bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interdigitated terahertz metamaterial sensors: design with the dielectric perturbation theory
Authors: Cao Lei , Meng Fanqi , Özdemir Esra , Loth Yannik , Richter Merle , Wigger Anna Katharina , Pérez Sosa Maira Beatriz , Jumaah Alaa Jabbar , Al-Daffaie Shihab , Bolívar Peter Haring , Roskos Hartmut G.
Published: March 2024

Designing terahertz sensors for highly sensitive detection of nanoscale thin films and a few biomolecules poses a substantial challenge but is crucial for unlocking their full potential in scientific research and advanced applications. This work presents a strategy for optimizing metamaterial sensors in detecting small quantities of dielectric materials. The amount of frequency shift depends on intrinsic properties (electric field distribution, Q-factor, and mode volume) of the bare cavity as well as the overlap volume of its high-electric-field zone(s) and the analyte. Guided by the simplified dielectric perturbation theory, interdigitated electric split-ring resonators (ID-eSRRs) are devised to significantly enhance the detection sensitivity compared with eSRRs without interdigitated fingers. ID-eSRR’s fingers redistribute the electric field, creating strongly localized enhancements, which boost analyte interaction. The periodic change of the inherent antiphase electric field reduces radiation loss, leading to a higher Q-factor. Experiments with ID-eSRR sensors operating at around 300 GHz demonstrate a remarkable 33.5 GHz frequency shift upon depositing a 150 nm SiO2 layer as an analyte simulant, with a figure of merit improvement of over 50 times compared with structures without interdigitated fingers. This rational design offers a promising avenue for highly sensitive detection of thin films and trace biomolecules.
On-chip terahertz orbital angular momentum demultiplexer
Authors: Jiang Xiaohan , Liu Wanying , Xu Quan , Lang Yuanhao , Fu Yikai , Huang Fan , Dai Haitao , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Xueqian , Gu Jianqiang , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: March 2024

The terahertz regime is widely recognized as a fundamental domain with significant potential to address the demands of next-generation wireless communications. In parallel, mode division multiplexing based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) shows promise in enhancing bandwidth utilization, thereby expanding the overall communication channel capacity. In this study, we present both theoretical and experimental demonstrations of an on-chip terahertz OAM demultiplexer. This device effectively couples and steers seven incident terahertz vortex beams into distinct high-quality focusing surface plasmonic beams, and the focusing directions can be arbitrarily designated. The proposed design strategy integrates space-to-chip mode conversion, OAM recognition, and on-chip routing in a compact space with subwavelength thickness, exhibiting versatility and superior performance.
Joint downlink user association and interference avoidance with a load balancing approach in backhaul-constrained HetNets
Authors: Chinipardaz Maryam , Amraee Somaieh , Sarlak Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In heterogeneous networks (HetNets), different lower-power base stations are added in a typically unplanned manner to the well-planned macro-only network, bringing new challenges to the network functions. Small cells experience limited backhaul capacity since cost-effective backhaul is not easily accessible to them. This study focuses on the issue of user association in backhaul-constrained HetNets. It shows that it is necessary to associate users with cells using a load balancing approach in order to fully leverage the addition of small cells. The cell association needs to be done jointly with an interference management technique that protects offloaded users and those prone to harmful interference. After modeling the system and describing the interference model, the problem of cell and subband allocation is formulated. We first examine the problem in a time-sharing mode and present a centralized heuristic solution to the cell and subband allocation problem. This is accomplished by solving the convex problem using the gradual removal method. The importance of providing distributed algorithms for HetNets leads to the development of a new algorithm through the application of the dual decomposition method to a reformulated problem and the use of an admission control mechanism. In the achieved algorithm, all computations are performed locally, with each user and base station relying only on local information. This algorithm obtains near-optimal answers, as confirmed by the simulation results. Compared with conventional cell allocation methods, our distributed algorithm prevents intensive interference for all users and achieves better load balance between network tiers, resulting in improved network utility.
Self-efficacy measurement instruments for individuals with coronary artery disease: A systematic review
Authors: Almeida José Alexandre Barbosa de , Florêncio Rêncio Bento , Leite Jéssica Costa , Monteiro Karolinne Souza , Gualdi Lucien Peroni
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Over the past decade, there has been a heightened interest in evaluating self-efficacy among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A significant number of instruments have been developed and validated, yet the need remains to assess the quality of their studies and their properties.

Objectives

To evaluate the measurement properties and link the content extracted from self-efficacy instrument items for individuals with CAD to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

Methodology

The study was conducted following the Cochrane systematic review guidelines and COnsensus norms for Selection of health Measuring INstruments (COSMIN), registered under CRD42021262613. The search was carried out on MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, including studies involving the development and validation of self-efficacy instruments for individuals with CAD, without language or date restrictions. Data extraction was performed in May 2022 and updated in January 2023 and all the steps of this review were carried out by two different collaborators and reviewed by a third when there were divergences. Modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) recommended by COSMIN was used to determine the quality of evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low. Instrument categorization was carried out per COSMIN recommendations, according to the construct of interest and study population into three categories (A, B, or C).

Results

A total of 21 studies from 12 instruments were identified. The best-rated instruments received a recommendation of B, which means, additional validation studies are needed. Barnason Efficacy Expectation Scale (BEES) showed high-quality evidence for structural, construct, criterion, and internal consistency validity; Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) demonstrated high quality for content, structural, cross-cultural validity, and internal consistency; Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use (SEAMS) achieved a high level for structural, criterion, and internal consistency validity; Cardiovascular Management Self-Efficacy Scale exhibited high-level validity for structural, criterion, construct, and internal consistency. The CSES showed content linkage with all domains of the ICF, as well as the highest number of linkages with the categories.

Conclusions

Instruments with a B-level recommendation hold potential for use. More studies assessing measurement properties are needed to reinforce or improve these recommendations. The CSES stands out as the most comprehensive instrument concerning the ICF.
Self-care activities in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Smudja Mirjana , Milenković Tatjana , Minaković Ivana , Zdravković Vera , Javorac Jovan , Milutinović Dragana
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Effective diabetes self-management and collaborative responsibility sharing with parents are imperative for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, particularly as they gradually assume more self-care responsibilities. The primary goal of this study was to assess differences in adherence to self-care activities regarding sociodemographics and clinical characteristics in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. The secondary goal of this study was to understand the level of parental involvement in diabetes management and to assess the pediatric patients’ behaviors (independent or dependent on disease self-management) that relate to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

This was a comparative cross-sectional and correlational study. The study sample included 182 children and adolescents who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at least 3 months prior. Data collection instruments included a sociodemographic and questionnaire about Adherence to self-care activities and parental involvement in diabetes self-management, as well as a documentation sheet for recording clinical data.

Results

A majority of participants (71%) exhibited non-adherence to self-care tasks, despite 78.0% asserting their independence in diabetes self-management. Notably, insufficient parental involvement in administering insulin therapy significantly predicted severe hypoglycemic episodes.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients dealing with type 1 diabetes demonstrate a substantial degree of autonomy in managing their condition, paradoxically coupled with self-reported non-adherence to critical self-care responsibilities. Notably, children (aged 8–12) rely more heavily on parental support, especially concerning insulin therapy administration. The study underscores the crucial role of parental engagement in insulin therapy, as its deficiency significantly predicts the likelihood of severe hypoglycemic episodes.
Research priorities for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in humanitarian crises: A global prioritisation exercise
Authors: D'Mello-Guyett Lauren , Heylen Camille , Rohm Elsa , Falconer Jane , Lapegue Jean , Dreibelbis Robert , Ramos Monica , Cumming Oliver , Lantagne Daniele
Published: March 2024

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions should provide access to safe water and sanitation, and promote good hygiene practices with dignity, comfort and security. Multiple systematic reviews have noted evidence gaps and is a paucity of good quality evidence related to the effectiveness and implementation of WASH programmes and interventions in humanitarian crises. The aim of this study was to generate consensus-based actionable research priorities for the humanitarian WASH sector. A research prioritisation exercise was conducted by adapting the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. Research questions were compiled from a rapid scoping review, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Questions were reviewed by a technical expert group. An online survey was circulated to score research questions according to five criteria. An overall prioritisation score was calculated and weighted to prioritise questions. A diverse range of 286 global WASH and health experts engaged in the CHNRI process. A list of 128 questions were generated and scored by experts. Prioritised research questions focussed on evaluating existing interventions or programmes, and making iterative changes to current programmes. Other important questions centred on describing WASH conditions and associated health risks in crises contexts. Priorities were also stratified by gender, organisation and region to understand differences globally. The WASH in Crises Research Agenda has identified key research questions of most importance to those implementing WASH in humanitarian crises and has established a list of research priorities. The identified priorities reinforce how more evidence is needed, and underlines the need for research to evaluate current practices in order to improve the quality of humanitarian response. Stakeholders, including donors, international and national organisations, governments and academic institutions, are invited to use this research agenda to encourage, inspire and enable relevant and high-quality research that will be used to inform humanitarian responses.
Assessing viability of Escherichia coli in mining-impacted surface waters
Authors: McDonald Claire , Cunningham Kara , Kerr Grace , Lu Belle , Tarek Mehedi Hasan , Anderson Christopher , Garner Emily
Published: March 2024

Multiple threats to surface water quality, including both fecal pollution and acid mine drainage (AMD) are frequently coincident in mining regions, such as parts of the Appalachian region of the U.S. While it has been established that AMD can have toxic effects to fecal bacteria in surface waters, there is also evidence that AMD may induce a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, leaving fecal bacteria undetectable by common standard methods. This study aims to better understand the occurrence of VBNC Escherichia coli in mining-impacted waters (MIW) through three objectives: (1) assess the relationship between MIWs and concentrations of culturable fecal bacteria, (2) compare standard methods for quantification of E. coli in MIW, and (3) investigate whether MIW can induce a VBNC state in E. coli. An analysis of historic data from the Deckers Creek and West Run Watersheds of West Virginia revealed a moderate correlation between pH and E. coli abundance determined via culture and enzyme-based methods. In samples collected from sites within the two watersheds impacted by historic mining activities, the E. coli uidA gene was measured via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and found to be significantly more abundant than E. coli concentrations measured via culture or enzyme substrate coliform test. However, this discrepancy between methods was greatest in samples with a low pH. Further, experiments in which an environmental strain of E. coli was dosed into samples of MIW diluted with saline at different concentrations confirmed that the culturability of E. coli significantly decreased with increasing MIW concentration, while the total number of intact cells, determined via "live/dead” staining and microscopy, remained high. This finding suggests that culture and enzyme methods may underestimate viable E. coli levels in AMD-impacted waters.
The Middle East is watching: Iranian and Saudi Arabian newspaper framing of the 2020 US presidential elections
Authors: Elmasry Mohamad Hamas , el-Nawawy Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Despite its importance, there has been little research into how Middle Eastern news outlets cover American politics. This content analysis uses framing theory to explore coverage of the 2020 US presidential election in two Middle East dailies, Iranian Hamshahri and Saudi Arabian Al-Watan. Because Iran and Saudi Arabia are rivals and take different approaches to American politics, hypotheses predicted meaningful framing differences. While some findings were consistent with researcher expectations, most findings were not. As predicted, Al-Watan was less likely to frame Trump negatively. However, contrary to expectations, the examined newspapers did not differ in terms of how they framed Biden, the 6 January breach of the Capitol or allegations of voter fraud. The newspapers also did not differ in terms of how likely they were to use pro-Trump and pro-Biden sources. The unexpected findings suggest a cautious approach by Al-Watan, which may not have wanted to show strong support for a US president, Trump, who was likely outgoing. More generally, and as the ‘Discussion’ section explains, Al-Watan’s approach likely reflected the Saudi government’s perceptions about ongoing developments on the US political scene. In one sense, then, Al-Watan’s editorial line was an extension of Saudi foreign policy towards the United States. The ‘Discussion’ section also attempts to make sense of Hamshahri’s framing patterns, which seemed to reflect larger Iranian distrust in the American political system.
Comparing Structural Constraints for Accelerated Branch and Bound Solver of Process Network Synthesis Problems
Authors: Heinc Emília , Bánhelyi Balázs
Published: March 2024

The P-Graph methodology can be used to find the optimal solution for large processing system. This methodology solves the combinatorial part of the problem more efficiently than the traditional branch and bound method due to the utilized relationships inherent in the structure. However, reducing the number of possibilities developed in the constraint functions also plays a major role in this algorithm. In this publication, we present a new constraint function that also takes into account the minimum cost structure and compares it with earlier versions.
NEOLIBERALISMO E EMPRESARIAMENTO DA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Oliveira Santos Gabriela , Lockmann Kamila
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo apresenta o recorte de uma investigação que pretendeu analisar como o Programa O Líder em Mim opera no âmbito escolar e que estratégias ele desenvolve para conduzir a conduta do sujeito docente. Para a realização da mesma, foram analisados os materiais bibliográficos destinados aos professores, o site e a página do facebook do programa. A partir do exercício analítico da pesquisa discute-se “A regulação do trabalho Docente”, desenvolvida em dois eixos. O primeiro está direcionado ao exercício da docência e ao modo como o programa determina a forma como o professor deve conduzir as suas aulas, as atividades propostas e o seu comportamento em sala de aula, evidenciando assim um processo de desintelectualização docente. Já o segundo eixo, refere-se ao currículo escolar, pois, percebe-se uma modificação nos saberes que são ensinados aos estudantes, os quais passam a comportar também os hábitos do programa, produzindo uma alquimia das matérias escolares. A escola se torna assim uma maquinaria de produção da subjetividade capitalística colocada em funcionamento pela racionalidade neoliberal. Entretanto, ela também pode ser uma máquina de guerra produzindo resistências por outras formas de ser docente e de exercer a nossa intelectualidade no tempo presente.
APRESENTAÇÃO DO DOSSIÊ - LINGUAGENS, INCLUSÃO E TECNOLOGIAS: PERSPECTIVAS DE GOVERNAMENTO NA CONTEMPORANEIDADE
Authors: Freitas Débora Duarte , Witchs Pedro Henrique
Published: March 2024

O dossiê reúne artigos que discutem questões sociais e históricas inerentes a um tempo de crise do mundo contemporâneo a partir de três eixos: a inclusão, tomada como noção ampla e relacional; as tecnologias, potencializadas pelo modo de vida pandêmico que exigiu protocolos de distanciamento social; as perspectivas contemporâneas, caracterizadas por deslocamentos em relação ao neoliberalismo nos últimos anos, que possibilitam o fortalecimento de movimentos reacionários, conservadores e necropolíticos.
Unidades Prioritarias para la Integración de Dietistas-Nutricionistas en Atención Hospitalaria Especializada en el Sistema Valenciano de Salud. Consenso de Expertos por Metodología Delphi.
Authors: Cabañas Alite Luis , García Barajas Ruth , Bueno Martínez Rocío
Published: March 2024

Introducción. En el año 2009 se realizó la primera declaración de postura sobre la incorporación del colectivo de Dietistas-Nutricionistas en el Sistema Nacional de Salud, actualizado en 2020. En 2023, el Colegio Oficial de Dietistas-Nutricionistas de la Comunitat Valenciana plantea una actualización basándose en este, incluyendo una previsión de los recursos humanos necesarios para cumplir estos criterios, destacando que harían falta 770 plazas en toda la Comunitat Valenciana. Este estudio complementa este informe, estableciendo la prioridad de integración en las unidades en base al criterio de expertos.
Metodología. Se planteó un estudio exploratorio utilizando metodología Delphi, como proceso de consenso prospectivo, participando un grupo de expertos (n= 12) que respondieron de forma anónima a dos cuestionarios sucesivos por vía electrónica; en primer lugar, con una preselección de 6 de las 28 unidades sanitarias presentadas, y en segundo lugar ordenando de más a menos prioritario las 28 unidades indicadas.
Resultados. Los resultados de ambos métodos indican que es más prioritario la integración de los y las DN en las unidades de Dietética y Nutrición, Oncología, Aparato Digestivo, Endocrinología y Diálisis. Otras unidades sanitarias con prioridad variable son Cirugía General, Medicina Interna, Nefrología y Cardiología. Ambos métodos reflejan que las unidades de Urología, Hospitalización a Domicilio, Anestesia y Reanimación, Psiquiatría o las unidades de cirugía no general (torácica, cardíaca, neurológicas) serían las menos prioritarias para la integración de estos profesionales.
Conclusión. Estudios exploratorios como el presentado anteriormente pueden ayudar a la administración pública a establecer prioridades asistenciales. La integración de estas plazas debe atender a los criterios expertos como los planteados en el presente trabajo.
Intussusception in Mosaic Trisomy 14
Authors: Skvarce Jeremy , Chatterjee Arjun , Velez Giselle , Gurajala Ram , Schwartz Jeffrey , Braga-Neto Manuel B.
Published: March 2024

Mosaic trisomy 14 is exceptionally rare and was first described in the 1970s with fewer than 100 known liveborn individuals. Information about complications and the natural history of the disease is rare, especially in adult patients. This case illustrates an adult patient with severe functional limitations from mosaic trisomy 14 who presented with abdominal pain and failure to thrive and was subsequently found to have intussusception and severe chronic constipation, which was successfully treated conservatively.
Experiencias de discriminación étnico-racial e ideación suicida en población adulta peruana: el rol mediador de las emociones
Authors:   Universidad Privada del Norte, Cajamarca, Perú, Sánchez-Villena Andy Rick , Temple-Focón Isabella ,   Universidad Privada del Norte, Cajamarca, Perú
Published: March 2024

Introducción: las experiencias de discriminación étnico-racial inciden en la salud mental de quienes la han sufrido. Perú es uno de los países con mayor percepción de racismo; sin embargo, son escasos los estudios que han abordado sus efectos en los aspectos emocionales; por tanto, el objetivo consistió en examinar el rol mediador de la depresión, la ansiedad y la propensión a la ira en la relación entre las experiencias de discriminación y la ideación suicida en población peruana. Método: participaron 632 personas (65.20 % mujeres), con edades de entre 18 y 63 años (M = 25.03; DE = 8.03) y se les administró la Escala de experiencias de discriminación (EED), el Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), el Generalized Anxiety Dissorder-2 (GAD-2), la Escala de propensión a la ira (APS - G) y la Escala de frecuencia de ideación suicida (IFIS). Mediante la regresión estructural, se creó un modelo explicativo probando la invarianza según sexo y edad. Resultados: el ajuste del modelo fue excelente e invariante en ambos grupos y mostró que las experiencias de discriminación tienen un efecto directo sobre la propensión a la ira, la depresión y la ansiedad. Esta última variable resultó ser la mejor predictora y mediadora de la ideación suicida. Además, el modelo se mantuvo invariante según sexo y edad. Conclusiones: la discriminación afecta negativamente la salud mental de quienes la experimentan y puede producir mayor frecuencia de ideas suicidas a través de la ansiedad independientemente del sexo y edad.
Nombres de pila en España
Authors: Fernández Juncal Carmen
Published: March 2024

En el presente trabajo se revisa la producción bibliográfica sobre temas antroponomásticos en España en las dos últimas décadas. Para ello se han eliminado los estudios de corte diacrónico y los estudios sobre apellidos. Nos centramos entonces en varios aspectos muy vinculados a procesos de atribución: la descripción de las circunstancias históricas que afectan este tipo de procesos, la creación de corpus antroponímicos, el estudio de las motivaciones atributivas, los patrones de género, la influencia de otros repertorios y las actitudes. Finalmente recogemos algunas iniciativas en otros ámbitos como los hipocorísticos y los sobrenombres.
Softlifting in College: Cheating or Forgiving
Authors: Irwandi Soni Agus , Pujiati Diyah , Nita Riski Aprilia , Shonhadji Nanang , Nabilah Syaifana , Maulana Hafizd Oktariawan
Published: March 2024

Softlifting in higher education occurs due to the academic community's requirements and the convenience of accessing and downloading software through internet platforms. This research aims to investigate the impact of ethics sensitivity, moral ethics, perceived risk, perceived benefits, and habit on the intention to engage in softlifting. The study employed quantitative research through distributing questionnaires to accounting students at private universities in Surabaya. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The findings reveal that ethics sensitivity, moral ethics, perceived risk, and habit have a negative and significant influence on the intention to engage in softlifting. On the other hand, perceived benefits have a positive and significant effect on softlifting intention. Incorporating ethical and moral values as research variables is an essential ethical consideration for those involved in software piracy, which adds originality to this study. This research emphasizes the importance of effective socialization and education against using pirated software or engaging in softlifting within the university environment. Furthermore, it underscores the responsibility of university management to provide legal software to students, which serves as a practical contribution to the overall issue.
Strategic Financial Management for Enhanced Educational Infrastructure: A Case Study of State Elementary School 04 Samsam, Kandis Riau Indonesia
Authors: Amaluddin Muhammad Rizqi , Ismail Nurmahmudi , Munastiwi Erni
Published: March 2024

This study explores the effectiveness of financial management at State Elementary School 04 Samsam, Kandis, in enhancing educational infrastructure. The research uses a qualitative approach and strategically allocates government and external funds for school facilities. The methodology involved a detailed analysis using the Miles and Huberman model, emphasizing data collection, reduction, and interpretation. Findings reveal the school's financial success hinges on meticulous planning, prioritization, and robust stakeholder engagement. Key strategies include a multi-tiered approach to budgeting, emphasizing immediate and long-term infrastructure needs, and leveraging local company contributions alongside government funding. The study underlines the significance of strategic financial governance and stakeholder participation in educational settings. While insightful, the research's scope is limited to one institution, suggesting a need for broader investigation. Overall, this case study contributes to the broader discourse on effective financial practices in schools, highlighting their impact on educational quality and infrastructure development.
The Differentiation Potential of Human Natal Dental Pulp Stem Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells
Authors: Suchánek J. , Nasry Sherine A. , Soukup T.
Published: March 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells, raising the hope for diabetes mellitus treatment. The aim of this research was to study the ability of stem cells from discarded natal teeth to differentiate into insulinproducing cells. Two vital human natal teeth were obtained from a healthy 2-day-old female. Stem cells from the dental pulp were isolated, cultured under xenogenic-free conditions, propagated and characterized. Proliferative activity, population doubling time and viability were measured, and the multipotent differentiation ability was investigated. A twostep protocol was used to induce the human natal dental pulp stem cells to differentiate into insulinproducing cells. Phenotypic analysis was done using flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect insulin and C-peptide.PDX1,HES1andGlut2gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Human natal dental pulp stem cells were able to undergo osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation upon exposure to the specific differentiation media for each lineage. Their differentiation into insulin-producing cells was confirmed by expression of C-peptide and insulin, as well as by 975.4 % higher expression of PDX-1 and 469.5 % higher expression of HES1 in comparison to the cells cultivated in standard cultivation media. Glut2 transporter mRNA was absent in the non-differentiated cells, and differentiation of the stem cells into insulin-producing cells induced appearance of the mRNA of this transporter. We were the first to demonstrate that stem cells obtained from the pulp of natal teeth could be differentiated into insulinproducing cells, which might prove useful in the stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.
CoroGraph: Bridging Cache Efficiency and Work Efficiency for Graph Algorithm Execution
Authors: Zhi Xiangyu , Yan Xiao , Tang Bo , Yin Ziyao , Zhu Yanchao , Zhou Minqi
Published: March 2024

Many systems are designed to run graph algorithms efficiently in memory but they achieve only cache efficiency or work efficiency. We tackle this fundamental trade-off in existing systems by designing CoroGraph, a system that attains both cache efficiency and work efficiency for in-memory graph processing. CoroGraph adopts a novel
hybrid execution model
, which generates update messages at vertex granularity to prioritize promising vertices for work efficiency, and commits updates at partition granularity to share data access for cache efficiency. To overlap the random memory access of graph algorithms with computation, CoroGraph extensively uses
coroutine
, i.e., a lightweight function in C++ that can yield and resume with low overhead, to prefetch the required data. A suite of designs are incorporated to reap the full benefits of coroutine, which include prefetch pipeline, cache-friendly graph format, and stop-free synchronization. We compare CoroGraph with five state-of-the-art graph algorithm systems via extensive experiments. The results show that CoroGraph yields shorter algorithm execution time than all baselines in 18 out of 20 cases, and its speedup over the best-performing baseline can be over 2x. Detailed profiling suggests that CoroGraph achieves both cache efficiency and work efficiency with a low memory stall and a small number of processed edges.
Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy: Autophagy and miRNAs regulate microglial activation
Authors: Qin Nannan , Miao Yanmei , Xie Leiyu , Ma Xinglong , Xie Peng
Published: March 2024

Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) describes diffuse or multifocal cerebral dysfunction caused by the systemic inflammatory response to sepsis. SAE is a common neurological complication in patients in the middle and late stages of sepsis in the intensive care unit. Microglia, resident macrophages of the central nervous system, phagocytose small numbers of neuronal cells and apoptotic cells, among other cells, to maintain the dynamic balance of the brain's internal environment. The neuroinflammatory response induced by activated microglia plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system diseases. In this paper, we systematically describe the functions and phenotypes of microglia, summarize how microglia mediate neuroinflammation and contribute to the occurrence and development of SAE, and discuss recent progress in autophagy‐ and microRNA‐mediated regulation of microglial activation to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of SAE and identify related therapeutic targets.
Multidimensional Barriers to Entry in the Insurance Industry
Authors: Du Sabrina , Ellis Cameron M.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we introduce and employ a multi-agent model of entry to analyze barriers to entry in the U.S. property casualty insurance industry. Our estimations are conducted at the market-year level, enabling a detailed exploration of the relative importance of barriers across three dimensions: geography, product, and time. Our findings reveal that entry barriers are both prevalent and significant in the U.S. property casualty insurance industry, with de novo entrants encountering the most challenges from product barriers across all markets. We observe that expanding across product lines is more costly than expanding across states. Particularly, New York and California exhibit the strongest state barriers. Among various product lines, our research identifies that insurance expertise in mortgage guaranty and medical professional liability insurance presents the most substantial barriers to entry. This study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of entry barriers in the U.S. property casualty insurance industry, highlighting the importance of considering geographic and product-specific knowledge, as well as temporal factors, in the context of market entry. Through analyses across these dimensions, we enhance the understanding of the challenges faced by new entrants and shed light on the specific market conditions shaping entry barriers.
Network modeling of aesthetic effect for Chinese Yue Opera costume simulation images
Authors: Yanna Han , Yicheng Jiang , Xia Zheng
Published: March 2024

In the digital age, virtual simulation images have become an important communication form of Chinese traditional Yue Opera costumes and their culture. Focusing on the lay viewers’ aesthetic experience, we collected 16 subjective evaluations, including favorites of basic design elements, semantic impressions, and high-level aesthetic experience, of 257 participants on 5 virtual simulation pictures of Yue Opera costumes for different characters and used network analysis to explore the possible relationship of the variables. The inferred networks showed that the archetypal aesthetic was more relevant to the costume design elements, emotions, interests, and the sense of high level. The conspicuous clothing, understanding of creative intent, and the desire for cultural knowledge were key “bridges” in the aesthetic process. Although the aesthetic network of each costume varied partially based on character differences, it showed more similarities overall. On the basis of the findings, we discuss the possible theoretical basis of the networks and make practical suggestions for the virtual dissemination of Yue Opera costumes.
Evidentials and dubitatives in Finnish: perspective shift in questions and embedded contexts
Authors: Kaiser Elsi
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the reportative evidential kuulemma and the dubitative muka in Finnish (Finno-Ugric). Kuulemma typically indicates that the speaker reports information provided by someone else (hearsay) and is not committed to the truth of the proposition, while muka (roughly: ‘supposedly, allegedly, as if’) typically signals that the speaker doubts the truth of the proposition, leaving open the information source. This paper explores perspective-shifting and whether these forms can be anchored to someone other than the speaker. I use corpus data and native speaker judgments to test what happens in questions, under the speech verb ‘say,’ and in free indirect discourse. In questions, both forms appear to stay anchored to the speaker (no interrogative flip). However, when embedded under ‘say,’ dubitative muka remains speaker-oriented, whereas reportative kuulemma can shift to the subject. In free indirect discourse, both can shift to the character whose point-of-view is expressed. I propose that these differences are partially related to subjectivity: Whereas kuulemma can be described in objective terms, it has been suggested that muka can express more nuanced affect such as surprise and irony. I suggest this subjective nature of muka is related to its speaker-oriented nature, echoing the speaker-orientation default of affective expressions (e.g. predicates of personal taste, epithets, interjections).
The glass transition temperature of isolated native, residual, and technical lignin
Authors: Henrik-Klemens Åke , Caputo Fabio , Ghaffari Roujin , Westman Gunnar , Edlund Ulrica , Olsson Lisbeth , Larsson Anette
Published: March 2024

The glass transition temperatures (T
g) of native, residual, and technical lignins are important to lignocellulose pulping, pulp processing and side stream utilization; however, how the structural changes from native to residual and technical lignin influences T
g has proven difficult to elucidate. Since the T
g of macromolecules is greatly influenced by the molecular weight, low-molecular-weight fractions, such as milled wood lignin (MWL), are poor representatives of lignin in the cell wall. To circumvent this problem, lignins of both high yield and purity were isolated from Norway spruce and softwood kraft pulp using the enzymatic mild acidolysis lignin (EMAL) protocol. Technical softwood kraft lignin was also fractionated into groups of different molecular weights, to acquire lignin that spanned over a wide molecular-weight range. A powder sample holder for dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), was used to determine the T
g of lignins, for which calorimetric methods were not sensitive enough. The T
gs of EMAL were found to be closer to their in situ counterparts than MWL.
Channel parameter optimization of one-strand slab induction heating tundish with double channels
Authors: Xing Fei , Zheng Shuguo , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: March 2024

A generalized three-dimensional mathematical model is built to study the influences of channel parameters (channel angle, channel section diameter, and channel distance) on the molten steel flow, heat transfer, and inclusion removal in the induction heating tundish. The results demonstrate that as the channel angle increases, the flow of molten steel in the discharging chamber gradually slows down. When the channel angle is 6°, the temperature of the discharging chamber is slightly lower than when the channel angles are 2° and 4°. When the channel angle is 2°, the inclusion removal rate is lower than when the channel angles are 4° and 6°, while the latter two have little difference. As the channel section diameter increases, the flow of molten steel in the discharging chamber gradually slows down. When the channel section diameter is 100 mm, the temperature distribution in the discharging chamber is uneven. While the temperature distributions of the discharging chamber are even and similar, when the channel section diameters are 150 and 200 mm. As the channel section diameter increases, the removal rate of inclusion gradually decreases. The variation of channel distance has little effect on the temperature distribution of the discharging chamber. When the channel distance is 600 mm, the removal rate of inclusion is lower than when the channel distances are 1,000 and 1,400 mm. Moreover, for the latter two, the removal rates of inclusions have little difference. For this model, the best channel angle is 4°, the best channel section diameter is 150 mm, and the best channel distance is 1,000 mm.
Character degrees of 5-groups of maximal class
Authors: He Lijuan , Lv Heng , Yang Dongfang
Published: March 2024

Let 𝐺 be a 5-group of maximal class with major centralizer

G
1

=

C
G

⁢

(

G
2

/

G
4

)

G_{1}=C_{G}({G_{2}}/{G_{4}})

.
In this paper, we prove that the irreducible character degrees of a 5-group 𝐺 of maximal class are almost determined by the irreducible character degrees of the major centralizer

G
1

G_{1}

and show that the set of irreducible character degrees of a 5-group of maximal class is either

{
1
,
5
,

5
3

}

\{1,5,5^{3}\}

or

{
1
,
5
,
…
,

5
k

}

\{1,5,\ldots,5^{k}\}

with

k
≥
1

k\geq 1

.
New data supporting that early diagnosis and treatment are possible and necessary in intracellular cobalamin depletion: the case of transcobalamin II deficiency
Authors: Verónica Bindi , Crespo Carolina , Lochner Noelia , Rossetti Estefanía , Tagliavini Cecilia , Bouso Carolina , Eiroa Hernan
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Transcobalamin II (TC) promotes the cellular uptake of cobalamin (Cbl) through receptor-mediated endocytosis of the TC-cbl complex in peripheral tissues. TC deficiency is a rare disorder that causes intracellular Cbl depletion. It presents in early infancy with a failure to thrive, diarrhea, anemia, agammaglobulinemia, and pancytopenia. Data from five TC-deficient patients including clinical, biochemical, and molecular findings, as well as long-term outcomes, were collected.

Case presentation

Mutation analysis revealed one unreported pathogenic variant in the TCN2 gene. One patient had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. We conducted a retrospective analysis of C3 and C3/C2 from dried blood samples, as this is implemented for newborn screening (NBS). We detected a marked increase in the C3/C2 ratio in two samples. Treatment was based on parenteral Cbl. Three patients treated before six months of age had an initial favorable outcome, whereas the two treated later or inadequately had neurological impairment.

Conclusions

This is the first report of Argentinean patients with TC deficiency that detected a new variant in TCN2. NBS may be a tool for the early detection of TC deficiency. This data emphasizes that TC deficiency is a severe disorder that requires early detection and long-term, aggressive therapy. Accurate diagnosis is imperative, because early detection and treatment can be life-saving.
Assessing the Use of Scholarly Communication Platforms in Zambia
Authors: A Subaveerapandiyan , Subramani Saravanakumaran , Yadav Upasana , Mushanga Kapata , Amees Mohammad
Published: March 2024

This study examines the use of scholarly communication platforms in Zambia, exploring the perceptions, usage patterns and factors influencing the adoption and utilisation of these platforms among Zambian researchers and academics. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, the study gathered data from a sample of faculty members and researchers at selected universities in Zambia. The survey instrument consisted of three sections, collecting information on demographic background, scholarly communication practices in Zambia and the scholarly communication platforms used by the academic community. The findings reveal insights into the perceptions of scholarly communication services, the challenges faced by Zambian researchers in accessing and utilising scholarly resources and potential strategies to enhance scholarly communication in the country. Additionally, the study identifies the scholarly communication platforms most widely used by the Zambian academic community and the factors influencing their adoption and usage. This research contributes to the limited literature on scholarly communication in Zambia, providing valuable insights for stakeholders involved in promoting and enhancing scholarly communication practices within the country.
X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of MXene electrode material used in energy storage applications – a review
Authors: Azam Mohd Asyadi , Kosnan Muhammad Akmal , Munawar Rose Farahiyan , Yin Tee Chee , Halim Nurhaliana Shazwani Mohd , Klimkowicz Alicja , Takasaki Akito
Published: March 2024

X-rays have many uses in screening and materials characterization applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis are among them. From the XRD data, a crystal structure can be determined by analysis of the XRD pattern, intensity, and positions of the peaks. Information about the crystallographic space group, lattice parameters, preferred orientation, and crystallite size can be derived. XPS examines the surface chemical state of a sample. This review will focus exclusively on MXene compounds and their analysis using XRD and XPS. MXene are layered compounds with a strong potential for application in energy storage. Since MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitride, the material exhibit signals indicating the presence of specific transition elements, 1s carbon, and 1s oxygen. Additionally, there is a possibility of detecting an element from group 13 or 14 of the periodic table, such as aluminum, nitrogen, or fluorine. A comprehensive study based on XRD and XPS analytical techniques of 2-dimensional electrode materials may provide advancement in the field of energy storage. MXene especially deserve attention due to their remarkable structural and electrochemical characteristics, such as conductivity, topological, and surface area, which attracted numerous researchers worldwide.
Neuroprotective mushrooms
Authors: Abdelmoaty Mai M. , Kadry Rana , Mosley R. Lee , Gendelman Howard E.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Alternative medicines commonly supplement or, at times, replace standard medical treatment. One area of increasing attention is disease-modifying medicines for neurodegenerative diseases. However, few such alternatives have been investigated thoroughly with an eye towards understanding mechanisms of action for clinical use. Medicinal mushrooms have important health benefits and pharmacological activities with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, digestive, cytoprotective, homeostatic, and neuroprotective activities. Edible mushrooms are known to play roles in preventing age-related diseases. Several studies have revealed that polysaccharides, terpenes, and phenolic compounds are chemical components derived from mushrooms with pharmacological activities. Due to limited effective protocols for mushroom protein extraction for proteomic studies, information about these medicinally related proteins and their biological functions remains enigmatic.

Methods

Herein, we have performed proteomic studies of two mushroom species Laricifomes officinalis (agarikon) and Grifola frondosa (maitake).

Results

These studies serve to uncover a foundation for putative proteome-associated neuroprotective processes. The recovered proteins from both species show multiple cell-specific signaling pathways including unfolded protein response, and mitochondrial protein import as well as those linked to BAG2, ubiquitination, apoptosis, microautophagy, glycolysis, SNARE, and immunogenic cell signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This study uncovered mushroom proteome-associated proteins which serve to better understand the structural and functional properties of mushrooms used as alternative medicines for broad potential health benefits.
The Impact of School Leaders on Teachers’ Engagement in School Improvement Through an Intergenerational Diversity Lens
Authors: Melnikova Julija , Šakytė-Statnickė Gita
Published: March 2024

The aim of the research study is to analyse how the leadership of school leaders could encourage teachers to participate more effectively
in school improvement, taking into account the different generations of teachers and the specificities of those generations. The
scientific literature suggests that a specific focus on intergenerational diversity is necessary to better understand differences in teacher
engagement in school improvement. A qualitative methodology was chosen to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding
of the participants’ real-world experiences and their subjective interpretations of those experiences. Fifteen school leaders from
general education schools in Lithuania participated in the focus group discussion, and provided insights on how school leaders’
leadership may impact teachers’ engagement in school improvement initiatives, with the focus on addressing generational diversity.
The proposed study does not aim to promote intergenerational stereotypes, but rather to focus on unique intergenerational values,
behaviours and skills. The findings would be useful in developing research-based recommendations for school leaders’ practices
(e.g. recruitment and retention, job satisfaction, career development, motivation and empowerment, teacher role and performance,
leadership, etc) for encouraging groups of teachers of different generations to become more engaged in school improvement.