bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provably Efficient Reinforcement Learning with Linear Function Approximation
Authors: Jin Chi , Yang Zhuoran , Wang Zhaoran , Jordan Michael I.
Published: March 2023

Modern reinforcement learning (RL) is commonly applied to practical problems with an enormous number of states, where function approximation must be deployed to approximate either the value function or the policy. The introduction of function approximation raises a fundamental set of challenges involving computational and statistical efficiency, especially given the need to manage the exploration/exploitation trade-off. As a result, a core RL question remains open: how can we design provably efficient RL algorithms that incorporate function approximation? This question persists even in a basic setting with linear dynamics and linear rewards, for which only linear function approximation is needed. This paper presents the first provable RL algorithm with both polynomial run time and polynomial sample complexity in this linear setting, without requiring a “simulator” or additional assumptions. Concretely, we prove that an optimistic modification of least-squares value iteration—a classical algorithm frequently studied in the linear setting—achieves [Formula: see text] regret, where d is the ambient dimension of feature space, H is the length of each episode, and T is the total number of steps. Importantly, such regret is independent of the number of states and actions.

Funding: This work was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program on Lifelong Learning Machines.
Mechanism of Antifungal Activity of Piperine against Botrytis cinerea
Authors:   State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, P.R. China, Pu Te , Shi Jing ,   State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, P.R. China, Tao Li-hong ,   State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, P.R. China, Fan Li-ming ,   State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, P.R. China, Su Fa-wu ,   State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, P.R. China, Ye Min ,   State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, P.R. China
Published: March 2023

P iperine is a major component of plants of the Piperaceae family which is widely used in medical science. Botrytis cinerea is one of the most important phytopathogenic fungi causes postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables. To verify the possibility of using piperine as a botanical fungicide against B. cinerea, we determined the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of piperine against B. cinerea and investigated its antifungal mechanism effects on the mycelial surface, membrane integrity, soluble protein content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, succinate dehydrogenase and the malondialdehyde content of B. cinerea. The in vitro antifungal activity assay indicated that the EC50 value of piperine against B. cinerea was 58.66 μg/mL and the in vivo antifungal assay showed that piperine at 400 μg/mL suppressed 93.88% growth of B. cinerea on Lycopersic esculentum. The antifungal mechanism assay showed that piperine could inhibit mycelial growth of B. cinerea by reducing antioxidant activity, inhibiting the tricarboxylic acid pathway, and lysing the cell membrane. All these results indicated that piperine as a natural component has the potential to control B. cinerea and can be considered as a botanical fungicide for postharvest disease control of gray mold.
ADAPTATION OF WUK-90 HIGH ALTITUDE PRESSURE SUITS FOR REHABILITATION PURPOSES
Authors:   Neures Poland, Warsaw, Poland, Abakumow Maciej , Kowalczuk Krzysztof ,   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
Published: March 2023

Abstract: Integrating discoveries in military technology into civilian applications represents one of the most common combinations, since these include the technologies developed to, among other things, improve the bodily functions in extreme conditions. In addition, aviation technology is characterized by such parameters as lightness, ergonomics and durability. Adaptation of flight or space suits represents the application of solutions that in their original purpose were dedicated to enhance human capabilities under altered pressure and gravitational conditions. These suits, when properly adjusted, can be used in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological or orthopaedic deficits. The purpose of this publication is to show the most commonly adapted solutions based on HAP suits and space suits, as well as to demonstrate the process of adapting HAP (High Altitude Protection) suits of WUK 90 type (Type 90 High Altitude Pressure Suits) for therapy purposes. In rehabilitation applications, these suits are suitable for adaptation in therapy where the technical parameters of the devices allow to explore completely different therapeutic possibilities. Such devices, however, require adaptation to the needs of disabled people with orthopaedic injuries or mental disorders and specific conditions for rehabilitation, as was the case with the WUK suit, which after introducing technical modifications and adaptation solutions was given the name R-WUK (abbreviated from the Polish name “Rehabilitacyjny Wysokościowy Ubiór Kompensacyjny” (Rehabilitation High Altitude Pressure Suit).
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern: Between Legal Obligations and Political Reality
Authors: Eccleston-Turner Mark , Wenham Clare
Published: March 2023

This chapter lays out the legal criteria for the PHEIC declaration amid broader analysis of the International Health Regulations (2005). Importantly, it highlights that it is the Director General of WHO that decides on the declaration of the PHEIC, based on a series of evidence, one of which is the advice of the Emergency Committee. As an elected official, however, the DG is also able to take into consideration political considerations. On the other hand, the Emergency Committee, selected on the basis of their scientific expertise is only able to use the criteria of: unusual/unexpected; does the outbreak pose potential risk of international spread; and does the outbreak potentially require a coordinated international response in coming to its decision as to the need for a PHEIC declaration. We consider each of these in turn in more depth, and highlight how the roles of DG and EC have increasingly blurred in the use of the PHEIC in the last decade.
Conclusion
Authors: Eccleston-Turner Mark , Wenham Clare
Published: March 2023

We conclude this book by arguing that the PHEIC declaration has been subject to multiple failures over successive outbreaks. Firstly, that the criteria for the PHEIC have been inconsistently applied by DGs and ECs to date. Secondly, that political considerations have plagued all stages of the PHEIC process, and that such political input must only be reserved for the DG as a political elected actor. Third, in failing to consistently apply the legal criteria, the PHEIC risks jeopardising the normative power of the PHEIC tool, and in allowing these inconsistencies the normative power of the WHO in global disease control. We highlight the lack of transparency which mires the process of decision-making, as well as the lack of evidence base as to the effect of the PHEIC in practice.
Random spherical microlens array fabricated by elliptical vibration diamond cutting and molding
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Ma Shanyi , Tan Wei , Liu Mingchuan , Chen Xiao , Xiao Junfeng , Xu Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

Microlens arrays (MLAs) are widely used in homogenized laser beams due to excellent optical properties. However, the interference effect generated in traditional MLA (tMLA) homogenization will reduce the quality of the homogenized spot. Hence, the random MLA (rMLA) was proposed to reduce the interference effect in the homogenization process. To achieve mass production of these high-quality optical homogenization components, the rMLA with randomness in both period and sag height was proposed first. Subsequently, MLA molds were ultra-precision machined on S316 molding steel by elliptical vibration diamond cutting. Furthermore, the rMLA components were precisely fabricated by applying molding technology. Finally, Zemax simulation and homogenization experiments were carried out to verify the advantage of the designed rMLA.
Effect of fixational eye movements in corneal topography measurements with optical coherence tomography
Authors: de Castro Alberto , Martínez-Enríquez Eduardo , Marcos Susana
Published: March 2023

There is an increasing interest in applying optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantify the topography of ocular structures. However, in its most usual configuration, OCT data is acquired sequentially while a beam is scanned through the region of interest, and the presence of fixational eye movements can affect the accuracy of the technique. Several scan patterns and motion correction algorithms have been proposed to minimize this effect, but there is no consensus on the ideal parameters to obtain a correct topography. We have acquired corneal OCT images with raster and radial patterns, and modeled the data acquisition in the presence of eye movements. The simulations replicate the experimental variability in shape (radius of curvature and Zernike polynomials), corneal power, astigmatism, and calculated wavefront aberrations. The variability of the Zernike modes is highly dependent on the scan pattern, with higher variability in the direction of the slow scan axis. The model can be a useful tool to design motion correction algorithms and to determine the variability with different scan patterns.
High-resolution Cs–Rb two-photon spectrometer for directly stabilizing a Ti:sapphire comb laser
Authors: Liu Tze-Wei , Chen Bo-Wei , Yu Hsin-Hung , Cheng Wang-Yau
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present a simple scheme for efficiently removing the residual Doppler background of a comb laser based two-photon spectrometer to be better than 10−3 background-to-signal ratio. We applied this scheme to stabilize the frequencies of a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser directly referring to the cesium 6S–8S transition and rubidium 5S–5D transition. We suggest a standard operation procedure (SOP) for the fully direct comb laser stabilization and evaluate the frequency of two spectral lines at a certain temperature, by which we demonstrate an all-atomic-transition-based Ti:sapphire comb laser merely via a 6-cm glass cell.
Developing better digital health measures of Parkinson’s disease using free living data and a crowdsourced data analysis challenge
Authors: Sieberts Solveig K. , Borzymowski Henryk , Guan Yuanfang , Huang Yidi , Matzner Ayala , Page Alex , Bar-Gad Izhar , Beaulieu-Jones Brett , El-Hanani Yuval , Goschenhofer Jann , Javidnia Monica , Keller Mark S. , Li Yan-chak , Saqib Mohammed , Smith Greta , Stanescu Ana , Venuto Charles S. , Zielinski Robert ,   the BEAT-PD DREAM Challenge Consortium, Jayaraman Arun , Evers Luc J. W. , Foschini Luca , Mariakakis Alex , Pandey Gaurav , Shawen Nicholas , Synder Phil , Omberg Larsson
Published: March 2023

One of the promising opportunities of digital health is its potential to lead to more holistic understandings of diseases by interacting with the daily life of patients and through the collection of large amounts of real-world data. Validating and benchmarking indicators of disease severity in the home setting is difficult, however, given the large number of confounders present in the real world and the challenges in collecting ground truth data in the home. Here we leverage two datasets collected from patients with Parkinson’s disease, which couples continuous wrist-worn accelerometer data with frequent symptom reports in the home setting, to develop digital biomarkers of symptom severity. Using these data, we performed a public benchmarking challenge in which participants were asked to build measures of severity across 3 symptoms (on/off medication, dyskinesia, and tremor). 42 teams participated and performance was improved over baseline models for each subchallenge. Additional ensemble modeling across submissions further improved performance, and the top models validated in a subset of patients whose symptoms were observed and rated by trained clinicians.
Educational and employment outcomes associated with childhood traumatic brain injury in Scotland: A population-based record-linkage cohort study
Authors: Visnick Meghan J. , Pell Jill P. , Mackay Daniel F. , Clark David , King Albert , Fleming Michael
Published: March 2023

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among young children and adolescents and the effects can be lifelong and wide-reaching. Although there have been numerous studies to evaluate the impact of childhood head injury on educational outcomes, few large-scale studies have been conducted, and previous research has been limited by issues of attrition, methodological inconsistencies, and selection bias. We aim to compare the educational and employment outcomes of Scottish schoolchildren previously hospitalised for TBI with their peers.

Methods and findings

A retrospective, record-linkage population cohort study was conducted using linkage of health and education administrative records. The cohort comprised all 766,244 singleton children born in Scotland and aged between 4 and 18 years who attended Scottish schools at some point between 2009 and 2013. Outcomes included special educational need (SEN), examination attainment, school absence and exclusion, and unemployment. The mean length of follow up from first head injury varied by outcome measure; 9.44 years for assessment of SEN and 9.53, 12.70, and 13.74 years for absenteeism and exclusion, attainment, and unemployment, respectively. Logistic regression models and generalised estimating equation (GEE) models were run unadjusted and then adjusted for sociodemographic and maternity confounders. Of the 766,244 children in the cohort, 4,788 (0.6%) had a history of hospitalisation for TBI. The mean age at first head injury admission was 3.73 years (median = 1.77 years). Following adjustment for potential confounders, previous TBI was associated with SEN (OR 1.28, CI 1.18 to 1.39,p< 0.001), absenteeism (IRR 1.09, CI 1.06 to 1.12,p< 0.001), exclusion (IRR 1.33, CI 1.15 to 1.55,p< 0.001), and low attainment (OR 1.30, CI 1.11 to 1.51,p< 0.001). The average age on leaving school was 17.14 (median = 17.37) years among children with a TBI and 17.19 (median = 17.43) among peers. Among children previously admitted for a TBI, 336 (12.2%) left school before age 16 years compared with 21,941 (10.2%) of those not admitted for TBI. There was no significant association with unemployment 6 months after leaving school (OR 1.03, CI 0.92 to 1.16,p= 0.61). Excluding hospitalisations coded as concussion strengthened the associations. We were not able to investigate age at injury for all outcomes. For TBI occurring before school age, it was impossible to be certain that SEN had not predated the TBI. Therefore, potential reverse causation was a limitation for this outcome.

Conclusions

Childhood TBI, sufficiently severe to warrant hospitalisation, was associated with a range of adverse educational outcomes. These findings reinforce the importance of preventing TBI where possible. Where not possible, children with a history of TBI should be supported to minimise the adverse impacts on their education.
Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation in women with cancer: A comparative study
Authors: Filippi Francesca , Reschini Marco , Polledri Elisa , Cecchele Anna , Guarneri Cristina , Vigano Paola , Fustinoni Silvia , Platteau Peter , Somigliana Edgardo
Published: March 2023

Background

In women scheduled for cancer treatment, oocytes cryopreservation is a well-established procedure. Random start protocols have been a substantial improvement in this setting, allowing to prevent delay in the initiation of cancer treatments. However, there is still the need to optimize the regimen of ovarian stimulation, to make treatments more patient-friendly and to reduce costs.

Methods

This retrospective study compares two periods (2019 and 2020), corresponding to two different ovarian stimulation regimens. In 2019, women were treated with corifollitropin, recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonists. Ovulation was triggered with GnRH agonists. In 2020, the policy changed, and women were treated with a progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and dual trigger (GnRH agonist and low dose hCG) Continuous data are reported as median [Interquartile Range]. To overcome expected changes in baseline characteristics of the women, the primary outcome was the ratio between the number of mature oocytes retrieved and serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in ng/ml.

Results

Overall, 124 women were selected, 46 in 2019 and 78 in 2020. The ratio between the number of mature oocytes retrieved and serum AMH in the first and second period was 4.0 [2.3–7.1] and 4.0 [2.7–6.8], respectively (p = 0.80). The number of scans was 3 [3–4] and 3 [2–3], respectively (p<0.001). The total costs of the drugs used for ovarian stimulation were 940 € [774–1,096 €] and 520 € [434–564 €], respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Random start PPOS with hMG and dual trigger represents an easy and affordable ovarian stimulation protocol for fertility preservation in women with cancer, showing similar efficacy and being more friendly and economical.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the rural community about cutaneous leishmaniasis in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Bereket , Kelbore Abraham Getachew , Alemayehu Mihiretu , Adugna Chimdesa , Bibo Tessema , Megaze Aberham , Leirs Herwig
Published: March 2023

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by a Leishmania parasite and transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies. Community awareness is an essential component of disease control and prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the community’s knowledge, attitude, and practice toward CL in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to include 422 study subjects selected using a systematic sampling technique from two districts, Kindo Didaye and Sodo Zuria. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the household heads. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the participants’ knowledge about CL and socio-demographic characteristics.

Results

Out of the 422 study participants, only 19% had good knowledge of CL in general. Most (67.1%) of the respondents knew CL by its local name ("bolbo" or "moora") though this knowledge varied highly over the study districts. The majority (86.3%) of respondents did not know how CL is acquired, though they considered CL a health problem. Most (62.8%) respondents believed that CL was an untreatable disease. Most (77%) participants responded that CL patients preferred to go to traditional healers for treatment. Herbal treatment was the most (50.2%) used to treat CL. Knowledge about CL was significantly associated with sex, age, and study districts.

Conclusion

The overall knowledge, attitude, and practice about CL and its prevention in the study area were low. This emphasizes the need to implement health education and awareness campaign to reduce the risk of CL infection. Policymakers and stakeholders should also give due attention to the prevention and treatment of CL in the study area.
Inscripciones funerarias de Augusta Emerita sometidas al M.R.M.: primeros resultados
Authors: Hidalgo Martín Luis Ángel , Pires Hugo
Published: March 2023

En el marco del proyecto de investigación “Nueva Edición del CIL II: Conventus Emeritensis. 1.- Augusta Emerita. Tituli sepulcrales urbanos”3 venimos utilizando una nueva herramienta tecnológica con el fin de mejorar la visualización de textos epigráficos antiguos muy erosionados o dañados: el denominado “Modelo Residual Morfológico” (M.R.M.). Tal como se verá en varios ejemplares emeritenses (estelas y cupas graníticas, así como placas marmóreas) los resultados de este nuevo método suponen un considerable avance para acercarnos al estado original de las inscripciones, con el consiguiente aprovechamiento en los campos de la investigación y la difusión histórica.
“Reaparición gráfica” del teatro romano de Mérida por Vicente Paredes Guillén (1887-1911)
Authors: Morán Sánchez Carlos Jesús
Published: March 2023

En 2016 se cumplió el centenario del fallecimiento de Vicente Paredes Guillén, un personaje polifacético que dedicó parte de su gran actividad al estudio del patrimonio histórico y arqueológico, fundamentalmente en Extremadura, entre finales del s. XIX y comienzos del XX. Dentro de sus estudios, la “reaparición gráfica” del teatro romano de Mérida es concebida como un interesante ejercicio en el que el arquitecto imagina la forma y reconstrucción hipotética de este edificio. En este trabajo queremos rendir un homenaje a la figura de este estudioso, a la vez que analizar los distintos bocetos del edificio que realiza y la correspondencia intercambiada con los arqueólogos en su afán por reconstruir “al menos en el papel” la imagen del teatro romano emeritense. Además del interés de los dibujos en sí, el trabajo de Vicente Paredes, en su concepción, representa la bisagra que se establece entre los estudios eruditos de los siglos anteriores y la consolidación paulatina de la arqueología como disciplina científica a comienzos del siglo XX.
HÁBITOS DE VIDA, CONSUMO DE MÍDIAS DIGITAIS E SUA INFLUÊNCIA NA VIDA DE MULHERES ADULTAS
Authors: Henn Rosana , Forster Alexandre Julia
Published: March 2023

A evolução das redes sociais e mídias digitais é acompanhada pela mudança nos padrões de beleza, tendo como público-alvo mulheres que são pressionadas para atingir corpos inalcançáveis. Desta forma, esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar os hábitos de vida, consumo de mídias digitais e sua influência na vida de mulheres adultas de Santa Catarina. Teve caráter observacional, descritivo, transversal e quantitativo. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um questionário on-line encaminhado por meio de redes sociais, no segundo semestre de 2022. Das 162 avaliadas, 85,4% se sentiam influenciadas pelas mídias digitais. As redes sociais mais utilizadas foram Instagram®, WhatsApp®, Facebook e TikTok®. Os resultados demonstraram que mulheres já tiveram vontade de mudar o corpo após visualizarem fotos e vídeos de corpos-padrão e que são influenciadas de forma positiva ou negativa, dependendo de quais conteúdos são consumidos e da maneira como são interpretados individualmente.
Roles of the Zinc Ion and Water Molecule in the Active Site of the Copper-Zinc SOD Catalyst
Authors: Ryabykh A.V. , Maslova O.A. , Beznosyuk S.A.
Published: March 2023

In this work, we study the effect of a water molecule and a zinc ion on the catalytic activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase by computer simulation at the level of density functional theory using the PBE functional and the def2-SVPD and def2-TZVPD basis sets. Assessment is carried out in two directions. The first is a comparison of the main characteristics of electron transfer according to Marcus in the presence and absence of a water molecule in the active site. The second is the topological analysis of the electron density of the ligand environment of the copper ion according to Bader. It has been found that the presence of a water molecule and a zinc ion next to a copper ion has little effect on the primary stage of catalysis, the reduction of the copper ion. However, their presence significantly affects the course of the second stage of the catalytic cycle in the oxidation of copper. The water molecule is involved as a proton carrier. It may be present next to the copper ion during primary electron transfer. The water molecule leaves the first coordination sphere of copper after the initial electron transfer; otherwise, it forms a strong bond with the nitrogen atom, interrupting the electron transfer, according to the topological analysis. The presence of a water molecule near copper significantly impairs the secondary electron transfer, and the catalytic cycle is generally blocked.
A hungarikumok szerepe az országimázs formálásában
Authors: Tőzsér Anett
Published: March 2023

A hungarikumok olyan, csak a magyarságra jellemző értékek, amelyek révén a világ más országaiban élők Magyarországra, a magyarokra asszociálhatnak. Azon turisztikai kínálati elemek nagy része, amelyek miatt érdemes Magyarországra látogatni, és amelyekre a szakmai szervezetek hangsúlyt helyeznek a kommunikációjukban, a hungarikumok gyűjteményében is visszaköszönnek. A kutatás során szakirodalmi vizsgálat készült a hungarikumoknak az országimázs-formálásban betöltött szerepéről. Továbbá megkerestem azokat a szakmai szervezeteket, amelyek az országimázs formálásáért felelősek, s ezek képviselőivel félig strukturált interjúkat készítettem. A 10 válaszadó szervezet képviselői főként agráripari és gasztronómiai termékeket neveztek meg a külföldiek számára a magyarsággal leginkább azonosítható hungarikumként. Az is megállapítást nyert, hogy napjaink turizmusában a hungarikumok többsége még nem jelent kiemelt turisztikai vonzerőt, ugyanakkor számolni kell velük a Magyarország-kép megalkotásánál, sőt, egyre hangsúlyosabb eszközeivé kell válniuk a brandépítésnek.
Ablation therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases with and without extrahepatic metastases: evaluation of long-term outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Klubien Jeanett , Rosenberg Jacob , Skjoldbye Bjørn Ole , Lorentzen Torben , Nolsøe Christian Pállson , Pommergaard Hans-Christian Lykkegaard
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Ablation is a valuable treatment alternative to surgery for colorectal liver metastases. This study reports the long-term clinical outcomes in patients treated with ablation for colorectal liver metastases with or without extrahepatic metastases.Methods: Patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with ultrasound-guided ablation at Herlev Hospital, Denmark were included in this retrospective study.Results: This study included 284 patients with 582 metastases. Complete ablation was obtained in 258 patients (91%) evaluated within 6 weeks. During follow-up, 94 patients (33%) developed local recurrence. The median survival for all patients was 31 months, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 82%, 45%, and 21%, respectively. The median survival for patients with extrahepatic metastases (n=49, 17%) was 24 months compared with 33 months for patients without (P=0.142). Propensity score-adjusted Cox regression showed that extrahepatic metastases were associated with increased mortality, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 2.05; P=0.039). In multivariate Cox regression analysis for all patients, increased mortality risk was found for a diameter ≥2.6 cm (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.05), >1 metastasis (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.16), and extrahepatic metastases (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.03). Male sex (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.98) and receiving chemotherapy (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.92) were associated with decreased mortality.Conclusion: Ablation for colorectal liver metastases offers acceptable survival rates, including for patients with extrahepatic metastases. In addition, chemotherapy was associated with improved survival for both patients with and without extrahepatic metastases.
Análisis sistemático de la investigación y los estudios sobre infancia y juventud durante el estado de alarma por COVID-19 en Cataluña: Impacto social y educativo
Authors: Trull-Oliva Carme , Soler-Masó Pere , Úcar Xavier , Valls Gabernet Maria Josep
Published: March 2023

Las excepcionales circunstancias generadas por la pandemia en la sociedad afectan de manera especial a las personas y colectivos vulnerables o que están en riesgo de exclusión social. El estudio se centra en dichos colectivos y, sobre todo, en los efectos sobre la infancia, la adolescencia y la juventud en el ámbito territorial de Cataluña. Con el objetivo de analizar el impacto de la COVID-19 desde un enfoque social y educativo, se realiza un análisis sistemático de 19 artículos científicos seleccionados con el método PRISMA y un análisis no sistemático complementario de 39 estudios e informes elaborados específicamente en el contexto catalán desde el inicio de la pandemia hasta el momento actual. Los resultados describen y analizan ámbitos como la salud mental y el bienestar emocional; la escuela y el trabajo; las redes sociales y comunitarias; y las nuevas tecnologías. Identifican también el efecto causado en colectivos específicos a través de situaciones de pobreza, inmigración, acogimiento residencial/familiar, diversidad funcional y reconocimiento de personas LGTBI. Se concluye apuntando la necesidad de abordar y fortalecer la resiliencia comunitaria y, también, de focalizar el apoyo en los colectivos infantiles y juveniles vulnerabilizados por efecto de la pandemia.
Morphology and distribution patterns of Tulipa fosteriana and Tulipa ingens
Authors: Qizi Shukrullozoda Roza Shukrullo , Burxonovich Dekhkonov Davron , Kudratovich Khaydarov Khislat , Esanovich Kadirov Bakhtiyor , Sharobitdinovich Tojibaev Komiljon
Published: March 2023

Tulips are bulbous geophytes with high ornamental value. Species of Tulipa L. are distributed along western China to Eastern Europe. Central Asia including Uzbekistan is considered as the hotspot center of tulips where over 80 and 34 taxa are described. The current work presents morphology of the species from fresh materials, regional distribution and assessment of the area (AOO) and extent (EOO) of occurrence of the ancestor of cultivated tulips, Tulipa fosteriana and Tulipa ingens from Samarkand region (Uzbekistan). Illustrations of the species from fresh materials are also provided.
Conversational agents in language learning
Authors: Xiao Feiwen , Zhao Priscilla , Sha Hanyue , Yang Dandan , Warschauer Mark
Published: March 2023

Due to advances in technology, conversational agents are emerging as intelligent spoken dialogue systems that simulate natural conversation with human beings. A growing body of literature has investigated the potential of conversational agents in enhancing language learning across multiple contexts. In this paper, a broad scoping review examining the current literature on conversational agents and language learning was conducted. This review mapped APA PsycINFO, ERIC and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses databases, which yielded 23 papers for further analysis. Our examination of these papers suggests that there are three main ways in which conversational agents are used for language learning. This review discusses these three approaches and points to directions that require further research to fully exploit the potential of conversational agents in language learning.
Improved designs for short wavelength amplification based on a thulium-doped Ta2O5 waveguide
Authors: Khamis Mustafa A.
Published: March 2023

This study aims to design a thulium-doped Ta2O5 amplifier for short wavelength amplification at 1.7 µm waveband. The waveguide width of the proposed design is theoretically optimized to ensure the condition of single mode guidance and the appropriate width must be less than 3.2 µm. Finite element method based edge element is applied to compute the optical field distribution of the fundamental mode across the waveguide length and to find the values of the overlapping factor and the effective mode field area of the proposed waveguide. The numerical results display that 0.83 and 6.8 µm2 are the computed values of the overlapping factor and the effective mode field area, respectively at 1.72 µm wavelength. The amplification performance of a Tm:Ta2O5 amplifier is presented based on the rate equations and the power distribution equations. The effects of the waveguide length and the pump power are investigated on the signal amplification at 1.72 µm wavelength. The simulation results reveal that about 25 dB small signal gain and 8.7 dB noise figure could be achieved at 1.72 µm wavelength when pumped with only 100 mW pump power at 1630 nm wavelength. As a result, it is possible to achieve an efficient laser and amplifier source at the 1.7 µm waveband based on a Tm:Ta2O5 waveguide.
Co-directional waveguide grating coupler transmission and reflection dispersion characteristics performance
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Bhargavi Vijayan Sharmila , Mary Merlin Livingston Louis , Rajendran Radhika , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Hossain Md. Amzad
Published: March 2023

This paper reported the numerical estimation of co-directional waveguide grating coupler performance transmission characteristics. These dopant materials that are namely phosphorus dopant silica, fluorine dopant silica and boron dopant silica. Transmittivity/reflectivity and three dimension (3D) transmission mesh cross-section of pure silica waveguide grating coupler are outlined with grating dimensions. Coupling efficiency variations is clarified against the grating wavelength and the fill factor variations. Transmission and reflection dispersion of pure silica waveguide grating coupler is reported with grating dimensions. Transmission and reflection delay and dispersion spectrum of various materials-dopant based silica waveguide grating coupler are reported with grating wavelength. The output pulse intensity of pure silica waveguide grating coupler is demonstrated against the time span variations at the link length of 100 km.
Bipolar alternate mark inversion encoding (BAMI) scheme for performance signature of optical transceiver systems under thermal effects
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Kumar Manoharan Ranjith , Pugazhenthi Revathi , Prabu Ramachandran Thandaiah , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Hossain Md. Amzad
Published: March 2023

This study has clarified the bipolar alternate mark inversion encoding scheme for performance signature of optical transceiver systems under thermal effects. The light power through optical fiber channel variations with spectral wavelength at various temperature variations are clarified. The total electrical power through PIN receiver at various temperature variations are demonstrated. The electrical power amplitude, max Q Factor and min BER through PIN receiver at different temperature variations are clarified in details. Electrical and optical signal per noise ratio with laser bias current at various ambient temperatures are demonstrated. The total optical/electrical power and maximum quality signal with laser bias current at various temperature variations.
Study and development of dual core photonic crystal fiber for the employment of guided waves polarization modes
Authors: Zuhayer Asif , Reddy Mittamidi Madhusudhan , Anwer Twana Mohammed Kak , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Hossain Md. Amzad , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Mahrous Lenna
Published: March 2023

The properties of PCF have been emerged as an interesting field of research for sensing and detection of wavelengths of different refractive indices. These properties indicate that if analyte is used or not in the core of the PCF that does not influence on the sensor sensitivity. By reshaping the airhole’s size, wavelength sensitivity can be improved. The vast detection limit of refractive indices (RI) is taken 1.33–1.41. In addition, high amount of linearity is obtained at the limit of 1.33–1.42. After simulation, it is obtained that this work proposes high sensitivity of 4250 and 6200 nm/RIU for x and y polarization modes. Because of high sensing capability in the range of various frequencies, this PCF can be applicable for other simultaneous wavelength detection. This PCF also offers its eligibility on the field of biomedical technologies.
On Locally Finite Orthomodular Lattices
Authors: Burešová Dominika , Pták Pavel
Published: March 2023

Let us denote by

ℒ
ℱ

$[\mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

the class of all orthomodular lattices (OMLs) that are locally finite (i.e.,

L
∈
ℒ
ℱ

$[L\in \mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

provided each finite subset of L generates in L a finite subOML). In this note, we first show how one can obtain new locally finite OMLs from the initial ones and enlarge thus the class

ℒ
ℱ

$[\mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

. We find

ℒ
ℱ

$[\mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

considerably large though, obviously, not all OMLs belong to

ℒ
ℱ

$[\mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

. Then we study states on the OMLs of

ℒ
ℱ

$[\mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

. We show that local finiteness may to a certain extent make up for distributivity. For instance, we show that if

L
∈
ℒ
ℱ

$[L\in \mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

and if for any finite subOML K there is a state s: K → [0, 1] on K, then there is a state on the entire L. We also consider further algebraic and state properties of

ℒ
ℱ

$[\mathcal{L}\mathcal{F}$

relevant to the quantum logic theory.
Stable single-mode operation of distributed feedback quantum cascade laser under high current via a grating reflector
Authors: Ye Fan , Cheng Fengmin , Jia Zhiwei , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhuo Ning , Liu Fengqi , Zheng Youdou , Shi Yi
Published: March 2023

We report on an index-coupled distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) of high single-mode stability by using of a grating reflector (GR) to reflect effectively light of a specific wavelength. Fabrications of the QCLs were performed with λ∕4 equivalent phase shift (EPS) or sampled Moiré grating (SMG) structure, which regulates the light intensity distribution in the cavity and coupling strength. Both EPS-GR and SMG-GR QCLs demonstrate a high emission wavelength precision and a side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) of 24.5 dB at the injection current of 5 A and the pulse width of 5 μs, offering considerable output power even at the edge of the gain spectrum. Furthermore, we investigated the arrays of EPS-GR and SMG-GR QCLs with lower threshold current and higher output power by introducing semi-insulated InP (Fe) ranging from 8.25 to 8.67 μm and 8.16–8.63 μm, respectively. The present QCLs via a GR are prospective for applications requiring single-mode stability and wide tunability.
Shibui Katsura: The Emergence of a Japanese Global Icon, 1921–70
Authors: Emoto Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

“Katsura is shibui”—this persistent slogan originated in two special issues of House Beautiful published in 1960. Themed “Discover shibui” and “How to be shibui with American things,” these publications linked the image of the Katsura Detached Palace with shibui and employed this “untranslatable” word to evoke the notion of richness in simplicity. But as this article shows, Katsura’s global fame can be traced at least back to the early 1920s, when German scholars investigated the imperial villa as an example of Japanese timber construction, followed soon after by Japanese architects and critics. Shibui, in contrast, first became an aesthetic term when the Japanese government promoted it in the 1930s as part of a campaign to encourage foreign tourism. This study reconstructs the process through which a growing number of publications and international exchanges addressed these topics, culminating in the postwar period, when the initial contact between the two genealogies of Katsura and shibui sparked a heated aesthetic debate.
PcEiger links the Imd/Relish pathway to ROS production in the intestine of the red swamp crayfish
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Ping‐Ping , Wei Zhe , Wang Xian‐Wei
Published: March 2023

In the arthropod gut, commensal microbiota maintain the immune deficiency (Imd)/Relish pathway for expression of antimicrobial peptides, whereas pathogenic bacteria induce dual oxidase 2 (Duox2) for production of extracellular microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Imd/Relish pathway and the Duox2/ROS system are regarded as independent systems. Here, we report that these two systems are bridged by the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ortholog PcEiger in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. PcEiger expression is induced by commensal bacteria or the Imd/Relish pathway. PcEiger knockdown alters bacterial abundance and community composition due to variations in the oxidative status of the intestine. PcEiger induces Duox2 expression and ROS production by regulating the activity of the transcription factor Atf2. Moreover, PcEiger mediates regulation of the Duox2/ROS system by commensal bacteria and the Imd/Relish pathway. Our findings suggest that the Imd/Relish pathway regulates the Duox2/ROS system via PcEiger in P. clarkii, and they provide insights into the crosstalk between these two important mechanisms for arthropod intestinal immunity.
Talking about sex: erectile dysfunction in the oncology patient
Authors: Romeo Marilina , Spaggiari Giorgia , Furini Chiara , Granata Antonio R M , Toss Angela , Simoni Manuela , Santi Daniele
Published: March 2023

Cancer-related diagnosis and treatments can profoundly affect every aspect of an individual’s life. The negative impact on the sexual sphere can manifest with onset or worsening of the most frequent male form of sexual dysfunction, that is the erectile dysfunction (ED), with an estimated incidence ranging from 40 to 100% in patients living with cancer. Cancer and ED are strictly related for many reasons. First, the psychological distress, the so-called 'Damocles syndrome', afflicting cancer patients contributes to ED onset. Second, all cancer therapies can variably lead to sexual dysfunction, even more than the disease itself, having both direct or indirect effects on sexual life. Indeed, alongside pelvic surgery and treatments directly impairing the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis, the altered personal-body-image frequently experienced by people living with cancer may represent a source of distress contributing to sexual dysfunction. It is undeniable that sexual issues are currently neglected or at least under-considered in the oncological setting, mainly due to the subjective lack of preparation experienced by healthcare professionals and to scant information provided to oncological patients on this topic. To overcome these management problems, a new multidisciplinary medical branch called ‘oncosexology’ was set up. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate ED as an oncology-related morbidity, giving new light to sexual dysfunction management in the oncological setting.
Can Non-Subject-Based Off-Campus Training Improve Student Mental Health in the Context of the Implementation of the Double Reduction Policy? A Study Based on a Survey in 30 Counties in Six Eastern, Central, and Western Provinces of China
Authors: Fu Weidong , Li Wei
Published: March 2023

Mental Health of primary and secondary school students has drawn wide public attention against the backdrop of the implementation of the Double Reduction policy. This article aims to analyze the effects of non-subject-based off-campus training on student mental health based on an investigation among primary and secondary school students from 30 counties (cities, districts) in six eastern, central, and western provinces of China.
Flipped Learning Model: An Effective Approach to Primary School STEM Education
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqiao
Published: March 2023

As early as 1986, the US National Science Board published Undergraduate Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education, which is regarded as the initiation of STEM education (NSB, 1986). In October 2005, the National Academy of Science, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Center jointly submitted to the Congress of the United States Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, a report that put forward relevant recommendations to promote STEM education (Bybee, 2010). In October 2007, the US National Science Board issued A National Action Plan for Addressing the Critical Needs of the US Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education System, proposing to expand STEM education from colleges to primary and secondary schools (NSB, 2007). In 2009, former President of the United States, Barack Obama, emphasized the need for the nation to prioritize the development of STEM education. Since then, the US federal government has heavily invested in STEM education research across all levels, from kindergarten through higher education. Educational communities in other countries have also begun researching and implementing STEM education practices. Numerous studies and extensive practice have demonstrated the potential of STEM education in promoting students’ cognitive development, enhancing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills, as well as improving their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Horseradish and potato peroxidase biobleaching of mixed office waste paper
Authors: Biswas Pallavi , Bharti Amit K. , Dutt Dharm , Kadam Ashish
Published: March 2023

Mixed office waste (MOW) pulp was biodeinked with crude enzyme extracted from Penicillium citrinum NCIM-1398. Crude enzyme dose was charged having activities of endo β-1,4-glucanase 6I U/g, xylanase 876.19 IU/g, and amylase 26.53 IU/g. The present study aimed to bleach the biodeinked MOW pulp with 3% H2O2 in the presence of a stabilizing agent viz. 0.1% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 0.1% magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), which improved the pulp brightness up to 4.2% and the ERIC value was reduced by 24.1%. The residual H2O2 left in the pulp slurry after bleaching was subjected to peroxidase treatment using enzyme dose 0.017 U/g at 20 °C for 3 h at 200 rpm. Horseradish peroxidase reduced residual H2O2 in the pulp slurry from 0.30 to 0.05 g/L and improved the brightness of pulp to 88.1%, while the ERIC value was reduced by 20.9%. Potato peroxidase reduced residual H2O2 from 0.30 to 0.04 g/L, reduced the ERIC value by 30.9%, and improved the brightness to 89.2%. Peroxidase treatment was not only observed to consume the residual hydrogen peroxide left after the bleaching stage but also may come up as eco-friendly technology to recycle MOW paper as writing printing grade paper.
Mechanism study on Betula wood dowel rotation welding into larch and enhanced mechanism of treating with CuCl2
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Xue Yingying , Shen Jie , Huang Lingling , Gao Ying
Published: March 2023

Mechanical properties and chemical changes of wood dowel welding were studied using untreated and copper chloride (CuCl2)-treated Betula wood dowels. The effects of the welding times (3 s, 5 s, and 7 s) and the highest temperatures in the welding interface were also studied. The treated wood dowels with a welding time of 3 s and the highest temperature of 265.6 °C had the best pullout resistance. Wood constituents were pyrolyzed by the frictional heat generated from rotational welding to form oxygen-containing materials, most of which were C-O materials. With the extension of welding time, welding interface materials were pyrolyzed deeper, but the rate of pyrolysis decreased, which indicated that the pyrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose might have occurred in the prior period of the welding process. Acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose of the wood dowel treated with CuCl2 might have occurred during immersion, which promoted the formation of molten materials by the depolymerization and pyrolysis of wood constituents. With the same welding time, the content of oxygen-containing materials with treated samples was higher than with untreated samples, which might indicate that more pyrolysis and molten reactions occurred in the treated welding interface.