bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of mutual aid in meeting society’s needs: the example of community sports clubs’ responses to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions
Authors: Nichols Geoff , Reid Fiona , Findlay-King Lindsay
Published: December 2023

This paper considers the role and limitations of mutual aid associations in meeting society’s needs. It does this by examining responses of community sports clubs (CSCs) in the UK to COVID-19 restrictions. We firstly make the case that CSCs typify mutual aid associations. Using two qualitative research studies we show how the clubs’ responses focused on meeting the needs of their own members, expressing bonding rather than bridging social capital. Clubs’ resilience was facilitated by the commitment of key volunteers, understood as serious leisure, and the complete overlap of governance and delivery in club management. These insights allow us to discuss the potential and limitations of this particular type of mutual aid association in meeting society’s needs, and qualify general assertions that the voluntary sector would respond to the COVID-19 crisis by developing social capital. It reinforces the need for a typology of the voluntary sector to inform understanding and research.
Deconstructing dangerous discourse: an analysis of personal safety advice to students on UK universities’ websites
Authors: Roberts Nicola , Doyle Lauren , Roberts Mark
Published: December 2023

In a society pre-occupied with managing risks, individuals are responsibilised to ensure their own safety. In the context of higher education, this might seem useful advice because young university students are at risk of violent victimisation, and they migrate to cities with which they are unfamiliar. However, using Foucauldian discourse analysis, we analysed text about personal safety on all UK universities’ websites to draw out the underlying discourse embedded in the safety advice. We find that students are advised where to walk, when to walk, how to walk or not to walk, and with whom. In seeking to control the movements of potential victims to avoid victimisation, a victim-blaming discourse is evident. The offender is rarely mentioned. Such overt safety advice often impacts upon women more than men. It is argued that given the duplication of such advice across university websites as well as its dated nature, it is likely that universities have given little thought to how they advise their students to keep safe and what the impact of this is. We provide recommendations on how universities can update their personal safety advice to students to be more empowering.
Design and analysis of unequal aperture off-axis optical integrator for solar simulators
Authors: Chen Siwen , Sun Gaofei , Liu Shi , Zhang Guoyu , Zhang Jierui , Chen Jiali , Zhang Ran
Published: December 2023

The unequal aperture off-axis optical integrator design method is proposed to improve the irradiation uniformity of solar simulators and solve the problem of limited uniformity of optical integrator due to aberrations and uneven distribution of incident radiation. Firstly, the unequal aperture off-axis optical integrator structure is designed based on the scalar diffraction theory to analyze the factors affecting the optical homogenization ability of the optical integrator. Then, the relationship between sub-eye lens aperture and arrangement is explored in combination with Lagrange invariance principle and semi-definite programming theory. Finally, the optimum off-axis amount of sub-eye lens with different ring band is determined from the perspective of geometric optics by using the aberration theory and following the principle of edge light, so as to improve the evenness of optical integrator. The design results are verified by the simulation analysis. The simulation results show that: In the picture plane of optical integrator, the irradiation non-uniformity in the ф 26 mm irradiation plane is 14.87%, which is better than 26.02% in the traditional optical integrator. At the same time, at the effective irradiated surface, the irradiation non-uniformity of 0.53% within the ф 300 mm reaches the irradiation standard of the class A + solar simulator, and the irradiance only decreases by 16.5% compared with the traditional optical integrator, which still meets the index requirement of a solar constant. The goal of improving the evenness of optical integrator is realized without greatly affecting irradiance and without introducing aspherical design.
Three-photon and four-photon absorption in lithium niobate measured by the Z-scan technique
Authors: Benabdelghani Imene , Tóth György , Krizsán Gergő , Bazsó Gábor , Szaller Zsuzsanna , Mbithi Nelson , Rácz Péter , Dombi Péter , Polónyi Gyula , Hebling János
Published: December 2023

Open-aperture Z-scan measurements have been carried out to investigate the three-photon (3 PA) and four-photon absorption (4 PA) coefficients at 800 nm and 1030 nm wavelengths, respectively in congruent and stoichiometric lithium niobate (cLN, sLN) with different concentrations of Mg doping. The laser pulse duration at the two wavelengths were 40 and 190 fs. The peak intensity inside the crystals varied between approximately 110 and 550 GW/cm2. The 3 PA and 4 PA coefficients were evaluated using a theoretical model and the results suggest that their minima are at or around the Mg doping level corresponding to the threshold for suppressing photo-refraction for both cLN and sLN. This result can be attributed to the contribution of crystal defects to the 3 PA and 4 PA processes. Furthermore, the 4 PA at 1030 nm exhibited greater nonlinear absorption than the 3 PA at 800 nm under the same intensity level. Possible reasons for this unexpected behavior are discussed. Overall, comparing the 3 PA and 4 PA values of these crystals will enable for selection of the optimum composition of LN crystal for efficient THz generation and for other nonlinear optical processes requiring high pump intensities.
Deep learning improves performance of topological bending waveguides
Authors: Sakamoto Itsuki , Okada Sho , Nishiyama Nobuhiko , Hu Xiao , Amemiya Tomohiro
Published: December 2023

This study introduced design informatics using deep learning in a topological photonics system and applied it to a topological waveguide with a sharp bending structure to further reduce propagation loss. The sharp bend in the topological waveguide composed of two photonic crystals wherein dielectrics having C6v symmetry were arranged in triangle lattices of hexagons, and the designing of parameters individually for 6 × 6 unit cells near the bending region using deep learning resulted in an output improvement of 60% compared to the initial structure. The proposed structural design method has high versatility and applicability for various topological photonic structures.
Study on high-precision three-dimensional reconstruction of pulmonary lesions and surrounding blood vessels based on CT images
Authors: Chen Chaoxiang , Fu Zhiyong , Ye Shengli , Zhao Chenlu , Golovko Vladimir , Ye Shiping , Bai Zhican
Published: December 2023

The adoption of computerized tomography (CT) technology has significantly elevated the role of pulmonary CT imaging in diagnosing and treating pulmonary diseases. However, challenges persist due to the complex relationship between lesions within pulmonary tissue and the surrounding blood vessels. These challenges involve achieving precise three-dimensional reconstruction while maintaining accurate relative positioning of these elements. To effectively address this issue, this study employs a semi-automatic precise labeling process for the target region. This procedure ensures a high level of consistency in the relative positions of lesions and the surrounding blood vessels. Additionally, a morphological gradient interpolation algorithm, combined with Gaussian filtering, is applied to facilitate high-precision three-dimensional reconstruction of both lesions and blood vessels. Furthermore, this technique enables post-reconstruction slicing at any layer, facilitating intuitive exploration of the correlation between blood vessels and lesion layers. Moreover, the study utilizes physiological knowledge to simulate real-world blood vessel intersections, determining the range of blood vessel branch angles and achieving seamless continuity at internal blood vessel branch points. The experimental results achieved a satisfactory reconstruction with an average Hausdorff distance of 1.5 mm and an average Dice coefficient of 92%, obtained by comparing the reconstructed shape with the original shape,the approach also achieves a high level of accuracy in three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization. In conclusion, this study is a valuable source of technical support for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases and holds promising potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice.
Scattering characteristics of various nodular defects in a dichroic beam splitter
Authors: Li Haoran , Yang Ruisheng , Xie Lingyun , Wei Zeyong , Zhang Jinlong , Wang Zhanshan , Cheng Xinbin
Published: December 2023

Dichroic beam splitters are widely used in multi wavelength laser systems, and their scattering loss affects the signal-to-noise ratio and performance of the system. In this study, we investigate forward and backward scattering induced by nodular defects in a dichroic beam splitter. The seed size, seed position, and geometric constants of nodules exhibited distinct effects on the scattering characteristics. The modeling and simulation provide valuable insights into the relationship between the structural parameters of nodules and their scattering characteristics, offering practical guidance for various high-performance optical multilayer coatings and systems.
Nonreciprocal excitation and entanglement dynamics of two giant atoms mediated by a waveguide
Authors: Cai Guoqing , Ma Xiao-San , Huang Xianshan , Cheng Mu-Tian
Published: December 2023

We study the nonreciprocal excitation and entanglement dynamics of two giant atoms (GAs) coupling to a one-dimensional waveguide. With different positions of coupling points, three configurations of two separate GAs, two braided GAs, and two nested GAs are analyzed, respectively. The coupling strengths between different coupling points are considered as complex numbers with phases. For each coupling configuration, the nonreciprocal excitation dynamics and entanglement properties, which results from the phase differences of coupling strength and the phase induced by photon propagation between the two coupling points, are studied both in Markovian and non-Markovian regimes. The analytical solutions for nonreciprocal entanglement degree are given in the Markovian regime. It shows that the steady entanglement can be reached and strongly depends on the phases. Different from the case of the Markovian regime, the entanglement degree shows oscillating behavior in the non-Markovian regime. This work may find applications in the generation and controlling of entanglement in quantum networks based on waveguide quantum electrodynamics.
High-performance interrogator with bilateral input MMI-based AWG
Authors: Li Shufeng , Yuan Pei , Li Ting , Li Bingxiang , Xu Ran , Yang Yiyao , Zhu Lianqing
Published: December 2023

Compact fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogator is a widely investigated topic in the field of fiber optic sensing. Here we report a dense spectral arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) chip designed for FBG interrogation. By integrating a multimode interference (MMI) coupler with the AWG, bilateral input phase-differential optical signals were achieved at the input port of the AWG. This chip effectively doubles the output channel count without altering the device footprint, while concurrently reducing the channel spacing without modifying the bandwidth and spectral slope of the output spectrum. We further optimized the method for selecting interrogation channels. The results demonstrate that the dynamic range of the interrogation reaches 13.5 nm with an absolute wavelength resolution of 4 pm and an absolute accuracy better than 20 pm.
Single-mode InGaAsP/InP BH lasers based on high-order slotted surface gratings
Authors: Guo Jing , Li Huan , Xiong Xinkai , Zhou Daibing , Zhao Lingjuan , Liang Song
Published: December 2023

A single-mode InGaAsP/InP buried heterostructure (BH) laser based on
high-order slotted surface gratings has been fabricated. The
introduction of surface slotted grating can simplify the fabrication
process of single-mode BH lasers notably. The laser shows a good
single-mode emission performance, with larger than 30 dB side-mode
suppression ratio (SMSR) when the current is between 200 and 400 mA.
Calculations show that the gain coupling mechanism plays a key role
for the slot grating to select the emission wavelength. The linewidth
of the laser is measured. The fitted Gaussian and Lorentzian
linewidths are 1500 and 550 kHz, respectively.
Citizen Development als Treiber der digitalen Transformation – Aktuelle Ansätze bei der Adoption von Low-Code Development Plattformen
Authors: Prinz Niculin , Huber Melanie , Riedinger Constanze , Rentrop Christopher
Published: December 2023

Low-Code Development Plattformen (LCDPs) fördern die digitale Transformation von Organisationen, indem sie die Applikationsentwicklung durch FachbereichsmitarbeiterInnen ohne tiefgreifende Programmierkenntnisse – sogenannte Citizen Developer – ermöglichen. Marktforschungsinstitute prognostizieren, dass in den nächsten Jahren mehr als die Hälfte aller Applikationen mit LCDPs entwickelt werden. Nichtsdestotrotz stehen Organisationen vor der Herausforderung, sich für die richtigen Implementierungs- und Anwendungsansätze von LCDPs zu entscheiden. Dieser Artikel liefert daher ein umfassendes Bild über das praktische Verständnis und aktuelle Ansätze in verschiedenen Organisationen und leitet daraus Handlungsempfehlungen ab. Dafür wurden 16 Experteninterviews durchgeführt und wissenschaftlich analysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Praxis grundsätzlich ein ähnliches Verständnis des Begriffs LCDP hat. Die Initiative für die Einführung kommt meist aus den Fachbereichen, die Entscheidung für oder gegen die LCDP-Implementierung wird jedoch meist von der Geschäftsführung in Kooperation mit der IT-Abteilung getroffen. Dabei unterscheiden sich die aktuellen Anwendungsansätze: Unternehmen nutzen entweder einen Self-Service-Ansatz durch die Fachbereiche oder integrieren die Entscheidung über eine potenzielle LCDP-Entwicklung durch die Citizen Developer in das bestehende Demand-Management der IT-Abteilung. Eine etablierte und adaptive Governance ist für beide Ansätze eine wichtige Voraussetzung. Die Erkenntnisse des Beitrags tragen zur wissenschaftlichen Diskussion bei, da dieser Artikel eine der ersten umfassenden und wissenschaftlich fundierten qualitativen Analysen über aktuelle praktische Adoptionsansätze der Praxis liefert. PraktikerInnen erfahren zudem, wie andere Unternehmen mit aktuellen Herausforderungen umgehen und welche Ansätze erfolgversprechend sind.
Digitale Kompetenzanforderungen in der öffentlichen Verwaltung nach der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Auth Gunnar , Bensberg Frank , Christ Julian P.
Published: December 2023

Digitale Kompetenzen haben sich spätestens seit den COVID-19-bedingten Lockdowns sowie auch im Kontext von New Work und KI-Anwendungen zu einem zentralen Aktionsfeld für Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Politik entwickelt. Die öffentliche Verwaltung befindet sich seit einigen Jahren in einer verstärkten strukturellen und technischen Transformation, hin zu einer digitalisierten und modernen Verwaltung, welche einen tiefgreifenden Auf- und Umbau von Kompetenzanforderungen bedingt. Dies führt zu massiven Veränderungen von Kompetenzprofilen und Stellenanforderungen auf Ebene der Kommunen, der Länder und des Bundes. Relevanz und Bandbreite digitaler Kompetenzen für E‑Government wurden bereits in mehreren Studien untersucht, wenngleich generalisierbare empirische Analysen noch am Anfang stehen. Unmittelbar vor Ausbruch der COVID-19-Pandemie führten die Autoren im Zeitraum von Dezember 2019 bis März 2020 eine Erhebung digitaler Kompetenzanforderungen in Stellenanzeigen der öffentlichen Verwaltung durch. Den Bezugsrahmen für diese quantitative Untersuchung bildete ein eigens entwickeltes komplementäres Modell digitaler Kompetenzen inkl. einer zweckgerichteten Operationalisierung. In diesem Beitrag werden auf Basis eines quantitativen Ansatzes Stellenanzeigen der öffentlichen Verwaltung aus dem Jahr 2023 großzahlig analysiert und mit der Referenzauswertung der Prä-Corona-Datenerhebung aus 2019/2020 verglichen. Als Datengrundlage dienen elektronische Stellenanzeigen, die automatisiert aus dem zentralen Stellenportal des Bundes extrahiert wurden. Hierdurch wird folgende Forschungsfrage beantwortet: Welche Veränderungen digitaler Kompetenzanforderungen in Folge der COVID-19-Pandemie lassen sich in Stellenanzeigen der öffentlichen Verwaltung identifizieren?
Mechanistic insight into the functional role of human sinoatrial node conduction pathways and pacemaker compartments heterogeneity: A computer model analysis
Authors: Zhao Jichao , Sharma Roshan , Kalyanasundaram Anuradha , Kennelly James , Bai Jieyun , Li Ning , Panfilov Alexander , Fedorov Vadim V.
Published: December 2023

The sinoatrial node (SAN), the primary pacemaker of the heart, is responsible for the initiation and robust regulation of sinus rhythm. 3D mapping studies of the ex-vivo human heart suggested that the robust regulation of sinus rhythm relies on specialized fibrotically-insulated pacemaker compartments (head, center and tail) with heterogeneous expressions of key ion channels and receptors. They also revealed up to five sinoatrial conduction pathways (SACPs), which electrically connect the SAN with neighboring right atrium (RA). To elucidate the role of these structural-molecular factors in the functional robustness of human SAN, we developed comprehensive biophysical computer models of the SAN based on 3D structural, functional and molecular mapping of ex-vivo human hearts. Our key finding is that the electrical insulation of the SAN except SACPs, the heterogeneous expression of If, INa currents and adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) across SAN pacemaker-conduction compartments are required to experimentally reproduce observed SAN activation patterns and important phenomena such as shifts of the leading pacemaker and preferential SACP. In particular, we found that the insulating border between the SAN and RA, is required for robust SAN function and protection from SAN arrest during adenosine challenge. The heterogeneity in the expression of A1R within the human SAN compartments underlies the direction of pacemaker shift and preferential SACPs in the presence of adenosine. Alterations of INa current and fibrotic remodelling in SACPs can significantly modulate SAN conduction and shift the preferential SACP/exit from SAN. Finally, we show that disease-induced fibrotic remodeling, INa suppression or increased adenosine make the human SAN vulnerable to pacing-induced exit blocks and reentrant arrhythmia. In summary, our computer model recapitulates the structural and functional features of the human SAN and can be a valuable tool for investigating mechanisms of SAN automaticity and conduction as well as SAN arrhythmia mechanisms under different pathophysiological conditions.
Homeostatic control of stearoyl desaturase expression via patched-like receptor PTR-23 ensures the survival of C. elegans during heat stress
Authors: Venkatesh Siddharth R. , Siddiqui Ritika , Sandhu Anjali , Ramani Malvika , Houston Isabel R. , Watts Jennifer L. , Singh Varsha
Published: December 2023

Organismal responses to temperature fluctuations include an evolutionarily conserved cytosolic chaperone machinery as well as adaptive alterations in lipid constituents of cellular membranes. Using C. elegans as a model system, we asked whether adaptable lipid homeostasis is required for survival during physiologically relevant heat stress. By systematic analyses of lipid composition in worms during and before heat stress, we found that unsaturated fatty acids are reduced in heat-stressed animals. This is accompanied by the transcriptional downregulation of fatty acid desaturase enzymes encoded by fat-1, fat-3, fat-4, fat-5, fat-6, and fat-7 genes. Conversely, overexpression of the Δ9 desaturase FAT-7, responsible for the synthesis of PUFA precursor oleic acid, and supplementation of oleic acid causes accelerated death of worms during heat stress. Interestingly, heat stress causes permeability defects in the worm’s cuticle. We show that fat-7 expression is reduced in the permeability defective collagen (PDC) mutant, dpy-10, known to have enhanced heat stress resistance (HSR). Further, we show that the HSR of dpy-10 animals is dependent on the upregulation of PTR-23, a patched-like receptor in the epidermis, and that PTR-23 downregulates the expression of fat-7. Consequently, abrogation of ptr-23 in wild type animals affects its survival during heat stress. This study provides evidence for the negative regulation of fatty acid desaturase expression in the soma of C. elegans via the non-canonical role of a patched receptor signaling component. Taken together, this constitutes a skin-gut axis for the regulation of lipid desaturation to promote the survival of worms during heat stress.
Genomic survey maps differences in the molecular complement of vesicle formation machinery between Giardia intestinalis assemblages
Authors: Pipaliya Shweta V. , Dacks Joel B. , Croxen Matthew A.
Published: December 2023

Giardia intestinalis is a globally important microbial pathogen with considerable public health, agricultural, and economic burden. Genome sequencing and comparative analyses have elucidated G. intestinalis to be a taxonomically diverse species consisting of at least eight different sub-types (assemblages A-H) that can infect a great variety of animal hosts, including humans. The best studied of these are assemblages A and B which have a broad host range and have zoonotic transmissibility towards humans where clinical Giardiasis can range from asymptomatic to diarrheal disease. Epidemiological surveys as well as previous molecular investigations have pointed towards critical genomic level differences within numerous molecular pathways and families of parasite virulence factors within assemblage A and B isolates. In this study, we explored the necessary machinery for the formation of vesicles and cargo transport in 89 Canadian isolates of assemblage A and B G. intestinalis. Considerable variability within the molecular complement of the endolysosomal ESCRT protein machinery, adaptor coat protein complexes, and ARF regulatory system have previously been reported. Here, we confirm inter-assemblage, but find no intra-assemblage variation within the trafficking systems examined. This variation includes losses of subunits belonging to the ESCRTIII as well as novel lineage specific duplications in components of the COPII machinery, ARF1, and ARFGEF families (BIG and CYTH). Since differences in disease manifestation between assemblages A and B have been controversially reported, our findings may well have clinical implications and even taxonomic, as the membrane trafficking system underpin parasite survival, pathogenesis, and propagation.
Mapping current and future habitat suitability of Azolla spp., a biofertilizer for small-scale rice farming in Africa
Authors: Ocloo Xorla S. , Vazquez-Prokopec Gonzalo M. , Civitello David J.
Published: December 2023

How do we feed the expanding human population without excessive resource depletion or environmental degradation? Recycling and recapturing nutrients could alleviate these challenges, especially if these strategies are robust to climate change. Co-cultivating rice with Azolla spp. in Asia has demonstrated high yields with reduced fertilizer inputs because Azolla fixes atmospheric nitrogen, limits nitrogen volatilization, recaptures and releases other nutrients, and suppresses weeds. While Azolla is distributed in Africa, this approach has not been widely implemented in African rice-farming. Characterizing the suitability of Azolla is critical in evaluating the potential for Azolla-rice in Africa. To do so, we synthesized 189 field and greenhouse studies from around the world that quantified temperature-dependent growth of A. pinnata and A. filiculoides and developed present and future climate suitability maps at the continental scale using mean temperatures under two Representative Concentration Pathways. Currently, most of Africa is suitable for Azolla with slight differences in regional suitability for each species. We project little change in the continent-wide suitability for both species, but anticipate a regional decline, particularly for A. filiculoides in the Sahel. Collaborating with farmers to validate these projections, evaluate the costs and benefits of Azolla-rice, and facilitate adoption of viable strategies can facilitate equitable food systems that also empower African farmers.
Trajectories of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic: A person-oriented multi-trajectory approach
Authors: Wollast Robin , Lacourse Éric , Mageau Geneviève A. , Pelletier-Dumas Mathieu , Dorfman Anna , Dupéré Véronique , Lina Jean-Marc , Stolle Dietlind , de la Sablonnière Roxane
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unprecedented changes in the lives of many people. Although research has documented associations between concerns related to COVID-19 and poor mental health indicators, fewer studies have focused on positive factors that could help people better cope with this stressful social context. To fill this gap, the present research investigated the trajectories of self-compassion facets in times of dramatic social change. Using a longitudinal research design, we described the trajectories of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 3617). Relying on a multi-trajectory group-based approach, we identified clusters of individuals following persistently low (4.0%), moderate-low (39.3%), moderate-high (46.7%), and high (10.0%) levels of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Interestingly, we found that compassionate self-responding trajectories were mainly stable over time with minor fluctuations for some groups of individuals, in line with the epidemiological situation. In terms of covariates, we observed that older women were more likely to follow trajectories of high compassionate self-responding, as compared to the other age and gender groups. In terms of mental health indicators, we demonstrated that trajectory groups with high levels of compassionate self-responding were associated with greater life satisfaction, more happiness, better sleep quality, higher sleep quantity, and fewer negative emotions, as compared to lower trajectory groups. The results supported the idea that self-compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic could have favored better mental health indicators and could possibly be promoted as a psychological intervention in the general population.
Normalization in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Zayyad Zaina A. , Maunsell John H. R. , MacLean Jason N.
Published: December 2023

When multiple stimuli appear together in the receptive field of a visual cortical neuron, the response is typically close to the average of that neuron’s response to each individual stimulus. The departure from a linear sum of each individual response is referred to as normalization. In mammals, normalization has been best characterized in the visual cortex of macaques and cats. Here we study visually evoked normalization in the visual cortex of awake mice using imaging of calcium indicators in large populations of layer 2/3 (L2/3) V1 excitatory neurons and electrophysiological recordings across layers in V1. Regardless of recording method, mouse visual cortical neurons exhibit normalization to varying degrees. The distributions of normalization strength are similar to those described in cats and macaques, albeit slightly weaker on average.
Internet of Things (IoT) about Disabilities
Authors: Al-karawi Khamis  A.
Published: December 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) holds significant promise for enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. By integrating smart devices and technologies, the IoT offers innovative solutions to address various challenges faced by people with disabilities and promote inclusivity. It is striking that more than one billion individuals, encompassing adults and children, live with disabilities, constituting roughly 15% of the world's total population. This highlights the significant impact and importance of addressing issues related to disability inclusivity and support globally. Unfortunately, the lack of support services often results in disabled individuals becoming overly reliant on their families, leading to economic inactivity and social exclusion.

Nevertheless, the Internet of Things (IoT) holds promise in offering essential aid and encouragement, empowering them to enhance their quality of life and engage more actively in societal and economic spheres. This article explains how the Internet of Things can benefit individuals with disabilities. We introduce the suggested IoT framework to realize this goal, highlighting the interplay between its diverse components. We delve into distinct application scenarios to demonstrate how the IoT can address the unique requirements of people with disabilities. Moreover, this paper addresses critical challenges to be acknowledged and overcome when implementing IoT-based solutions.
In-hospital mortality in patients with ischemic stroke and a large cerebral artery occlusion, who underwent mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Murtazalieva D. M. , Zakaryaeva A. R. , Zolotov M. A.
Published: December 2023

Occlusion of a large cerebral artery in ischemic stroke (IS) is associated with a high mortality rate. Despite the results of studies that have demonstrated the beneficial effect of endovascular therapy on functional outcome in IS, little research has been conducted on its impact on hospital mortality in IS, its timing and structure.

Objective: to investigate hospital mortality in patients with IS and large cerebral artery occlusion, who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MTE).

Material and methods. The retrospective study included data from 233 patients with IS and confirmed occlusion of a large cerebral artery (internal carotid artery, M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery, basilar artery) treated at the regional vascular center V.V. Veresaev Hospital, Moscow, 2018 and 2022. A comparison of hospital mortality in the group of patients who underwent MTE and the group of patients who received basic therapy was performed.

Results. MTE was performed in 107 patients (46%); 126 patients (54%) received only basic therapy. The mortality rate of all patients included in the study was 44.2%. Among all deaths, the proportion of patients with MTE was only 7.2%, while the proportion of patients on basic therapy was 36.9% (p<0.001). Mortality in the MTE group was four times lower than in the basic therapy group – 15.8% compared to 68.2% (p<0.001). We observed that certain manifestations were significantly more frequent in the basic therapy group: cerebral edema (42% vs. 18.6%), hemorrhagic transformation (19.9% vs. 12.9%), venous thromboembolism (6.3% vs. 3.7%) and infectious complications (42.8% vs. 14.3%). The mortality of patients in the basic therapy group was higher on the first day, on days 2–3 and also on days 4–7, while no differences in mortality were observed after the first week of the disease.

Conclusion. Admission of a patient with IS within the “therapeutic window” creates the conditions for a significant reduction in hospital mortality and the incidence of stroke complications.
MRI assessment of different types of chronic demyelinating lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM)
Authors: Matrosova M. S. , Bryukhov V. V. , Popova E. V. , Belskaya G. N. , Krotenkova M. V.
Published: December 2023

Histologically, chronic demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been shown to include inactive lesions that do not change over time and active or “smouldering" lesions that tend to enlarge over time and are surrounded by pro-inflammatory activated microglial cells that are loaded with iron. To identify “smouldering" foci of demyelination and assess the “latent” inflammatory process in the brain, MRI sequences sensitive to the detection of substances with paramagnetic properties, including iron, must be used. They include an innovative technique such as quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

Objective: to identify, using MRI different types of chronic demyelination foci in MS, based on iron distribution and the degree of damage (myelination) in their structure.

Material and methods. The patterns of iron distribution in demyelinating lesions in 90 MS patients were investigated using QSM. In addition, two lesions with different iron distribution patterns were randomly selected on the QSM map for each patient, in which the magnetic transfer ratio (MTR), indirectly reflecting the degree of myelination, was calculated. The identified changes were also compared with visualization of lesions in standard MRI modes (T1 MPRAGE, T2 FLAIR).

Results. Despite the predominantly identical visualization in T2 FLAIR mode, chronic foci of demyelination show different patterns on the QSM maps, which is due to the peculiarities of iron distribution: some foci are not detected on QSM, while others are visualized either in the form of a homogeneous or a ring-shaped pattern. When comparing QSM data with MTR, it was found that MTR indicators were highest in non-visualized lesions (demyelination is minimal), while damage was most pronounced in lesions with ring-shaped iron distribution.

Conclusion. Different patterns of iron distribution in demyelination foci compared to the degree of myelination in these foci according to MTR were identified using QSM, which is of great importance for the evaluation of latent inflammation and the development of the neurodegenerative process in MS.
A rare cause of stroke at a young age: ischemic stroke by the mechanism of paradoxical embolism in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Belopasova A. V. , Shlapakova P. S. , Dobrynina L. A. , Kadykov A. S.
Published: December 2023

Clarification of the aetiology of ischemic stroke (IS) in young adults (aged between 18 and 45 years) is an extremely difficult task, as rare causes that are hardly known to neurologists are very common. One of these causes is paradoxical embolism due to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM), one of the manifestations of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The diagnosis of HHT-associated pulmonary AVMs and IS is a multistep task that requires a personalized multidisciplinary approach using high-tech ultrasound, tomographic and genetic examination methods. This article discusses the clinical case of a young patient with HHT and recurrent IS through the mechanism of paradoxical embolism from pulmonary AVMs; issues of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of both the underlying disease and recurrent vascular events are discussed.
Association of cognitive impairment and arterial hypertension
Authors: Isaykina O. Yu. , Vekhova K. A. , Drobotov G. S. , Takhirov R. A. , Isaykina M. A. , Gorbunov V. M.
Published: December 2023

Impaired cognitive function (CF) is a common manifestation of brain damage as a target organ of arterial hypertension (AH). The presence of hypertension in middle age increases the risk of developing cognitive impairment (CI) and dementia in old age. At the same time, changes in certain indicators characteristic of AH may serve as predictors of CI and dementia in the future. The review presents data on the effects of endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness on CF. The small number of papers on the effects of hypertension in middle-aged people on the development of CI emphasizes the importance of investigating this topic, as the incidence of CI in young and middle-aged people has increased in recent years.
The Effect of Work Stress on Work Deviant Behavior Case Study: CV. Madinna Dome Ambassador through Job Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable
Authors: Komarudin Diwa Ghulam Fajrin , Astuty Isthofaina
Published: December 2023

Research Aims: This study aims to analyze the effect of work stress on work deviant behavior case studies in CV. Duta Madinna Kubah through Job Satisfaction as an intervening variable.

Methodology: This study used a sample of 95 respondents who were determined by the sampling technique with the census method. In this study, using data analysis techniques, namely Path Analysis (path analysis). The analytical tool used in this study using SPSS software.

Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that the variable job stress has a significant negative effect on job satisfaction, job satisfaction has a negative and significant effect on work deviant behavior, job stress has a significant positive effect on work deviant behavior, job stress has a significant effect on work deviant behavior, which is mediated by the variable job satisfaction.

Theoretical Contribution: This research advances theoretical understanding by revealing the complex interaction among work stress, job satisfaction, and deviant work behavior, providing valuable insights for academics and practitioners in the field of organizational psychology and management.

Implication: Organizations can implement training programs to equip employees and managers with effective stress management strategies. Additionally, organizational development efforts can include initiatives to enhance job satisfaction and foster a positive work culture.
Berhakkah Anak Berkonflik dengan Hukum Mendapatkan Akses Pendidikan? Studi Deskriptif Sikap Guru terhadap Anak Berkonflik dengan Hukum
Authors: Hidayat Muslim , Husna Sabiqotul , Thoha Ahmad Johan Faidlony
Published: December 2023

Cases of children in conflict with the law continue to increase in numbers. Teachers' attitudes and views towards children in conflict with the law (ABH) requires empirical study, especially regarding how ABH has the right to continue their education. This study aims to explore teachers' attitudes towards ABH regarding whether they have the right to continue their education. The method used in this research is a quantitative survey with a total of 134 teachers (mean age 36.46). The data collection instrument was a teacher's attitude questionnaire towards children in conflict with the law which was compiled based on cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects (Jain, 2014). The results of the study revealed that teachers' attitudes towards ABH tended to vary, depending on the status of the process being undertaken by students who were involved in criminal cases. The status of ABH who have been sentenced to prison terms is the status that gets the lowest percentage related to the decision and attitude of the teacher considering that ABH has the right to continue school, and gets the highest percentage related to the teacher feeling ashamed when their student is ABH. As for the status of receiving coaching sanctions in social institutions, it is in the context of ABH status that the highest percentage gets from teachers to accept them back and continue their education. Although not all respondents in this study understood the definition of ABH and laws related to ABH, they expressed their attitude of accepting ABH as students with different variations in the context of ABH status itself. The results of this study can provide practical implications in the context of how educational institutions and their instruments can design policies and counseling related to how teachers and other educators respond to children in conflict with the law.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Adoption of e-Learning at the University of Gondar: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Abich Yohannes , Eriku Getachew Azeze
Published: December 2023

E-Learning has grown significantly across the globe since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the usage of e-Learning in higher education is still in its infancy and under-utilized in the Ethiopian context. Contextual understanding of the main challenges and enabling factors are essential for the effective implementation of an e-Learning system. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the challenges and to identify the enabling factors for the adoption of e-Learning at the University of Gondar. This study aimed to explore the main challenges and to identify the enabling factors for the adoption of e-Learning at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Methodologically, the study used thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and report findings. A total of 31 participants with a wide range of characteristics were purposely sampled and interviewed. Seven themes emerged during the analysis. Major challenges, such as infrastructure, poor knowledge, awareness and attitude towards information technology or e-Learning, new culture and resistance to accept the teaching system, lack of expertise on e-Learning, negatively affected the implementation of e-Learning. Other emerging themes included the pathways to overcome the challenges, opportunities in the University of Gondar’s context, and advantages and disadvantages of e-Learning from the participants’ perspective. The findings of this study revealed that there is willingness to implement e-Learning systems in developing countries like Ethiopia. The study identified the major challenges that significantly affect the adoption of an e-Learning system in Ethiopia. The study confirmed that establishing e-Learning infrastructures, increasing commitment and offering in-depth training are key elements for the successful implementation of e-Learning in higher education. This study also provided important recommendations and can serve as a baseline for policy-makers, designers, and researchers that help them to bettr understand the essential components of the e-Learning system.
Pametne tehnologije v izobraževanju medicinskih sester
Authors: Hvalič Touzery Simona , Šetinc Mojca
Published: December 2023

Uvod: Nagel tehnološki razvoj v zdravstvu neposredno vpliva na zdravstveno nego in na poklic medicinske sestre in zdravstvenika. Manko znanja med medicinskimi sestrami  o raznolikih novih tehnologijah v zdravstvu predstavlja izziv na področju zdravstvene nege in  kakovostne oskrbe pacientov. Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti, v kolikšni meri so vsebine s področja pametnih tehnologij vključene v visokošolsko izobraževanje bodočih diplomiranih medicinskih sester v Sloveniji.Metode: Zbiranje učnih načrtov prek spletnih strani osmih visokošolskih institucij in osebnega stika s fakultetami in nosilci posameznih predmetov je potekalo v januarju in februarju 2023. Analizirali smo dvajset učnih predmetov, ki so ustrezali vključitvenim kriterijem. Uporabili smo kvalitativni raziskovalni način z eksplorativno metodo, ki smo jo združevali z elementi vsebinske analize in vizualizacijske metode.Rezultati: V učnih načrtih predmetov s področja informatike in informacijsko komunikacijskih tehnologij (IKT) smo prepoznali šest vsebinskih sestavnih delov: pametne tehnologije, osnove IKT in informatike, IKT v  zdravstvenem izobraževanju, IKT v zdravstvu, e-zdravje in druge vsebine s področja IKT. Pametne tehnologije so redko vključene v predmete na prvi in na drugi stopnji izobraževanja v zdravstveni negi.Diskusija in zaključek: V učnih programih slovenskih visokošolskih zavodov s področja zdravstvene nege močno primanjkuje vsebin s področja pametnih tehnologij. Glede na naglo širjenje digitalizacije v zdravstvu in pomembno vlogo medicinskih sester pri uvajanju in uporabi te vrste tehnologij v praksi bi bilo v prihodnje treba narediti korak naprej in v učne načrte visokošolskih institucij na področju zdravstvene nege ter v dodatna usposabljanja za medicinske sestre vključiti več poglobljenih vsebin s tega področja in jih tako obogatiti z naprednimi znanji in spretnostmi.
Cover Jurnal Fitopatologi Vol. 19 No. 6, November 2023
Authors: Editors Jurnal Fitopatologi Indonesia
Published: December 2023

This editorial contains the front cover, editorial page, and back cover of the Jurnal Fitopatologi Vol. 19 No. 6, November 2023
IMPLEMENTATION OF EXTENDED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD IN CRACK PROPAGATION OF CONCRETE
Authors: Purba Muhammad Rafi , Tulus Tulus , Syahputra M.R. , Sawaluddin Sawaluddin
Published: December 2023

The Extended Finite Element Method is a numerical solution based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) XFEM has really become a very important generalization of classical finite element techniques, by establishing a mesh independent generalization of classical finite elements to reduce the mesh-dependent shortcomings of the solution. The application of XFEM in crack simulation should improve the modeling of the crack tip environment and also apply to generalized advanced global failure criteria, which is specifically designed to deal with problems in the engineering field Such as the fracture behaviour model. The purpose of this paper is to identify the application of the Extended Finite Element Method to a technical problem, namely fracture behaviour model. The media used is pure boneless concrete modelled with COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 software by combining stress ratio, lateral strain due to axial loading, concrete density, and crack growth rate. The crack growth process provides initial prolonged growth along with the increase in crack size. In the end, the growth is faster. The reason for this accelerated growth is the stress intensity factor at the crack tip. As the crack grows, the stress intensity factor increases, leading to faster growth. The crack grows until it reaches a critical value, and fracture occurs. The test results obtained the cause of failure: the critical stress intensity is exceeded. See a comparison of crack size and stress cycle as the crack size increases. This accelerated growth is because the growth rate depends on the stress intensity factor at the crack tip, and the stress intensity factor depends on the crack size. As the crack grows, the stress intensity factor increases, leading to faster growth. The crack grows to a critical size, and failure occurs. The results show a relatively strong relationship between increasing crack size and increasing crack growth rate.
RUANG BARISAN SELISIH DIPERUMUM TIPE CESARO PADA RUANG BERNORMA-N (CESARO GENERALIZED DIFFERENCE SEQUENCE SPACES ON N-NORMED SPACES)
Authors: Ahmad Mizan , Aspriyani Riski
Published: December 2023

Pada tulisan ini dibahas mengenai beberapa kelas ruang barisan selisih diperumum Cesaro pada ruang bernorma-n. Diselidiki kelengkapan masing-masing kelas dan hubungan antar kelas. Pada akhir tulisan ini, dikonstruksikan dual Kothe-Toeplitz dari beberapa ruang barisan selisih diperumum Cesaro pada ruang bernorma-n.
A PYTHON CODE FOR GENERATING ALL PROPER SUBGROUPS OF DIHEDRAL GROUP
Authors: Syarifudin Abdul Gazir , Wijaya Verrel Rievaldo
Published: December 2023

The dihedral group of order 2n denoted by D_2n is the symmetry group of a regular -polygon consisting of rotation and reflection elements and the composition of both elements. Like any other group, the dihedral group also have a subgroup whose numbers differs depending on the value of n. This research is conducted by studying past literature and explore a new development to a theory. In this paper, all the form of proper subgroups of D_2n will be given and all of these proper subgroups of D_2n will be generated and counted with the help of Python program.