bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GO/MoS2@PVA composite membrane-based optical fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer for humidity sensing and its non-contact sensing application
Authors: Shi Yufei , Wu Jun , Zhou Jun , Xie Zihan , Wang Fuxiang , Gao Feng , Dong Jie , Wang Zhaokun , Wang Qiang , Shen Changyu
Published: July 2024

A humidity sensor based on an optical fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) coated with a GO/MoS2@PVA composite membrane was investigated for non-contact sensing. MoS2 was used as a nanospacer to enhance the humidity-sensitive properties of GO, and the adhesion and stability of the composite membrane on the fiber surface could be increased by PVA. The proposed sensor shows a maximum sensitivity of 0.26 dB/%RH with average response and recovery times of 1.62 and 1.11 s, respectively. In non-contact sensing applications, the sensor can effectively recognize a maximum distance of 10 mm for the proximity of a human finger with a distance variation interval of 3 mm. The proposed sensor is expected to be applied in non-contact distance detection and localization or as a non-contact human–computer interaction panel.
Multispectral radiation thermometry platform based on wireless data transmission
Authors: Zhang Kaihua , Yu Kun , Liu Yufang
Published: July 2024

In metal smelting, precise temperature control is of vital importance for reaction rates, efficiency, and product quality. Traditional methods such as thermocouples have inherent limitations, but multispectral radiation thermometry (MRT) offers high resolution and reliability. This paper proposes a multispectral radiation thermometry platform featuring wireless data transmission, which enables remote data transfer and precise temperature measurements. The platform was meticulously calibrated, and six common emissivity models were inverted with high accuracy. The results of temperature measurements conducted at a copper smelting site demonstrated an excellent degree of agreement with those obtained using disposable thermocouples. The platform has the potential to be applied in harsh environments, offering, to our knowledge, a novel approach to temperature measurement in metal smelting processes.
4 × 4 differential index modulation for optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Huiqin , Tang Qihan , Zhang Yue , Cao Minghua , Peng Qingbin
Published: July 2024

In this Letter, we propose and demonstrate a 4 × 4 differential index modulation (DIM) scheme for optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OOFDM) systems. The 4 × 4 DIM scheme avoids complex channel estimation by performing differential index modulation in the time–frequency domain, with the key aspect lying in the design of the time–frequency dispersion matrix that integrates the indices and constellation symbols. Moreover, we design a deep learning-based DIMFormer detector for the high decoding complexity problem of maximum likelihood (ML) detection. Experimental results show that the 4 × 4 DIM in OOFDM systems eliminates the need for complex channel estimation, and the loss of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is no more than 1 dB compared to conventional index modulation. The designed DIMFormer detector reduces the computational complexity by 38.98% as well as the time complexity by 99% compared to ML.
Tunable broadband two-point-coupled ultra-high-Q visible and near-infrared photonic integrated resonators
Authors: Liu Kaikai , Chauhan Nitesh , Song Meiting , Harrington Mark W. , Nelson Karl D. , Blumenthal Daniel J.
Published: July 2024

Ultra-high-quality-factor (Q) resonators are a critical component for visible to near-infrared (NIR) applications, including quantum sensing and computation, atomic timekeeping and navigation, precision metrology, microwave photonics, and fiber optic sensing and communications. Implementing such resonators in an ultra-low-loss CMOS foundry compatible photonic integration platform can enable the transitioning of critical components from the lab- to the chip-scale, such as ultra-low-linewidth lasers, optical reference cavities, scanning spectroscopy, and precision filtering. The optimal operation of these resonators must preserve the ultra-low losses and simultaneously support the desired variations in coupling over a wide range of visible and NIR wavelengths as well as provide tolerance to fabrication imperfections. We report a significant advancement in high-performance integrated resonators based on a two-point-coupling design that achieves critical coupling simultaneously at multiple wavelengths across wide wavebands and tuning of the coupling condition at any wavelength, from under-, through critically, to over-coupled. We demonstrate critical coupling at 698 nm and 780 nm in one visible-wavelength resonator and critical coupling over a wavelength range from 1550 nm to 1630 nm in a 340-million intrinsic Q 10-meter-coil waveguide resonator. Using the 340-million intrinsic Q coil resonator, we demonstrate laser stabilization that achieves six orders of magnitude reduction in the semiconductor laser frequency noise. We also report that this design can be used as a characterization technique to measure the intrinsic waveguide losses from 1300 nm to 1650 nm, resolving hydrogen-related absorption peaks at 1380 nm and 1520 nm in the resonator, giving insight to further reduce waveguide loss. The CMOS foundry compatibility of this resonator design will provide a path towards scalable system-on-chip integration for high-performance precision experiments and applications, improving reliability, and reducing size and cost.
NeuroMotion: Open-source platform with neuromechanical and deep network modules to generate surface EMG signals during voluntary movement
Authors: Ma Shihan , Mendez Guerra Irene , Caillet Arnault Hubert , Zhao Jiamin , Clarke Alexander Kenneth , Maksymenko Kostiantyn , Deslauriers-Gauthier Samuel , Sheng Xinjun , Zhu Xiangyang , Farina Dario
Published: July 2024

Neuromechanical studies investigate how the nervous system interacts with the musculoskeletal (MSK) system to generate volitional movements. Such studies have been supported by simulation models that provide insights into variables that cannot be measured experimentally and allow a large number of conditions to be tested before the experimental analysis. However, current simulation models of electromyography (EMG), a core physiological signal in neuromechanical analyses, remain either limited in accuracy and conditions or are computationally heavy to apply. Here, we provide a computational platform to enable future work to overcome these limitations by presenting NeuroMotion, an open-source simulator that can modularly test a variety of approaches to the full-spectrum synthesis of EMG signals during voluntary movements. We demonstrate NeuroMotion using three sample modules. The first module is an upper-limb MSK model with OpenSim API to estimate the muscle fibre lengths and muscle activations during movements. The second module is BioMime, a deep neural network-based EMG generator that receives nonstationary physiological parameter inputs, like the afore-estimated muscle fibre lengths, and efficiently outputs motor unit action potentials (MUAPs). The third module is a motor unit pool model that transforms the muscle activations into discharge timings of motor units. The discharge timings are convolved with the output of BioMime to simulate EMG signals during the movement. We first show how MUAP waveforms change during different levels of physiological parameter variations and different movements. We then show that the synthetic EMG signals during two-degree-of-freedom hand and wrist movements can be used to augment experimental data for regressing joint angles. Ridge regressors trained on the synthetic dataset were directly used to predict joint angles from experimental data. In this way, NeuroMotion was able to generate full-spectrum EMG for the first use-case of human forearm electrophysiology during voluntary hand, wrist, and forearm movements. All intermediate variables are available, which allows the user to study cause-effect relationships in the complex neuromechanical system, fast iterate algorithms before collecting experimental data, and validate algorithms that estimate non-measurable parameters in experiments. We expect this modular platform will enable validation of generative EMG models, complement experimental approaches and empower neuromechanical research.
Decrease in reaction time for volleyball athletes during saccadic eye movement task: A preliminary study with evoked potentials
Authors: Costa Élida , Gongora Mariana , Bittencourt Juliana , Marinho Victor , Cagy Mauricio , Teixeira Silmar , Nicoliche Eduardo , Fernandes Isabelle , Machado Caroline , Wienecke Jacob , Ribeiro Pedro , Gupta Daya S. , Velasques Bruna , Budde Henning
Published: July 2024

Aim

This preliminary study investigated the differences in event-related potential and reaction time under two groups (athletes vs. non-athletes).

Material and methods

The P300 was analyzed for Fz, Cz, and Pz electrodes in thirty-one healthy volunteers divided into two groups (volleyball athletes and non-athletes). In addition, the participants performed a saccadic eye movement task to measure reaction time.

Results

The EEG analysis showed that the athletes, in comparison to the no-athletes, have differences in the P300 in the frontal area (p = 0.021). In relation to reaction time, the results show lower reaction time for athletes (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The volleyball athletes may present a greater allocation of attention during the execution of the inhibition task, since they have a lower reaction time for responses when compared to non-athletes.
Mendelian randomization analyses clarify the effects of height on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Hui Daniel , Sanford Eric , Lorenz Kimberly , Damrauer Scott M. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Thom Christopher S. , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: July 2024

An inverse correlation between stature and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been observed in several epidemiologic studies, and recent Mendelian randomization (MR) experiments have suggested causal association. However, the extent to which the effect estimated by MR can be explained by cardiovascular, anthropometric, lung function, and lifestyle-related risk factors is unclear, with a recent report suggesting that lung function traits could fully explain the height-CAD effect. To clarify this relationship, we utilized a well-powered set of genetic instruments for human stature, comprising >1,800 genetic variants for height and CAD. In univariable analysis, we confirmed that a one standard deviation decrease in height (~6.5 cm) was associated with a 12.0% increase in the risk of CAD, consistent with previous reports. In multivariable analysis accounting for effects from up to 12 established risk factors, we observed a >3-fold attenuation in the causal effect of height on CAD susceptibility (3.7%, p = 0.02). However, multivariable analyses demonstrated independent effects of height on other cardiovascular traits beyond CAD, consistent with epidemiologic associations and univariable MR experiments. In contrast with published reports, we observed minimal effects of lung function traits on CAD risk in our analyses, indicating that these traits are unlikely to explain the residual association between height and CAD risk. In sum, these results suggest the impact of height on CAD risk beyond previously established cardiovascular risk factors is minimal and not explained by lung function measures.
Ngulluk Moort, Ngulluk Boodja, Ngulluk Wirin (our family, our country, our spirit): An Aboriginal Participatory Action Research study protocol
Authors: Hamilton Sharynne Lee , Jones Larissa , Penny Millie , Pell Charmaine , Ilich Nicole , Michie Carol , Mutch Raewyn , O’Donnell Melissa , Shepherd Carrington , Farrant Brad
Published: July 2024

Globally, Indigenous children have historical and contemporary connections with government child protection services that have caused significant harm to their long-term health and wellbeing. Innovative, culturally secure and recovery focussed service provision is required. This paper describes a research protocol that has been designed by Indigenous researchers led by Indigenous Elders, to explore culturally secure care planning and service delivery in out-of-home care agencies in Australia. Using participatory action research methods, we will collect data using a variety of forums, including focus groups and semi-structured interviews. These data will explore the challenges for out-of-home care agencies in providing culturally secure care-planning, cultural activity and resources, and explore solutions to address factors that influence health and can assist to redress social inequities for Indigenous children. We aim to recruit approximately 100 participants for the qualitative study and 40 participants for the quantitative survey. Study participants will initially be recruited using purposive sampling, and as the study progresses will be recruited using a mixture of purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The rich data that this study is expected to yield, will inform ways to collect cultural information about Indigenous children and ways to provide cultural connections and activities that will have benefit to Indigenous children and families, and a broad range of social services.
The political, psychological, and social correlates of cryptocurrency ownership
Authors: Littrell Shane , Klofstad Casey , Uscinski Joseph E.
Published: July 2024

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset secured by cryptography that has become a popular medium of exchange and investment known for its anonymous transactions, unregulated markets, and volatile prices. Given the popular subculture of traders it has created, and its implications for financial markets and monetary policy, scholars have recently begun to examine the political, psychological, and social characteristics of cryptocurrency investors. A review of the existing literature suggests that cryptocurrency owners may possess higher-than-average levels of nonnormative psychological traits and exhibit a range of non-mainstream political identities. However, this extant literature typically employs small nonrepresentative samples of respondents and examines only a small number of independent variables in each given study. This presents the opportunity for both further testing of previous findings as well as broader exploratory analyses including more expansive descriptive investigations of cryptocurrency owners. To that end, we polled 2,001 American adults in 2022 to examine the associations between cryptocurrency ownership and individual level political, psychological, and social characteristics. Analyses revealed that 30% of our sample have owned some form of cryptocurrency and that these individuals exhibit a diversity of political allegiances and identities. We also found that crypto ownership was associated with belief in conspiracy theories, “dark” personality characteristics (e.g., the “Dark Tetrad” of narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism), and more frequent use of alternative and fringe social media platforms. When examining a more comprehensive multivariate model, the variables that most strongly predict cryptocurrency ownership are being male, relying on alternative/fringe social media as one’s primary news source, argumentativeness, and an aversion to authoritarianism. These findings highlight numerous avenues for future research into the people who buy and trade cryptocurrencies and speak to broader global trends in anti-establishment attitudes and nonnormative behaviors.
The Brief Symptom Inventory in the Swiss general population: Presentation of norm scores and predictors of psychological distress
Authors: Michel Gisela , Baenziger Julia , Brodbeck Jeannette , Mader Luzius , Kuehni Claudia E. , Roser Katharina
Published: July 2024

Psychological distress is an important and frequent health problem. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) allows screening for psychological distress in clinical, general and research populations. We aimed to provide normative data for the BSI and the BSI-18 for the Swiss general population: We 1) present psychometric properties, 2) develop a Swiss T-standardization and validate it using a clinical sample, 3) describe psychological distress in the Swiss general population and the clinical sample, and 4) compare the means and T-standardized scores of the Swiss general population to different German norm populations. Using a cross-sectional study design, we invited a representative sample of the Swiss general population aged 18–75 years to the study. A sample of psychotherapy outpatients had competed the BSI before start of their therapy. We calculated scores for the nine scales of the BSI (three of them constitute the BSI-18), the T-standardization and the following BSI indices: Global Severity Index (GSI), Positive Symptom Total (PST), Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI), and Caseness (reaching T≥63 on the GSI or T≥63 on at least two of the scales). A total of 1238 general population participants completed the BSI (41.8% male; mean age 48.9 years). The BSI had good psychometric properties. The Swiss T-standardization showed good validity when applied in the clinical sample. Females reached a significantly higher GSI score than males (p<0.001). Older participants (p = 0.026), those with higher education (p <0.001), and those employed or retired (p<0.001) reached lower scores than participants aged 18–25 years, those with compulsory schooling, and unemployed participants, respectively. A total of 18.1% (CI: 16.0–20.5) participants of the general population and 75.2% (CI: 73.7–76.7) of the psychotherapy patients were considered cases with psychological distress. Our study presents detailed normative data for the BSI and the BSI-18 based on a representative sample of the Swiss general population. This information will be helpful for clinical applications and research in the Swiss and international context.
High Caveolin-1 mRNA expression in triple-negative breast cancer is associated with an aggressive tumor microenvironment, chemoresistance, and poor clinical outcome
Authors: Godina Christopher , Khazaei Somayeh , Belting Mattias , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Nodin Björn , Jirström Karin , Isaksson Karolin , Bosch Ana , Jernström Helena
Published: July 2024

Background

Currently, there are few treatment-predictive and prognostic biomarkers in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is linked to chemoresistance and several important processes involved in tumor progression and metastasis, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we report that high CAV1 gene expression is an independent factor of poor prognosis in TNBC.

Methods

CAV1 gene expression was compared across different molecular features (e.g., PAM50 subtypes). CAV1 expression was assessed in relation to clinical outcomes using Cox regression adjusted for clinicopathological predictors. Differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analyses were applied to compare high- and low-expressing CAV1 tumors. Tumor microenvironment composition of high- and low-expressing CAV1 tumors was estimated using ECOTYPER. Tumor tissue microarrays were used to evaluate CAV1 protein levels in stromal and malignant cells.

Results

In the SCAN-B (n = 525) and GSE31519 (n = 327) cohorts, patients with CAV1-high tumors had an increased incidence of early recurrence adjusted HR 1.78 (95% CI 1.12–2.81) and 2.20 (95% CI 1.39–3.47), respectively. In further analysis, high CAV1 gene expression was associated with a molecular profile indicating altered metabolism, neovascularization, chemoresistance, EMT, suppressed immune response, and active tumor microenvironment. Protein levels of CAV1 in malignant and stromal cells were not correlated with CAV1 gene expression.

Conclusion

CAV1 gene expression in TNBC is a biomarker that merits further investigation in clinical trials and as a therapeutic target.
Labor patterns of spontaneous first-stage labor in Chinese women with normal neonatal outcomes
Authors: Peng Li , Chen Zengyu , Weng Shiyu , Huang Jian , Peng Mei , Deng Yali , Xu Ying , Zhou Fangfang , Li Yamin
Published: July 2024

Background

Friedman’s standards, developed almost 50 years ago, may no longer align with the needs of today’s obstetric population and current pregnancy management practices. This study aims to analyze contemporary labor patterns and estimate labor duration in China, focusing on first-stage labor data from Chinese parturients with a spontaneous onset of labor.

Methods

This retrospective observational study utilized data from electronic medical records of a tertiary hospital in Changsha, Hunan. Out of a total of 2,689 parturients, exclusions were made for multiple gestations, preterm, post-term, or stillbirth, cesarean delivery, non-vertex presentation, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Average labor curves were constructed by parity using repeated-measure analysis, and labor duration was estimated through interval-censored regression, stratified by cervical dilation at admission. We performed an analysis to assess the impact of oxytocin augmentation and amniotomy on labor progression and conducted a sensitivity analysis using women with complicated outcomes.

Results

Nulliparous women take over 180 minutes for cervical dilation from 3 to 4 cm, and the duration from 5 to 6 cm exceeds 145 minutes. Multiparous women experience shorter labor durations than nulliparous. Labor acceleration is observed after 5 cm in nulliparous, but no distinct inflection point is evident in the average labor curve. In the second stage of labor, the 95th percentile for nulliparous, with and without epidural analgesia, is 142 minutes and 127 minutes, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings provide valuable insights for the reassessment of labor and delivery processes in contemporary obstetric populations, including current Chinese obstetric practice.
Does chubby Can get lower grades than skinny Sophie? Using an intersectional approach to uncover grading bias in German secondary schools
Authors: Nennstiel Richard , Gilgen Sandra
Published: July 2024

We aim to uncover grading bias by gender, socio-economic status, ethnic/migration background as well as body weight in the German secondary school system. Following an intersectional approach, we test whether—controlling for ability—students receive different grades depending on (the specific combination of) ascriptive characteristics. Using data from the fourth starting cohort (SC4, 13.0.0, first survey in year 9 in 2010) of the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) consisting of more than 14,000 ninth graders, we compute the predicted differences in grades for the different groups of students depending on whether they are a boy or a girl, whether they are obese/overweight or not, their socio-economic status (SES) and ethnic background. We rely on a grade equation approach, assuming that discrepancies between observed grades and achievement as measured in standardised tests are evidence of biased grading. We control for two different competence tests—the Domain General Cognitive Functions (DGCF) and a standardised domain-specific competence test—as objective measures of ability as well as secondary school track. Even after controlling for different personality and behavioural traits—the “big five”, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Sick, Control, One, Fat and Food (SCOFF), health satisfaction and class retention—substantial differentials in grading across almost all factors and subjects remain. To account for the fact that many students may face bias on multiple grounds, we then compare the differences in predicted grades for groups with overlapping (dis)advantaging characteristics (e.g. low SES overweight Turkish boy vs a high SES non-overweight majority girl), while controlling for the objective ability measures. Significant differentials in grades are found in almost all cases, with the largest effect sizes for the subject German. We also compute models including all 2-way or 4-way interactions between the four axes of inequality and find the main effects largely unchanged. On the whole our findings are indicative of widespread additive intersectional effects of gender, social and ethnic origin as well as body weight on grading bias.
Deep learning-based stress detection for daily life use using single-channel EEG and GSR in a virtual reality interview paradigm
Authors: Kim Hun-gyeom , Song Solwoong , Cho Baek Hwan , Jang Dong Pyo
Published: July 2024

This research aims to establish a practical stress detection framework by integrating physiological indicators and deep learning techniques. Utilizing a virtual reality (VR) interview paradigm mirroring real-world scenarios, our focus is on classifying stress states through accessible single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) and galvanic skin response (GSR) data. Thirty participants underwent stress-inducing VR interviews, with biosignals recorded for deep learning models. Five convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures and one Vision Transformer model, including a multiple-column structure combining EEG and GSR features, showed heightened predictive capabilities and an enhanced area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) in stress prediction compared to single-column models. Our experimental protocol effectively elicited stress responses, observed through fluctuations in stress visual analogue scale (VAS), EEG, and GSR metrics. In the single-column architecture, ResNet-152 excelled with a GSR AUROC of 0.944 (±0.027), while the Vision Transformer performed well in EEG, achieving peak AUROC values of 0.886 (±0.069) respectively. Notably, the multiple-column structure, based on ResNet-50, achieved the highest AUROC value of 0.954 (±0.018) in stress classification. Through VR-based simulated interviews, our study induced social stress responses, leading to significant modifications in GSR and EEG measurements. Deep learning models precisely classified stress levels, with the multiple-column strategy demonstrating superiority. Additionally, discreetly placing single-channel EEG measurements behind the ear enhances the convenience and accuracy of stress detection in everyday situations.
Antihypertensive utilization patterns among pregnant persons with pre-existing hypertension in the US: A population-based study
Authors: Wang Yanning , Smolinski Nicole E. , Ewig Celeste , Thai Thuy Nhu , Wen Tony S. , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: July 2024

Background

Hypertension among persons with childbearing potential is on the rise. Maintaining proper blood pressure during pregnancy is vital to prevent maternal and neonatal complications. Yet, limited evidence on the risk-benefit of various antihypertensives presents challenges for informed decision-making during this critical period. This study aimed to examine the utilization patterns of different classes of antihypertensives among persons with pre-existing hypertension before, during, and after pregnancy.

Methods

We used MarketScan® Commercial Database 2011−2020 to analyze antihypertensive utilization among pregnant persons aged 12 to 55 identified via a validated algorithm. Pre-existing hypertension was defined as ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient encounters for hypertension within the 180 days preceding the LMP. Antihypertensive utilization was described during target periods: 0–3 months (0-3M) before pregnancy, 1st/2nd/3rd trimester (T1/2/3), 0-3M, and 4-6M after pregnancy.

Results

We identified 1,950,292 pregnancies, of which 20,576 (12,978 live and 7,598 non-live) had pre-existing hypertension. Both groups had similar antihypertensive use (80.1% and 81.0%, respectively) during the 6 months before pregnancy (baseline). For live-birth pregnancies, 13.9% of baseline users discontinued treatment during pregnancy, while 28.9% of non-users initiated antihypertensives during pregnancy, and 17.2% started postpartum. Before pregnancy, the predominant antihypertensives included thiazide diuretics (21.9%), combined α- and β-blockers (18.4%), and dihydropyridines (16.2%). During pregnancy, thiazide diuretics, cardioselective β-blockers, and ACE inhibitors declined (T3: 3.0%, 4.2%, and 0.8%). Dihydropyridine use was steady during pregnancy, but preference shifted from amlodipine to nifedipine in T3 (2.2.% vs.10.8%). Central α2‐agonists increased during pregnancy (up to 15.2% in T3) compared to both pre- (9.8%) and post-pregnancy (5.7%). ARBs mirrored ACE inhibitors, with less than 1% utilization in later trimesters. Combination agents dropped from 10.8% pre-pregnancy to 0.8% in T3, then rebounded to 7.3% post-pregnancy.

Conclusion

Research is warranted to evaluate the choice of antihypertensives and optimal timing to switch to safer alternatives, considering maternal and fetal outcomes.
Freshwater wetlands for flood control: How manipulating the hydroperiod affects plant and invertebrate communities
Authors: Hockaday Alyssa C. , Leon Arturo S. , Patterson Kyle , Pennings Steven C.
Published: July 2024

Thoughtfully managed hydroperiods in natural and artificial wetlands could potentially provide a combination of desirable flood control services and high ecological functions. To explore how managed freshwater wetlands typical of the Houston, Texas area would respond to different hydrological regimes that might occur if wetlands were drained in anticipation of a heavy rain that did not materialize, we conducted a mesocosm experiment with six flooding depths and seven drought durations, followed by seven months of recovery. We found that the speed in which mesocosms dried out was a function of initial water depth, with mesocosms initially set with greater water depths (30 cm) taking ~ 38 days to dry out versus zero days for wetlands that were completely drained. Individual plant species (14 species planted; 8 species common at the end of the recovery period) were affected by drought length, flooding depth, or their interaction, although details of these responses varied among the species. The composition of the plant community at the end of the drought period was strongly affected by drought length, and the effect of the drought length treatment persisted through seven months of post-drought recovery, with the 80- and 160-day drought treatments diverging most strongly from shorter drought treatments. Above- and below-ground biomass of plants was not affected by the treatments, but above-ground dead biomass (litter) decreased with increasing drought length. Densities of mosquito larvae, snails and tadpoles were temporally variable, and were affected more during the treatment period and early in recovery than after a disturbance event late in recovery. Our results indicate that managed wetlands in southeast Texas would be quite resilient to dry periods of up to 40 days in duration, especially if water was not completely drained at the beginning of the drought. In addition, many species would persist in managed wetlands even with droughts of up to 160 days. This indicates considerable potential for managing the hydroperiods of artificial detention ponds by retaining water longer to increase ecological function, with little to no loss of flood control services, and for managing the hydroperiods of natural wetlands by draining them in advance of anticipated rains to increase flood control services, with little to no loss of ecological function.
Varroa destructor shapes the unique viral landscapes of the honey bee populations of the Azores archipelago
Authors: Lopes Ana R. , Low Matthew , Martín-Hernández Raquel , de Miranda Joachim R. , Pinto M. Alice
Published: July 2024

The worldwide dispersal of the ectoparasitic miteVarroa destructorfrom its Asian origins has fundamentally transformed the relationship of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) with several of its viruses, via changes in transmission and/or host immunosuppression. The extent to which honey bee-virus relationships change afterVarroainvasion is poorly understood for most viruses, in part because there are few places in the world with several geographically close but completely isolated honey bee populations that either have, or have not, been exposed long-term toVarroa, allowing for separate ecological, epidemiological, and adaptive relationships to develop between honey bees and their viruses, in relation to the mite’s presence or absence. The Azores is one such place, as it contains islands with and without the mite. Here, we combined qPCR with meta-amplicon deep sequencing to uncover the relationship betweenVarroapresence, and the prevalence, load, diversity, and phylogeographic structure of eight honey bee viruses screened across the archipelago. Four viruses were not detected on any island (ABPV-Acute bee paralysis virus, KBV-Kashmir bee virus, IAPV-Israeli acute bee paralysis virus, BeeMLV-Bee macula-like virus); one (SBV-Sacbrood virus) was detected only on mite-infested islands; one (CBPV-Chronic bee paralysis virus) occurred on some islands, and two (BQCV-Black queen cell virus, LSV-Lake Sinai virus,) were present on every single island. This multi-virus screening builds upon a parallel survey of Deformed wing virus (DWV) strains that uncovered a remarkably heterogeneous viral landscape featuringVarroa-infested islands dominated by DWV-A and -B,Varroa-free islands naïve to DWV, and a refuge of the rare DWV-C dominating the easternmostVarroa-free islands. While all four detected viruses investigated here were affected byVarroafor one or two parameters (usually prevalence and/or the Richness component of ASV diversity), the strongest effect was observed for the multi-strain LSV.Varroaunambiguously led to elevated prevalence, load, and diversity (Richness and Shannon Index) of LSV, with these results largely shaped by LSV-2, a major LSV strain. Unprecedented insights into the mite-virus relationship were further gained from implementing a phylogeographic approach. In addition to enabling the identification of a novel LSV strain that dominated the unique viral landscape of the easternmost islands, this approach, in combination with the recovered diversity patterns, strongly suggests thatVarroais driving the evolutionary change of LSV in the Azores. This study greatly advances the current understanding of the effect ofVarroaon the epidemiology and adaptive evolution of these less-studied viruses, whose relationship withVarroahas thus far been poorly defined.
Effect of pillar size and joint dip on stability of porous limestone cellars
Authors: Lakusic Stjepan
Published: July 2024

Pillars play an essential role in the stability of an underground cavity. Their most important parameters are the dimensions, material parameters, condition, and joint geometry. This research investigates the impact of geometrical horizontal cross section and joint’s dip angle on the stability of the pillar, which affects the stability of cavities. The chosen study site is in a cellar system in Budapest, Hungary. According to the laboratory and on-site investigations, the cellar’s host rock is porous limestone with a low strength but a massive rock mass with few discontinuities. In some of the previously investigated cellar systems the edge of the pillars was cut because of space requirements. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of such geometrical changes on the stability of the cellar. A 25 m2 room with a single square-based pillar was used to model the stability. Material parameters were determined through various laboratory tests such as UCS, triaxial, and discontinuity shear strength tests, as well as rock mass classification. Three-dimensional finite element software (RS3) was used to evaluate the stability of the studied pillar. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence stability of pillars in underground cavities and highlights the importance of carefully considering these factors when designing, verifying, and constructing support systems for underground structures.
Da Bienal de São Paulo ao museu
Authors: Souza Fernando Oliveira Nunes de
Published: July 2024

Este artigo pretende analisar a trajetória profissional da escultora imigrante Felícia Leirner (1904-1996) no sistema artístico brasileiro ao longo do século XX no Brasil, com ênfase na segunda metade. Em um primeiro momento, busca-se mapear a construção de sua atuação profissional como artista, desde seu aprendizado nas técnicas da escultura, passando pela participação e premiação nas Bienais de São Paulo até chegar à criação do Museu Felícia Leirner. A seguir, o texto analisa tal trajetória a partir das relações familiares da artista e de que forma os membros da família Leirner contribuíram para reconhecimento e consagração mútuos no sistema das artes brasileiro. Ao final, compreende-se que como as diferentes posições de atuação nas diversas esferas institucionais do meio artístico exercidas por um pequeno grupo relacionado impactam diretamente na construção do sucesso de suas trajetórias.
Análise do Registro de Nuvens de Pontos Obtidas por SVLT e por VANT para Aplicação no Cadastro Territorial Multifinalitário
Authors: Gonçalves Enrico Moreira , Albarici Fabio Luiz , Oliveira Henrique Candido de , Reberte João Carlos Brandão
Published: July 2024

O Cadastro Territorial Multifinalitário (CTM) é um registro sistemático que abrange elementos físicos, jurídicos e econômicos das propriedades. Este registro serve como instrumento de gerenciamento para prefeituras, exigindo atualizações recorrentes. Historicamente, o cadastro tem sido documentado em planos bidimensionais, mas devido à complexidade dos centros urbanos, a adoção do cadastro tridimensional (3D), isto é, uma extensão do cadastro bidimensional que incorpora informações na dimensão vertical, torna-se crucial. Internacionalmente, países como Holanda, Bélgica, Reino unido, entre outros, são referências na adoção da tridimensionalidade para a gestão territorial. No Brasil, o sistema de cadastro carece de regulamentação relacionada a tridimensionalidade. Mas, a alta demanda pode impulsionar os municípios a se adaptarem ao uso desse registro. Neste estudo, propõe-se uma metodologia que combina a tecnologia LiDAR em plataforma terrestre com o levantamento por veículo aéreo não tripulado (VANT). O objetivo é criar uma única nuvem de pontos através do registro entre duas nuvens distintas, avaliando sua precisão para subsidiar o cadastro 3D. Para avaliar os dados, realizaram-se testes numéricos confrontando a precisão do mapeamento via nuvens LiDAR e VANT com medidas tomadas por equipamento topográfico. Os resultados indicam que a discrepância máxima entre o mapeamento e a referência é de 11 mm, indicando que a metodologia tem potencial contributivo no CTM e para realização do cadastro 3D. Adicionalmente, o sistema de varredura a laser gera um produto denominado neste trabalho de "documentação virtual", que pode ser integrado ao CTM para documentar o ambiente urbano e ser disponibilizado on-line para a população.
Sistematización y análisis de la edición colectiva de un libro escrito por un grupo comunitario de mujeres
Authors: Lucián Eliana , Román Sandra , Torres Rippa Cecilia
Published: July 2024

En el artículo estudiamos el proceso de transformación de un original en libro mediante el trabajo conjunto entre docentes de la Tecnicatura Universitaria de Corrección de Estilo de la Universidad de la República y el Grupo de Mujeres Piccioli, dedicado al trabajo comunitario centrado en la atención a mujeres en situación de vulnerabilidad. Dadas las características escriturales del texto Hurgando en la memoria y la función de la Tecnicatura en la edición del original, nos resulta de interés indagar, desde la óptica de la sistematización de experiencias y del análisis del discurso, la resignificación del proceso vivenciado por sus participantes a partir del valor epistémico de la escritura y la construcción de la autoría y del género discursivo en un texto polifónico con múltiples secuencias discursivas. Nos motiva a hacerlo la necesidad de reflexionar en torno al modo de abordar una intervención que implica una construcción colectiva y cooperativa entre la organización social y la academia.
Laboratorios híbridos en ciencias experimentales: una estrategia metodológica para la inclusión educativa en la escuela secundaria
Authors: Rudi Juan Manuel , Reyes María Silvina , Larpin Daniel , Gatti Paula Inés
Published: July 2024

La experiencia narrada en este artículo intenta contribuir a una mayor inclusión educativa en instituciones de la ciudad de Santa Fe mediante la utilización de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación como herramientas útiles para el aprendizaje significativo de contenidos estructurantes de ciencias naturales en el nivel medio. Se trabaja junto al personal docente de instituciones socias del proyecto, que no disponen de materiales de laboratorio ni de una infraestructura edilicia adecuada, en el desarrollo de actividades experimentales simples mediadas por tecnologías digitales, que contribuyan a la enseñanza de temáticas relacionadas con la Química propuestas en el diseño curricular provincial. El trabajo sinérgico del equipo extensionista y del profesorado socio del proyecto facilitó la implementación de estrategias didácticas relevantes en contextos signados por la falta de recursos y en donde resulta dificultoso garantizar una educación de calidad para los y las estudiantes de sectores vulnerables.
Effects of Processing on the Proximate Composition, Mineral Content and the Phytochemical Analysis of Groundnut Seeds (Arachis hypogeae)
Authors: Sanni Joseph Adaviruku , Sanni Grace Omayoza , Awoniyi Rufus Ranmilowo , Osanyinlusi Remi , Richards Yvonne Ego , Adesina Goodness Inioluwa , Adenuga Ore-ofe Oluwatoyin , Apata Stella Ayomikun , Ekun Oluwafemi Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Effect of processing on the nutritional composition of groundnut seeds were carried out using standard analytical methods. Raw, boiled and fried groundnut seeds were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral contents, and phytochemical screening. The result reported that the raw, boiled, and fried contains (5.357±0.190%, 4.545±0.050% and 3.896±0.015%, moisture contents), (2.401±0.011%, 3.225±0.004% and 2.816±0.001%, ash contents), (46.591±0.001%, 25.333±0.003% and 48.012±0.953%, crude fat), (4.126±0.887%, 15.001±0.030% and 7.692±0.002%, crude fibre), (19.520±0.040%, 21.580±0.040% and 23.540±0.000%, crude protein), (22.005±0.587%, 30.316±0.056% and 14.044±0.939%, carbohydrate) respectively. A significant difference was observed. Processing has significant effects on the mineral components of the seeds. The results revealed that raw, boiled and fried contains (56.900mg/100g, 48.400mg/100g and 35.00mg/100g Sodium), (0.215mg/100g, 0.185mg/100g and 0.540mg/100g Zinc), (65.500mg/100g, 42.700mg/100g and 25.500mg/100g Magnesium), (0.218mg/100g, 0.230mg/100g and 0.230mg/100g Iron), (0.250mg/100g, 0.110mg/100g and 0.100mg/100g Manganese). The phytochemical screening shows the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates and proteins in all the samples and the result reveals that processing does not really have effect on phytochemical constituents. The investigation shows that fresh groundnut is a good source of mineral content, while raw and processed groundnut is a good source of some phytochemical constituents and processed groundnut is a good source of protein, fat, and carbohydrate with high nutritional value.
Physicochemical, Antimicrobial, Lethality and In Vitro Antioxidant Profiles of Johnu Tisane: A Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Leaf Decoction Formula
Authors: Egbuonu Anthony Cemaluk Chinedum , Alaebo Prince Ogochukwu , Onuoha Udumma Nsofor , Njoku Chinomso Juliet , Obike Chiemeziem Adanma , Nlemadim Susan Ogechi , Chukwu Blessing Ifeoma , Iwejuo Sopuruchi Mary-Augusta , Amaechi Onyedikachi Glory , Obiefuna Victor Ifechukwu , Onuoha Bessing Nmesomachi , Okoli DivineTreasure Nzubechukwu , Nwokeoma Precious Chinonso , Eze Chukwubuikem
Published: July 2024

Coffee leaves-based tea has relevance in ethno-medications due to its rich phyto-constituents-related diverse pharmacologic activities. Jonhu tisane, a typical Coffea arabica leaf decoction has no supporting scientific basis amidst reported location, processing and specie-related variations. This investigated physicochemical, antimicrobial, lethality and in-vitro antioxidant profiles of Johnu tisane by acceptable methods. Results recorded moisture (92.26 %), ash (0.65 %), unsaponified matter (1.46 mg/100 g), free fatty acid (0.56 mgKOH/g), acid value (1.12 mgKOH/g), potential hydrogen (6.85), lethal concentration (1000 ppm) and concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. Anti-oxidation results revealed total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and 2, 2-diphynyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activities increased concentration-dependently compared to standard. Thus, Johnu tisane demonstrated low minerals and keeping quality; requisite physicochemical mix for consumption and bioactivity; high safety margin; antimicrobial potency; and requisite anti-oxidation capacity for in-vivo antioxidant role. These provided scientific support for its ethno-medicinal uses. They underscored the need to elucidate its pharmacologically active compounds; mechanistic roles in animal models; and the impact of ash to moisture mix variation on potential hydrogen, microbial and antimicrobial activities in relation to shelf life, bioactivity and in vivo anti-oxidative roles for novel insights on preserving sample quality, safety, bioactivity and in-vivo anti-oxidative outcomes.
Statistics in Social Sciences
Authors: UNGUREANU Laura
Published: July 2024

This work is the result of some research and documentation of the theoretical problems of statistics and its applications in the study of phenomena and processes in nature and society. Statistics has applications in the most diverse fields, such as: medicine, natural sciences, economics, politics, human behavior sciences, etc. Practically, in any field of human existence we witness operations of gathering, systematizing and interpreting information. That is why its role is very important.
Therefore, this paper reviews some statistical methods that are used in social sciences. The focus is mainly on the applied aspect of the techniques and the author give insights about techniques that can be used to answer problems in the abovementioned areas of research.
The article focuses on detailed explanations in the presentation of the consequences of the application of statistical procedures in the social sciences.
The effects of music on brain development
Authors: Yazar İlhan Uğur
Published: July 2024

The influence of music on brain development is a complex and widely studied area in science. Studies show that being exposed to music, especially in early stages of life, can improve different cognitive abilities like language, reasoning, and spatial-temporal skills. Engaging with music also helps in regulating emotions and developing social skills. Furthermore, music education supports creativity and self-expression, which are crucial for overall brain development. With a deeper understanding of how music affects the brain at a neurological level, educators, therapists, and parents can leverage its advantages to enhance well-being and cognitive functions for people of all ages.
Strategia rozwoju lokalnego w warunkach globalnej niepewności oraz zmian prawnych i technologicznych
Authors: Noworól Aleksander
Published: July 2024

Opierając się na badaniach literaturowych z różnych dziedzin i dyscyplin oraz własnej praktyce w planowaniu strategicznym, autor przedstawia zagadnienie tytułowe w trzech kontekstach. Po pierwsze, arbitralnie wskazuje cechy świata niepewności, w którym przyszło żyć w pierwszych dekadach XXI w. W kontekście obserwowanych zjawisk oraz zmieniających się uwarunkowań prawnych wskazuje cechy strategii rozwoju lokalnego, które stanowią przykłady nowatorskiego podejścia do problematyki zarządzania terytorialnego. Autor zarysowuje te elementy planowania strategicznego, które wiążą się z aktualnymi wyzwaniami cywilizacyjnymi. W dalszej części artykułu zademonstrowano, w jaki sposób sztuczna inteligencja jest w stanie pogodzić wymogi nowatorskiego planowania lokalnego z potrzebą tworzenia kroczących, hybrydowych strategii rozwoju.