bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband linearly polarized mode converter based on over-coupled long-period fiber grating
Authors: Ma Yuehui , Jiang Chen , Liu Zuyao , Mou Chengbo , Liu Yunqi
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate the fabrication of over-coupled long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) in the 1.55-µm and 2-µm wavebands enabling broadband linearly polarized LP11 mode conversion using a CO2 laser. The birefringence of the fiber is caused by on one side laser exposure and increases with the increase of refractive index modulation depth, which realizes the conversion of linearly polarized modes. The mode conversion bandwidth can be significantly increased by using the over-coupled LPFG. The 10-dB bandwidth of the LPFGs with |κ|L values of π/2, 3π/2, and 5π/2 are 33.04, 80.84, and 114.08 nm at 1.55 µm waveband, respectively. The maximum bandwidth of the over-coupled LPFG is 3.79 times higher than that of conventional LPFG. The operating wavelength of the mode converter can be extended to 2.0 µm wavebands and the maximum 10-dB bandwidth reaches 161.32 nm. The proposed broadband linearly polarized mode converters could have potential application in the fields of mode division multiplexing systems, fiber laser systems.
Reconfigurable perfect vortex beam generator based on a liquid crystal spiral phase plate
Authors: Pereiro-García J. , García-De-Blas M. , De La Rosa P. , Geday M. A. , Quintana X. , Caño-García M.
Published: October 2023

A transmissive adaptable optical setup to generate a range of perfect vortex beams (PVBs) carrying different topological charges (TC) without using moving parts is presented. The setup is composed of an ad hoc transparent reconfigurable liquid crystal (LC) spiral phase plate (SPP), a refractive axicon and a convergent refractive lens. The LC SPP electrodes are manufactured ablating indium-tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates using direct laser writing (DLW) resulting in a very high fill factor device. In-house tailored electronics drive the 72 LC SPP electrodes giving rise to 72 different configurations with orbital angular momentum. In this work, the generation of PVBs with 36 positive or 36 negative TCs using this optical setup is accomplished.
Auto-calibrating universal programmable photonic circuits: hardware error-correction and defect resilience
Authors: Markowitz Matthew , Zelaya Kevin , Miri Mohammad-Ali
Published: October 2023

It is recently shown that discrete N × N linear unitary operators can be represented by interlacing N + 1 phase shift layers with a fixed intervening operator such as discrete fractional Fourier transform (DFrFT). Here, we show that introducing perturbations to the intervening operations does not compromise the universality of this architecture. Furthermore, we show that this architecture is resilient to defects in the phase shifters as long as no more than one faulty phase shifter is present in each layer. These properties enable post-fabrication auto-calibration of such universal photonic circuits, effectively compensating for fabrication errors and defects in phase components.
Ultra-low time jitter transform-limited dissipative Kerr soliton microcomb
Authors: Cui Wenwen , Liu Xin , Zhou Heng , Wang Wenting , Qiu Kun , Geng Yong
Published: October 2023

Microresonator soliton frequency combs offer unique flexibility in synthesizing microwaves over a wide range of frequencies. Therefore, it is very important to study the time jitter of soliton microcombs. Here, we fabricate optical microresonators with perfect transmission spectrum that characterizes highly uniform extinction ratio and absence of mode interactions by laser machining high-purity silica fiber preforms. Based on such perfect whispering-gallery-mode cavity, We demonstrate that K-band microwave with ultra-low phase noise (-83 dBc/Hz@100 Hz; -112 dBc/Hz@1kHz; -133 dBc/Hz@10kHz) can be generated by photo-detecting the repetition rate of a soliton microcomb. Also, with the Raman scattering and dispersive wave emission largely restricted, we show that ultra-low time jitter soliton has a wide existence range. Our work illuminates a pathway toward low-noise photonic microwave generation as well as the quantum regime of soliton microcombs.
Non-destructive characterization of nested and double nested antiresonant nodeless fiber microstructure geometry
Authors: Budd Leonard , Numkam Fokoua Eric , Taranta Austin , Poletti Francesco
Published: October 2023

Antiresonant hollow-core fibers (HCFs) are rapidly establishing themselves as a promising technology with the potential to overcome the limitations faced by conventional solid-core silica fibers. The optical properties and performance of these fibers depend critically on the precise control and uniformity of their delicate glass microstructure at all points along the length of the fiber. Their fabrication is complicated by the inability to monitor this microstructure without cutting into the fiber and viewing a sample under a microscope during the fiber draw. Here we show that a non-destructive interferometric technique using side-illumination of the fiber and first demonstrated for simple tubular fibers can be used to measure the diameters of all nested capillary elements of two promising HCF designs: the nested and double-nested antiresonant nodeless fiber (NANF and DNANF, respectively) with accuracy comparable to a microscope measurement. We analyze the complexities enabled by the presence of multiple nested capillaries in the structure and present techniques to overcome them. These measurements, carried out on a small (∼50 cm) length of fiber, require less than 60s to collect and process the data for all capillaries. We also show how we can use this technique to detect defects in the fiber, making it a potential candidate for real-time in-situ monitoring of NANF and DNANF structures during fabrication.
Room temperature amplified spontaneous emissions in a sub-centimeter sized CsPbBr3 bulk single crystal
Authors: Su Longxing
Published: October 2023

All inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 shows great potential in laser device because of its excellent luminescence characteristics, while the room temperature amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in a large size CsPbBr3 bulk single crystal is still quite difficult. Herein, we have obtained the room temperature ASE in a sub-centimeter size CsPbBr3 bulk single crystal pumped with the single-photon excitation. Based on the reproducible light path within the CsPbBr3 bulk single crystal, the photonic feedback between the bottom and top facets naturally enhances the population inversion, which exhibits an amplified spontaneous emission threshold of ∼320 µJ/cm2. The blue shift of the ASE peak along with the increased pumping intensity is also observed and ascribed to the reduction of the refractive index and the energy band filling effect. These findings demonstrate the sub-centimeter size CsPbBr3 bulk single crystal to be an excellent candidate as an optical gain media for crystal lasers.
Two-field sequential color liquid crystal displays with deep learning-enabled real-time driving
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Zou Guowei , Li Yutong , Ma Changwen , Zhang Zhou , Zha Guowei , Shen Yan , Yang Bo-Ru , Qin Zong
Published: October 2023

Two-field driving is the ultimate goal of field sequential color liquid crystal displays (FSC-LCDs) because it requires the lowest refresh rate and transmission bandwidth in addition to the intrinsic advantages of FSC-LCDs, e.g., tripled light efficiency and spatial resolution. However, fewer fields create a more significant challenge in controlling color breakup and distortion, as well as higher computational complexity in calculating LC signals. Regarding the difficulties, we propose a two-field FSC driving method that synchronously generates backlight and LC signals through two lightweight neural networks. The runtimes of the two networks are as fast as 1.23 and 1.79 ms per frame on a GeForce RTX 3090Ti graphic card, fully supporting real-time driving. Next, an over-partitioning approach is proposed to overcome the cross talk between backlight segments while processing high-resolution images. Besides the real-time feature, a reduction of 14.88% in color breakup concerning current methods and low distortion are verified. We also provide our open-source code.
Immunohistochemical Study of Airways Fibrous Remodeling in Smoking Mice
Authors: Balzano Emilia , De Cunto Giovanna , Goracci Chiara , Bartalesi Barbara , Cavarra Eleonora , Lungarella Giuseppe , Lucattelli Monica
Published: October 2023

The fibrotic remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is held responsible for narrowing of small airways and thus for disease progression. Oxidant damage and cell senescence factors are recently involved in airways fibrotic remodeling. Unfortunately, we have no indications on their sequential expression at anatomical sites in which fibrotic remodeling develops in smoking subjects. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we investigated in two strains of mice after cigarette smoke (CS) exposure what happens at various times in airway areas where fibrotic remodeling occurs, and if there also exists correspondence among DNA damage induced by oxidants, cellular senescence, the presence of senescence-secreted factors involved in processes that affect transcription, metabolism as well as apoptosis, and the onset of fibrous remodeling that appears at later times in mice exposed to CS. A clear positivity for fibrogenic cytokines TGF-β, PDGF-B, and CTGF, and for proliferation marker PCNA around airways that will be remodeled is observed in both strains. Increased expression of p16ink4A senescence marker and MyoD is also seen in the same areas. p16ink4A and MyoD can promote cell cycle arrest, terminal differentiation of myofibroblasts, and can oppose their dedifferentiation. Of interest, an early progressive attenuation of SIRT-1 is observed after CS exposure. This intracellular regulatory protein can reduce premature cell senescence. These findings suggest that novel agents, which promote myofibroblast dedifferentiation and/or the apoptosis of senescent cells, may dampen progression of airway changes in smoking COPD subjects.
Beauty is only skin deep: An examination of physical attractiveness, attractive personality, and personal grooming on criminal justice outcomes
Authors: Knox Krysta N. , TenEyck Michael F.
Published: October 2023

Research has found that physical attractiveness is related to a host of benefits across life outcomes. Within the field of criminal justice, physical attractiveness appears to afford individuals leniency at various decision points. This research, however, often fails to include measures of personal presentation beyond simply measuring physical attractiveness. The current study extends this line of research by investigating how physical attractiveness, personality attractiveness, and grooming are related to criminal justice processing decisions. Results from negative binomial and logistic regression analyses indicate that when assessed alone, physical attractiveness significantly decreased the odds of criminal behavior by 18 percent, arrest by 11 percent, conviction by 14 percent, and incarceration by 28 percent—controlling for race, age, and gender. When controlling for personality and grooming, however, physical attractiveness results in a 47 to 53 percent increase in the risk of experiencing these outcomes while having an attractive personality and being well-groomed significantly reduced such risk. These results highlight the importance of considering other factors of appearance and personal presentation when considering how attractiveness influences criminal justice outcomes.
Do selfies make women look slimmer? The effect of viewing angle on aesthetic and weight judgments of women’s bodies
Authors: Knight Ruth , Preston Catherine
Published: October 2023

Taking and posting selfies is a popular activity, with some individuals taking and sharing multiple selfies each day. The influence of the selfie angle, as opposed to more traditional photo angles such as the allocentric images we see in print media, on our aesthetic judgements of images of bodies has not been explored. This study compared the attractiveness and weight judgements that participants made of images of the same bodies taken from different visual angles over a series of four experiments (total N = 272). We considered how these judgements may relate to disordered eating thoughts and behaviours. Selfies were judged to be slimmer than images from other perspectives, and egocentric images were judged to be the least attractive. The way participants rated bodies seen from different perspectives was related to their own disordered eating thoughts and behaviours. These results contribute to our understanding of how we perceive the images we see on social media and how these might be related to how we feel about our own and other people’s bodies.
Ensemble learning for multi-class COVID-19 detection from big data
Authors: Kaleem Sarah , Sohail Adnan , Tariq Muhammad Usman , Babar Muhammad , Qureshi Basit
Published: October 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has caused a global pandemic, continues to have severe effects on human lives worldwide. Characterized by symptoms similar to pneumonia, its rapid spread requires innovative strategies for its early detection and management. In response to this crisis, data science and machine learning (ML) offer crucial solutions to complex problems, including those posed by COVID-19. One cost-effective approach to detect the disease is the use of chest X-rays, which is a common initial testing method. Although existing techniques are useful for detecting COVID-19 using X-rays, there is a need for further improvement in efficiency, particularly in terms of training and execution time. This article introduces an advanced architecture that leverages an ensemble learning technique for COVID-19 detection from chest X-ray images. Using a parallel and distributed framework, the proposed model integrates ensemble learning with big data analytics to facilitate parallel processing. This approach aims to enhance both execution and training times, ensuring a more effective detection process. The model’s efficacy was validated through a comprehensive analysis of predicted and actual values, and its performance was meticulously evaluated for accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure, and compared to state-of-the-art models. The work presented here not only contributes to the ongoing fight against COVID-19 but also showcases the wider applicability and potential of ensemble learning techniques in healthcare.
The relationship of single-family detached house prices with neighborhood walkability and disaster risk
Authors: Kim Hongjik , Baba Hiroki , Shimizu Chihiro , Hino Kimihiro
Published: October 2023

People’s preferences regarding their neighborhood environment can vary depending on their socioeconomic status and the cities where they live. This study aims to discern the relationship between neighborhood environment factors and single-family detached house sales by sale price and by central and noncentral cities. We analyzed sale prices in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area from 2015 to 2020. The neighborhood environment was assessed using flood/sediment risk and neighborhood walkability measured by net residential density, intersection density, and facility density (walking opportunity). Flood and sediment risk is a major concern that restricts the available land and is included as a negative aspect of the neighborhood environment, taking the topographic features into consideration. A comparison of the results showed that the preference for neighborhood walkability varies by socioeconomic status as well as by target cities. For most facility types, the number of walking opportunities within walking distance from houses was found to be positively related to the sale price of single-family detached houses in all quantiles. The relationship of house price with population and intersection density was found to vary depending on the price level, with a negative relationship with the sale price of relatively more expensive houses being exhibited. People who considered buying houses with relatively higher sale prices were found to devalue houses located in flood/sediment-hazardous areas more. However, it was also found that the negative relationship was slightly mitigated in the highest quantile of sale prices for houses in areas with a moderate flood risk (maximum flooding depth: 3–5 m). Plains near rivers with amenities offer high walkability but pose a flood risk, resulting in a trade-off between flood risk and neighborhood walkability. The findings suggest the use of indices representing diverse preferences in accordance with the target socioeconomic status when policymakers assess the neighborhood environment.
Does gender diversity improve CSR reporting? Evidence from the Central and West Balkan banking sector
Authors: Knežević Goranka , Pavlović Vladan , Bojičić Radica
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of gender diversity in board of directors in banks on environmental, economic, social, and governance (CSR) reporting. The sample comprises 85 banks operating in the Central and West Balkan region. Research results suggest that gender diversity in a two-tier board system in bank boards does not affect CSR reporting as measured by the constructed EESG index with statistical significance. However, taking into consideration specific elements of this index, we found that gender diversity on the supervisory board had a positive effect on variables that compose this index. This is the first study to provide insight into gender and the CSR reporting nexus in the Central and West Balkan region. This study contributes to the discussions on those issues in a global scale and in terms of the banking sector in particular.
Financial literacy and retirement planning in Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Mejía Sergio , Moreno-García Elena
Published: October 2023

According to the Mexican National Survey of Financial Inclusion 2021, Mexicans’ behavior regarding retirement savings is of great concern because only one-third of the Mexican population saves for their retirement. This study measures the financial literacy level among Mexicans and determines its relationship with retirement planning and socio-demographic variables. A multinomial logit micro-econometric model was estimated and data from the last Mexican National Survey of Financial Inclusion 2021 were used. The results indicate that women, rural residents, poorly educated people, and low-income earners are more likely not to plan for old age. Furthermore, financial literacy positively influences the decision to formally plan for retirement. The findings may be useful in designing strategies to increase Mexicans’ financial literacy levels and, consequently, their planning for retirement.
The effect of job insecurity on organizational trust during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the aviation sector
Authors: Rodoplu Şahin Didem , Aslan Mustafa , Cingöz Kübra
Published: October 2023

Due to the novel COVID-19, millions of workers in the aviation industry have lost their jobs, and most of the remaining employees experience unemployment anxiety. This study aims to investigate the effects of job insecurity on both managerial and organizational trust and the mediating role of unemployment anxiety in hopes of improving employees’ well-being and promoting business continuity. In this cross-sectional study, the convenient sampling method was adopted. The research was conducted with the participation of aviation sector employees (n=210) of ground handling companies located in Turkiye. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed on the collected data for hypothesis testing. As per the results obtained from the study, quantitative job insecurity increases pessimism and adversely affects managerial trust and organizational trust (through managerial trust). Moreover, qualitative insecurity increases optimism, which adversely affects managerial trust. Managerial trust affects organizational trust positively. This study reveals that qualitative job insecurity led the employees to retain optimism but damaged both management and organizational trust during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantitative job insecurity, on the other hand, caused pessimism and, as a result, affected managerial trust negatively.
Vedolizumab-Associated Hypereosinophilia and Hepatoxicity
Authors: De Marco Davide , Bessissow Talat , Marcus Victoria , Benmassaoud Amine
Published: October 2023

Vedolizumab, which is approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, has been associated with drug-induced liver injury because of an unclear mechanism. We describe the case of a 29-year-old man who presented with abnormal liver enzymes and peripheral hypereosinophilia after vedolizumab initiation. A complete workup for causes of hepatitis and hypereosinophilia was negative, and liver biopsy showed signs compatible with drug-induced liver injury. After the withdrawal of vedolizumab, the patient's eosinophil count and liver enzymes normalized. As vedolizumab becomes more prominent, it is important to understand the potential side-effect profile of vedolizumab.
Comparative Evaluation of the Long-Term Filtration Performance of Recycled Materials in Highway Drainage Systems
Authors: Bayin Sariahmetoglu Aysegul , Hatipoglu Mustafa , Dayioglu Asli Y.
Published: October 2023

Highway drainage systems are designed to remove surface water and groundwater without deteriorating the road structure; hence, their durability is crucial to sustain the performance of highways. Filtration performance of a drainage system consisting of aggregate and geotextiles is one key parameter that needs to be carefully assessed so that clogging of the system does not result in failure. Substituting the natural aggregate in drainage systems with recycled materials would result in preservation of natural resources and employment of stockpiled recycled material, creating a mutually beneficial solution. In this study, the long-term filtration performance of three different recycled materials from different industries (i.e., two steel slag, recycled asphalt pavement, recycled concrete aggregate) has been investigated when used as filter material in drainage systems. Furthermore, two natural aggregate materials as control soils were used to compare the performance of recycled materials. A nonwoven geotextile with a low apparent opening size that represents the least favorable scenario in terms of clogging was selected as the filtration media. Long-term filtration experiments were carried out in the modified gradient ratio test setup and the hydraulic gradient ratio (GR) along with the permeability ratio (KR) were determined under different hydraulic gradients to evaluate the clogging performance. The results indicate that even under the most undesirable conditions, recycled materials exhibit a satisfactory filtration performance compared with natural aggregates, and they can be employed as aggregate material in highway drainage systems.
Leaching Characteristics of Heavy Metals from Asphalt Mixture with Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag as Aggregate
Authors: Fan Yansong , Chen Meizhu , Yang Tianyuan , Li Naiqiang , Yao Xinyu
Published: October 2023

Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, which has good mechanical properties, can be recycled as pavement materials. However, BOF slag contains several kinds of heavy metals. Batch leaching tests are usually conducted to investigate the leaching characteristics of asphalt mixture with BOF slag, which has a few limitations. In this article, the leaching characteristics of heavy metals were investigated through the column leaching test device self-designed in the laboratory. The factors that influence the leaching of heavy metals were evaluated. The experimental results indicate that high-basicity BOF slag that has high content of free calcium oxide (f-CaO) can effectively inhibit the leaching of heavy metals from asphalt mixture. Copper and nickel have no leaching risk in neutral and weakly acidic conditions. However, zinc and lead in asphalt mixture with medium-basicity BOF slag have a risk of causing environmental implication in long-term leaching process. Moreover, covering of asphalt inhibits the leaching of f-CaO and hinders the contact between heavy metals and the leachant at the same time. The conclusions of this article provide a theoretical basis for the green application of BOF slag as an asphalt pavement material.
Synaptic Compensatory Plasticity in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bhembre Nishita , Bonthron Calum , Opazo Patricio
Published: October 2023

The loss of excitatory synapses is known to underlie the cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although much is known about the mechanisms underlying synaptic loss in AD, how neurons compensate for this loss and whether this provides cognitive benefits remain almost completely unexplored. In this review, we describe two potential compensatory mechanisms implemented following synaptic loss: the enlargement of the surviving neighboring synapses and the regeneration of synapses. Because dendritic spines, the postsynaptic site of excitatory synapses, are easily visualized using light microscopy, we focus on a range of microscopy approaches to monitor synaptic loss and compensation. Here, we stress the importance of longitudinal dendritic spine imaging, as opposed to fixed-tissue imaging, to gain insights into the temporal dynamics of dendritic spine compensation. We believe that understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these and other forms of synaptic compensation and regeneration will be critical for the development of therapeutics aiming at delaying the onset of cognitive deficits in AD.
Extracellular ATP Neurotransmission and Nicotine Sex-Specifically Modulate Habenular Neuronal Activity in Adolescence
Authors: Chen Yen-Chu , Rindner Daniel Jun , Fowler James P. , Lallai Valeria , Mogul Allison , Demuro Angelo , Lur Gyorgy , Fowler Christie D.
Published: October 2023

The recent increase in the use of nicotine products by teenagers has revealed an urgent need to better understand the impact of nicotine on the adolescent brain. Here, we sought to examine the actions of extracellular ATP as a neurotransmitter and to investigate whether ATP and nicotinic signaling interact during adolescence. With the GRABATP(G-protein-coupled receptor activation-based ATP sensor), we first demonstrated that nicotine induces extracellular ATP release in the medial habenula, a brain region involved in nicotine aversion and withdrawal. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we then demonstrated that activation of the ATP receptors P2X or P2Y1increases the neuronal firing of cholinergic neurons. Surprisingly, contrasting interactive effects were observed with nicotine exposure. For the P2X receptor, activation had no observable effect on acute nicotine-mediated activity, but during abstinence after 10 d of nicotine exposure, coexposure to nicotine and the P2X agonist potentiated neuronal activity in female, but not male, neurons. For P2Y1signaling, a potentiated effect of the agonist and nicotine was observed with acute exposure, but not following extended nicotine exposure. These data reveal a complex interactive effect between nicotinic and ATP signaling in the adolescent brain and provide mechanistic insights into extracellular ATP signaling with sex-specific alterations of neuronal responses based on prior drug exposure.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn these studies, it was discovered that nicotine induces extracellular ATP release in the medial habenula and subsequent activation of the ATP purinergic receptors increases habenular cholinergic neuronal firing in the adolescent brain. Interestingly, following extended nicotine exposure, nicotine was found to alter the interplay between purinergic and nicotinic signaling in a sex-specific manner. Together, these studies provide a novel understanding for the role of extracellular ATP in mediating habenular activity and reveal how nicotine exposure during adolescence alters these signaling mechanisms, which has important implications given the high incidence of e-cigarette/vape use by youth.
Increasing Exclusive Nursery Care of Late Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Gupta Basuray Rakhi , Cacioppo Carrie , Inuzuka Vanessa , Cooper Keri , Hardy Charles , Perry Michael F.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Late preterm (LPT) and low birth weight (LBW) infants are populations at increased risk for NICU admission, partly due to feeding-related conditions. This study was aimed to increase the percentage of LPT and LBW infants receiving exclusive nursery care using quality improvement methodologies.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team implemented interventions at a single academic center. Included infants were 35 to 36 weeks gestational age and term infants with birth weights <2500 g admitted from the delivery room to the nursery. Drivers of change included feeding protocol, knowledge, and care standardization. We used statistical process control charts to track data over time. The primary outcome was the percentage of infants receiving exclusive nursery care. Secondary outcomes included rates of hypoglycemia, phototherapy, and average weight loss. Balancing measures were exclusive breast milk feeding rates and length of stay.

RESULTS

Included infants totaled 1336. The percentage of LPT and LBW infants receiving exclusive nursery care increased from 83.9% to 88.8% with special cause variation starting 1 month into the postintervention period. Reduction in neonatal hypoglycemia, 51.7% to 45.1%, coincided. Among infants receiving exclusive nursery care, phototherapy, weight loss, exclusive breast milk feeding, and length of stay had no special cause variation.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions involving a nursery feeding protocol, knowledge, and standardization of care for LPT and LBW infants were associated with increased exclusive nursery care (4.9%) and reduced rates of neonatal hypoglycemia (6.6%) without adverse effects. This quality initiative allowed for the preservation of the mother-infant dyad using high-value care.
Effect of matrix self-healing on the bond-slip behavior of micro steel fibers in ultra-high-performance concrete
Authors: Al-Obaidi Salam , He Shan , Schlangen Erik , Ferrara Liberato
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the bond-slip behavior of micro steel fibers embedded into an Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) matrix as affected by the self-healing of the same matrix in different exposure conditions. The UHPC matrix contains a crystalline admixture as a promoter of the autogenous self-healing specially added to enhance the durability in the cracked state. For the aforesaid purpose, some samples were partially pre-damaged with controlled preload (fiber pre-slip at different levels) and subjected to one-month exposure in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution and in tap water to study the fiber corrosion, if any, and the effects of self-healing; after that, they were subjected to a pull-out test, to be compared with the behavior of analogous non-pre-slipped samples undergoing the same curing history. Moreover, some samples were cured in the chloride solution, intended to simulate a marine environment, to study the effect of marine curing on the pull-out behavior of steel fiber. The steel fiber corrosion and self-healing products attached to the surface of the steel fiber were analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy -Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that the newly healed particles formed on the highly damaged fiber-matrix interface significantly enhance the friction phase of the bond-slip behavior and result in a significant residual capacity compared to non-pre-slipped specimens. On the other hand, the self-healing effect in specimens subjected to low damage pre-slip contributed more to the chemical adhesion region of the bond-slip behavior. Owning to the dense microstructure of the matrix, curing in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution was not found to significantly affect the pull-out resistance as compared to the samples cured in tap water.
Saberes de la comunidad campesina de Tabio: una propuesta para la enseñanza de la biología en contextos rurales
Authors: Muñoz Luque Angie Mariana
Published: October 2023

La enseñanza en un país diverso en términos culturales como lo es Colombia supone una educación coherente con ello, sin embargo y atendiendo a las problemáticas de la escuela, se denota una creciente violencia epistémica en las aulas, que se basa en la negación o desvalorización de los saberes culturales de los estudiantes. En consecuencia, se plantea un proyecto de práctica pedagógica (desde la enseñanza de la biología) con estudiantes campesinos de la vereda Río Frío Occidental de Tabio. En dicha propuesta se realiza una integración y dialogo entre el saber local y el científico a través de una serie de momentos, los cuales conducen al desarrollo de una propuesta educativa como una experiencia de investigación de tipo cualitativo; que tiene como objeto el fortalecimiento de la cultura campesina y la comunidad, por medio de una serie de elementos específicos que se nombran en el presente artículo de investigación, el que además finaliza con reflexiones pedagógicas que realiza la maestra.
El color de la biodiversidad
Authors: Pérez Méndez Oscar Daniel
Published: October 2023

Comencé un camino a través del lente en la ciudad de Bogotá, también recordada como Bakatá. Lo más representativo de este viaje que aún no termina, fue el color de la biodiversidad. Una sensación de querer aprender más sobre los colores de nuestro territorio, el cual ha sido poco explorado y sumergido en el olvido. Sin embargo, mi lente también ha observado la falta de esperanza de los ciudadanos, la tiranía de la ciudad con sus territorios y una educación apartada de la realidad de sus estudiantes.
A temática Biodiversidade em encontros de ensino de Ciências no Brasil (2015-2021)
Authors: De Souza Araújo Moreira Fabíola Correia , De Oliveira Neto José Firmino , Shuvartz Marilda
Published: October 2023

Por ser considerado um país megadiverso, o Brasil assume uma responsabilidade de fazer fluir reflexão e produção de conhecimento acerca do tema biodiversidade. Nessa direção, a pesquisa que desenvolvemos objetivou compreender, de forma crítica, a temática biodiversidade nos trabalhos apresentados em dois encontros nacionais relativos ao ensino de ciências, o Encontro Nacional de Pesquisa em Educação em Ciências (ENPEC) e o Encontro Nacional de Ensino de Biologia (ENEBIO) realizados nos seis últimos anos. Com abordagem qualitativa, caracterizada como uma pesquisa documental, analisamos os resumos dos trabalhos que abordaram a temática, apresentados nos referidos eventos. Percebemos um quantitativo reduzido de trabalhos referindo-se ao termo biodiversidade, os quais apontaram para duas perspectivas: biológica e sociocultural. Sendo a primeira abordando, em sua maioria a diversidade ecológica, e a segunda aspectos culturais, indo além da percepção biológica, abrangendo outros campos de conhecimento. Diante do pequeno quantitativo de resumos para a dimensão mega diversa do país no período analisado, fica evidente a urgência em fomentar a participação de professores(as) da Educação em Ciências em tais eventos, bem como o aprofundamento da temática em diferentes contextos de formação e trabalho educativo.
Preparation of biological monolayers for producing high-resolution scanning electron micrographsCode: PLOS2021 [PONE-D-21-26669] - [EMID:f8569bc7b537f6e4] v2
Authors: Mentor Shireen
Published: October 2023

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides a technical platform for nanoscopic mapping of biological structures. Correct preparation of SEM samples can provide an unprecedented understanding of the nexus between cellular morphology and topography. This comparative study critically examines two coating methods for preparing biological samples for scanning electron microscopy, while also providing novel advice on how to prepare in vitro epithelial or endothelial samples for high-resolution scanning-electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Two obstacles often confront the biologist when investigating cellular structures grown under tissue culture conditions, viz., how to prepare and present the biological samples to the HR-SEM microscope without affecting topographical membrane and cellular structural alterations. Firstly, our use of the Millicell cellulose inserts on which to grow our cellular samples in preparation for HR-SEM is both novel and advantageous to comparing the permeability function of cells to their morphological function. Secondly, biological material is often non-conducting, thermally sensitive and fragile and, therefore, needs to be fixed correctly and coated with thin conducting metal to ensure high-resolution detail of samples. Immortalized mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd5) was used as a basis for describing the preferences in the use of the protocol. We compare two biological sample coating modalities for the visualizing and analysis of texturized, topographical, membranous ultrastructures of brain endothelial cell (BEC) confluent monolayers, namely, carbon and gold:palladium (Au:Pd) sputter coating in preparation for HR-SEM. BEC monolayers sputter-coated with these two modalities produced three-dimensional micrographs which have distinctly different topographical detail from which the nanostructural cellular data can be examined. The two coating methods display differences in the amount of nanoscopic detail that could be resolved in the nanosized membrane cytoarchitecture of BEC monolayers. The micrographical data clearly showed that Au:Pd sputter-coated samples generate descript imagery, providing useful information for profiling membrane nanostructures compared to carbon-coated samples. The recommendations regarding the contrast in two modalities would provide the necessary guidance to biological microscopists in preparing tissue culture samples for HR-SEM.
Agua e historia del paisaje en la Corona de Aragón: distintas aproximaciones
Authors: Bolós Jordi
Published: October 2023

This study aims to assess the importance of irrigation water in the territories of the Crown of Aragon and show the changes that the use of water has caused in the landscape over the last two thousand years. The transformations that occurred during the Middle Ages are mainly analyzed, pointing out the importance of relating these changes with the mutations that occurred in society. In a special way, the different approaches that have existed when proposing the diffusion of hydraulic systems during the Andalusian centuries are presented. The contributions made on this subject in Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Aragon are summarized. It concludes by acknowledging the remarkable advances that have existed, which allow us to understand the origin of many ditches and numerous irrigated spaces and the mutations they have suffered to date.
Method and technology for drug repurposing based on changes in the physicochemical properties of dosage forms: experience of use in Russia
Authors: Urakov Alexander L.
Published: October 2023

Controlled local hyperthermia and hypothermia are important factors in drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics because changing the temperature of drugs changes their physicochemical properties. In this regard, a controlled change in the temperature of the drug and/or the body part with which the drug interacts, relative to the level of human body temperature (hyperthermia or hypothermia) forms the basis of temperature pharmacology. To analyze the authors publications on the problem of methodology and technology for repurposing drugs based on changes in the physicochemical properties of dosage forms. A controlled change in the temperature of the drug and/or the part of the body with which the drug interacts; a change in acid (alkaline), osmotic activity, and the degree and quality of carbonation and/or oxygen-forming activity of medicinal solutions; and a change in the concentration of medicinal solution ingredients. On the basis of the used methods, the reprofiling of a number of drugs has been achieved. The author proposed reprofiling a 4% potassium chloride solution from the group of macroelements and microelements used to regulate acid-base balance with a resorptive effect (when administered intravenously to the whole body) into a group of vasoconstrictive drugs used to stop bleeding when applied to by a single irrigation of the bleeding surface. Cooling certain drugs and tissues at their interaction sites to 18C20C (via an ice pack or its substitute) inhibits metabolism and function, ensuring the conversion of many drugs into anti-ischemic drugs by reducing the need for tissues in oxygen. A targeted change in the physicochemical properties of known drugs combined with local hyperthermia allows them to be converted into expectorant, pyrolytic (astringent), hemolytic, thrombolytic (hemostatic), detergent, bleaching, cleaning, and other drugs, including antiseptic and cauterizing (necrotizing) drugs, very reliably, quickly, and inexpensively. Thus, 40 years ago, pharmacologists of the Russian Federation established the foundation for a novel method of drug development known today as repurposing of existing drugs. Today, it is evident that reprofiling may rapidly, inexpensively, and effectively give existing drugs a new purpose.
Exploring Alternatives to Traditional College in a Post-Pandemic Environment
Authors:   , Mortimer Ian J. , Draganska Michaela
Published: October 2023

Based on student loan repayment rate data and college graduation rates we know that millions of young people start their lives without degrees and are financially over-leveraged. Students and families make bets on future earnings by enrolling in colleges that they cannot afford and have low probabilities of being successful. Although the value of a degree from a well reputed college or university is undeniable, we cannot ignore the societal damage that our "college at all costs" culture creates. This study is the first of its kind in unlocking student demand for the new and emerging alternative post-secondary credential market. Analysis focused on the high school class of 2023 signals that alternative credentialing opportunities may be exactly what students from underrepresented segments in education are seeking. Thus, this study begins to demonstrate that when alternative credentialing options are presented, education markets may become more efficient. In addition, the study includes analysis on the relationships between pandemic effects and drivers of demand for alternative credentials. The study is structured so that practitioners and consumers can use the findings and improve post-secondary decision making to lower the "some college, no degree, with debt" population.
Matching Preferences and Access: Sustainable Investing in 401(k) Plans
Authors: Muir Dana M.
Published: October 2023

The vast majority of 401(k) plan participants want access to investments that match their personal values, yet a small fraction of plans offer those types of investments. The culprit for the existing misalignment has been unstable regulation, which has discouraged plan fiduciaries from including some categories of investments, such as sustainable investments, on 401(k) plan menus. In late 2022, the Department of Labor issued guidance that for the first time explicitly states that fiduciaries do not violate their duty of loyalty by considering participant preferences when making investment-related decisions. This Article makes two unique contributions. First, it evaluates the research on participant preferences for sustainable investments. Second, it provides a framework that fiduciaries can use to assess and consider those preferences while simultaneously fulfilling their duties of loyalty and prudence. If fiduciaries adopt the framework developed in this Article, it could be a triple win. Data indicate, and experts believe, that employees will save more in their 401(k) plans if they have access to investments that support their personal values. An increase in retirement savings would help close the substantial pension gap that exists, particularly for young employees and women who are particularly vulnerable to under saving. Companies will benefit if employees place greater value on their 401(k) plans. And, the world would benefit from increased assets flowing to sustainable investments at a time when climate and social sustainability are close to or in crisis.
Implementation of Covid-19 Budget Policy in Southeast Sulawesi (Case Study of Budget Refocussing and Reallocation of Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budgets 2020)
Authors: Elwan La Ode Muhammad , Kadir Abdul , Utami Rezkiawaty Sitti , Qomariyah Erni
Published: October 2023

This study aims to examine and determine the COVID-19 Refocusing and Budget Reallocation Policy implementation in the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Revenue and Expenditure Budget 2020. The research method used a qualitative approach with an analytical descriptive design. This research took place in Southeast Sulawesi. Primary and secondary data came from observations, interviews, and document studies. According to Miles-Huberman, data analysis techniques using an interactive analysis model included data in condensation, data presentation, and conclusion. The results showed that the COVID-19 Refocusing and Budget Reallocation Policy in Southeast Sulawesi, for the most part, could not be accounted for due to administrative errors and errors in the actions of the implementers and third parties. Based on Grindle's argument, the policy content seems to have been carried out too quickly, as evidenced by the 3 (three) changes to the COVID-19 budget. Based on indicators according to Van Meter and Horn, of the 6 (six) policy implementation indicators, only 1 (one) was fulfilled, so the implementation of the COVID-19 Refocusing and Budget Reallocation Policy in the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget 2020 is declared to have failed to meet the formulation and implementation of the policy.