dosing information from the summary of product characteristics. Drug acquisition costs were derived from SFDA registered prices, with IV formulation administration costs included. Scenario analysis assessed the budget impact of infliximab SC introduction at uptake rates ranging from 0% to 100%.

Results

Introducing infliximab SC demonstrated cost-saving potential in the treatment of IBD. At 100% uptake with UC patients for 2 years, infliximab SC resulted in savings of -SAR-31.9 million (-SAR29,145 per patient). Similarly, for CD, introducing infliximab SC at 100% uptake over 2 years yielded savings of -SAR106.2 million (-SAR36,585 per patient).

Conclusion

This study reveals that infliximab SC is associated with cost-saving potential when compared to infliximab IV formulations available in Saudi Arabia. Future research should address uncertainties related to real-world comparative effectiveness, the convenience of administration, patient tolerability, and physician acceptance of the SC formulation of infliximab, alongside comparisons with other TNF-alpha inhibitors.
Increased QPCT gene expression by the hepatitis B virus promotes HBV replication
Authors: Zhang Conghui , Ma Qingfeng , Wang Wei , Song Hui , Wang Xue , Xu Fengxia , Zhu Chengliang , Liu Xinghui
Published: November 2024

Glutamine cyclase, an enzyme involved in posttranslational modifications, is encoded by the glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT) gene. Gene microarray analysis revealed that the QPCT gene was highly expressed in HepG2.2.15 cells compared with that in HepG2 cells. The serum expression level of the QPCT gene was detected by ELISA and was significantly greater in HBV-infected patients than in healthy controls. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the QPCT gene were markedly greater in the HBV-expressing cell lines (HepG2.2.15, and HepG2 and Huh7 cells transfected with the pBlu-HBV plasmid) than in the HepG2 and Huh7 cells. The levels of HBV pgRNA and HBV-DNA copy number, as well as the levels of HBeAg and HBsAg, also increased in the HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines cotransfected with the QPCT gene expression plasmid and the HBV 1.3-fold plasmid. Our study indicated that HBV can promote the expression of the QPCT gene, which in turn promotes the expression and replication of HBV.
Lactobacillus plantarum KAD protects against high-fat diet-induced hepatic complications in Swiss albino mice: Role of inflammation and gut integrity
Authors: Ghosh Supriyo , Ghosh Amlan Jyoti , Islam Rejuan , Sarkar Sagar , Saha Tilak
Published: November 2024

Hepatic complications are the major health issues associated with dietary intake of calorie saturated food e.g. high-fat diet (HFD). Recent studies have revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics in HFD fed mice with hepatic complications. Some probiotic Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) e.g. Lactobacillus plantarum have drawn our attention in managing hepatic complications. Here, we aim to elucidate the protective effects of L. plantarum KAD strain, isolated from ethnic fermented food ‘Kinema’ in HFD-fed mice as, a preventive approach. Eighteen Swiss albino mice were equally divided into 3 groups: Normal Diet (ND), negative control (HFD), and HFD-fed with oral L. plantarum KAD supplementation (LP). All the experimental groups were subjected to specific diet according to grouping for eight weeks. After completion of the regime, subjects were anesthetized and sacrificed. Organs, blood, and fecal samples were collected and stored appropriately. Physical indices, including body weight gain, organ co-efficients were calculated along with assessment of glycemic, lipidomic, hepatic, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and histological parameters. Gut microbiota analysis was performed using 16s V3-V4 fecal metagenomic profiling, and sequencing were done using Illumina Miseq system. Oral administration of L. plantarum KAD is found to significantly (p<0.05) restore metabolic health by normalizing glycemic, lipidomic, hepatic parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. Moreover, LP group (7.08±0.52 mg/g) showed significantly (p<0.001) decreased hepatic triglyceride level compared to HFD group (20.07±1.32 mg/g). L. plantarum KAD improved the adipocytic, and colonic histomorphology with significantly better scoring pattern. LP group (1.83±0.41) showed a significantly (p<0.001) reduced hepatic score compared to negative control group (5.00±0.63), showing reduced hepatosteatosis, and immune infiltration. The strain modulated gut health by altering its microbial composition positively towards normalization. In conclusion, the results of the experiment suggest that prophylactic L. plantarum KAD administration has beneficial effects on the onset of HFD induced hepatic complications in mice. Further studies are needed, on this strain for its clinical use as dietary supplement.
Mapping the prevalence and covariates associated with home delivery in Bangladesh: A multilevel regression analysis
Authors: Dey Rakhi , Dey Susmita Rani , Haque Meem , Rahman Anushuya Binta , Kundu Satyajit , Setu Sarmistha Paul , Majumder U. K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Bangladesh has made an intense effort to improve maternal healthcare facilities including facility delivery, but the number of home deliveries is still very high. Therefore, this study aims to find out district-wise prevalence and determine the individual and community-level predictors of home delivery among women in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data were derived from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019, a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Bangladesh. A final sample of 9,166 (weighted) women who gave birth in the two years preceding the survey were included in this study. Considering the two-stage cluster sampling strategy adopted by MICS, we used multilevel (2-level) logistic regression analysis to find out the correlates of home delivery.

Results

The overall weighted prevalence of home delivery was 46.41% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.39–47.43). The highest prevalence was observed in Bandarban district (84.58%), while the lowest was found in Meherpur district (6.95%). The intercept-only regression model demonstrates that the likelihood of women from various clusters having home delivery varied significantly (variance: 1.47, standard error [SE]: 0.117), indicating the applicability of multilevel regression modeling. The multilevel regression analysis showed that women with higher education, wealth status and ANC visit, and those aged >18 years at first marriage/union were associated with lower odds of delivering child at home compared to their counterparts. While women from age group of 35–49 years, whose last pregnancy was unintended were more likely to deliver child at home. In addition, those respondents belonging to a community that had higher wealth status, women’s education level, and exposure to media showed lower odds of having delivery at home.

Conclusions

The finding indicates that delivery at home is still high in Bangladesh. Targeted interventions to reduce home delivery are urgently needed in Bangladesh to tackle adversities during deliveries and save mothers from the consequences.
O pagamento por serviços ambientais como financiamento para a preservação dos ecossistemas articulando-o aos corredores ecológicos
Authors: Grando Castaldello Kerlyn Larissa , Pereira Reginaldo
Published: November 2024

O aumento da pressão sobre os ecossistemas tem levantado preocupações sobre a perda de biodiversidade, demandando a criação de estratégias de gestão socioambiental para abordar questões ambientais, adotando métodos dinâmicos como base para políticas de desenvolvimento territorial sustentável. Um dos novos instrumentos é o Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) que atua como uma política pública destinada à conservação ambiental. Este modelo parte do princípio de que aqueles que se beneficiam dos serviços ecossistêmicos devem contribuir financeiramente para aqueles que os preservam. Ao combinar o PSA com os corredores ecológicos, que consistem em conectar áreas de conservação visando mitigar a fragmentação dos habitats, é possível proteger os ecossistemas. O estudo é analítico, de cunho exploratório e descritivo, conduzido pelo método dedutivo. O objetivo geral é analisar a possibilidade de financiamento oferecida pelo Pagamento de Serviços Ambientais como mecanismo de conservação da biodiversidade. Observa-se que o PSA contribui positivamente para que seja possível ater-se à lei e não ficar restrito às possibilidades de proveito econômico, fundamentado no princípio do “provedor-recebedor”. Desse modo, é uma opção importante para apreciar os elementos ambientais de um apurado território, ao passo em que alternativas de fomento econômicas precisam ser cogitadas para o desenvolvimento. Conclui-se que implementando o financiamento de ações para a conservação por meio dos corredores ecológicos através da vinculação do PSA, é possível atenuar os impactos da degradação e fragmentação de territórios sobre a biodiversidade, permitindo assim, a melhoria da qualidade ambiental.
Effect of Esophageal Dilation History on Efficacy Outcomes in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Receiving Budesonide Oral Suspension
Authors: Hirano Ikuo , Collins Margaret H. , Katzka David A. , Mukkada Vincent A. , Falk Gary W. , Terreri Brian , Boules Mena , Zhang Wenwen , Desai Nirav K. , Dellon Evan S.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The effect of esophageal dilation history on efficacy outcomes in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) receiving swallowed corticosteroids is not well established.

METHODS:

This post hoc analysis assessed data from a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study (NCT02605837) of budesonide oral suspension (BOS) 2.0 mg twice daily in patients aged 11–55 years with EoE and dysphagia. Coprimary efficacy outcomes were histologic (≤ 6 eosinophils per high-power field [eos/hpf]) and dysphagia symptom (≥ 30% reduction in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire scores from baseline) responses at week 12. Secondary efficacy outcomes included histologic response (< 15 eos/hpf) and change from baseline to week 12 in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire scores and EoE Endoscopic Reference Scores. Data were analyzed post hoc by esophageal dilation history (dilation history vs no dilation history).

RESULTS:

Of 318 patients who received ≥ 1 dose of study drug, 42.8% had a history of esophageal dilation (dilation history: BOS, n = 91; placebo, n = 45; no dilation history: BOS, n = 122; placebo, n = 60). Histologic responses (≤ 6 and < 15 eos/hpf) were similar regardless of dilation history. Fewer BOS-treated patients with dilation history than no dilation history achieved a dysphagia symptom response (44.0% vs 59.0%); conversely, a slightly greater improvement from baseline in total EoE Endoscopic Reference Scores was observed for BOS-treated patients with dilation history than no dilation history (least-squares mean [SE of the mean]: −4.1 [0.3] vs −3.4 [0.4]).

DISCUSSION:

Esophageal dilation history may confound the association between histologic outcomes and dysphagia symptom or endoscopic efficacy outcomes in patients with EoE receiving swallowed corticosteroids.
Perempuan dan Pendidikan Islam dalam Novel "'Asrul Al-Hub"
Authors: Sulthon Pamungkas  , Aning Ayu Kusumawati
Published: November 2024

Abstrak
Penelitian ini fokus pada bagaimana peran perempuan dalam pendidikan Islam  pada novel ’Aṣrul Al-Ḥub karya Najib Mahfuz. Hal yang menjadi titik berat artikel ini bahwa diperlukan pengamatan khusus terkait peran perempuan dalam pendidikan Islam,  karena seperti digambarkan  dalam Novel ’Aṣrul Al-Ḥub, peran perempuan  sangat  dominan dan konsisten dalam pendidikan Islam. Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode simak dan catat  dengan mencermati  data primer berupa dialog yang ada dalam novel ’Aṣrul Al-Ḥub karya Najib Mahfuz tentang bagaimana pendidikan Islam disampaikan oleh tokoh-tokoh perempuan. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tokoh perempuan, yaitu ibu Izzat (Sitta ‘Ain) dan Sayyidah,  secara konsisten mengajarkan  pendidikan Islam melalui tiga strategi yaitu pemahaman, pembiasaan dan keteladanan. Sedang tiap kategori tersebut terdapat metode-metode pendidikan, misalnya  pada kategori pemahaman terdapat metode diskusi, metode ‘Ibrah dan Maū’iẓah, metode penanaman motivasi, dan metode demontrasi. Sedang pada kategori pembiasaan terdapat metode kepekaan sosial dan tidak dendam/pemaaf, selanjutnya pada keteladanan terdapat optimisme dan konsistensi/kesabaran.
Kata Kunci: Perempuan, Pendidikan Islam, ’Aṣrul Al-Ḥub.
[This research focuses on the method of delivering Islamic education in the novel 'Aṣrul Al-Ḥub by Najib Mahfuz. The point of this article is that special observation is needed regarding the role of women in Islamic education, bearing in mind that in the Novel 'Aṣrul Al-Ḥub, women dominate and are consistent in teaching Islamic education. The data collection method in this study uses the observing and note-taking method to collect primary data in the form of dialogue in the novel 'Aṣrul Al-Ḥub by Najib Mahfuz which contains information about how Islamic education conveyed by female characters. This research shows that female figures, namely Sitta 'Ain and her daughter in law  Sayyidah, consistently teach Islamic education through three categories, namely understanding, habituation and modelling. In each of these categories there are educational methods, for example in the understanding category there are discussion methods: 'Ibrah and Maū'iẓah, instilling motivation, and demonstration . While in the habituation category there are ways: social sensitivity and forgiveness, then in modelling there are  optimism and consistency/patience.]
Keyword: Women, Islamic Education,  'Aṣrul Al-Ḥub.
A literatura de autoajuda em processos de socialização: Implicações na formação e na profissionalização docente
Authors: Fiorio Mariana , Penteado Regina Zanella , Arnosti Rebeca Possobom , Souza Neto Samuel
Published: November 2024

Este artigo objetiva analisar as experiências de futuros professores com a Literatura de Autoajuda (LA) na socialização docente. A pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva envolveu 16 futuros professores entre o primeiro e o quarto ano de um curso de Pedagogia de uma universidade pública paulista. Dados discursivos foram obtidos por entrevista semiestruturada. Da Análise de Conteúdo emergiram categorias relacionadas à LA (acesso, demandas mobilizadoras do consumo, sentidos atribuídos e contribuições) – sendo consideradas as instâncias de socialização primária (familiar e escolarização) e de socialização secundária (universitarização). Destacam-se, nos resultados: a) a dimensão humana e relacional da docência; b) os sofrimentos, adoecimentos e mal-estar discente; e c) o paradoxo de a LA oferecer respostas e soluções em curto prazo e, ao mesmo tempo, formas limitadas de esclarecimento, compreensão e entendimento. Em processos formativos de professores que se coadunem com o desenvolvimento profissional e com a construção da docência como profissão, as implicações da presença da LA na formação docente envolvem pensar limites (a semiformação e a produção de precariedades e miserabilidades) e possibilidades (a formação humana e emancipatória).
Dariusz Koźbiał, Status prawny zawodu tłumacza przysięgłego, seria Monografie Prawnicze, Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck, Warszawa 2024, ss. 232, ISBN: 978–83–8356–414–2
Authors: Jachimowicz-Jankowska Paulina
Published: November 2024

Dariusz Koźbiał, Status prawny zawodu tłumacza przysięgłego, seria Monografie Prawnicze, Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck, Warszawa 2024, ss. 232, ISBN: 978–83–8356–414–2 (opr. Paulina Jachimowicz-Jankowska).
From Flowers to Plants: Plant-Thinking in Nineteenth-Century Danish Flower Painting
Authors: Hedin Gry
Published: November 2024

In the nineteenth century, flower painters in Denmark shifted from depicting arranged, cut flowers to showing plants within their ecosystems. This article explores this shift by examining four paintings by the artists Christine Løvmand and Anthonore Christensen. According to Michael Marder and Emanuele Coccia, important philosophers in critical plant studies, plants have been overlooked as world creators. Coccia highlights the nineteenth century as a particularly low point, in this regard, but seeks exceptions and points to significant nineteenth-century articulations of how plants move in, sense, and create their environment. An investigation of Danish art and botany reveals similar articulations, as several significant artists made growing rather than cut plants the theme of some of their paintings and botanists explored the wild flora and the agency of plants. This nineteenth-century shift in focus from flowers to plants disseminates notions of plants that can inspire and help us reorient our relationship with the natural world.
Design and performance evaluation of a hybrid FSO-FTTx communication link utilizing UD-WDMA 1.28 Tbps data rates transmission under various weather conditions
Authors: Forsido Ashenafi Paulos , Gelmecha Demissie Jobir , Singh Ram Sewak
Published: November 2024

The rapid growth of high-data-rate applications necessitates the development of new communication frameworks since bandwidth constraints for data-intensive applications hinder traditional networks and conventional microwave/radio frequency (RF) communications. This study explores a hybrid communication link that combines fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) and free-space optical (FSO) technologies, utilizing ultra-dense wavelength-division multiple access (UD-WDMA) with a channel spacing of 0.2 nm/25 GHz, under various weather conditions. Based on bit error rate (BER), optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), and quality factor (QF), the performance of the suggested FSO-FTTx system was examined. The system performed well in diverse weather conditions, achieving a minimum BER of ≤10−5, QF values of 4 or higher, and OSNR levels between 10 and 20 dB. The proposed system successfully transmitted a data rate of 1.28 Tbps over 35 km in single-mode fiber (SMF), accommodating different FSO link ranges despite varying weather conditions. However, performance fluctuations were observed under adverse conditions, with attenuation ranging from 0.91 dB/km in extremely light mist to 273.39 dB/km in dense fog, impacting the FSO link range. The findings underscore the proposed hybrid system’s potential to enhance optical wireless communication for high data rates, making it promising for beyond 5G and early 6G applications.
Exact solutions of a class of generalized nanofluidic models
Authors: Zeng Huajun , Ming Yuduo , Jiang Tao , Jin Cheng
Published: November 2024

Nanofluid, a significant branch of fluid mechanics, plays a pivotal role in thermal management, optics, biomedical engineering, energy harvesting, and other fields. The nanoparticles present in the fluid render the continuum mechanics ineffective, necessitating the adoption of fractional calculus to elucidate the effects of nanoparticles on the motion properties of the nanofluid. This article applies the modified extended tanh-function technique to solve two classical Schrödinger equations, the fractional Phi-4 model and the conformable fractional Boussinesq model, for nanofluids. Multiple exact solutions are obtained, and the corresponding graphical representations are provided to elucidate the basic properties of the nanofluid. This article provides new research perspectives for the development of nanofluids.
Perceived threats to the future of Icelandic and the importance of language acquisition research
Authors: Nowenstein Iris , Sigurjónsdóttir Sigríður
Published: November 2024

Rising public concern regarding the linguistic effects of an increased, digitally mediated English presence in Iceland was one of the factors motivating the research project Modeling the Linguistic Consequences of Digital Language Contact (MoLiCoDiLaCo), in 2016–2019. In public discourse, a causal relationship between digital English input and reduced/incompletely acquired Icelandic had been (and still is) assumed, without scientific evidence. While the MoLiCoDiLaCo project sought to provide evidence for this assumption, the results did not show extensive English input effects on Icelandic linguistic variables. The main results of the project are discussed in the article with reference to a recent shift in the public narrative of perceived threats to the future of Icelandic. The authors show that the focus has in part moved away from digital language contact between English and Icelandic, and toward the rise of English as a lingua franca in the interactions of L1 and L2 speakers of Icelandic. This shift is discussed in terms of recent research on language acquisition, multilingualism, linguistic gatekeeping, and the preservation of globally small languages.
The Cicero-Appius reconciliation and Pompey’s pivotal role as mediator
Authors: Evangelou Gabriel
Published: November 2024

The intricacies of the relationships between Roman aristocrats in the age of Cicero has been one of the most popular topics of discussion in modern scholarship. Cicero’s letters have drawn considerable attention as an invaluable source for the study of amicitiae in the late Roman republic. Nevertheless, the methods that Cicero and his contemporaries used to reconcile with their former enemies is an area that remains rather unexplored. This paper aims to shed light on the significance of letter writing as a medium for the reconciliation between Romans with an active public life and to underscore the role that mediators played in the conciliatory efforts that both parties made to restore their relationship chiefly in the public eye. The investigation focuses on Cicero’s well-attested reconciliation with Appius Claudius Pulcher. It argues that, while it was not the first instance in which Pompey instigated a reconciliation between two of his allies, its uniqueness lies in the ingenious and complex use of letter writing to effect and maintain their renewed relationship as well as in the combination of frankness and tactful manoeuvring in Cicero’s letters to him.
Narratives of reconciliation in Caesar’s
Commentarii
Authors: Grillo Luca
Published: November 2024

Romans appreciated reconciliation and even celebrated and advertised it by dedicating temples and coins to Concordia. Accordingly, Caesar’s Commentarii value reconciliation as well. Indeed, I will argue that, in spite of the war-bulletin tone that often pervades the Commentarii, reconciliation plays a key-role in Caesar’s accounts both of the Gallic and of the Civil War. In particular, in the first part of my paper I consider some narrative strategies whereby Caesar advertises his openness toward reconciliation in BG. Caesar’s self-fashioning in his dealings with Dumnorix and Ariovistus in BG 1 exemplifies a typical script: Caesar (says he) is willing to extend his gratia, but some enemies refuse it, and Caesar’s biased narrative presents such refusal as highly unreasonable; but their stubbornness voids any attempt at reconciliation, and war ensues. Other episodes from the BG confirm this pattern. In part two, through an analysis of the siege at Brundisium (BC 1.26) and of the blockade at Oricum (3.15), I suggest that, in the BC, Caesar follows the same script as in the BG; but the BC presents a more rich and technical vocabulary of reconciliation along with some exceptional narratological devices. I try to show how the artful narrator sharpens his tools to deal with the thorny topic of reconciliation in a civil war. In the third and last part of my paper, I place Caesar’s representation against two contemporary letters found in Cicero’s correspondence with Atticus; briefly, I consider some contemporary responses to Caesar’s narratives of reconciliation.
Reconciliation and Civil War in Plutarch’s
Life of Pompey
Authors: Cau Francesca
Published: November 2024

Reconciliation is a central theme in Plutarch’s political reflections, prominently discussed in his treatise Praecepta gerendae reipublicae. In this work, Plutarch criticizes the competitive nature of the aristocrats of his own time, which often led to factional conflicts (στάσεις) necessitating Roman intervention. Thus, he advocates for reconciliation as a proactive strategy to prevent warfare and maintain state harmony (ὁμόνοια).

These considerations are crucial for interpreting certain passages in the Life of Pompey, where Plutarch reflects in depth on the dynamics that led to the Civil War of 49 BCE. In this biography, Pompey is criticized for rejecting Caesar’s proposals for reconciliation, viewing this refusal as the direct cause of the civil war’s outbreak. However, the deeper reason for the conflict is identified in the rivalry among Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus, which had been skilfully masked by their apparent friendship, achieved in part through the reconciliation between Pompey and Crassus. The Life of Pompey thus adds a layer of complexity to the explicit lessons of the Praecepta; nevertheless, it does not contradict them, since Plutarch’s ultimate concern, both in the Moralia and the Lives, is the preservation of concord within the state.
Expression levels of some genes in the MAPK pathway (DUSP1, DUSP2, DUSP4, DUSP6 and DUSP10) in eyelid tumor tissue
Authors: Ozmen Esma , Tas Ayca , Akin Dilara Fatma , Erdogan Haydar , Silig Yavuz
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To control mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways involved in the onset and progression of cancer, dual specificity phosphatases (DUSPs/MKP) are essential. This study seeks to detect the correlation between eyelid tumors and the genes DUSPs, known for their influence on MAPK signaling pathways. Additionally, we aim to juxtapose our findings with analyses from various bioinformatics databases.

Methods

Expression levels of relevant genes in cDNA samples were determined by quantitative PCR method. Open-access databases were used for mutation analysis of relevant genes, mRNA expression changes, and survival analyses, and the STRING database was used for protein-protein interactions.

Results

It was found that the expression of DUSP1 and DUSP2 showed a significant decrease in the tumor tissue, while a significant increase was detected in the DUSP4 and DUSP6 genes. Additionally, when we compared the study genes with the Cancer Genome Atlas program cancer cohorts, it was found that the DUSP1 and DUSP10 gene expression profiles were downregulated in uveal melanoma compared to other cancer cohorts.

Conclusions

Significant and obvious changes were observed in the DUSP genes we studied in eyelid tumors. However, the relationship between these genes and cancer must be studied more. Considering that these enzymes are effective in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, it would be appropriate to plan comprehensive studies on their interactions with other proteins they interact with in the MAPK pathway.