bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wijs, Potassium Iodate, and AOCS Official Method to Determine the Iodine Value (IV) of Fat and Oil
Authors: Samanta Akash , Kataria Nupur , Dobhal Kiran , Joshi Naveen Chandra , Singh M.P , Verma Shalu , Suyal Jyotsana , Jakhmola Vikash
Published: July 2023

Fatty acid, present in edible oil, is a key constituent in our diet. The iodine number is a measure of the amount of unsaturated fatty acid in fat and oil. Iodine is a trace element that is required by humans for normal biological function. The iodine value (IV) of four edible oils was determined in this study: castor oil, peppermint oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. Iodine is a wonderful reagent for converting the unsaturation into the saturation of fat and oil. The purported technique offered a reliable and rapid determination of IV. The Wijs, or iodine monochloride, potassium iodate, and American Oil Chemists' Society's (AOCS) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are all used to determine IV. Both Wijs and potassium iodate are iodometry-based titrations, whereas the AOCS method is applied through FT-IR. C=C stretching in the range of 1635.48cm-1-1652.77 cm-1, C=O band in the range of 1744.23 cm-1- 1747.49 cm-1, C-H stretching in the range of 2923.9 cm-1- 2925.85 cm-1, O-H stretching in the range of 3448 cm-1- 3472 cm-1 were observed in different dilution for identification of unsaturated fatty acid in numerous oils through FT-IR. All methods are satisfactory; meanwhile, the potassium iodate method is safer than the Wijs method experimentally and more economical than the AOCS method. IV for castor oil, peppermint oil, almond oil, and coconut oil were computed at 84.67 I2/100g,5.56 I2/100gm,99.09 I2/100gm,8.21 I2/100gm along with the deviation by three methods.
Evaluation of the Cerebroprotective Properties of Ademol-gel in the Analysis of Specific Indicators in the Open Field Test
Authors: Semenenko Sviatoslav , Semenenko Igor , Burlaka Bogdan , Samura Iryna , Bukhtiyarova Nina , Ryzhenko Viktor , Khromylova Olga
Published: July 2023

Experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) modeling in rats led to a significant, by 3 times, decrease in the total activity of animals, a decrease in the distance traveled by 2 times, a significant increase in inactivity when moving from the dark field to the illuminated part by 2 times, indicating a decrease in locomotor and search activity. SAH did not affect the number of unsupported rearing, but led to an increase in supported rearing against the wall, and a decrease in the number of short grooming acts against the background of an unchanged amount of long grooming. This behavior also testified to increased anxiety, excitability, irritability of animals, discomfort, and depression. The intranasal introduction of Ademol-gel at a dose of 2 mg/kg (a developed original intranasal form) to animals with SAH contributed to the positive emotional status and behavior of rats in the open field test, as evidenced by a decrease in anxiety, aggressiveness, and depressive behavior against the background of increased comfort and empathy in animals. Against the background of the intranasal introduction of Ademol-gel, the processes of restoring general motor and exploratory activity in animals after SAH were also accelerated. Nimodipine (30 μg/kg) was inferior to Ademol in terms of the degree of influence on the studied parameters of animal behavior. The results are an experimental justification for further study of a new dosage form – Ademol intranasal gel.
Study the Bacterial Activity Isolated from Colon and Rectal Cancer Biopsy in Cell Lines Culture
Authors: khlf Ghofran Khald , Alash Sameer Abdulameer
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common disease and cause of death globally. The aim of the study is investigation and detection of some bacterial interfering with CRC occurrence and progression. The study conducted between September 2022 till February 2023, a total of 50 specimens were collected from confirmed CRC patients. In addition, 50 stool specimens were collected from Healthy volunteers, considers as control group. Isolation and identification of bacteria in all collected specimens were done by using cultural and differential media (blood agar, macconkey agar and Pfizer agar), as well as the VITEK- 2 compact system. The bacterial species, in the specimens of control were ( Escherichia coli 50 (86.20%), Klebsiella Pneumonia 3(5.17%), Salmonella typhi 2(3.44%), Staphylococcus aureus 1(1.72%), Proteus mirabilis 1(1.72%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1(1.72%), while in the specimens of CRC and polyp were (Escherichia coli 30(38.69%), Streptococcus uberis 6(7.79%), Enterobacter cloacae 4(5.19%), Proteus mirabilis 11(14.28), Streptococcus constellatus pharyneis 1(1.29%), Micrococcus luteus 1(1.29%), Staphlococcus pseudintermedius 1(1.29%), Streptococcus thoraltensis 1(1.29%), Citrobacter freundii 1(1.29%), Streptoccus mutans 1(1.29%), Enterococcus faecium 5(6.49%), Enterococcus faecalis 4(5.19%), Granulicatella elegans 1(1.29%), Enterococcus gallinarum 2(2.59%), Serratia marcescens 1(1.29%), Streptococcus sangunis 1(1.29%), Staphylococcus lentus 1(1.29%), Comamons testosteroni 1(1.29%), Morganella morganii 1(1.29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1(1.29%), Klebsiella pneumonia 2(2.59%). The bacteria which has been shown to be associated and more abundance in the specimens of CRC tissues are Escherichia.coli 30(38.96%), Streptococcus uberis 6(7.79%), Enterobacter cloacae 4(5.19%), Enterococcus faecium 5(6.49%), Enterococcus faecalis 4(5.19%). Cell-line culture techniques for the five species showed a cellular viability, sequentially Streptocccus uberis (16.12%), Enterococcus faecium (16.39%), Entreococcus faecalis (9.48%), Enterobacter cloacae (15.11%) and Escherichia coli (17.61%). The results statistically studied by using SPSS, which showed excellent or (highly) significant (p-value is in the range of 0.001).
Fair Trade principles can transform the European Green Deal: moving towards a Global Green Deal
Authors: Ponthieu Eric , Vernier Charlotte , Lunder Elena , Conesa Jorge
Published: July 2023

The European Green Deal (EGD) is a comprehensive plan proposed by the European Commission to transform the EU into a sustainable, climate-neutral economy by 2050. It includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy use, promoting circular economy, and protecting biodiversity, among others. While its objectives are vital, the EGD in its current configuration suffers from major loopholes which seriously affect its capacity to meet its core ambition of a ‘just transition’, both within and outside the EU. This paper identifies the main EGD shortcomings and outlines how the recognition and integration of Fair Trade principles and values would greatly improve its capacity to drive positive change within Europe as well as with international partners of the Global South. It will explain how the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) will facilitate an informal process aiming to co-elaborate a proposal for a Global Green Deal (GGD) ahead of next year’s EU election.
High external quantum efficiency (6.8%) UV-A LEDs on AlN templates with quantum barrier optimization
Authors: Yao Yifan , Li Hongjian , Wang Michael , Li Panpan , Lam Michael , Iza Michael , Speck James S. , DenBaars Steven P. , Nakamura Shuji
Published: July 2023

AlGaN-based UV-A LEDs have wide applications in medical treatment and chemical sensing; however, their efficiencies are still far behind visible LEDs or even shorter wavelengths UV-C counterparts because of the large lattice mismatch between the low-Al-content active region and the AlN substrate. In this report, we investigated the composition and thickness of the quantum barrier in the active region in terms of LED performance. Due to the improved strain management and better carrier confinement, efficient UV-A LEDs (320 nm - 330 nm) with EQEs up to 6.8% were demonstrated, among the highest efficiencies at this wavelength range.
Integrated metasurface for efficient polarization conversion and high-gain, low-RCS EM radiation
Authors: Rahman Saeed Ur , Deng Hai , Khan Muhammad Irshad , Ullah Naveed , Uddin Zaki
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an innovative design that combines the functionalities of a polarization convertor and an electromagnetic (EM) radiator into a single integrated metasurface. The metasurface consists of two identical metallic split-rings, a circular-shaped patch structure, a dielectric layer, and a reflective metallic ground. The polarization convertor component efficiently converts waves polarized in the x- or y-direction into cross-polarized waves within a frequency range of 8-13 GHz. It exhibits wideband resonances and achieves a high conversion efficiency. In the context of low-observable platforms, traditional high-gain antennas often suffer from a large radar cross section (RCS). To overcome this challenge, the same metasurface is utilized for EM radiation, enabling a high gain of 16.5 dBi while maintaining a low RCS. This is accomplished by strategically rotating the double-slotted metallic split-rings at 90∘, 180∘, and 270∘ in four distinct regions. Through this rotation, destructive interference cancellation occurs, resulting in wideband reduction of the RCS. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed metasurface in serving both applications, namely polarization conversion and EM radiation.
Advanced low blaze angle x-ray gratings via nanoimprint replication and plasma etch
Authors: Voronov Dmitriy L. , Park Sooyeon , Gullikson Eric M. , Salmassi Farhad , Padmore Howard A.
Published: July 2023

We developed a new method of making ultra-low blaze angle diffraction gratings for x-ray applications. The method is based on reduction of the blaze angle of a master grating by nanoimprint replication followed by a plasma etch. A master blazed grating with a relatively large blaze angle is fabricated by anisotropic wet etching of a Si single crystal substrate. The surface of the master grating is replicated by a polymer material on top of a quartz substrate by nanoimprinting. Then a second nanoimprinting is performed using the 1st replica as a mold to replicate the saw-tooth surface into a resist layer on top of a Si grating substrate. A reactive ion etch is used to transfer the grating grooves into the Si substrate. The plasma etch provides reduction of the groove depth by a factor defined by the ratio of the etch rates for the resist and Si. We demonstrate reduction of the blaze angle of a master grating by a factor of 5 during fabrication of a 200 lines/mm blazed grating with a blaze angle of 0.2°. We investigated the quality and performance of the fabricated low blaze angle gratings and evaluate process accuracy and reproducibility. The new blaze angle reduction method preserves the planarity of the optical surface of the grating substrate and at the same time provides improvement in the grating groove quality during the reduction process.
Grating designs for cone beam edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging: a simulation study
Authors: Vanthienen Pieter-Jan , Sanctorum Jonathan , Huyge Ben , Six Nathanaël , Sijbers Jan , De Beenhouwer Jan
Published: July 2023

Edge illumination is an emerging X-ray phase contrast imaging technique providing attenuation, phase and dark field contrast. Despite the successful transition from synchrotron to lab sources, the cone beam geometry of lab systems limits the effectiveness of using conventional planar gratings. The non-parallel incidence of X-rays introduces shadowing effects, worsening with increasing cone angle. To overcome this limitation, several alternative grating designs can be considered. In this paper, the effectiveness of three alternative designs is compared to conventional gratings using numerical simulations. Improvements in flux and contrast are discussed, taking into account practical considerations concerning the implementation of the designs.
High robustness single-shot wavefront sensing method using a near-field profile image and fully-connected retrieval neural network for a high power laser facility
Authors: Zhuang Yongchen , Wang Deen , Deng Xuewei , Lin Shibing , Zheng Yamin , Guo Liquan , Zhang Yifan , Huang Lei
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a single-shot high robustness wavefront sensing method based on deep-learning for wavefront distortion measurement in high power lasers. This method could achieve fast and robust wavefront retrieval by using a single-shot near-field profile image and trained network. The deep-learning network uses fully-skip cross connections to extract and integrate multi-scale feature maps from various layers and stages, which improves the wavefront retrieval speed and enhances the robustness of the method. The numerical simulation proves that the method could directly predict the wavefront distortion of high power lasers with high accuracy. The experiment demonstrates the residual RMS between the method and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor is less than 0.01 µm. The simulational and experimental results show that the method could accurately predict the incident wavefront distortion in high power lasers, exhibiting high speed and good robustness in wavefront retrieval.
Metalens enhanced ray optics: an end-to-end wave-ray co-optimization framework
Authors: Zhu Ziwei , Liu Zhaocheng , Zheng Changxi
Published: July 2023

We present a fully differentiable framework for seamlessly integrating wave optical components with geometrical lenses, offering an approach to enhance the performance of large-scale end-to-end optical systems. In this study, we focus on the integration of a metalens, a geometrical lens, and image data. Through the use of gradient-based optimization techniques, we demonstrate the design of nonparaxial imaging systems and the correction of aberrations inherent in geometrical optics. Our framework enables efficient and effective optimization of the entire optical system, leading to improved overall performance.
Enhancing fiber-coupling efficiency of beam-to-fiber links in turbulence by spatial non-uniform coherence engineering
Authors: Yan Zhiwen , Xu Ying , Lin Shuqin , Chang Hao , Zhu Xinlei , Cai Yangjian , Yu Jiayi
Published: July 2023

We present a general formula for the fiber-coupling efficiency of various types of non-uniformly correlated beams propagating in a turbulent atmosphere. With it, we calculate the fiber-coupling efficiency of a specific type of non-uniformly correlated beams, Laguerre non-uniformly correlated (LNUC) beams, to investigate how the non-uniform correlation structure plays a role in enhancing the fiber-coupling efficiency. Compared with conventional Gaussian Schell-model beams, the LNUC beams possess better coupling behavior, and the initial coherence length and beam order of such beams can be adjusted to further improve the fiber-coupling efficiency in turbulence. Our results demonstrate how non-uniformly correlated beams can be used for fiber-coupling applications, and demonstrate their intriguing potential for free-space optical communications.
On-site road properties evaluation for dry and wet asphalt roads using an imaging luminance measurement device
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hsien , Hsu Shau-Wei , Yang Tsung-Hsun , Sun Ching-Cherng
Published: July 2023

A method was developed to investigate the reflected properties of LED and HPS-lighted wet roads using on-site measurement of luminance images. An ILMD was used to obtain high observation angles by placing it at a close distance to the ROI. The luminance images were analyzed to derive a distribution of reflected luminance as a function of deviation, incidence, and observation angles. Furthermore, an investigation of the reflected characteristics of a dry asphalt road illuminated by LED lighting was conducted, employing on-site measurements of the images of luminance and the distribution of illuminance. The results provide valuable insights for designing lighting systems and mitigating the adverse effects of glare and specular reflection on road safety.
The potential impact of novel tuberculosis vaccine introduction on economic growth in low- and middle-income countries: A modeling study
Authors: Portnoy Allison , Arcand Jean-Louis , Clark Rebecca A. , Weerasuriya Chathika K. , Mukandavire Christinah , Bakker Roel , Patouillard Edith , Gebreselassie Nebiat , Zignol Matteo , Jit Mark , White Richard G. , Menzies Nicolas A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Most individuals developing tuberculosis (TB) are working age adults living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The resulting disability and death impact economic productivity and burden health systems. New TB vaccine products may reduce this burden. In this study, we estimated the impact of introducing novel TB vaccines on gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 105 LMICs.

Methods and findings

We adapted an existing macroeconomic model to simulate country-level GDP trends between 2020 and 2080, comparing scenarios for introduction of hypothetical infant and adolescent/adult vaccines to a no-new-vaccine counterfactual. We parameterized each scenario using estimates of TB-related mortality, morbidity, and healthcare spending from linked epidemiological and costing models. We assumed vaccines would be introduced between 2028 and 2047 and estimated incremental changes in GDP within each country from introduction to 2080, in 2020 US dollars. We tested the robustness of results to alternative analytic specifications. Both vaccine scenarios produced greater cumulative GDP in the modeled countries over the study period, equivalent to $1.6 (95% uncertainty interval: $0.8, 3.0) trillion for the adolescent/adult vaccine and $0.2 ($0.1, 0.4) trillion for the infant vaccine. These GDP gains were substantially lagged relative to the time of vaccine introduction, particularly for the infant vaccine. GDP gains resulting from vaccine introduction were concentrated in countries with higher current TB incidence and earlier vaccine introduction. Results were sensitive to secular trends in GDP growth but relatively robust to other analytic assumptions. Uncertain projections of GDP could alter these projections and affect the conclusions drawn by this analysis.

Conclusions

Under a range of assumptions, introducing novel TB vaccines would increase economic growth in LMICs.
Dermokine mutations contribute to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and advanced melanoma through ERK/MAPK pathways
Authors: Ma Wenqiong , Wu Zexiu , Maghsoudloo Mazaher , Ijaz Iqra , Dehghan Shasaltaneh Marzieh , Zhang Yuqin , Weng Qiao , Fu Junjiang , Imani Saber , Wen Qing Lian
Published: July 2023

To discover vulnerabilities associated with dermokine (DMKN) as a new trigger of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -driven melanoma, we undertook a genome-wide genetic screening using transgenic. Here, we showed that DMKN expression could be constitutively increased in human malignant melanoma (MM) and that this correlates with poor overall survival in melanoma patients, especially in BRAF-mutated MM samples. Furthermore, in vitro, knockdown of DMKN inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of MM cancer cells by the activation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathways and regulator of STAT3 in downstream molecular. By interrogating the in vitro melanoma dataset and characterization of advanced melanoma samples, we found that DMKN downregulated the EMT-like transcriptional program by disrupting EMT cortical actin, increasing the expression of epithelial markers, and decreasing the expression of mesenchymal markers. In addition, whole exome sequencing was presented with p.E69D and p.V91A DMKN mutations as a novel somatic loss of function mutations in those patients. Moreover, our purposeful proof-of-principle modeled the interaction of ERK with p.E69D and p.V91A DMKN mutations in the ERK-MAPK kinas signaling that may be naturally associated with triggering the EMT during melanomagenesis. Altogether, these findings provide preclinical evidence for the role of DMKN in shaping the EMT-like melanoma phenotype and introduced DMKN as a new exceptional responder for personalized MM therapy.
Decision models of emission reduction considering CSR under reward-penalty policy
Authors: Wang Yang , Chen Xiuling , Zhou Xideng
Published: July 2023

For the two emission reduction technologies of clean process (CT Mode) and end-of-pipe pollution control technology (ET Mode), this paper constructs production and low-carbon R&D decision-making models considering consumers’ green preference, and discusses the impact of social responsibility on firm’s decision-making, profit and social welfare. Then, the difference of optimal decision, profit and social welfare is analyzed when the firm adopt two emission reduction technologies with or without reward-penalty policy. The main conclusions of this paper are as follows: (1) Whether using clean process technology or end-of-pipe pollution control technology, consumers’ green preference behavior can increase corporate profit. When consumers’ green preference is small, consumers’ green preference is negatively correlated with social welfare. When consumers’ green preference is large, consumers’ green preference is positively correlated with social welfare. (2) Corporate social responsibility is conducive to improving the level of social welfare, not conducive to the increase of corporate profits. (3) When the reward and punishment intensity is small, the reward-penalty policy cannot effectively motivate the firm to assume social responsibility. Only when the reward and punishment reaches a certain level, the mechanism can have an incentive effect on the firm, and the government can actively implement the mechanism. (4) When the market scale is small, the adoption of end-of-pipe pollution control technology is more beneficial to the firm; When the market scale is large, it is beneficial for the firm to adopt clean technology. (5) If the efficiency of end-of-pipe pollution control and emission reduction is much higher than that of clean process, the firm should choose end-of-pipe pollution control technology, otherwise choose clean process.
Assessing a biomarker’s ability to reduce invasive procedures in patients with benign lung nodules: Results from the ORACLE study
Authors: Pritchett Michael A. , Sigal Barry , Bowling Mark R. , Kurman Jonathan S. , Pitcher Trevor , Springmeyer Steven C. ,   for the ORACLE Study Investigators
Published: July 2023

A blood-based integrated classifier (IC) has been clinically validated to improve accuracy in assessing probability of cancer risk (pCA) for pulmonary nodules (PN). This study evaluated the clinical utility of this biomarker for its ability to reduce invasive procedures in patients with pre-test pCA ≤ 50%. This was a propensity score matching (PSM) cohort study comparing patients in the ORACLE prospective, multicenter, observational registry to control patients treated with usual care. This study enrolled patients meeting the intended use criteria for IC testing: pCA ≤ 50%, age ≥40 years, nodule diameter 8–30 mm, and no history of lung cancer and/or active cancer (except for non-melanomatous skin cancer) within 5 years. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate invasive procedure use on benign PNs of registry patients as compared to control patients. A total of 280 IC tested, and 278 control patients met eligibility and analysis criteria and 197 were in each group after PSM (IC and control groups). Patients in the IC group were 74% less likely to undergo an invasive procedure as compared to the control group (absolute difference 14%, p <0.001) indicating that for every 7 patients tested, one unnecessary invasive procedure was avoided. Invasive procedure reduction corresponded to a reduction in risk classification, with 71 patients (36%) in the IC group classified as low risk (pCA < 5%). The proportion of IC group patients with malignant PNs sent to surveillance were not statistically different than the control group, 7.5% vs 3.5% for the IC vs. control groups, respectively (absolute difference 3.91%, p 0.075). The IC for patients with a newly discovered PN has demonstrated valuable clinical utility in a real-world setting. Use of this biomarker can change physicians’ practice and reduce invasive procedures in patients with benign pulmonary nodules.

Trial registration: Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.govNCT03766958.
Genetic reanalysis of patients with a difference of sex development carrying the NR5A1/SF-1 variant p.Gly146Ala has discovered other likely disease-causing variations
Authors: Martinez de Lapiscina Idoia , Kouri Chrysanthi , Aurrekoetxea Josu , Sanchez Mirian , Naamneh Elzenaty Rawda , Sauter Kay-Sara , Camats Núria , Grau Gema , Rica Itxaso , Rodriguez Amaia , Vela Amaia , Cortazar Alicia , Alonso-Cerezo Maria Concepción , Bahillo Pilar , Bertholt Laura , Esteva Isabel , Castaño Luis , Flück Christa E.
Published: July 2023

NR5A1/SF-1 (Steroidogenic factor-1) variants may cause mild to severe differences of sex development (DSD) or may be found in healthy carriers. TheNR5A1/SF-1 c.437G>C/p.Gly146Ala variant is common in individuals with a DSD and has been suggested to act as a susceptibility factor for adrenal disease or cryptorchidism. Since the allele frequency is high in the general population, and the functional testing of the p.Gly146Ala variant revealed inconclusive results, the disease-causing effect of this variant has been questioned. However, a role as a disease modifier is still possible given that oligogenic inheritance has been described in patients withNR5A1/SF-1 variants. Therefore, we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) in 13 DSD individuals harboring theNR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant to search for other DSD-causing variants and clarify the function of this variant for the phenotype of the carriers. Panel and whole-exome sequencing was performed, and data were analyzed with a filtering algorithm for detecting variants inNR5A1- and DSD-related genes. The phenotype of the studied individuals ranged from scrotal hypospadias and ambiguous genitalia in 46,XY DSD to opposite sex in both 46,XY and 46,XX. In nine subjects we identified either a clearly pathogenic DSD gene variant (e.g. inAR) or one to four potentially deleterious variants that likely explain the observed phenotype alone (e.g. inFGFR3,CHD7). Our study shows that most individuals carrying theNR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant, harbor at least one other deleterious gene variant which can explain the DSD phenotype. This finding confirms that theNR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala variant may not contribute to the pathogenesis of DSD and qualifies as a benign polymorphism. Thus, individuals, in whom theNR5A1/SF-1 p.Gly146Ala gene variant has been identified as the underlying genetic cause for their DSD in the past, should be re-evaluated with a NGS method to reveal the real genetic diagnosis.
The design and evaluation of a training program on culturally competent psychosocial care provision for men who have sex with men in Senegal
Authors: Nabil Farah , Grachev Kira , Gasch-Gallén Ángel , Rosés i Belló Anna , Mamadou Mbaye El Hadji , Gueye Khady , Nkoum Nicole
Published: July 2023

Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience a high degree of discrimination and marginalization in Senegal. Homophobia is pervasive in Senegalese society at the cultural, religious, and political levels. Its effects are reflected in the disproportionately high levels of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse among men who have sex with men when compared to the general population. Given the widespread stigma and the lack of structural support, healthcare providers play a critical role in reconciling the physical and psychological needs of men who have sex with men. This led to the design of a training program that aimed to improve the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver MSM-competent psychosocial care. The training was delivered virtually to 37 Senegal-based nurses and physicians. The program was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated using pre- and post-testing. The findings demonstrate a general post-training increase in knowledge acquisition (9. 23%, p-value = 0.0021) and a 6.39% reduction in homophobia, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0376); with male providers outperforming female providers, and physicians outperforming nurses. This demonstrates the effectiveness and applicability of the program to support the psychosocial needs of men who have sex with men, and its capacity for future and broader implementation among healthcare providers.
Divergence of cochlear transcriptomics between reference‑based and reference‑free transcriptome analyses among Rhinolophus ferrumequinum populations
Authors: Shi Xiaoxiao , Li Jun , Liu Tong , Zhao Hanbo , Leng Haixia , Sun Keping , Feng Jiang
Published: July 2023

Differences in gene expression within tissues can lead to differences in tissue function. Understanding the transcriptome of a species helps elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic divergence. According to the presence or absence of a reference genome of for a studied species, transcriptome analyses can be divided into reference‑based and reference‑free methods, respectively. Presently, comparisons of complete transcriptome analysis results between those two methods are still rare. In this study, we compared the cochlear transcriptome analysis results of greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) from three lineages in China with different acoustic phenotypes using reference‑based and reference‑free methods to explore their differences in subsequent analysis. The results gained by reference-based results had lower false-positive rates and were more accurate because differentially expressed genes among the three populations obtained by this method had greater reliability and a higher annotation rate. Some phenotype-related enrichment terms, including those related to inorganic molecules and proton transmembrane channels, were also obtained only by the reference-based method. However, the reference‑based method might have the limitation of incomplete information acquisition. Thus, we believe that a combination of reference‑free and reference‑based methods is ideal for transcriptome analyses. The results of our study provided a reference for the selection of transcriptome analysis methods in the future.
Effects of a low-carbohydrate diet in adults with type 1 diabetes management: A single arm non-randomised clinical trial
Authors: Turton Jessica L. , Brinkworth Grant D. , Parker Helen M. , Lim David , Lee Kevin , Rush Amy , Johnson Rebecca , Rooney Kieron B.
Published: July 2023

Public interest in low-carbohydrate (LC) diets for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management has increased. This study compared the effects of a healthcare professional delivered LC diet compared to habitual diets higher in carbohydrates on clinical outcomes in adults with T1D. Twenty adults (18–70 yrs) with T1D (≥6 months duration) with suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c>7.0% or >53 mmol/mol) participated in a 16-week single arm within-participant, controlled intervention study involving a 4-week control period following their habitual diets (>150 g/day of carbohydrates) and a 12-week intervention period following a LC diet (25–75 g/day of carbohydrates) delivered remotely by a registered dietitian. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c –primary outcome), time in range (blood glucose: 3.5–10.0 mmol/L), frequency of hypoglycaemia (<3.5 mmol/L), total daily insulin, and quality of life were assessed before and after the control and intervention periods. Sixteen participants completed the study. During the intervention period, there were reductions in total dietary carbohydrate intake (214 to 63 g/day; P<0.001), HbA1c (7.7 to 7.1% or 61 to 54 mmol/mol; P = 0.003) and total daily insulin use (65 to 49 U/day; P<0.001), increased time spent in range (59 to 74%; P<0.001), and improved quality of life (P = 0.015), with no significant changes observed during the control period. Frequency of hypoglycaemia episodes did not differ across timepoints, and no episodes of ketoacidosis or other adverse events were reported during the intervention period. These preliminary findings suggest that a professionally supported LC diet may lead to improvements in markers of blood glucose control and quality of life with reduced exogenous insulin requirements and no evidence of increased hypoglycaemia or ketoacidosis risk in adults with T1D. Given the potential benefits of this intervention, larger, longer-term randomised controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Trial Registration: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000764831.aspx
Assessment of vegetation regrowth and spatial patterns and severity factors of wildfires in wildland-urban interface - the case of the large wildfire in Baião (2019)
Authors: Moura Batista dos Santos Sarah , Bento-Gonçalves António , Vieira António , Teixeira Georgia
Published: July 2023

Portugal is one of the countries most affected by forest fires in southern Europe, with recurrent events and frequent impacts. The demographic and social changes that have occurred in rural areas have driven land neglect in recent years, which, in turn, influences forest management and wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas that are related to fires. Therefore, it is the aim of this study to develop a case study in the municipality of Baião, based on the large wildfire (LWF) of 2019, defining and mapping the WUI areas, as well as evaluate, the recurrence, the GIF severity and in a period of 2 years, the regeneration of vegetation, in areas with different land uses and affected by different severities. The study was organized into 4 stages, being that in the first proceeded to the mapping of fire occurrences, the second of the wildland-urban interfaces, the third the characterization of the recurrence of large fires, the fourth corresponded to the evaluation of the severity of the large wildfire of 2019 and the evaluation of the vegetation regeneration, as a function of land use. The WUI represent 26.7% of the territory of the municipality of Baião, during the years 2001 to 2021 the municipality registered 3 770 fire occurrences. The LWF of Baião burned an area corresponding to 853 ha, the burned area in 2019 presented a maximum number of 12 fires between the years of 1975 to 2019, resulting in a maximum degree of 11 recurrences for the same area. We can verify that 2 years after the LWF, the area occupied by forest and scrub classes, which were hit by high severity, already showed significant levels of vegetation regeneration. With this, the main conclusions consider studies in this line contribute to the understanding of the patterns created by the wildfire in different landscapes, being information valuable for forest managers to understand the consequences (beneficial or not) and plan actions of prevention, restoration, and environmental education.
Determinação do volume de material erodido em processos de ravinamento com base no uso de fotografias obtidas por Aeronave Remotamente Pilotada (ARP)
Authors: Nardini Gomes Luciano , Nardini Gomes Eduardo , Prado Alves Junior Agostinho
Published: July 2023

A conservação do solo é etapa fundamental dos sistemas agrícolas, notadamente quando se visa equilíbrio entre produtividade e meio ambiente. Quando não realizada, o solo fica susceptível à ação dos processos erosivos, que pode culminar em grandes áreas impactadas denominadas voçorocas, cuja recuperação depende de projeto de dispêndio financeiro e de tempo. A mensuração e geração cartográfica digital evoluíram muito, quando comparado aos métodos convencionais de medição, nesse sentido, a utilização de Aeronaves Remotamente Pilotadas (RPA’s) se constitui técnica com maior crescimento no mercado de mapeamento. Este trabalho visa validar metodologia de mapeamento e cálculo de volume de solo erodido em voçoroca a partir de modelo digital do terreno elaborado através de aerofotogrametria obtida por RPA, utilizando técnicas convencionais de topografia como tratamento testemunha. Em área rural com voçoroca com área de aproximadamente 8,32 hectares, foi realizado levantamento topográfico de 940 pontos com estação total laser, por caminhamento e poligonal encravada georreferenciada por receptor GNSS L1/L2. Foram realizadas 2 missões com RPA de baixo custo, com alteração de 90º nos planos de voo. As fotos obtidas serão processadas no Agisoft Metashape seguindo diferentes rigores na geração da nuvem de pontos. O volume de material erodido da voçoroca a aportado no manancial à jusante foi de 638641,5 m3, equivalente à 212880 caçambas convencionais de transporte entulho de 3 m3.
As Relações Luso-Marroquinas no Século XVI: Presença Portuguesa em Agadir e região de Sus (1505-1541)
Authors: Nadir Mohammed
Published: July 2023

As relações luso-marroquinas são indubitavelmente o reflexo duma relação secular que encontra suas raízes numa herança mediterrânica e num processo histórico variável no seu aspecto quer de confronto quer de contacto. E é também uma relação com uma componente fortemente estratégica. Portugal e Marrocos, dois países da finis terrae, com uma história binacional, encarnam um aspecto belo e épico desse contacto entre o Norte e o Sul do Mediterrâneo.
A presença dos portugueses em Marrocos de 1415 a 1541, -ano em que Portugal começou a perder suas fortalezas no Norte de África- surgiu para resolver problemas vitais (económicos e sociopolíticos) consequência da longa depressão europeia assim como para escapar e resistir à ameaça de anexação pelo reino de Leão-Castela, cujo poder se impôs em todas as Espanhas. É, pois, para garantir a sua sobrevivência nacional que Portugal empreendeu sua expansão, embarcando na conquista do Norte da África. A conquista de Agadir em 1505 e a expansão na região meridional de Marrocos obedeceu à contrário da fase setentrional a outros fatores de cariz estratégicos e económicos que visavam isolar o país magrebino de seu espaço afro-subsaariano e usufruir de suas riquezas. Tal intuito gerou uma reação local e mais tarde nacional personificada nos xarifes Saâdidas que desencadearam uma contraofensiva pluridimensional visando asfixiar a as fortalezas portuguesas economicamente e militarmente, combater os seus aliados os mouros de pazes, reatar o comercio caravaneiro com o Sudão Ocidental e diversificar as parcerias comerciais com os concorrentes europeus de Portugal. O resultado foi a reconquista de Agadir em 1541 e que antecipou o processo de abandono das outras praças marroquinas.
Palavras Ditas…: Volume I
Authors: Santos Fernando Seabra
Published: July 2023

O projecto que vos deixo, é o de repetir o irrepetível, o da renovação permanente dos Homens e das instituições, o da confiança em nós mesmos e nos outros, o da celebração da vida colectiva, o da vinculação à utopia. Se vale ou não a pena, dúvida de uma outra circunstância, tormenta de um outro cabo, conteúdo de uma outra Mensagem, se vale ou não a pena só depende, como todos sabemos, da maior ou menor dimensão das nossas almas.
Tomada de Posse, 28 de fevereiro de 2007

(É necessário) ...libertá-la das oscilações de curto período, do zigue-zague
da moda, dos estímulos da conjuntura, da vulgaridade mediática, da cultura do efémero, da urgência de respostas e de reacções a notícias que condicionam tudo e todos, e que se esgotam e contradizem ao fim de dois dias. Conseguir resistir à voragem do que é urgente por ardilosa superficialidade, para pôr em perspectiva um outro sentido do tempo que permita fazer, com espíritos serenos, a Mudança Tranquila.
Abertura Solene das Aulas, 19 de setembro de 2007

Não vos posso mostrar cartilhas, porque não as há. Mas posso alertar-vos contra os homens providenciais, que sempre significaram e significarão a demissão de todos os outros. A única receita para o sucesso é fazermos nós, honestamente, o nosso trabalho: comparar realidades, aferir conceitos, validar propostas, discutir experiências. Estudar, estudar, estudar sempre e tentar encontrar a nossa via, o
melhor caminho para trilhar, em função das nossas próprias convicções, no cotejo de ideias, tentando convencer os outros, mas sabendo igualmente sopesar o valor dos seus argumentos.
Abertura Solene das Aulas, 17 de setembro 2008

Quarenta anos depois, vale a pena recordar-vos que um dia sonhámos os dias actuais e que amanhã os dias são sonhos de agora. Mas se um dia, perdidos, deixarmos cair as asas do sonho que transpõem metas, se um dia, vencidos, nos dermos tristonhos à simples rotina do passar dos dias, então, sonhando o futuro no dia que passa, não passa o
futuro do dia do sonho.
Abertura Solene das Aulas, 16 de setembro 2009
Palavras Ditas…: Volume II
Authors: Santos Fernando Seabra
Published: July 2023

Não foi este Museu encomendado, chave-na-mão, a um especialista estrangeiro, nem adquirido num dos catálogos de exposições temporárias que percorrem o Mundo. Assumimos, desde o início, o objectivo de desenvolver um projecto original. Para isso, procurámos ajuda de quem detinha maior experiência e mais conhecimentos. ... (Neste processo) dotámo-nos de competências de que não dispúnhamos, constituímos um grupo capaz de criar e manter um Museu da Ciência pouco dependente de fornecedores e de comerciantes. A nossa interacção com eles, quase todos nacionais, é agora na qualidade de autores e projectistas, não de consumidores. E isso faz toda a diferença.
Laboratório Chimico, 5 de dezembro de 2006

Universidades e Laboratórios são como gâmetas diferentes da mesma espécie. Podem ter estratégias diversas de curto prazo, condicionadas pelas conhecidas especificidades morfológicas de género, mais inerciais umas, mais cinéticos outros, mas são identicamente indispensáveis, em conjunto, a qualquer estratégia ganhadora de médio ou longo prazo. É preciso que se fertilizem mutuamente pondo em comum o melhor
que têm, sem perda de identidade ou de independência... Espero e desejo que possamos continuar a entrelaçar os nossos cromossomas
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 13 de abril de 2007

Inúmeros episódios da secular história de Coimbra e da sua Universidade cruzam-se com o desenvolvimento, a emancipação e o progresso do Brasil e são, por sua vez, claramente influenciados pela intervenção de homens e mulheres brasileiros e pela cultura brasileira. O nosso imaginário colectivo tem um recanto comum. Homens e mulheres a tecer destinos, portugueses e brasileiros em andanças e desandanças da vida, hoje decantadas em História, em memória e em lenda. De certa forma, a Universidade que represento não é só de Coimbra, nem apenas de Portugal. É também a Universidade de todos os que, nos quatro cantos do mundo, amam, pensam e escrevem em português, esta língua que é a nossa Pátria comum.
Sala dos Capelos, 27 de Novembro de 2008
Kano modell alkalmazása a logisztikai szolgáltatók kiválasztása során
Authors: Horváth Adrienn , Kotsis Ágnes
Published: July 2023

A vevői elégedettség elérése a versenyelőny megszerzésének egyik fő eszköze, a legtöbb vállalat számára prioritás a stratégia kialakításában. Annak megértése azonban, hogy mi eredményez vevői elégedettséget, korántsem ennyire egyértelmű. Mind a mai napig élénk vita tárgyát képezi. Ahhoz, azonban, hogy pontos képet kaphassunk a vevők elégedettségéről és az azt befolyásoló tényezőkről, jó mérőeszközzel kell, hogy rendelkezzünk. Ezen túl pedig elengedhetetlen az eredmények helyes elemzése is. A gyakorlatban sok vállalat /méri a vevői elégedettséget, eredményeik feldolgozására azonban nem mindig rendelkeznek megfelelő eszközzel. A vevői elégedettség sok esetben egyfajta piaci hatékonysági mérőszám, és ennek elérése az üzleti siker alapja. A szolgáltatások színvonalának mérése során elterjed egy vagy több dimenziós módszerek közül mi a Kano modell használatát vizsgáljuk. A cikknek célja, hogy szisztematikus szakirodalmi elemzés során megismerjük, a Kano modell használatának gyakoriságát a logisztikai szolgáltatók kiválasztásánál, illetve, hogy milyen megközelítéseket és szempontokat használnak a logisztikai szolgáltatók értékeléséhez. Továbbá a modell milyen más modellekkel kapcsolható össze és használható a szolgáltatók kiválasztására is.
Az új technológiák támogató vállalati környezetének kialakításával kapcsolatos menedzsment kihívások
Authors: Pekk Letícia , Kovács Zoltán , Háry András
Published: July 2023

A napjainkban végbemenő jelentős technológiai fejlődés komoly kihívásokat támaszt a vállalati menedzsment számára, nemcsak az adekvát válaszok megtalálása, hanem a versenyképes technológiai képességek fenntartása terén is. Az Ipar 4.0, a digitalizáció, a humán bázishoz kapcsolódó társadalmi változások, azok gyorsasága és bizonytalansága csak néhány a számos technikai és társadalmi trend közül, amelyek nap mint nap éreztetik hatásaikat egy szervezet életében. A technológiával kapcsolatos stratégiai döntések, a létrejövő technológiai képességek, a technológiai kompetencia, az elért üzleti eredmények mindegyike önállóan is újszerű kihívásokat támaszt a technológiaintenzív vállalkozások számára, de ezen területek összefüggő és integrált kezelése még nehezebb feladat. A jelen anyag épít a szerzők korábbi kutatásainak eredményeire, amelyek során vizsgálták az új technológiák előrejelzési problémakörét, a lehetséges menedzsment válaszok kialakítása érdekében. Az itt bemutatásra kerülő kutatás az új technológiákkal kapcsolatos menedzsment kihívások és a vállalat üzleti eredményei közötti kapcsolatok kérdéskörével foglalkozik. Egy kísérleti felmérés kapcsán a publikusan elérhető adatok lehetséges vizsgálati és elemzési irányait kívánja bemutatni, konkrét példákon keresztül, további kutatások irányainak kijelölése céljából.
Fogyasztói tudatosság feltáró vizsgálata élelmiszervásárlás és felhasználás esetében
Authors: Rimóczi Csilla , Pólya Éva , Oravecz Titanilla
Published: July 2023

A tudatos élelmiszerfogyasztói magatartás egyik kulcskérdése, hogy az egyén miképpen viszonyul a megvásárolt és elfogyasztott élelmiszerhez, hogyan próbálja ezt a folyamatot úgy optimalizálni, hogy a lehető legkevesebb hulladékot termelje. Élelmiszerpazarlásról akkor beszélünk, ha olyan ételt dobunk ki a kukába, amelynek hulladékká válása csupán egy kis odafigyeléssel elkerülhető lett volna. Az élelmiszerhulladék keletkezhet az élelmiszerlánc minden és bármely állomásán: a kitermelés és a szállítás közben, az áruházakban és a saját háztartásainkban is. A fejlődő országokban a megfelelő technológia hiánya miatt nagy részben a földeken, az aratást követően és ezután feldolgozás alatt keletkezik a legtöbb élelmiszer hulladék, viszont ezzel szemben a fejlett országokban így Magyarországon is az élelmiszer hulladék 40%-a háztartásokban keletkezik. Ez az óriási mértékű élelmiszer pazarlás globális kihívást jelent. Az ENSZ Élelmezési és Mezőgazdasági Szervezete (FAO) szerint az előállított élelmiszereknek körülbelül egyharmada kárba vész mielőtt a termelőtől a fogyasztó asztalára jutna. A hazai háztartások élelmiszer pazarlása mögött rejlő viselkedési mintákat keresve a Nébih kutatói a jövedelmet, az életkort, az iskolai végzettséget és lakóhelyet azonosították a legfontosabb szociodemográfiai tényezőknek. Feltételezésünk szerint a fogyasztói tudatosság a vásárlások alkalmával a megvásárolt és elfogyasztott élelmiszerek mennyiségén kevésbé érezhető. Sokkal többen hangoztatják a tudatosságot fogyasztói döntések során, mint amennyien a gyakorlatban azt meg is teszik. Jelen munkánkban egy feltáró kutatás keretében az élelmiszervásárlás és a fogyasztói tudatosság kapcsolatát vizsgáljuk mélyinterjúk segítségével. A leírt eredmények megalapoznak egy jövőbeni kvantitatív kutatást, mely részletesebb képet nyújthat a fogyasztók tudatos élelmiszervásárlási és fogyasztási magatartásáról.