bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online food delivery services: cross-sectional study of consumers’ attitude in Malaysia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tan Sin Yin , Lim Su Yin , Yeo Sook Fern
Published: May 2024

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysian consumers were more likely to purchase food online and have it delivered to their doorstep. To stay afloat, many restaurants were pushed to provide online food delivery services (OFDS), and this sector has grown tremendously. However, will the trend persist after the pandemic? This study aims to look into how consumers’ perceptions of OFDS affect their attitude towards them. It investigates the relationship between convenience motivation, perceived ease of use, time-saving orientation and price-saving orientation in terms of future intent to use OFDS. Method Primary data was collected from 307 respondents in Malaysia using convenience sampling method through an online survey. Respondents’ demographic background was presented statistically in cross tabulation tables to study the ratio comparison implicitly. Consistent Partial Least Square approach and bootstrapping techniques with 5,000 subsamples was employed, with the aid of SmartPLS.V3 software, to identify the significant factors influencing consumers’ continuance intention after the pandemic. Result Perceived ease of use does not contribute significantly to continuance intention as most consumers have prior online purchase experience. Nevertheless, time-saving orientation has a positive correlation with perceived ease of use due to the simplicity of placing an order with just a click. It is also found that price-saving orientation is related to convenience motivation, particularly when prices can be compared on the websites or online ordering platforms. Consumers’ intention to continue using OFDS even after the COVID-19 pandemic is positively influenced by all the parameters studied, except for perceived ease of use. Conclusion Limited work has been done on the continuance intention to use OFDS beyond the pandemic. This study provides insight for food retailers on how to enhance their business and retain their customers with the support of technology, even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Education to Professionalism through Communicative Practices
Authors: Goncharova Lyubov
Published: May 2024

The words of the editor-in-chief indicate the key scientific aspects of the publications in the current issue and note the relevance of research into communicative practices carried out in various spheres of human activity.
The impact of obesity on dementia
Authors: Wojciechowska Adriana , Mądry Wojciech , Mazurkiewicz Aleksandra , Marcicka Justyna , Kołodziej Magdalena , Męczyńska Joanna , Saiuk Nazarii , Kozicz Michał Andrzej , Seredyński Tomasz , Salasa Weronika
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDementia is a syndrome characterized by a gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, including memory, thinking, orientation, attention span, perception, judgment, and language abilities. Obesity influences its development.
Materials and methodsThe following review of studies is based on recent scientific articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases.The most searched phrases included: "dementia", "obesity", "midlife",and "the relationship between obesity and the risk of dementia".

ResultsLiterature review indicates the existence of a relationship between midlife obesity and later dementia. It has also been pointed out that the forecasts for the onset of obesity and dementia are alarmingly rising world wide.It is estimated that by the year 2050, we can expect a threefold increase in dementia cases.ConclusionThe results of the cited studies indicate that further research into the occurrence of obesity and its later association with dementia is necessary. Midlife obesity likely plays a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of dementia.
Measuring Health: Wearables in Fitness Tracking, Stress Relief, and Sleep Management
Authors: Sieniawska Julia , Proszowska Patrycja , Madoń Magda , Kotowicz Zuzanna , Orzeł Adrianna , Pich-Czekierda Aleksandra , Sieniawska Daria
Published: May 2024

Introduction
In today's fast-paced world, the quest for better health has led to the rise of wearable devices. These innovative tools, from smartwatches to activity trackers, offer real-time insights into our physical activity, stress levels, and sleep patterns. By seamlessly integrating into our daily lives, wearables empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being like never before.
Aim of the study
The present review aims to provide the readers with a broader knowledge of the impact of wearables on health.
Materials and methods
This article provides a foundation for understanding the significance and potential of wearable devices in promoting health and wellness. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across the main electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published in the English language about use and validation of wearables.
Results
Wearable devices are effective tools in promoting physical activity, managing stress, and monitoring sleep. With advanced sensors and algorithms, these devices enable users to track their health progress in real-time and provide personalized strategies for improvement. By combining fitness tracking, communication, and stress management capabilities, these devices possess the capacity to empower individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and have become a potential option at the point where technology and personal health meet. As a result, wearable devices have tremendous potential to transform healthcare and enhance quality of life.
Jakość języka prawniczego prawa podatkowego – rzecz godna uwagi
Authors: Brzeziński Bogumił
Published: May 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest problematyce języka prawniczego i rozmaitych zakłóceń do jakich dochodzi w procesach posługiwania się nim. Autor analizuje najbardziej oczywiste błędy jakie popełniają użytkownicy tego języka oraz diagnozuje przyczyny ich występowania. Najwięcej uwagi poświęcono błędnemu tłumaczeniu pojęcia Model Konwencji OECD, bezzasadnie określanego jako Konwencja Modelowa OECD. Autor wskazuje zagrożenia – zarówno stricte prawne, jak i kulturowe – beztroski w posługiwaniu się językiem prawniczym.
Szczególne rozwiązania prawne w zakresie gwarancji Skarbu Państwa w latach 2020–2022 – problem kontroli wysokości zobowiązań potencjalnych
Authors: Cilak Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

Przedmiotem artykułu jest analiza gwarancji Skarbu Państwa udzielanych w latach 2020–2022 w kontekście objęcia tych zobowiązań limitami przyrostu zadłużenia określanymi corocznie w ustawie budżetowej. Zaprezentowany zostanie wniosek, że zobowiązania z tytułu gwarancji Skarbu Państwa stanowią element państwowego długu publicznego w świetle art. 216 ust. 5 Konstytucji RP. Ich wysokość powinna być zatem kontrolowana przez właściwe organy władzy publicznej, w szczególności Parlament i Radę Ministrów. Wyrazem kontroli parlamentarnej nad wysokością państwowego długu publicznego wynikającego z udzielonych gwarancji Skarbu Państwa jest wymóg, aby ustawa budżetowa określała limit, do którego mogą być one udzielane. Praktyka nie wliczania do limitów budżetowych niektórych gwarancji udzielanych na podstawie ustaw szczególnych uchwalonych w latach 2020–2022 zmniejsza kontrolę parlamentarną nad wysokością tych zobowiązań. Sprawozdania z wykonania budżetu państwa za lata 2020–2022 wykazują, że gwarancje Skarbu Państwa nie wliczane do limitu określonego w ustawie budżetowej stanowiły znaczną część gwarancji Skarbu Państwa udzielonych ogółem w tym okresie.
Infrastructure-driven Approach to Digital Transition
Authors: Śliwa Renata
Published: May 2024

An alternative perception of the possible impact of ICT disruptiveness of the economy is presented, one different from the one embedded in the literature highlighting the impact through “broad” capital, spillovers and “industrial innovation.” The Internet and its products and services carry, on the one hand, the drive for hyper-centralization, and on the other the drive for efficiency gains by facilitating the emergence of self-sustaining communities, fenced off by others by a belief in a common identity. Ignoring social and economic power becomes increasingly illegitimate under the pressure of the contemporary explosion of inequality and the resulting capacity of social movements. How, then, have the legislative political processes of the EU been established in recent years to increase the participation of social groups in economic processes, to be interpreted as wider openness of the channels for more distribution of income in societies? In terms of Internet connectivity, a specific area is the regulation relating to telecommunications infrastructure. Infrastructure forms the basis of product and service offerings in digital markets, further providing the foundation for the creation of social and economic infrastructure conditioning the inclusion of communities in a political (civic, identity) and economic (productivity) sense. The optics presented herein (being of a contributory nature) on how the digital connectivity market is crucial in determining power and legitimization, competitiveness and economic prosperity entails the perception of legal and political frameworks of the information and communication sector (ICT) as strategic for an economy to thrive and widely distribute wealth across societies. The contributory character of the chapter is based on the threefold axis of the analysis, encompassing political, legal and economic perspectives. The analysis is embedded in the review of the legal and political endeavors of the European Commission to grab the benefits of digital transformation in the economic and political interests of all EU citizens. The Digital Market Act is based on the conviction that regulation of big technology companies, being gatekeepers, leads the way toward more competition and choice, greater innovation, better quality and lower prices. The expected shift of power is from gatekeepers to startups and small businesses as well as users across the economy. The legal underpinning of the EU politicalendeavor is to equip the economic and social entities with a level playing field to compete, innovate, produce and be better off. For the processes to strengthen performant digital infrastructure, starting with reliable network connections, fast and secure connectivity is the pivotal element. Therefore, the core line of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act regulation is support for connectivity infrastructure establishment to build capacity, empower people and reinforce incentives to trade.
E-działania w obszarze wsparcia przewozu pasażerskiego na przykładzie Szybkiej Kolei Miejskiej w Warszawie
Authors: Beroud Alan
Published: May 2024

The paper addresses the most important, key issues related to passenger transport as part of both broadly and narrowly defined urban transport. The author took up the challenge in the form of an approximation of the characteristics of passenger transport in the capital city of Warsaw on the example of the Rapid Urban Rail. In particular, he referred to the issues related to the growing importance of e-services as part of the offer formulated for the passenger by the carrier. It also outlines prospects for the development of passenger transport on the example of the Rapid Urban Rail in Warsaw.
La inteligencia artificial en la transformación de la Armada de la República de Colombia para el Plan Estratégico 2030
Authors: Castañeda-Marroquín Carlos A. , Blask Chris
Published: May 2024

En este capítulo se presenta el uso de tecnologías basadas en inteligencia artificial como elementos diferenciadores de la Armada de la República de Colombia dentro de su Plan de Desarrollo 2030. El uso de la inteligencia artificial es de importancia estratégica para las marinas de varios países y debe ser tomada en cuenta en los planes de desarrollo y diseño de las tecnologías incorporadas en los buques, tanto en la defensa como en la operación. De acuerdo con esto, se presenta el contexto internacional general, sus implicaciones y sus usos en diferentes áreas.
ALL-COMPONENT REVISION FOR FAILED TOTAL ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY: EARLY RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS
Authors: Cunningham I.K.T. , Kumar C.S.
Published: May 2024

Aim

Surgical options for management of a failed ankle arthroplasty are currently limited; typically conversion to fusion is recommended with only a few patients being considered for revision replacement surgery. This paper presents our experience of revision ankle replacements in a cohort of patients with failed primary replacements.

Method

A total of 18 revision TAR in 17 patients were performed in patients with aseptic loosening. The technique was performed by a single surgeon (CSK) over a 4 year period between July 2014 and August 2018 using the Inbone total ankle replacement system. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were collected retrospectively using - MOXFQ, EQ5D, VAS pain score and patient satisfaction questionnaires.

Results

12 right and 6 left ankle replacements were revised in 17 patients (11 male/ 6 female). The mean age at revision was 69.1 years (range 56–81 years) with a mean BMI of 31. The mean surgical time was 171 minutes with 22% of cases requiring bone grafting. 6 patients had early wound complications, all superficial and settled with dressings. There were no deep infections, 2 patients had further surgery for exploration for possible nerve injuries. At a mean follow up of 20.6 months, 4 patients had mild/moderate ongoing pain with the majority of patients being satisfied with the outcome of their surgery.

Conclusion

This study represents one of the largest group of patients reported to have undergone revision total ankle arthroplasty. Our experience shows that this results in acceptable level of complications and provides satisfactory function in most patients. We feel revision TAR is a viable option in patients with failed primary arthroplasty who wish to continue to maintain mobility at the ankle joint.
FIVE-YEAR OUTCOMES OF A SYNTHETIC CARTILAGE IMPLANT FOR THE FIRST METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT IN ADVANCED HALLUX RIGIDUS
Authors: Daniels T.
Published: May 2024

Introduction/Purpose

A randomized clinical trial of first MTP joint hemiarthroplasty with a synthetic cartilage implant demonstrated equivalent pain, function and safety outcomes to first MTP joint arthrodesis at 2 years. Recognizing that many hemiarthroplasty and total toe implants have initially good results that deteriorate over time, the purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the safety and efficacy outcomes for the synthetic cartilage implant population and to determine if the excellent outcomes were maintained at >5 years.

Methods

One hundred nineteen patients were evaluated at 5+ years; 23 could not be reached for follow-up, but implant status was available for 7 of these subjects. Patients completed a pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sports and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores, preoperatively and at 2, 6, 12, 26, 52, 104 and 260 weeks postoperatively. Minimal clinically important differences are: ≥30% difference for pain VAS, 9 points for FAAM Sports, and 8 points for FAAM ADL. Great toe active dorsiflexion, weight-bearing radiographs, secondary procedures, and safety parameters were evaluated.

Results

Of 119 patients available at mean 5.8 years follow-up (SD ±0.7; range: 4.4–8.0), 9 underwent implant removal and conversion to fusion in years 2–5, leaving 106 patients. The implant survival rate was 92.4% at 5.8 years. Pain and function outcomes at 5.8 years were similar to those at 2 years. VAS Pain, FAAM Sports, ADL Scores were maintained or improved at 5.8 years. No evidence of avascular necrosis, device migration or fragmentation was observed. There were no unanticipated safety events through 5.8 years. Ninety-three (93%) percent would have the procedure again.

Conclusion

The synthetic cartilage hemiarthroplasty implant continues to demonstrate safety and efficacy for the treatment of advanced first MTP joint osteoarthritis with evidence of therapeutic effect and acceptable safety profile at 5.8 years.
THE ROLE OF THE LATERAL ANKLE COMPLEX IN CONTROLLING LAXITY OF THE ANKLE JOINT: A BIOMECHANICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: Miller D. , Stephen J. , Calder J. , el Daou H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Lateral ankle instability is a common problem, but the precise role of the lateral ankle structures has not been accurately investigated. This study aimed to accurately investigate lateral ankle complex stability for the first time using a novel robotic testing platform.

Method

A six degrees of freedom robot manipulator and a universal force/torque sensor were used to test 10 foot and ankle specimens. The system automatically defined the path of unloaded plantar/dorsi flexion. At four flexion angles: 20° dorsiflexion, neutral flexion, 20° and 40° of plantarflexion; anterior-posterior (90N), internal-external (5Nm) and inversion-eversion (8Nm) laxity were tested. The motion of the intact ankle was recorded first and then replayed following transection of the lateral retinaculum, Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) and Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL). The decrease in force/torque reflected the contribution of the structure to restraining laxity. Data were analysed using repeated measures of variance and paired t-tests.

Results

The ATFL was the primary restraint to anterior drawer (P< 0.01) and the CFL the primary restraint to inversion throughout range (P< 0.04), but with increased plantarflexion the ATFL's contribution increased. The ATFL had a significant role in resisting tibial external rotation, particularly at higher levels of plantarflexion, contributing 63% at 40° (P< 0.01). The CFL provided the greatest resistance to external tibial rotation, 22% at 40° plantarflexion (P< 0.01). The extensor retinaculum and skin did not offer significant restraint in any direction tested.

Conclusion

This study shows accurately for the first time the significant role the ATFL and CFL have in rotational ankle stability. This significant loss in rotational stability may have implications in the aetiology of osteophyte formation and early degenerative changes in patients with chronic ankle instability. This is the first time the role of the lateral ankle complex has been quantified using a robotic testing platform.
Selected music-liturgical traditions of Opolskie Silesia and religious everyday life after 1972 – process of satisfying religious needs
Authors: Świecarz Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

Students have various needs. One of them is the need for religion. It is precisely religion that allows for the satisfaction of the need for transcendence and enables, at least some people, to cope with the problems of their existence. The process of education and upbringing, as well as care for the student takes place in various places and is carried out by various institutions. One of them can be churches and religious entities. This religious need can be fulfilled through the student’s access to liturgy and participation in liturgical and musical traditions. The aim of the work is to present selected musical and liturgical traditions of Opole Silesia and the changes that took place after the reform of the Second Vatican Council. The source materials for this publication will be the Constitution on the Holy Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Instruction on Music in the Holy Liturgy Musicam Sacram. The point of support will be the documents located in the Diocesan Archives in Opole. The author will also use documents of the Polish Episcopate, which provide detailed guidelines regarding changes in liturgical music after the Second Vatican Council, as well as documents regarding organists, choirs and the musical formation of the WMSD in Opole. The collected material will allow for the synthetic implementation of the indicated purpose of the work using the analytical and critical method. The repertoire of church songs in the Opole diocese reflects new liturgical creativity. It also indicates the practice of constantly maintaining a specific canon of old songs. The tradition of church songs in Silesia was preserved thanks to the songbook Droga do nieba. Musically, they prefer psalmodic, responsorial and dialogue structures. In performance practice, this requires more frequent participation of the schola, choir or cantor. The Church in Poland has chosen the path of reception of the reform and renewal of the post-conciliar liturgy. This does not mean that this road has been completed. The reception process is still ongoing and awaits our active participation in it. Research on the reception of the conciliar Constitution on the liturgy in the diocese of Opole showed that the post-conciliar liturgical renewal had to take into account local historical conditions and the resulting specificity of religious and liturgical life (including the current bilingualism of the liturgy).
Self-mutilation among high school youth
Authors: Lukasek Aleksandra , Chwierut Agnieszka
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the issue of self-mutilation among high school students staying in the Mazowiecki Neuropsychiatry Center in Józefów. The undertaken research was aimed at understanding the phenomenon of self-mutilation, its symptoms, conditions and consequences among the above-mentioned group. The study used the method of diagnostic survey in a group representing a selected population.
Interferometric-scale full-field vibration measurement by a combination of digital image correlation and laser vibrometer
Authors: Wei Yuchen , Weng Jiechun , Chen Bing , Gao Zeren , Miao Hong , Yu Qifeng , Fu Yu
Published: May 2024

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a crucial noncontact full-field optical measurement method used in various fields. However, in practical applications, DIC is affected by systematic and random noises, leading to experimental resolutions lower than theoretical ones. In this study, we proposed a laser Doppler vibrometer guided DIC to perform vibration measurements. 3D-DIC obtains a sequence of out of displacement field initially. A three-dimensional frequency domain collaborative filtering (3D-FDCF) method that utilizes Laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) single-point data to assist in processing of the displacement field sequence pixel-wise is adopted. The 3D-FDCF method combines lowpass filtering in the spatial frequency domain with LDV-guided bandpass filtering in the temporal frequency domain. The effectiveness of the 3D-FDCF method is demonstrated through a comparison among DIC data, the filtered DIC data, and continuously scanning LDV data. The experiment results demonstrate the 3D-FDCF method's capability in measuring vibration amplitudes of several hundred nanometers with the size of a test sample of about 100 mm × 100 mm, supporting the statement of interferometric scale full-field vibration measurement by DIC with the guidance of the LDV data.
Turbidity-tolerant underwater wireless optical communications using dense blue–green wavelength division multiplexing
Authors: Zhang Kuokuo , Sun Caiming , Shi Wu , Lin Jing , Li Binghui , Liu Weiwei , Chen Danyuan , Zhang Aidong
Published: May 2024

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has demonstrated high-speed and low-latency properties in clear and coastal ocean water because of the relatively low attenuation ‘window’ for blue–green wavelengths from 450 nm to 550 nm. However, there are different attenuation coefficients for transmission in ocean water at different wavelengths, and the light transmission more seriously deteriorates with fluctuations in the water turbidity. Therefore, traditional UWOC using a single wavelength or coarse blue–green wavelengths has difficulty tolerating variations in water turbidity. Dense wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology provides sufficient communication channels with a narrow wavelength spacing and minimal channel crosstalk. Here, we improve the UWOC in clear and coastal ocean water using dense blue–green WDM. A cost-effective WDM emitter is proposed with directly modulated blue–green laser diodes. Dense wavelength beam combination and collimation are demonstrated in a 20-metre underwater channel from 490 nm to 520 nm. Demultiplexing with a minimum channel spacing of 2 nm is realized by an optical grating. Remarkably, our WDM results demonstrate an aggregate data rate exceeding 10 Gbit/s under diverse water turbidity conditions, with negligible crosstalk observed for each channel. This is the densest WDM implementation with a record channel spacing of 2 nm and the highest channel count for underwater blue–green light communications, providing turbidity-tolerant signal transmission in clear and coastal ocean water.
1D interferometric Rayleigh scattering velocimetry and thermometry using VIPA
Authors: Luo Xinguang , Hadi Zeinab Al , Krishna Yedhu , Magnotti Gaetano
Published: May 2024

The work introduces a VIPA-based interferometric Rayleigh scattering instrument for tracer-free, simultaneous temperature and velocity measurements along a 1D volume. A virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) replaces the Fabry-Perot etalon conventionally used in interferometric Rayleigh scattering, allowing the extension of the technique from 0D (point or multi-point) to 1D. The Rayleigh-Brillouin spectrum is a function of pressure and temperature and can be used for temperature diagnostics in isobaric flows. A reference leg based on a Fabry-Perot (FP) etalon provides real-time monitoring of the laser wavelength drift during the experiment. The accuracy and precision of the measurements are estimated from measurements in laminar flows, and the technique is then demonstrated in a heated turbulent jet of air.
KBMeasure: small sample in-situ damage automatic measurement method based on the combination of keypoints detection and binocular 3D reconstruction for aero-engine blades
Authors: Wu Xin , Liu Yu , Wei Xiaolong , Xu Haojun , He Weifeng , Cheng Ronghui , Zhou Liucheng , Wang Yixuan , Hou Yuanhan
Published: May 2024

Size is one of the important bases for the level assessment of aero-engine blade damage and the disposal method selection for damaged blades. Therefore, research on in-situ damage measurement of aero-engine blades is conducted in this paper. We break the inherent pipeline of "3D reconstruction and manual annotation of keypoints" in traditional damage measurement methods, and propose an in-situ damage automatic measurement method (KBMeasure) based on the combination of damage keypoints intelligent detection and binocular 3D reconstruction. KBMeasure replaces the manual annotation of damage keypoints, improves the damage measurement efficiency, and reduces the dependence on professional inspectors. The proposed method also overcomes the problem of high computational cost and low efficiency caused by redundant 3D reconstruction of the entire damaged area. For the characteristics of large changes in damage scale, low image resolution, the requirement of high-precision keypoints positioning, limited annotated data, and lightweight deployment in aero-enginge blade damage measurement task, a novel blade damage keypoints detection model (DKeyDet) with top-down framework is designed by introducing coordinate classification, semi-supervised learning, and knowledge distillation. Then, intersecting optical axis binocular model is used to estimate the spatial coordinates of the detected keypoints and compute the size of damage. The keypoints detection average precision (AP) and average recall (AR) of our method are 87.6 and 91.3, and the damage measurement size error (SE) is 0.08, which is superior to existing methods. This research provides a new theoretical support for in-situ damage automatic measurement for aero-engine in service, and provides what we believe is a novel idea for damage measurement of industrial components in other fields.
SiPM joint likelihood reception for mobile LED-optical communication under pointing errors
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Wang Chao , Zhang Yanyu , Fang Junbin , Zhu Yijun
Published: May 2024

Light-emitting diode (LED)-optical communication is a novel spectrum communication with wide field of view (FOV), light weight, and long-distance free-space capabilities. Due to atmospheric turbulence attenuation and pointing errors caused by long-distance communication, this Letter proposes a multi-pixel channel joint maximum likelihood (JML) reception method using a highly sensitive silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). To evaluate the performance of the SiPM under mobile terminal jittering communication, we analyze the effect of optical transmitting power, pointing errors, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain on optical communication by comparing JML with signal channel using the maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm. Both simulation analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed JML algorithm to process signals received from SiPM multi-pixel channels can effectively mitigate the impact of pointing errors on the bit error rate (BER) of optical communications by two orders of magnitude at large jitter radians and SNR.
Highly efficient silicon modulator via a slow-wave Michelson structure
Authors: Wang Jianing , Wang Xi , Li Jian , Yang Yanfu , Du Jiangbing , Song Qinghai , Xu Ke
Published: May 2024

The weak free carrier dispersion effect significantly hinders the adoption of silicon modulators in low-power applications. While various structures have been demonstrated to reduce the half-wave voltage, it is always challenging to balance the trade-off between modulation efficiency and the bandwidth. Here, we demonstrated a slow-wave Michelson structure with 1-mm-long active length. The modulator was designed at the emerging 2-μm wave band which has a stronger free carrier effect. A record high modulation efficiency of 0.29 V·cm was achieved under a carrier depletion mode. The T-rail traveling wave electrodes were designed to improve the modulation bandwidth to 13.3 GHz. Up to 20 Gb/s intensity modulation was achieved at a wavelength of 1976 nm.
Optical Multiscale Model for Quantification of Photon Recycling Including Incoherent Light Scattering
Authors: Zeder Simon , Blülle Balthasar , Ruhstaller Beat , Aeberhard Urs
Published: May 2024

A comprehensive multiscale modeling framework for photon recycling in textured solar cells and LEDs is introduced. The framework seamlessly merges a coherent emission model, free from unphysical divergence and ensuring consistency with detailed balance principles, with an incoherent net-radiation model applied to optically thick layers. The scattering of light at nonplanar interfaces is taken into consideration through four characteristic mappings that depict the microscopic scattering process, which are calculated analytically or by using a Monte-Carlo ray-tracing method. The final output of the model consists of energy- and angle-resolved local emission, re-absorption and power flux rates for further coupling to electronic transport. To validate the model, it has been compared with analytical solutions for the re-absorption probability in an ideal semiconductor slab with either ideal Lambertian or flat surfaces. The comparison between analytical and numerical calculations shows excellent agreement.
Perfect space-time vortices
Authors: Ponomarenko Sergey , Hebri Davud
Published: May 2024

We introduce the concept of perfect space-time vortices
(PSTV) that can exist in media with anomalous disper-
sion. If the topological charge of a PSTV is not too large,
the spatio-temporal intensity distribution of the vortex
field does not depend on the magnitude of the topolog-
ical charge. We show theoretically how a PSTV can be
realized in the optical context through spatio-temporal
focusing of a Bessel-Gaussian space-time optical vortex
source that is placed in the focal plane of a space-time
lens composed of an ordinary lens and a time lens with
matched spatial and temporal focal lengths.
Female genital schistosomiasis burden and risk factors in two endemic areas in Malawi nested in the Morbidity Operational Research for Bilharziasis Implementation Decisions (MORBID) cross-sectional study
Authors: Lamberti Olimpia , Kayuni Sekeleghe , Kumwenda Dingase , Ngwira Bagrey , Singh Varsha , Moktali Veena , Dhanani Neerav , Wessels Els , Van Lieshout Lisette , Fleming Fiona M. , Mzilahowa Themba , Bustinduy Amaya L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), caused by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium (Sh), is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. FGS is associated with sexual dysfunction and reproductive morbidity, and increased prevalence of HIV and cervical precancerous lesions. Lack of approved guidelines for FGS screening and diagnosis hinder accurate disease burden estimation. This study evaluated FGS burden in two Sh-endemic areas in Southern Malawi by visual and molecular diagnostic methods.

Methodology/Principal findings

Women aged 15–65, sexually active, not menstruating, or pregnant, were enrolled from the MORBID study. A midwife completed a questionnaire, obtained cervicovaginal swab and lavage, and assessed FGS-associated genital lesions using hand-held colposcopy. ‘Visual-FGS’ was defined as specific genital lesions. ‘Molecular-FGS’ was defined as Sh DNA detected by real-time PCR from swabs. Microscopy detected urinary Sh egg-patent infection.

In total, 950 women completed the questionnaire (median age 27, [IQR] 20–38). Visual-and molecular-FGS prevalence were 26·9% (260/967) and 8·2% (78/942), respectively. 6·5% of women with available genital and urinary samples (38/584) had egg-patent Sh infection. There was a positive significant association between molecular- and visual-FGS (AOR = 2·9, 95%CI 1·7–5·0). ‘Molecular-FGS’ was associated with egg-patent Sh infection (AOR = 7·5, 95% CI 3·27–17·2). Some villages had high ‘molecular-FGS’ prevalence, despite <10% prevalence of urinary Sh among school-age children.

Conclusions/Significance

Southern Malawi carries an under-recognized FGS burden. FGS was detectable in villages not eligible for schistosomiasis control strategies, potentially leaving girls and women untreated under current WHO guidelines. Validated field-deployable methods could be considered for new control strategies.
Efficacy and safety of mirror therapy for post-stroke aphasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Peng Yufeng , Huang Shouqiang , Yang Xiaotong , Ma Jiao
Published: May 2024

Background

Aphasia is one of the most common complications of stroke. Mirror therapy (MT) is promising rehabilitation measure for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Although some studies suggested that MT is effective and safe for aphasia, the effects and safety remain uncertain due to lacking strong evidence, such as the relevant systematic review and meta- analysis.

Methods

This study will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WANFANG, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), from inception to 1th May 2023 to identify any eligible study. No language or date of publication shall be limited. We will only include randomised controlled trials of MT in the Treatment of poststroke aphasia. Two investigators will work separately on the study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment. The western aphasia battery (WAB) and aphasia quotient (AQ) will be included as the main outcomes. Boston diagnostic aphasia examination method (BDAE), Chinese standard aphasia examination (CRRCAE) will be included as the secondary outcomes. The statistical analysis will be conducted by RevMan V.5.4 software. The risk of bias of included studies will be assessed by the Cochrane ‘Risk of bias’ tool. The quality of proof of the results will be evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.

Results

The finding will be presented in a journal or related conferences.

Conclusion

This study will provide a basis for whether mirror therapy (MT) is effective and safe in the treatment of post-stroke aphasia.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration

INPLASY registration number: INPLASY 202340054.
Demographics, culture and participatory nature of multi-marathoning—An observational study highlighting issues with recommendations
Authors: Lundy Leo , Reilly Richard B.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The defining achievement of a multi-marathoner is completing 100 marathons. This study aimed to comprehensively document the phenomenon of multi-marathoning, addressing its demographics, culture and participatory nature, filling a gap in peer-reviewed research on the topic. Additionally, it aimed to provide recommendations for multi-marathon governing bodies, event organisers, health professionals and participants to address identified issues.

Methods

A global survey was distributed to participants and individuals interested in multi-marathoning. It was distributed with support from major national and international multi-marathon clubs through their social media channels, email groups and newsletters. The survey was conducted anonymously and online.

Results

The survey garnered responses from 830 participants across 40 countries, with an average marathon completion count of 146.54 (SD 201.83) per respondent. Gender distribution showed 60.69% men, 39.3% women and 0.1% gender variant/non-conforming. Respondents’ average ages were 51.6 (SD 9.96) years for men, 48.83 (SD 9.15) years for women and 35.00 (SD 8.76) years for gender variant/non-conforming. As participants age, social and travel motivations surpass competitiveness. A majority (57%) of respondents had at least one contravention to the pre-participation screening questionnaire PARQ-+ and 67% reported taking pain relief medication around events. Notably, 93% of respondents reported multi-marathoning as beneficial for their mental health.

Discussion

Multi-marathoning accommodates older athletes, but a significant gender imbalance exists in participation levels. Long-term health implications warrant attention from governing bodies, event organisers, health professionals and participants alike. Multi-marathoners should seek medical advice before participation, utilise modern equipment for health monitoring and optimise training accordingly.

Conclusion

Recommendations include encouraging diversity at events, ensuring event directors have well-resourced health plans and promoting participants’ proactive health management before and during their involvement in the sport. This study not only advances our understanding of multi-marathoning as a sport but also contributes to theoretical frameworks such as SDT and HBM.
Adults with depressive symptoms have lower odds of dietary supplement use
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Tassone Vanessa K. , Pang Hilary , Wu Michelle , Jung Hyejung , Lou Wendy , Bhat Venkat
Published: May 2024

Objective

In this study, we aim to evaluate dietary supplement and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in individuals with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative analysis of the usage of these agents among individuals with depressive symptoms, differentiating between those who were using antidepressants and those who were not. Additionally, we compared individuals with depressive symptoms who were not using antidepressants with participants who did not have depressive symptoms as well as individuals with depressive symptoms who were using antidepressants with individuals without depressive symptoms.

Method

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018 data was collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed using patient health questionnaire-9. Dietary supplement and antidepressants use was evaluated using Dietary Supplement Use and Prescription Medications Questionnaires.

Results

31,445 participants, with 2870 (8.05%) having depressive symptoms were included. Participants with depressive symptoms had significantly lower odds of dietary supplement use compared with those without depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.827, 95% CI: 0.700,0.977, p = 0.026). Participants with depressive symptoms who were using antidepressants had significantly higher odds of dietary supplement (aOR = 1.290, 95% CI: 1.038,1.604, p = 0.022) compared with participants with depressive symptoms who were not using antidepressants. Furthermore, Participants with depressive symptoms who weren’t using antidepressants had significantly lower odds of dietary supplement use (aOR = 0.762, 95% CI: 0.632,0.918, p = 0.005) compared with participants without depressive symptoms. In individuals with treated depressive symptoms compared to those without depressive symptoms, CAM use was significantly lower (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598,0.973, p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Individuals with depressive symptoms have lower odds of dietary supplement use. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and examine the underlying mechanisms for this association.
Temperature–water–load coupling study on stress characteristics of BFRP–CRCP pavement
Authors: Lakusic Stjepan
Published: May 2024

The stress characteristics of continuously reinforced concrete pavements with basalt fibre-reinforced bars (BFRP–CRCP) were investigated using the temperature–water–load coupling theory, based on the characteristics of frozen soil in Northeast China, combined with existing research experience, and taking the foundation thaw settlement effect in Northeast China as a starting point. The COMSOL finite element software was used to create a finite element model of the BFRP–CRCP subgrade and pavement China. Several common affecting elements, such as pavement thickness, reinforcement ratio, and concrete modulus, were examined, and appropriate recommendations for BFRP–CRCP pavement material selection were made. Further, the stress characteristics of the BFRP–CRCP pavement structure combination were investigated utilising three common structural forms of pavement in the region and focusing on distinct contributing elements. It serves as a model for BFRP–CRCP pavement construction that considers settlement deformation.
Uma análise cognitiva da categoria religião nos escritos de Eulálio Motta
Authors: Barreiros Liliane Lemos Santana , Silva Eliane Santos Leite da
Published: May 2024

Socializam-se, no presente texto, resultados da análise conceitual da religião, através da identificação dos elementos conceituais emergentes nos discursos do autor baiano Eulálio Motta, em documentos datados entre o período de 1949 e 1988, cujos gêneros textuais foram panfletos, poemas, cartas e textos jornalísticos. O estudo ancorou-se prioritariamente nos estudos da Semântica Cognitiva (Lakoff; Johnson, 1980, 1999; Lakoff, 1987, 1993, 2007; Johnson, 1987, 2007), da Sociocognição (Soares da Silva, 1999, 2010), e nos estudos da conceitualização metafórica em modelos culturais (Gibbs, 2012; Geeraerts, 2003; Feltes, 2007; Kövecses, 2010, 2009). Para a execução do estudo, seguiu-se a proposição teórico-metodológica de Lakoff e Johnson (1980, 1987), que incluem as etapas de leitura, introspecção e identificação dos elementos conceituais, com foco qualitativo. Para fins de demonstração, serão socializados os resultados encontrados em dois (02) dos documentos. Através da identificação das formas conceitualizadoras nos textos selecionados foi possível refletir como se deram as estratégias conceituais, por meio dos mapeamentos entre os modelos cognitivos idealizados, cujas redes de sentido podem ser identificadas enquanto caracterizadoras de um determinado tipo de escrita, considerando a estruturação das categorias, contribuindo, assim, para uma leitura mais ampliada do processo de interpretação.
A EXPANSÃO TERRITORIAL DAS FACÇÕES CRIMINAIS E AS DISPUTAS PELO CONTROLE DO TRÁFICO DE DROGAS NO RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Authors: Duarte Tiaraju Salini , Queiroz Antonio Lourence Kila de , Schumann Eduardo , Cabral Samuel de Jesus
Published: May 2024

O tráfico de drogas se estrutura tendo como um dos seus pilares a construção de cadeias logísticas multiescalares e, nesse contexto, o estado do Rio Grande do Sul ganha destaque no século XXI tendo em vista o crescimento dessa atividade por meio da ação de grupos organizados. Frente a isso, elencamos como objetivo geral da pesquisa analisar a expansão territorial das facções associadas ao tráfico de drogas no Rio Grande do Sul, buscando compreender as estratégias utilizadas por esses grupos para se inserir em áreas que extrapolam suas formações originárias. No que tange à metodologia, no primeiro momento, realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica; em seguida, optamos pela ferramenta metodológica hemerográfica, a qual centra-se em pesquisa documental por meio de levantamento e análise de materiais jornalísticos. Como resultado, podemos compreender que há no estado um processo de expansão de grupos organizados para municípios que estão além de suas áreas de referência, os quais representam não somente um mercado consumidor emergente, mas também pontos nodais de controle no processo logístico de distribuição dos entorpecentes. Ademais, identificamos na pesquisa três estratégias utilizadas pelas facções para se inserir em novos municípios: a faccionalização, a negociação e o conflito direto.
Mundo rural e catolicismo santoral na Pesquisa Participante de Carlos Rodrigues Brandão
Authors: Amaro Flávia Ribeiro , Horta Ana Paula Santos
Published: May 2024

Este artigo busca recobrir alguns aspectos centrais da pesquisa participante desenvolvida por Carlos Rodrigues Brandão junto a comunidades rurais no interior dos estados de Goiás, São Paulo e Minas Gerais. Trata-se de relacionar a sua biografia a algumas investigações de campo acerca das celebrações do catolicismo popular e das relações de vida e trabalho no mundo rural. A partir de um recorte epistemológico interdisciplinar, entre a geografia, a antropologia e as ciências da religião, busca-se apreender como a relação sociedade-natureza e seus tempos e espaços se alteraram com o processo de urbanização e industrialização que se intensifica a partir da década de 1960 no país e vai se desdobrando até os moldes atuais.  A trajetória intelectual de Brandão se inicia nessa época e envolve pesquisas de campo sobre as práticas mítico-rituais do catolicismo santoral, tais como as Folias de Reis e as festas em homenagem a santos de devoção dos negros. Nesse período, Brandão também esteve envolvido com os movimentos sociais voltados às causas dos oprimidos e com as iniciativas de educação popular – sempre privilegiando os sujeitos do campo, do interior, cuja relação com o lugar e com a terra escapam da lógica impositiva ocidentalocêntrica, com seu binômio competência-concorrência, e apresenta uma resistência rústica peculiar cujos rituais festivos se baseiam na lógica da reciprocidade, com seu binômio dar-receber. Para dimensionar essa discussão, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica.
Atuação em campo externo
Authors: Dias Ícaro Kelvin Botelho , Aquino Rafael Lemes de , Giuliani Carla Denari
Published: May 2024

Em se tratando das qualificações, a partir da realidade prática, os profissionais estão diretamente em contato com o cotidiano do trabalho em saúde. Para o desenvolvimento deste estudo, optou-se pelo delineamento metodológico caracterizado como descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência. Inscreve-se, nesta linha, a pesquisa-ação, visto que associa a pesquisa à ação/prática, com o propósito de descrever a vivência de um residente em saúde coletiva, bem como a atuação em campo, externa ao município de Uberlândia. Durante a experiência, na atenção primária, foi possível compreender o processo de trabalho e identificar o modo como a assistência de enfermagem estava sendo concebida. A experiência nesses campos de práticas proporcionou-me uma vivência dinâmica e desbravadora, pois concedeu-me uma atuação enriquecedora, prazerosa e estimulante. É primordial a construção dos laços afetivos e de confiança, já que inúmeras histórias de vida, individuais, coletivas e familiares são entrelaçadas à nossa prática, haja vista a forma como  os atendidos procuram os residentes não só para tratar os agravos contemplados por cada especialidade, mas para buscar conselhos, superar as dificuldades do dia a dia e investir na promoção da saúde.