bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the «Smart City» Concept in the Development Of Territories
Authors: Ilyasova E.
Published: December 2024

Population growth and expansion of urban areas pose challenges to existing outdated infrastructure and inefficient use of resources. Smart cities strive to optimize the use of available resources, improve management systems, and improve the quality of life of residents. The article analyzes the views of scientists on the introduction of smart technologies in the process of management and development of the city. The current problems of the theory and practice of implementing the concept of «Smart City» in territorial administration are considered. In addition to considering the advantages of introducing new technologies into territorial administration, the article identifies a number of main problems faced by society in implementing the concept of a «Smart City».
Ojciec polskiego dokumentu. Uwag kilka na temat monografii Marka Cieślińskiego pt. Poruszyć miliony. Kino Jerzego Bossaka
Authors: Domke Radosław
Published: December 2024

Tekst omawia publikację naukową Marka Cieślińskiego z 2023 r., pt. Poruszyć miliony. Kino Jerzego Bossaka. Autor artykułu recenzyjnego wpisał swoje opracowanie w kontekst historii Polski XX w.
Kryzys humanitarny na granicy polsko-białoruskiej. Analiza zjawiska w perspektywie ładu społecznego
Authors: Niedźwiedzki Dariusz
Published: December 2024

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS ON THE POLISH-BELARUSIAN BORDER: ANALYSIS OF THE PHENOMENON FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIAL ORDER THEORY
The article concerns the humanitarian crisis on the Polish Belarusian border. The author describes and explains the phenomenon referring to the concept of social order by Stanisław Ossowski. The entities that create the social order at the Polish-Belarusian border are described and analysed: the EU, the Polish state and its institutions, civil society, inhabitants of the region and migrants crossing the border illegally. In the summary, the author points to the relationship between the social order created at the border and the humanitarian crisis.
Gastrointestinal symptoms related to COVID-19 in ileoanal pouch and stoma patients
Authors: Marinova Rali , Marinova Petya
Published: December 2024

COVID-19 symptoms are often perceived as respiratory only. However, recent findings have shown that gastrointestinal symptoms are being reported in a significant number of patients, ranging from 17% to more than 50%, with some studies speculating that the figure may be even higher, but that it is under-reported and overlooked. Therefore, a hypothesis was put forward that gastrointestinal symptoms related to COVID-19 may make pouch or stoma function deteriorate or even mimic pouchitis symptoms in ileoanal pouches and gastroenteritis in stoma patients; the intention was to investigate this further and to test the hypothesis. A retrospective analysis of patients with a stoma or ileoanal pouch was conducted, including those who reported having gastrointestinal symptoms following a positive COVID-19 test in the preceding 4 years (2020–2024). It was anticipated that gaining insight into this topic can help improve care for this patient group.
Homeostasis: understanding the effects of impaired mechanisms
Authors: Leontino Giuseppe , Duval-Pazzaglia Melanconia
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on homeostasis and offers a pathophysiological perspective. The dynamic mechanisms responsible for maintaining internal balance and disruptive processes will be analysed through the lens of key systems including the nervous, endocrine and renal systems. The environmental factors and their potential impact on homeostasis have been considered. A clinical case study will contextualise homeostasis in clinical practice.
CPD: BCLA CLEAR
Authors: Retallic Neil , Dutta Debarun
Published: December 2024

In the first in a series of articles summarising the key findings of the BCLA CLEAR publication, a major review of the published evidence base relating to all aspects of contact lens practice, Neil Retallic and Dr Debarun Dutta offer an overview of the BCLA CLEAR section relating to the anatomy and physiology of the eye. (C 101587, suitable for one distance learning CPD point for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians)
New start in New York
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: December 2024

Vision Expo East returned to New York after a three-year pandemic hiatus. Simon Jones reports
Dispensing interactive 1
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey summarises your discussions concerning the case of progressive power lens intolerance described in the recent interactive CPD exercise C 101524, and author Peter Black offers his view on one specific potential cause of the problem
A change in approach
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Practitioners tell Andrew McClean how technology aided the triage and pre-screening process during lockdowns
CPD: BCLA CLEAR – 2
Authors: Bradford Pauline
Published: December 2024

The second in a series of articles summarising the key findings of the BCLA CLEAR publication, a major review of the published evidence relating to all aspects of contact lens practice, Pauline Bradford offers an overview of the BCLA CLEAR section relating to contact lens complications. (C102349, suitable for one distance learning CPD point for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians)
Contact lenses interactive – 1
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: December 2024

In the second article outlining the projects of students shortlisted for the 2021 UK and Ireland FORCE awards, Bill Harvey describes the two runner-up winning projects from the Technology University Dublin and Bradford University
Central acuity, future vision
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey is excited by the potential for a newly developed app to assist in monitoring the central acuity of his patients, whatever their age
CPD: CLEAR interactive 2
Authors: Retallic Neil , Bradford Pauline
Published: December 2024

Neil Retallic and Pauline Bradford introduce a new interactive CPD exercise based upon the BCLA CLEAR publication considering contact lens complications as featured in last month's Optician Contact Lens Monthly (C102632, suitable for logging as one interactive CPD point for optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians)
Patient and ECP satisfaction with Precision1 for Astigmatism contact lenses
Authors: Perez-Gomez Inma , Valente Roberto , Vonbun Harald
Published: December 2024

A year after their UK launch, Dr Inma Perez-Gomez, Roberto Valente and Harald Vonbun take a closer look at the Alcon Precision1 for Astigmatism daily disposable toric water gradient contact lenses and a study of patient and practitioner experiences with the lenses
Ripples in smart eyewear sector
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: December 2024

Challenges for Apple Vision products and Meta wants a piece of EssilorLuxottica. Simon Jones reports
CPD: Enhancing patient care
Authors: Anderson Fiona , Black Tina Arbon
Published: December 2024

Fiona Anderson and Tina Arbon Black consider the challenges faced by practitioners when prescribing myopia management
Clear vision for the future
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean reports on Fight for Sight's five-year strategy
Seven-minute eye test OO must work under special conditions
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: December 2024

GOC hands optometrist two-year order for multiple departures from standards. Simon Jones reports
CPD: Thyroid eye disease
Authors: Lee Miss Vickie , Dokal Kitt
Published: December 2024

Dr Kitt Dokal and Miss Vickie Lee offer a deep dive into the detection and management of thyroid eye disease, showing how primary care professionals can remain vigilant to signs and symptoms
Methods used in remediation of oil contaminated soils
Authors: Ahmadli A. A. , Muradov P. Z.
Published: December 2024

Both in the world and in our republic, sufficient methods are used for the treatment of oil-contaminated soils, and the search for new methods and technologies is focused on as a priority direction. It is clear that when considering each method, its advantages and disadvantages are discussed. At this time, aspects such as environmental safety, economic efficiency, impact on human health and the environment, practicality and ease of purchase are taken into account during the use of that method. In this review article, the purpose of determining the advantages and disadvantages of the use of physical, chemical and biological recovery methods, guided by the world practice, was chosen as the goal of eliminating the problem. At this time, the main attention was focused on ecological safety and improving the state of the environment, for this purpose it was determined that bioremediation, especially the use of micromycetes in remediation, is more suitable for the purpose.
Low-grade systemic inflammation, but not neuroinflammation, is associated with 12-month postoperative outcome after total hip arthroplasty in patients with painful osteoarthritis
Authors: Blichfeldt-Eckhardt Morten R. , Varnum Claus , Lauridsen Jørgen T. , Rasmussen Lasse E. , Mortensen Winnie C. P. , Jensen Hanne I. , Vaegter Henrik B. , Lambertsen Kate L.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Better prediction of outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is warranted. Systemic inflammation and central neuroinflammation are possibly involved in progression of osteoarthritis and pain. We explored whether inflammatory biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were associated with clinical outcome, and baseline pain or disability, 12 months after THA.

Methods

A total of 50 patients from the Danish Pain Research Biobank (DANPAIN-Biobank) between January and June 2018 were included. Postoperative outcome was assessed as change in Oxford Hip Score (OHS) from baseline to 12 months after THA, pain was assessed on a numerical rating scale, and disability using the Pain Disability Index. Multiple regression models for each clinical outcome were included for biomarkers in blood and CSF, respectively, including age, sex, BMI, and Kellgren-Lawrence score.

Results

Change in OHS was associated with blood concentrations of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), glycoprotein 130 (gp130), and IL-1β (R2 = 0.28, p = 0.006), but not with CSF biomarkers. Baseline pain was associated with blood concentrations of lymphotoxin alpha (LTα), TNFR1, TNFR2, and IL-6R (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.001) and CSF concentrations of TNFR1, TNFR2, IL-6, IL-6R, and IL-1Ra (R2 = 0.40, p = 0.001). Baseline disability was associated with blood concentrations of TNF, LTα, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1α (R2 = 0.53, p < 0.001) and CSF concentrations of gp130, TNF, and IL-1β (R2 = 0.26, p = 0.002). Thus, preoperative systemic low-grade inflammation predicted 12-month postoperative outcome after THA, and was associated with preoperative pain and disability.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of systemic inflammation in osteoarthritis, and presents a possible path for better patient selection for THA in the future. Preoperative central neuroinflammation was associated with preoperative pain and disability, but not change in OHS after THA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):741–749.
Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Distal Ulna: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Adnan Mohd , Ahmed Parwez ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Subharti Medical College and Hospital, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India., Kumar S Krishna ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Khan Azad ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Subharti Medical College and Hospital, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Primary leiomyosarcoma affecting the bone is an uncommon destructive tumor that primarily affects the elderly. If leiomyosarcoma is discovered in bone, it should be explored as a possible metastasis from a distant tumor. Surgical excision with broad margins is used as therapy.

Case Report: A 50-year-old man reported to outpatient department with a 5-month chief complaint of a painful mass involving his left carpus that had grown. No history of trauma was present. Examination demonstrated a painful restriction of wrist motions, and ill-defined, immobile, tender hard mass measuring 5 × 3 cm along the ulnar border of the left wrist. All necessary investigations were done and were diagnosed as primary leiomyosarcoma of the distal ulna. Patient was managed surgically with resection with wide en bloc resection with a margin of at least 2 mm around the tumor and radioulnar stabilization with the help of 1 K-wire (2.5 mm). Post-operative period was uneventful.

Conclusion: Osseous leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon tumor, it should be evaluated in the diagnosis of any solely lytic aggressive osseous lesion in a middle age, Furthermore, the existence of extraosseous main lesions should be ruled out for its diagnosis. At present, surgery is the most effective therapy option.

Keywords: Pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, wide resection, ulna.
Traumatic Hip Dislocation with Proximal Femoral Epiphyseal Fracture in 12-Year-Old Boy: A Case-Based Review
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, LTMMC and General Hospital, Sion Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 1 Seth GSMC and KEM hospital, Parel, Mumbai ,, Maharashtra, India., Kumar R Kiran , Awachat Amit M ,   Department of Orthopaedics, LTMMC and General Hospital, Sion Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 1 Seth GSMC and KEM hospital, Parel, Mumbai ,, Maharashtra, India., Sharan Sudhir ,   Department of Orthopaedics, LTMMC and General Hospital, Sion Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 1 Seth GSMC and KEM hospital, Parel, Mumbai ,, Maharashtra, India., Jathkar Akshay ,   Department of Orthopaedics, LTMMC and General Hospital, Sion Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 1 Seth GSMC and KEM hospital, Parel, Mumbai ,, Maharashtra, India., Naidu Ajay ,   Department of Orthopaedics, LTMMC and General Hospital, Sion Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 1 Seth GSMC and KEM hospital, Parel, Mumbai ,, Maharashtra, India., Akhade Nagesh ,   Department of Orthopaedics, LTMMC and General Hospital, Sion Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 1 Seth GSMC and KEM hospital, Parel, Mumbai ,, Maharashtra, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Pediatric hip fractures comprised <1% of all pediatric fractures. These fractures are usually associated with high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or fall from height. The Delbet classification of pediatric hip fractures is frequently used to describe these injuries and to relate the fracture type to the development of avascular necrosis. Treatment should be given as an emergency basisand monitoredaccording to the type of fracture and the patient’s age. Historically, casting was used for such fractures; however, due to the high complication rate, the treatment modality has shifted to early anatomical fixation.

Case Report: We presentthe case report withdetailed history, examination, and treatment of a 12-year-old boy with an uncommon site of fracture at right transepiphyseal hip fracture with dislocation. Emergency initial operation was done and followed up for 2-year duration on regular basis. The patient has currently normal gait with painful terminally restricted movements.

Conclusion: Early recognition and operative management of pediatric hip fractures has improved outcomes.

Keywords: Fracture neck of femur, femoral epiphysial fracture, pediatric hip fracture, Ganz safe dislocation of hip, Delbet classification, hip spica application
Post-Traumatic Longitudinal Atlanto-Occipital Dissociation without Neurodeficits Treated with Visor (Head-Neck-Chest ) Orthosis – a Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors:   Department of Spine Surgery, Children Hospital Westmead, Sydney, Australia., Sakhrekar Rajendra , Keane Corinne ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Children Hospital Westmead, Sydney, Australia., Woo Elise ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Children Hospital Westmead, Sydney, Australia., Knapman Myles ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Children Hospital Westmead, Sydney, Australia., McCann Matthew R. ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Children Hospital Westmead, Sydney, Australia., Gray Randolph ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Children Hospital Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Death is the most common outcome of longitudinal atlanto-occipital dissociation (L-AOD). Even though rare, survival is commonly seen in the pediatric population. This study reports a successful outcome of a pediatric patient with an L-AOD without neurodeficits, immobilized in a visor (head-neck-chest) orthosis.

Case Report: A 9-year-old boy came off his motorbike during a jump at ~50 kph. He was transferred from the primary hospital with spine precautions and a cervical collar with multiple injuries with neurologically intact on presentation. The computed tomography (CT) spine demonstrated a widening of the basion–dens interval, estimated approximately at 16 mm (normal <10 mm), with the widening of the atlanto-occipital articulations with occipital condyles and atlas facet distance markedly widened approximately at 7 mm (normal <5 mm). Considering intact neurology and no complete tear of the tectorial membrane, the decision was made to immobilize in a visor (head-neck-chest) orthosis for controlled vertical cranial settling to occur. Periodic cervical spine imaging over 3 months was done to assess the reduction. At the end of 3 months, dynamic cervical spine X-rays and CT scans confirmed atlanto-occipital articulations with the basion–dens interval and intercondylar distance within normal limits.

Conclusion: L-AOD is a rare diagnosis with a high rate of neurological deficits and mortality. The advancements in emergency care, diagnostic methods, and treatment options have increased survival rates and overall prognosis of the atlanto-occipital dissociation. A visor (head-neck-chest) orthosis and careful observation could be one of the treatment options for L-AOD.

Keywords: Longitudinal atlanto-occipital dissociation, visor (head-neck-chest) orthosis, pediatric cervical spine injury.
Distributed H∞ State Feedback Control for Multi-Agent Systems with Imperfect Communication Networks
Authors: STOICU Serena Cristiana , STOICA Adrian-Mihail
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this paper consists in the analysis and design of distributed control systems for multi-agent systems simultaneous with various types of disturbances attenuation. The distributed structures refer to those structures for which the control laws depend only on neighbouring agents states, more precisely, communication between certain agents is missing. The design approach is based on the definition of a H∞ type cost function for the entire system, a frequently used method, especially for aerospace applications with a single agent. As a case study, a flight formation consisting of four agents with identical dynamics is used, whose time evolutions are analysed according to the effects of different communication networks failures.
When Trans met Discipline: scenes from an arranged marriage
Authors: Sitas Rike , bhagat heeten
Published: December 2024

Transdisciplinarity is all the rage!

This spirited statement, or announcement even, rings true of the contemporary intellectual landscape. The amalgamated term/concept proposes a means to breakdown traditional boundaries, encourage collaboration outside of staid academic spaces and in doing so become a key driver for innovation. Many have bought into this promise. However, amidst the fervour for the promise of fluidity of knowledge and interdisciplinary exchange lies a productive tension between the principles of transness and the inherent fixity of traditional disciplinary structures. Etymologically, they sit on opposites ends of a spectrum indicating flux and fixity. What kind of union does this term portend? What is liminal, or overlooked in the composition these opposing forces?

Our provocation aims to take on a playful troubling in what observe as a limitation of the scope of transdisciplinary work. Drawing on critical perspectives from trans and queer studies, discipline-making and un-disciplining and the energies that heralded the birth of transdisciplinarity, our provocation plays with the tacit ways in which power structures, historical legacies, and implicit biases continue to operate spaces that claim transdisciplinarity. We aim to argue for a more thorough understanding of the interplay between fixity and fluidity, highlighting how acknowledging these dynamics can lead to an expanded palette of work that can leap beyond the current practices of engaged scholarship towards the speculative and outrageous. Through a series of conversations with texts, theorists and activists, our contribution will work to make productive mischief from the periphery.
Overview on the state of polarization sensing: application scenarios and anomaly detection algorithms
Authors: Pellegrini Saverio , Minelli Leonardo , Andrenacci Lorenzo , Rizzelli Giuseppe , Pilori Dario , Bosco Gabriella , Della Chiesa Luca , Crognale Claudio , Piciaccia Stefano , Gaudino Roberto
Published: December 2024

Given the ubiquity of optical fiber networks in both terrestrial and submarine environments, leveraging these facilities for sensing anomalous conditions alongside telecommunications can provide significant added value. In this context, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems have been widely employed and discussed due to their sensitivity and ability to locate events. However, integrating them within existing networks is complex and expensive. On the other hand, the received state of polarization (SOP) is also sensitive to external factors, and it can be used for sensing: in this case, no extra hardware would be required since the SOP is already estimated in coherent receivers for data demodulation. The sensing information is provided “for free” by the already installed hardware, potentially requiring only a software upgrade. In this work, we analyze the feasibility of using polarization-based sensing to detect anomalous conditions in metropolitan environments. A polarimeter was used to evaluate SOP noise induced by urban factors, while a commercial coherent transceiver was employed to assess SOP estimation noise. We propose two algorithms for processing polarization data: a time-based method called SOP angular speed (SOPAS) and an adaptive, frequency-based approach named SOP-power spectral density gap (SOP-PSDG). These algorithms were compared by processing Stokes vector samples from the polarimeter when different sinusoidal vibrations are applied to the fiber through a mechanical shaker. Results demonstrate that a sampling rate of just a few tens of Hz is sufficient to effectively identify various hazardous conditions, with SOP-PSDG consistently outperforming SOPAS. Additionally, preliminary findings on the performances of these algorithms using SOP samples from a commercial coherent receiver are discussed.
Evaluation of CALIOP derived backscattering coefficient (bbp(532)) product over contrasted oceanic waters
Authors: Vadakke-chanat Sayoob , Jamet Cédric , Lu Xiaomei , Hu Yongxiang
Published: December 2024

CALIOP satellite sensor offers advantages over passive sensors, particularly during nighttime and in polar-subpolar regions. Though originally designed for atmospheric studies, it was adapted to retrieve the backscattering coefficient at 532 nm, bbp(532) in the ocean. Scarce matchups and the lack of standardized protocol hindered previous validation efforts. An evaluation using a standardized protocol and diverse in-situ datasets from contrasted oceanic waters was carried out for the period 2008-2021, with the 2018-2021 period being evaluated for the first time. A strong correlation was observed with R2 up to 0.94 (RMS: 0.001-0.01 m−1, MRE: 42.7%-63%, bias: 36.88%-13.09%). A comparison with MODIS-Aqua bbp(532) product was performed showing comparable estimates of bbp(532). BGC-Argo data from 2018-2021 were also used to evaluate CALIOP bbp(532), revealing a lower correlation compared to 2008-2021 period, probably due to a decrease in CALIOP lidar power.
Demonstration of terahertz spoof surface plasmon polariton waveguides using coplanar striplines with internal corrugations
Authors: Haghighat Mohsen , Dehghanian Ali , Darcie Thomas , Smith Levi
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the design and experimental verification of a terahertz (THz) spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) waveguide using a coplanar stripline (CPS) with internal corrugations and is compared against an external corrugation configuration. Internal corrugations are selected to reduce the insertion loss by improving the mode conversion efficiency of the transition circuit. We examine this effect using simulation and then experimentally confirm that the SSPP mode was excited for two different corrugation depths, 55 µm, and 65 µm. We found that the associated SSPP band-edge frequency changed from 0.89 THz to 0.72 THz which is consistent with the simulations.
On the nonlinear rovibrational excitation of phononic frequency combs in molecules
Authors: Lei Hongbin , Zhang Qian , Xie Hongqiang , Meng Congsen , Peng Zhaoyang , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Jinlei , Bai Guangru , Ganesan Adarsh , Zhao Zengxiu
Published: December 2024

The mechanical analog of optical frequency combs, phononic frequency combs (PFCs), has recently been demonstrated in mechanical resonators via nonlinear coupling among multiple phonon modes. However, the requisite strong nonlinear couplings need not be readily present for exciting phononic combs in molecules. To overcome this limitation, this paper introduces an alternative route for generating phononic combs in polar molecules. Theoretically, we investigated the radiation and phononic spectra generated from CO molecules possessing relatively large permanent dipole moment with density matrix formalism. By considering the rovibronic excitation of the ground-state CO molecule while avoiding the electronic excitation, the contribution of the permanent dipole moment and electric dipole polarizability to creating PFCs is demonstrated and distinguished. The finding could motivate the possible extension of combs to molecular systems to offer new avenues in molecular sciences.
Determination of fast axis and phase retardation of wave plates using polarization common-path vortex interferometry
Authors: Lin Jiun-You , Lai Pin-Yu , Hsieh Meng-Chang
Published: December 2024

This Letter introduces a method for identifying the fast axis and phase retardation of wave plates by means of polarization common-path vortex interferometry. The technique utilizes a composite polarized vortex beam interacting with the wave plate under test. By analyzing the azimuth angle of the dark fringe in the interference pattern, the wave plate’s characteristics are accurately extracted. The method involves rotating the wave plate to align its principal axes, followed by determining the fast-axis orientation and the phase retardation based on the direction of the dark fringe. The measurement theory is presented, and the feasibility of the technique is substantiated through experimental demonstration.
Phase stable OCT with a 1050 nm tunable VCSEL and photonic integrated circuit
Authors: Johnson Bart , Melendez Carlos , Niemeier Ryan , Blasing David , Ford Tim , Huffman Taran , Srinivasan Ajay , Nguyen Thien-An , Trimble Tina , Whitney Peter
Published: December 2024

A turnkey phase-sensitive swept-source OCT system requires stabilization of both the swept source and main signal interferometer. We have provided stable clocking and triggering of a 1050 nm swept MEMS VCSEL by mounting a solid clock etalon and volume Bragg grating optical trigger inside a temperature-stabilized butterfly package. A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) provides a phase-stable main interferometer near the sample. This system is only sensitive to the motion of sample, not to the fibers leading to and from the PIC. We provide optical frequency domain reflectivity measurements of the PIC performance. We also demonstrate OCT imaging as well as static and dynamic phase measurements of a Kindle e-book reader electrophoretic display.
Nearly collimated 940-nm buried-photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser for lens-free discrete multitone transmission at 22  Gbit/s over 20  m
Authors: Lin Gong-Ru , Miao Wen-Chien , Chen Po-Lun , Ho Pin-Wei , Hong Yu-Heng , Chang Shu-Wei , Wu Chao-Hsin , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: December 2024

By using a high-power surface-emitting laser configured with a buried two-dimensional hollow pyramid photonic-crystal layer (referred to as PhCSEL) with a low-divergent-angle (0.25 deg) and large-emission-aperture beam at 940 nm, a lensless free-space-optical point-to-point link with either NRZ-OOK or QAM-DMT data format carried by the nearly collimated beam is demonstrated over 0.3-m short-reach and 20-m long-reach schemes. The buried 2D hollow pyramid photonic-crystal layer configures the band-edge lasing effect to induce zero group velocity for all coupled light waves and provide an almost collimated beam across a broad aperture. Under directly encoded back-to-back transmission, the PhCSEL offers a
−3  dB
bandwidth of 3.25 GHz to enable either the NRZ-OOK data rate up to 5.75 Gbit/s or the 3-GBaud 64-ary QAM DMT data rate of 18 Gbit/s over 0.3 m in free space. When using the bit-loading DMT algorithm for spectral usage efficiency optimization within 4.09-GBaud bandwidth, the multiband bit-loaded QAM-DMT format can elevate the total data rate up to 22 Gbit/s. Lengthening the free-space distance to 20 m slightly degrades the received signal-to-noise ratio by the inevitable diverged beam spot. Nevertheless, the PhCSEL still performs 1-GBaud broadband DMT streaming with allowable 16-QAM at 4-Gbit/s or 64-QAM at 6-Gbit/s over the 20-m lensless free-space link.
Low-cost prototype for real-time analysis using liquid crystal optical sensors in water quality assessment
Authors: Simone Soares M. , Gameiro Francisco , Nedoma Jan , Santos Nuno , Almeida Pedro L. , Marques Carlos
Published: December 2024

In the food production sector, quickly identifying potential hazards is crucial due to the resilience of many pathogens, which could lead to wasted production results and, more severely, epidemic outbreaks. E. coli monitoring is essential; however, traditional quality control methods in fish farming are often slow and intrusive, thus promoting an increase in fish stress and mortality rates. This paper presents an alternative method by utilizing a prototype inspired by polarized optical microscopy (POM), constructed with a Raspberry Pi microprocessor to assess pixel patterns and calculate analyte levels. The sensors are based on the immune complexation reactions between E. coli specific antibodies and the disruption of liquid crystal (LC) alignment, which are measured with the POM technique. The prototype yielded a sensitivity of 1.01%±0.17%/log10 (CFU/mL) for E. coli. In this paper, tests using sunlight as the prototype’s light source were also performed, and a user-friendly graphical user interface was designed.
Multitask learning-powered large-volume, rapid photoacoustic microscopy with non-diffracting beams excitation and sparse sampling
Authors: Zhou Wangting , Sun Zhiyuan , Li Kezhou , Lv Jibao , Ji Zhong , Yuan Zhen , Chen Xueli
Published: December 2024

Large-volume photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) or rapid PAM has attracted increasing attention in biomedical applications due to its ability to provide detailed structural and functional information on tumor pathophysiology and the neuroimmune microenvironment. Non-diffracting beams, such as Airy beams, offer extended depth-of-field (DoF), while sparse image reconstruction using deep learning enables image recovery for rapid imaging. However, Airy beams often introduce side-lobe artifacts, and achieving both extended DoF and rapid imaging remains a challenge, hindering PAM’s adoption as a routine large-volume and repeatable monitoring tool. To address these challenges, we developed multitask learning-powered large-volume, rapid photoacoustic microscopy with Airy beams (ML-LR-PAM). This approach integrates advanced software and hardware solutions designed to mitigate side-lobe artifacts and achieve super-resolution reconstruction. Unlike previous methods that neglect the simultaneous optimization of these aspects, our approach bridges this gap by employing scaled dot-product attention mechanism (SDAM) Wasserstein-based CycleGAN (SW-CycleGAN) for artifact reduction and high-resolution, large-volume imaging. We anticipate that ML-LR-PAM, through this integration, will become a standard tool in both biomedical research and clinical practice.
Dose-dependent interaction of parasites with tiers of host defense predicts “wormholes” that prolong infection at intermediate inoculum sizes
Authors: Graham Andrea L. , Regoes Roland R.
Published: December 2024

Immune responses are induced by parasite exposure and can in turn reduce parasite burden. Despite such apparently simple rules of engagement, key drivers of within-host dynamics, including dose-dependence of defense and infection duration, have proven difficult to predict. Here, we model how varied inoculating doses interact with multi-tiered host defenses at a site of inoculation, by confronting barrier, innate, and adaptive tiers with replicating and non-replicating parasites across multiple orders of magnitude of dose. We find that, in general, intermediate parasite doses generate infections of longest duration because they are sufficient in number to breach barrier defenses, but insufficient to strongly induce subsequent tiers of defense. These doses reveal “wormholes” in defense from which parasites might profit: Deviation from the hypothesis of independent action, which postulates that each parasite has an independent probability of establishing infection, may therefore be widespread. Interestingly, our model predicts local maxima of duration at two doses–one for each tier transition. While some empirical evidence is consistent with nonlinear dose-dependencies, testing the predicted dynamics will require finer-scale dose variation than experiments usually incorporate. Our results help explain varied infection establishment and duration among differentially-exposed hosts and elucidate evolutionary pressures that shape both virulence and defense.
O caso prático do Corpo Nacional de Escutas (CNE) na comunicação de atividades
Authors: Alves Carlos , Gonçalves Luís
Published: December 2024

O CNE (Corpo Nacional de Escutas) é a maior Associação de juventude do País, motivo pelo qual a movimentação dos seus elementos nas respetivas atividades (acampamentos, acantonamentos e caminhadas) e a respetiva segurança são fatores de preocupação. O uso dos SIG (Sistemas de Informação Geográfica), com a plataforma denominada GEO SCOUTS, com as ferramentas da ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute), permitiu a uniformização e simplificação das comunicações de atividades escutistas a nível nacional, quer a nível interno (cada núcleo, região da Associação, campos e centros escutistas e atividades fora do país) como também a nível externo (Câmaras Municipais, os Comandos Sub-regionais de Emergência e Proteção Civil, Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas, Unidade de Emergência, Proteção e Socorro da Guarda Nacional Republicana, Guarda Nacional Republicana, Polícia de Segurança Pública, Polícia Marítima e Agrupamentos de Centros de Saúde), sendo uma ferramenta de mapeamento e análise que possibilita uma tomada de decisão mais ponderada e rápida, simplificando todo o processo que a atual legislação e regulamentação interna exige.Deste modo todas as entidades competentes sabem de antemão onde cada atividade se irá realizar e o que irão fazer, facilitando a interação e segurança entre as diversas associações e instituições.
Occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius colonization among veterinarians in the province of Malaga, Spain
Authors: Fariñas-Guerrero Fernando , Villatoro Antonio J. , Martinez-Manzanares Eduardo , López-Gigosos Rosa
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus are common colonizing pathogens in companion animals. These opportunistic pathogens can cause infections of varying frequency and severity in humans and pets. Studies on Staphylococcus colonization in veterinarians are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the colonization of the nostrils and hands by S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and S. pseudintermedius among healthy clinical practice veterinarians in the province of Malaga (Spain), with a particular focus on their potential antibiotic resistance.

Materials and Methods: A request for voluntary participation was extended to professionals from the Official College of Veterinarians of Malaga. Nasal and hand swabs were collected by two trained technicians in January 2024, and all samples were delivered to the laboratory within 24 h. Gram staining, catalase, oxidase, and coagulase tests were performed. The susceptibility of the isolated bacteria to 11 antibiotics was evaluated.

Results: A total of 50 clinical practice veterinarians were enrolled in the study, comprising 36 women and 14 men from 31 veterinary clinics across Málaga province. A total of 32% of the nasal samples yielded S. aureus, whereas 64% were found to contain S. epidermidis. In total, 30% of the hand samples yielded S. aureus and 30% yielded S. epidermidis. The participants did not exhibit any strains of S. pseudintermedius in their nasal samples or hands. Two strains (11.1%) of methicillin-resistant S. aureus were isolated from 18 strains isolated from nostrils. Furthermore, a high prevalence of S. aureus strains resistant to ampicillin (94.4%) and amoxicillin (72.2%) was observed.

Conclusion: The colonization profiles of veterinary professionals were similar to those observed in the general population. Further research is required among veterinary professionals, companion animals, and their owners to better understand the colonization processes and the pet-human interface within a “One Health” approach.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, one health, Seroprevalence, Staphylococcus colonization, veterinarians.
First report, phytochemical screening, and antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities of Macrolepiota mastoidea (Fr.) Singer mushroom extract in the Southwest region of Brazil
Authors: Silva Hugner Vicente da , Freitas Marcelo Augusto Martins de , Machado Tullyo Henrique Lima , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Ventura Matheus Vinícius Abadia , Rocha Elizabete Nunes da
Published: December 2024

The Agaricales family is rich in species of edible macrofungi. Macrolepiota mastoidea is a representative of this group, found in various regions of the world, including Brazil. It is an edible species with several recorded biological activities. This study aimed to report the first findings on M. mastoidea and its phytochemical screening, as well as its antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in a 70% (v/v) hydroethanolic extract from fresh mushrooms. M. mastoidea was collected from a Cerrado area in the Southwest of Goiás, Brazil. The hydroethanolic extract was produced, and the phytochemical screening was conducted for various phytochemical groups. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH free radical model, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity was determined using Electrophorus electricus type VI. The results showed the presence of various phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, sugars, flavonoids, and tannins. The DPPH reduction activity was IC50 305.16 µg mL-1, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition was 72%. Macrolepiota mastoidea demonstrated potential for further pharmacological studies with promising biological activities.
Properties of cement screeds using recycled fine aggregates with respect to cement percentage
Authors: Joura Leoš
Published: December 2024

This article deals with the effect of 100% replacement of natural aggregate by recycled aggregate and at the same time the effect of cement percentage on the observed properties of cement screeds. For these purposes, concrete and brick recycled aggregate is used in combination with CEM I 42.5R Portland cement, constituting 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 % of the mixtures weight. To determine the properties of the cement screeds, test intervals of 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days are set, during which changes in bulk density are monitored. Simultaneously, destructive tests are carried out on test beams of 4 × 4 × 16 cm in size. The results found that the use of recycled fine aggregates allows the production of lighter cement screeds, for example, for reconstruction. Potentially usable mixes appear to be those containing 15 %, 20 % and 25 % cement compared to recycled aggregate. For the contaminated recyclate fine fraction, the flexural strength has been shown to improve. However, this improvement is not reflected in an increase in compressive strength.
Real structures on primary Hopf surfaces
Authors: Khaled Zahraa
Published: December 2024

The first goal of this article is to give a complete classification (up to Real biholomorphisms) of Real primary Hopf surfaces

(

H
,
s

)

\left(H,s)

, and, for any such pair, to describe in detail the following naturally associated objects : the group

Aut

h

(

H
,
s

)

{{\rm{Aut}}}_{h}\left(H,s)

of Real automorphisms, the Real Picard group

(

Pic

(

H

)

,

s

ˆ

*

)

\left({\rm{Pic}}\left(H),{\hat{s}}^{* })

, and the Picard group of Real holomorphic line bundles

Pic

R

(

H

)

{{\rm{Pic}}}_{{\mathbb{R}}}\left(H)

. Our second goal is the classification of Real primary Hopf surfaces up to equivariant diffeomorphisms, which will allow us to describe explicitly in each case the real locus

H

(

R

)

=

H

s

H\left({\mathbb{R}})={H}^{s}

and the quotient

H
⁄

⟨

s

⟩

H/\langle s\rangle

.
Gendered Virginity in Pakistan: Rituals, Trials, and Punishment for a Girl in a Bāgārrī Community of Sindh
Authors: Sadique Salma , Ali Inayat , Ali Shahbaz
Published: December 2024

The human body has long been a focal point within sociocultural and political contexts, with particular emphasis on the female body and its multifaceted meanings, encompassing both visible and invisible boundaries. This is evident in the contemporary practice of virginity testing within the Bāgārrī community in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. In this community, the female body becomes a negotiating terrain, exemplified by the virginity ritual known as Pōthī, conducted by a Bhōpā (priest). This ritual serves as a conduit for communication between the human realm and the divine, facilitated through the symbolism of wheat grains. The outcomes of this ritual have significant consequences: a verified virgin is rewarded with various gifts, whereas a failed test subjects the individual to penalties enforced by the local political system, the Pānchāyāt. Thus, the female body not only becomes a site of sociocultural significance but also is entangled in the dynamics of local governance.
On high power sums of a hybrid arithmetic function
Authors: Lao Huixue , Liu Huafeng , Yu Ruotong
Published: December 2024

Let λ
f
(n), σ(n) and ϕ(n) denote nth Fourier coefficient of the primitive holomorphic cusp form f, the sum-of-divisors function, and the Euler totient function, respectively. In this paper, we first refine related previous results on the power sum

∑

n
≤
x

λ

f

j

(
n
)

σ

b

(
n
)

ϕ

c

(
n
)

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
\sum\limits_{n\leq x} \lambda_{f}^{j}(n)\sigma^{b}(n)\phi^{c}(n)
\end{array}$

and then investigate the average behavior of the power sum

∑

n
=

a
2

+

b
2

+

c
2

+

d
2

≤
x
,

(
a
,
b
,
c
,
d
)
∈

Z

4

λ

f

j

(
n
)

σ

b

(
n
)

ϕ

c

(
n
)
.

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
\sum\limits_{\substack{n=a^2+b^2+c^2+d^2\leq x, \\
(a,b,c,d)\in {\mathbb{Z}}^4}} \lambda_{f}^{j}(n)\sigma^{b}(n)\phi^{c}(n).
\end{array}$
Periodic Solutions for Conformable Non-autonomous Non-instantaneous Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Ding Yuanlin , Liu Kui
Published: December 2024

This paper studies a new type of conformable non-autonomous non-instantaneous impulsive differential equations. We present the solution by a new kinds of conformable Cauchy matrix. Also, we present its some properties. Next, we respectively discuss about the existence and uniqueness of 𝓒-periodic solutions of linear homogeneous and nonhomogeneous problems. Further, we study the nonlinear problem via fixed point theorem. Examples are also given to verify theory results.
Chains in the Rudin-Frolík order
Authors: Jureczko Joanna
Published: December 2024

The aim of this paper is to construct chains of length (2
κ
)+ in the Rudin-Frolík order of β κ for every infinite κ.
Proportion estimation in multistage pair ranked set sampling
Authors: Mahdizadeh M.
Published: December 2024

Estimating the proportion of individuals having a disease in a given population is a common problem in medicine. This is simply done by drawing a random sample from the target population, and computing the proportion of positive results based on a suitable diagnostic test. In some situations, the number of quantified units is limited because measuring the variable of interest is difficult or expensive. In this setting, one can utilize alternative designs that allow achieving the desired precision level with a smaller sample size. Multistage pair ranked set sampling (MSPRSS) is such a design that can be used instead of simple random sampling. It is a rank-based sampling method that incorporates auxiliary information in order to collect an informative sample. This article deals with the proportion estimation in MSPRSS. Some results about the proposed estimator are proved. A simulation experiment and a real data set in the context of breast cancer are used to demonstrate the finite sample properties of the new estimator.
The Marshall-Olkin Extended Gamma Lindley distribution: Properties, characterization and inference
Authors: Ammar Mariem , Boutouria Imen , Masmoudi Afif
Published: December 2024

In this research paper, we introduce a new three-parameter model called Marshall-Olkin Extended Gamma Lindley, which provides greater flexibility for modeling lifetime data. We investigate some of its structural properties, including moments and moment generating function. Furthermore, we prove that this model is identifiable. We corroborate that the Marshall-Olkin Extended Gamma Lindley distribution is characterized by its truncated moments of order statistics. Relying on this characterization and the least squares, we set forward a new method in order to estimate the unknown parameters of the proposed model. A comparative study is conducted between this approach and different classical methods of estimation. A real data set is applied to show the flexibility of the suggested model against other models.
Anthropomorphic and Zoomorphic Clay Statuettes of the Kura-Araxes Tradition: Case from the Settlement Harich, Armenia
Authors: Saribekyan Mariam
Published: December 2024

During the emergence and expansion of the Kura-Araxes tradition in the South Caucasus, there was a notable advancement in architectural solutions and economic practices. This period also witnessed significant progress in pottery craftsmanship, leading to the creation of diverse clay objects, as well as the appearance of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figurines in various cultural sites of this era. The Early Bronze Age settlement of Harich in northeastern Armenia is the so far known largest center of accumulation of these statuettes, where 347 zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figurines were found. These figurines provide valuable insights into the lifestyle and beliefs of the people of that era and serve as a significant resource for unraveling the Kura-Araxes tradition.