bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron X-ray imaging of soft biological tissues – principles, applications and future prospects
Authors: Albers Jonas , Svetlove Angelika , Duke Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Synchrotron-based tomographic phase-contrast X-ray imaging (SRµCT or SRnCT) is a versatile isotropic three-dimensional imaging technique that can be used to study biological samples spanning from single cells to human-sized specimens. SRµCT and SRnCT take advantage of the highly brilliant and coherent X-rays produced by a synchrotron light source. This enables fast data acquisition and enhanced image contrast for soft biological samples owing to the exploitation of phase contrast. In this Review, we provide an overview of the basics behind the technique, discuss its applications for biologists and provide an outlook on the future of this emerging technique for biology. We introduce the latest advances in the field, such as whole human organs imaged with micron resolution, using X-rays as a tool for virtual histology and resolving neuronal connections in the brain.
Molecular survey of certain protozoan agents that cause diarrhea in children in Sudan
Authors: Adam Mosab , Shen Hongwei , Enan Khalid-A , Wang Hao , Musa Azza B. Musa , El Hussein Abdel R. , Khidir Isam M. , Ma Xuejun
Published: October 2024

Introduction Diarrhea is a significant health problem in the Third World. Identification of the pathogen that causes diarrhea is vital for measures to prevent and control this disease. There are also very few reports of diarrhea in Sudan. Our study aimed to determine the Prevalence of specific protozoan pathogens (Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum., and Giardia spp) in children in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among children under five years of age hospitalized with acute diarrhea between April and December 2014. Diarrheal stool samples were collected, and E. histolytica, C. parvum, and Giardia spp were examined using multiplex real-time PCR. Results Four hundred and thirty-seven children with acute diarrhea were included in this study; the higher prevalence of diarrhea was in the age ≤ 2 years old (403, 92.2%), >2–≤4 years (32, 7.3%), and >4–<5 years (2, 0.5%). The male-to-female ratio in this study was 1:1.7. Infection with intestinal parasite was found in 155 (35.5%) cases, and co-infection was detected in 16 (3.7%) cases. Giardia spp (18.8%) and C. parvum (15.8%) were the most frequently identified parasites, followed by E. histolytica (0.9). The parasite infection rate was highest and lowest in the under 2-year-old group 143 (35.5%) and the 2–4-year-old group 12 (37.5%). The infection rate was higher in boys 104 (37.7%) than in girls 51 (31.7%). The number of positive cases was higher in the rainy season (August to December) 143 (37.4%), corresponding with that in the dry Season (April to June) 12 (21.8%). Discussion Our present study demonstrated the high prevalence of Giardia spp and C. parvum in children with diarrhea in the Khartoum region and the usefulness of the multiplex real-time method in disclosing pathogenic protozoal agents. Our result highlighted the necessity of developing intervention measurement and control strategies to deal with childhood parasitic diarrhea in this region.
role of psychooncology in cancer treatment – a literature review
Authors: Jaglarz Karolina , Kuca Maciej , Cholewa Marcin , Wójcik Julia , Pamuła Kacper Wojciech , Szymańska Wiktoria Maria , Plewniok Julia , Partyka Maria , Janeczek Maksymilian , Kantor Karolina Kinga
Published: October 2024

Introduction and objective. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can lead to significant mental distress, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive medical care that includes psychological support. Effective psycho-oncological therapy can help patients find fulfillment regardless of their prognosis, while also improving overall outcomes and treatment adherence. This article aims to review the medical literature on the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients and to explore potential treatment modalities.
Review methods. Implementing Google Scholar and PubMed, a literature analysis was conducted, with particular attention paid to terms like "psychooncology," "anxiety," "depression," "cancer," "grief," and "PTSD." The period of consideration for articles was from 2017 to 2024.
Brief description of the state of knowledge. Grief, anxiety, PTSD, despair, and other mental health problems can arise after receiving a cancer diagnosis. In order to improve treatment adherence and survival rates, psychological well-being must be addressed. Empirical evidence indicates that psychological disorders can hinder adherence to therapy and elevate the risk of death from cancer. Furthermore, as families often endure significant stress throughout the disease, psychological care is beneficial to both patients and their relatives. It is possible to enhance adherence and reduce symptoms by using an integrated strategy that takes into consideration both physical and mental health.
Conclusions. An essential part of holistic cancer care is psycho-oncology, which enhances patients' general health and quality of life. Psycho-oncological therapy must be incorporated into standard cancer care in order to improve treatment outcomes and assist patients in overcoming their condition.
Advancements in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Current Therapies and Future Directions
Authors: Stec Weronika Maria , Kudas Zuzanna , Górka Mateusz , Wojtkiewicz Anna , Piekarska Magda , Szerej Krzysztof
Published: October 2024

Pancreatic cancer still has a 5-year survival rate in the single digits, making it one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers. The therapy of pancreatic cancer presents considerable hurdles because of its late diagnosis, fast development, and resistance to traditional therapies, even with advancements in oncological research. This study offers a thorough summary of the various treatment options available today, including as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and the newly recognized roles of immunotherapy and targeted medicines. We examine the most recent advancements in personalized medicine and molecular profiling, which are starting to challenge established therapy paradigms and provide fresh hope for bettering patient outcomes. The study also outlines ongoing clinical trials that attempt to address the shortcomings of current therapy, such as the toxicity and limited efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pancreatic cancer therapy landscape by analyzing both conventional and cutting-edge treatments. It also identifies promising directions for future research and clinical practice.
Road bike cycling and lower back pain - a literature review
Authors: Mokot Wojciech Jan , Kutyła Katarzyna , Wasiewicz-Ciach Paulina , Marzec Marcelina Teresa , Choiński Maciej , Kuczyński Piotr , Marszałek Anna , Wydra-Rojek Aleksandra , Łakoma Aleksandra , Marzec Weronika Zofia
Published: October 2024

Introduction and Purpose This literature review endeavors to provide a current synthesis of the available literature regarding the relationship between road bike cycling and lower back pain (LBP). This review focuses on the aspects of bike fitting, riding position, preexisting LBP, cycling injuries and predisposing risk factors among others.
Brief Description of the State of KnowledgeRoad bike cycling is a popular sport considered to be low-impact physically and easy to start with. So goes the proverb - „it’s as easy as riding a bike”. However the truth may be more complicated. There are many positive effects associated with this sport, such as overall health improvement and the ecological impact, and they are generally well-researched. However it is more difficult to find data regarding the dangers. Improper training program, incorrect bike fit or suboptimal riding position are all factors that can lead to lower back pain (LBP) connected with road bike cycling. Previous injuries and spine health should also be taken into account.
Summary In consideration of the gathered evidence it is important to consider the above-mentioned interventions to prevent or stop lower back pain (LBP) from emerging. This literature review struggles to provide a starting point for both cyclists and physicians alike who encounter such a problem. The bike fit, adjusting the bike in accordance with the body of the cyclist, analyzing the cycling position and the training program should be principal points to provide for a pain-free road bike cycling. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of such actions and their ability to prevent or stop LBP while/after road bike cycling.
EDUCAÇÃO, CINEMA, MOVIMENTOS SOCIAIS E POVOS DO CAMPO NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Campos Marilia , Lobo Taís
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo visa trazer algumas reflexões em torno do cinema/audiovisual comunitário e vinculado aos movimentos sociais em seus múltiplos sentidos educativos, implementado em cursos, oficinas, laboratórios, seminários e encontros pautados na educação popular. Nessa perspectiva, compreendem-se o cinema e o “fazer cinematográfico” não como meios “técnicos”, mas como linguagem possibilitadora de metodologias que articulem práticas sociais, políticas e comunitárias outras. Algumas experiências vivenciadas no estado do Rio de Janeiro são narradas e analisadas nesse diálogo entre cinema/audiovisual, educação popular e movimentos sociais.
REFLEXÕES SOBRE O CAMPO DO CINEMA E EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Pacheco Raquel
Published: October 2024

Pesquisamos o campo do cinema e educação no Brasil, num esforço de sistematização, clarificação, identificação e compreensão dos seus elementos essenciais e das relações entre eles. Para isso, desenvolvemos um trabalho etnográfico no campo que teve a duração seis meses. Este trabalho possibilitou conhecer diferentes projetos de cinema e educação, suas metodologias, pedagogias e com que frequência eles são implementados. Foi possível identificar diferentes características entre estes projetos e analisar suas dinâmicas, assim como as dinâmicas deste campo como um todo.
LEITURA E ESCRITA: PRÁTICAS PEDAGÓGICAS A PARTIR DO PIBID
Authors: Ferreira Yvonélio Nery
Published: October 2024

O Pibid é uma iniciativa para o aperfeiçoamento e a valorização da formação de professores para a educação básica. Os projetos devem promover a inserção dos estudantes no contexto das escolas públicas, desde o início da sua formação acadêmica, para que desenvolvam atividades didático-pedagógicas sob orientação de um docente da licenciatura e de um professor da escola. É com base em tal fato, que pretendo demonstrar como o Pibid contribui significativamente para a articulação e a construção de práticas pedagógicas necessárias à formação dos discentes. Além disso, pretendo ainda observar como essas ações elaboradas e desenvolvidas e os mecanismos de incentivo à leitura e escrita contribuem para o desenvolvimento intelectual dos alunos do ensino básico.
EDUCAÇÃO COMO INVENÇÃO: TEMPOS DE APRENDER/ENSINAR EM ÁGUAS MARAJOARAS
Authors: Costa Gilcilene Dias da , Cardoso Roseli Moraes
Published: October 2024

Resumo: O tempo de escola configurado no texto perpassa o fluxo das águas marajoaras por onde escorrem vivências educativas da infância de Alfredo, personagem do romance Chove nos campos de Cachoeira (1941) do escritor paraense Dalcídio Jurandir. O objetivo visa descortinar cenários de uma educação marajoara na obra dalcidiana, como mote para pensar a educação do presente, seus sabores e dissabores. O texto dialoga com Nietzsche, Deleuze e Guattari, Larrosa, Gallo numa perspectiva de educação-invenção. Em Chove nos campos de Cachoeira, a educação é um dos rios navegados por Alfredo em sua aposta por uma educação que se conecte com a vida, desejo nascido das jogadas do caroço de tucumã, fonte criadora de uma vida singular e múltipla.
A representação discente na pós-graduação: tramando alguns fios e perspectivas
Authors: Rigue Fernanda Monteiro , Nuñez Marcela Bautista
Published: October 2024

A presente escrita ensaística, propõe apresentar linhas vivenciadas por duas pesquisadoras ao estarem ocupando o espaço de representação discente em um curso de Pós-graduação em Educação. Inicialmente, são tramadas composições acerca da representação discente no âmbito da educação superior, assim como as necessidades das quais a atividade de representação discente concerne nas Instituições de Ensino Superior no Brasil. Desse modo, criamos conexões com a noção de gestão, de maneira a pensá-la como um modo de relacionar-nos com vetores que estão no entorno da habitação na representação discente no período de formação na pós-graduação. Apontamos potências que podem estar atreladas ao fazer da representação discente.
Heranças africanas em Ipojuca/PE: das configurações raciais aos desafios sociais
Authors: Dos Santos José Édson , Arantes Adlene Silva
Published: October 2024

O artigo é fruto de pesquisa desenvolvida no âmbito do Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação da UPE. Como foco temático, apresentou-se aspectos sócio-históricos e idiossincrasias que evidenciam as relações da cidade de Ipojuca, e das microrregiões de Suape e Litoral Sul pernambucano com as culturas africanas, refletindo sobre consciência identitária e criação de políticas de enfrentamento ao racismo, a partir dos elementos locais apresentados. O estudo revela materialidade para o desenvolvimento do trabalho pedagógico com a Lei 10.639/03 de acordo com as heranças africanas que a cidade possui em variadas perspectivas. Quanto à metodologia, utilizou-se a pesquisa bibliográfica, buscando fazer uma análise historiográfica da trajetória da população negra local que como resultado prático da pesquisa, encontra justificativas para uma política pública de cunho sócio racial.
Processos educativos de crianças em periferias urbanas: o que muda quando a casa vai ficando muito longe da escola?
Authors: Tavares Maria Tereza Goudard , Alencar Carolina Silva de
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo é resultado de pesquisas que vem sendo realizadas no âmbito de um projeto mais amplo, que objetiva investigar componentes territoriais de processos educativos de crianças no leste fluminense. Na presente pesquisa interrogamos se a presença ou ausência de determinados componentes territoriais produzem impactos nos processos educativos de crianças das classes populares. A pesquisa vem complexificando relações que envolvem infâncias e o direito à cidade, pensando-os à luz de debates que vêm se intensificando nas ciências sociais, bem como no campo educacional, sobretudo nos estudos da sociologia da educação e estudos sociais da infância, direcionando-se, de modo mais substantivo, à problemática das infâncias na cidade. Assim, ao investigarmos trajetórias urbanas e circuitos de educabilidade de crianças em periferias urbanas percebemos a existência de uma zona de indeterminação que atravessa o emaranhado da vida social, repercutindo nas práticas e nos circuitos de seus processos de educabilidade. O artigo procura problematizar a ideia-força de crianças das classes populares urbanas serem “migrantes na própria cidade”, como nos convoca a pensar Santos (1996). Do ponto de vista do horizonte político e epistemológico, pensamos ser necessário aprofundar a questão do direito à cidade (LEFEBVRE, 1991), bem como os impactos dos deslocamentos territoriais de crianças e suas famílias na relação com a escola e a produção de processos de escolaridade em periferias urbanas.
Editorial
Authors: Paiva Jane , Leonardi Paula
Published: October 2024

Editorial do v. 23 n. 69 Migração e refúgio.
Outros repertórios sobre a infância: a criança em obras literárias
Authors: Fantin Monica , Girardello Gilka , Santos José Douglas Alves dos
Published: October 2024

O texto traz uma reflexão sobre as crianças/infâncias, situando-as em seus diferentes contextos a partir das representações provenientes da arte, que se mostra cada vez mais necessária no contexto da formação universitária. No intuito de desenvolver um trabalho de sistematização de referências outras que possibilitem ampliar o repertório acadêmico-científico, compartilhamos um levantamento de obras que apresentam crianças e infâncias em distintos cenários e situações, mais especificamente por meio da literatura – considerando a frequência do tema também em obras autobiográficas. O artigo enfatiza o modo como tais produções sugerem uma nova leitura pedagógica, política e cultural do conceito/noção de infância, abordando-a em sua pluralidade conceitual/interpretativa por meio do recorte da perspectiva literária, o que permite outro tipo de relação/aproximação com a temática evidenciada.
Em rodas de memórias: As africanidades em infâncias
Authors: Pereira Angela Monteiro , Lopes Jader Janer Moreira
Published: October 2024

Este artigo é o resultado de uma das muitas rodas de conversa que compõem a dissertação de mestrado: “Rodas e fogueiras aos pés das grandes rochas - onde a escuta precede a fala: um exercício de escuta de múltiplas tradições orais do oeste africano”. Rodas de conversas que reuniram diversas vozes ao redor de fogueiras ancestrais e rochas milenares, e que aos poucos, nos levaram a compreender como a oralidade e o papel dos mestres das tradições orais se presentificam na constituição do ser humano e das sociedades. Aceitaram o nosso convite, vozes da velha e da jovem África, vozes de algumas das civilizações negras tradicionais do oeste africano, mais especificamente, da região sudano-saheliana. A dissertação dialogou com algumas obras do filósofo africano Amadou Hampâté Bâ e outros autores e autoras africanos, assim como com o djeli Sotigui Kouyaté e outros djeli e contadores de histórias da tradição do Manden. Por fim, encontros com africanos da região sudano-saheliana - estudantes, professores e contadores de histórias - acabaram por delinear a relevância da transmissão oral, dos mestres tradicionais e dos espaços formativos tradicionais nos dias atuais. Fruto de uma escuta ampliada pautada no protagonismo africano, o presente artigo configura-se num grande encontro - uma roda de conversa que se desdobra a partir de outras rodas – e pauta-se nas narrativas dos meus interlocutores africanos contemporâneos.
Analfabetismo: o que pensam os excluídos?
Authors: Berlini Alves Ferreira Patrícia , Machado de Lima Márcia
Published: October 2024

Esse ensaio tem por objetivo fazer uma reflexão sobre o analfabetismo a partir do discurso de agradecimento de Enzensberger (1985), por ocasião da entrega do Prêmio Heinrich Böll, que ao defender a causa dos que não sabem ler e escrever tece elogios ao analfabetismo considerando a voz dos excluídos ou como aponta Wanderley Geraldi (2015) – dos nascidos “errados”. Dessa forma, apresentamos nesse ensaio apontamentos que agregam importância ao discurso de agradecimento de Enzensberger a partir da voz de quem permanece em silêncio como meio de estratégia de sobrevivência, no lugar subalterno a eles destinados, quando se trata de exclusão e desigualdade social.
Investigaciones-vidas en educación: conversar escuchar y constelar
Authors: Godoy Lenz Rossana , Ramallo Francisco , Ribeiro Tiago
Published: October 2024

El presente ensayo parte de las experiencias académicas e indagaciones referidas a las investigaciones-vidas en educación desarrolladas por tres investigadorxs, en diferentes contextos geográficos y culturales (Argentina, Brasil y Chile). Desde distintos y singulares procesos investigativos con sujetxs vivxs, el texto reúne inquietudes, principios y aprendizajes tejidas a lo largo de la vida misma. Subraya las investigaciones-vidas como posibilidades de experimentar desplazamientos de los márgenes de la ciencia tradicional e invita a vivenciar demarcaciones en la trama de la investigación en tanto aventura (auto)biográfica y narrativa, corporal, encarnada y vital. A partir de conversaciones y tejeduras entre sus autorxs en el marco de una Red de Investigación en el cono sur de Sudamérica, finalmente se comparten algunos dispositivos privilegiados en y desde las trayectorias investigativas involucradas en esa narración. Se apunta la escucha como una manera de reconocer la experiencia sentipensante de quienes investigamos. Conectada a la escucha, la conversación es otro dispositivo en la búsqueda de modos de investigar con y no simplemente sobre la gente. La conversación da paso al encuentro de los distintos lenguajes de quienes comparten en común-unidad la investigación. Finalmente, el constelar se trata de experiencia de creación comunitaria y de aprendizaje en unidad plural, que muestra la construcción vinculante desintegradora, transformadora e integradora, espiral de investigación-vida.
Principal eigenvectors in hypergraph Turán problems
Authors: Cooper Joshua , Noal Desai Dheer , Sahay Anurag
Published: October 2024

For a general class of hypergraph Turán problems with uniformity $r$, we investigate the principal eigenvector for the $p$-spectral radius (in the sense of Keevash-Lenz-Mubayi and Nikiforov) for the extremal graphs, showing in a strong sense that these eigenvectors have close to equal weight on each vertex (equivalently, showing that the principal ratio is close to $1$). We investigate the sharpness of our result; it is likely sharp for the Turán tetrahedron problem. In the course of this latter discussion, we establish a lower bound on the $p$-spectral radius of an arbitrary $r$-graph in terms of the degrees of the graph. This builds on earlier work of Cardoso-Trevisan, Li-Zhou-Bu, Cioabă-Gregory, and Zhang. The case $1 < p < r$ of our results leads to some subtleties connected to Nikiforov's notion of $k$-tightness, arising from the Perron-Frobenius theory for the $p$-spectral radius. We raise a conjecture about these issues and provide some preliminary evidence for our conjecture.
Clouds and Cows, Shields and Sheep: Some Nonhuman Sounds in Homer
Authors: Kirk Athena
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The Homeric verbs μύκε “moo,” λάκε “screech,” and μακών, “bleat(ing)” describe animal sounds but can also apply to inanimate subjects in certain contexts. This paper considers the morphology, semantics, and poetics of these verbs within two frameworks: media theory and animacy studies. Through these verbs, the poet creates a complex nonhuman soundworld of objects, animals, bodies, and material media that challenges the limits of human perception. Close analyses of the passages in which these verbs appear reveal the medial and animate complexities of well-known epic objects, such as Achilles’ shield, Hector’s body, or the cloud-gates of Olympus. The sounds of these and other things are embedded but not wholly translated into human sensory understanding; the scenes in question also challenge easy distinctions between humans and nonhumans, animals and objects, and living and dead bodies.
Design strategy for an automotive lens with a wide field of view
Authors: Xie Chaoqun , Sun Nan , Xue Ziheng , Pan Baozhu
Published: October 2024

To solve the problems in designing a wide field of view (FOV) automotive lens, such as the complicated initial structure solution when using aberration theory and the limited scaling method, a novel design strategy, to the best of our knowledge, based on the compression ratio of field angle is proposed. The wide-FOV automotive lens is first divided into two groups, front and rear lenses, and each group is designed with several parallel plates as starting points using SYNOPSYS software. Then, the two groups are connected as a whole initial optical system. Finally, an iterative process is applied to improve the performance of the initial structure. A wide-FOV automotive lens is designed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the design method proposed in this paper. The wide-FOV automotive lens has the characteristics of good imaging quality, large aperture, and small size and consists of six spherical lenses. The result of the design indicates that this method based on the compression ratio of field angle is simple, effective, fast in convergence, and provides a good starting point for the design of a wide-FOV automotive lens.
Ghost polarimetry with a spatial light modulator for creation of structured illumination patterns
Authors: Shumigaĭ Vladimir S. , Moreva Polina E. , Nasedkin Boris A. , Ismagilov Azat O. , Chernykh Aleksey V. , Gaĭdash Andrei A. , Kozubov Anton V. , Kiselev Alexei D. , Tcypkin Anton N.
Published: October 2024

Subject of study. The spatial distribution of polarization properties for objects with linear dichroism is studied. Aim of study. A ghost polarimetry system using a spatial light modulator to measure the optical fields illuminating an object with linear dichroism is developed. Method. Ghost polarimetry is used to measure the integral intensity of radiation passing through an object. The intensity correlation functions are numerically calculated for two orthogonally polarized sets of optical fields for subsequent calculation of the modulus of the anisotropy azimuth for an object with linear dichroism. Main results. A ghost polarimetry device using a spatial light modulator is developed to measure the characteristics of structured optical fields. Images showing the polarization properties of three objects with linear dichroism are obtained. Practical significance. Ghost polarimetry has several advantages over traditional methods of obtaining polarization images when imaging objects with low radiation intensity, when imaging in high-turbulence environments, or when imaging in spectral ranges for which traditional measuring instruments are expensive or unavailable. The inclusion of a spatial light modulator in the ghost polarimetry device means it is no longer necessary to record the fields generated. This modification will enable the characteristics of optical fields for specific objects to be varied for microbiological and medical research.
Optical properties of HgCdTe epitaxial films doped with arsenic
Authors: Ruzhevich Maxim S. , Mynbaev Karim D. , Firsov Dmitrii D. , Komkov Oleg S. , Varavin Vasiliy S. , Remesnik Vladimir G. , Yakushev Maxim V.
Published: October 2024

Subject of study. Epitaxial films of Hg0.7Cd0.3Te solid solutions grown by molecular beam epitaxy and doped with arsenic to obtain hole-type conductivity in order to form p-n junctions for the production of infrared photodetector structures are studied. Aim of study. The types and characteristics of defects formed during arsenic doping of epitaxial films of Hg0.7Cd0.3Te solid solutions grown by molecular beam epitaxy and the effect of doping on the level of disorder in the solid solution are determined. Method. Ellipsometry, optical transmittance, photoluminescence, and photoreflectance are used. Main results. The initial material is shown to have high quality in terms of film bulk and surface quality, and the quality was found to improve after two-stage activation thermal annealing. Annealing has been shown to activate the arsenic with the formation of shallow (7–8 meV) acceptor levels. No side defects were found to occur as a result of the introduction of arsenic into the films during growth and annealing. Practical significance. This research demonstrated the effectiveness of doping epitaxial films of Hg0.7Cd0.3Te solid solutions with arsenic as an acceptor impurity in order to produce layers with hole conductivity during the production of photodiode structures.
Photophysics of singlet oxygen generation in chitosan films with viburnum fruit extract (Viburnum opulus L.) under the influence of plasmons on a modified titanium surface
Authors: Tsibulnikova Anna V. , Zemlyakova Eugenia S. , Slezhkin Vasiliy A. , Samusev Ilya G. , Lyatun Ivan I. , Artamonov Dmitry A. , Zyubin Andrey Y. , Bryukhanov Valery V.
Published: October 2024

Subject of study. This study investigates the luminescence spectral and kinetic features of singlet oxygen generation in chitosan microfilms (10 µm thick) embedded with an extract of viburnum fruit (Viburnum opulus L.). These films were deposited on both glass and gold film (80 µm thick), with the gold film electrochemically deposited on a rough, modified titanium surface. Aim of study. The aim was to determine the primary photophysical patterns of singlet oxygen dynamics in chitosan films containing viburnum fruit extract, following pulsed monochromatic photoexcitation by a structured titanium surface coated with electrochemically deposited gold. Method. The films were investigated in the visible and near-infrared regions using fluorescence techniques. The luminescence lifetime of Viburnum opulus L. flavonoids in the nanosecond range was measured using multichannel photon counting with a picosecond diode. The lifetime of the flavonoid triplet states and singlet oxygen phosphorescence in the studied extract in the microsecond range under excitation by a pulsed xenon lamp were also recorded. Main results. Long-lived delayed annihilation fluorescence of Viburnum opulus L. flavonoid molecules in the 590 nm spectral region, along with luminescence at 1272 nm attributable to singlet molecular oxygen, were observed. A comprehensive kinetic analysis was performed, considering the rate constants of photophysical processes involving singlet oxygen in films with viburnum fruit extract on rough gold surfaces under conditions of sample saturation with molecular oxygen. Stable generation of singlet oxygen was achieved in the chitosan microfilms containing viburnum fruit extract. Practical significance. The findings of this study can be applied to biological methods for cancer treatment.
Programmable spectral peak generation by a mode-locked Er-fiber laser with an intracavity LCOS-SLM filter
Authors: Kitajima Shotaro , Kobata Sakiko , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: October 2024

Applying intracavity spectral phase and/or intensity modulation to a mode-locked laser can control the state of circulating pulses in the cavity and produce unique and useful pulse outputs. In this study, a mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser with an intracavity high-resolution liquid crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCOS-SLM) spectral filter was developed, and programmable narrow linewidth spectral peak generation directly from the oscillator was demonstrated. Furthermore, by simultaneously controlling the intracavity group delay dispersion (GDD), the generation of 20 spectral peaks with a linewidth of 100 pm over a bandwidth of 17 nm was demonstrated. Spectral modulation also affects the temporal waveform, and burst-like pulse trains with intra-burst repetition rates up to 252 GHz were observed.
Reciprocity-assisted ghost imaging through dynamic random media
Authors: Tananyan Edward , Lib Ohad , Zimmerman Michal , Bromberg Yaron
Published: October 2024

Ghost imaging enables the imaging of an object using intensity correlations between a single-pixel detector placed behind the object and a camera that records the light that did not interact with the object. The object and the camera are often placed at conjugate planes to ensure correlated illumination patterns. Here, we show how the combined effect of optical reciprocity and the memory effect in a random medium gives rise to correlations between two beams that traverse the random medium in opposite directions. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we observe such correlations when the beams traverse two thin diffusers separated by a variable distance. We find that the angular width of the region over which the beams are correlated decreases as the distance between the diffusers is increased. We then utilize these correlations to demonstrate a ghost imaging scheme in which the object and camera are placed at opposite ends of the random medium and illuminated by counter-propagating beams that can potentially be emitted by two different sources.
Dispersive Sweatt Model for Broadband Lens Design with Metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Weiyu , Shih Ko-Han , Renshaw Christopher
Published: October 2024

The Sweatt model has been extensively used to design optical systems containing diffractive optical elements (DOEs) because it captures the dispersive characteristics of DOEs. We introduce a new Dispersive Sweatt Model (DSM) that can describe meta-atom (MA) dispersion which has material and geometric contributions in addition to diffraction. It uses a wavelength-dependent scalar coefficient to modify the diffractive dispersion and describe the dispersion of a given MA basis. This provides a robust framework to design systems containing metasurface (MS) elements while including their unique dispersive properties in the design optimization. Importantly, the DSM is based on ray-optics and enables design of MS-containing systems using conventional optical design software such as Zemax and Code V. We use the DSM to demonstrate design of a hybrid refractive/MS achromatic doublet for the midwave infrared (MWIR) band. The design example includes multiple wavelengths and field-angles during optimization and demonstrates excellent agreement between the DSM and real hybrid lens performance modelled using wave-optics. We discuss the limits of the DSM and present a simple model to predict performance limits due to phase mismatch at Fresnel zone boundaries.
Classification of Microplanktons in an Imbalanced Digital Holographic Image Dataset with Deep Network using Channel Attention
Authors: A Shrihari , Guha Prithwijit , Kulkarni Rishikesh
Published: October 2024

Classifying microplanktons in digital holographic images is challenging due to multitude of factors. For instance, shifts in viewpoint can alter how microplanktons are perceived, while illumination changes can affect the visibility of certain features. Geometric anomalies can distort the shapes of these microplanktons, and the presence of noise within the digital holographic microscope can further alter local image features. Additionally, the difficulty in data collection results in dataset imbalance leading to a biased classification problem. These class-imbalanced datasets pose a considerable hurdle in machine learning applications. Here, categorical representations tend to favor majority classes neglecting minority classes that are equally important for a comprehensive understanding of microplankton diversity. Accordingly, this research contributes a novel Debiasing method using Channel Attention Blocks (DCAB) and a novel Attention Product. It enhances the model's ability to focus on relevant features while mitigating the effects of bias. This method was applied on six biased models viz, VGG16, ResNet50V2, ResNet152V2, InceptionV3, Xception, ShuffleNetV2 and ShincNet. The proposed method achieved a significant reduction in Degree of Bias (DoB) and KL Divergence (KL) values for all the six biased models. With just 6.68M parameters and 6.4 GFLOPs, DCAB for ShincNet demonstrated a competitive performance in terms of DoB (0.125) and KL (0.82) compared to four state-of-the-art debiasing techniques.
Electronic and structural characteristics of a polycrystalline IrO₂:Li/(100)-oriented Si pn heterojunction
Authors: Alquwayzani Abdullah , Braic Laurentiu , Hassine Mohamed Ben , Hedhili Mohamed , Ibrahim Redha , Anjum Dalaver , Ng Tien Khee , Alfaraj Nasir , Ooi Boon
Published: October 2024

Achieving optimal band alignment and efficient p-type conductivity is a critical challenge for the heterogeneous integration of wide bandgap materials onto silicon (Si), a key step in revolutionizing next-generation integrated circuits (ICs). In this work, we report what we believe to be the first investigation of the heterojunction formed by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) growth of lithium-doped iridium oxide (IrO₂:Li) on (100)-oriented Si. The IrO₂:Li films exhibit a polycrystalline structure with a preferred (200) out-of-plane orientation, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements revealed an electronic bandgap of 2.90 eV for the IrO₂:Li film, which is corroborated by photoluminescence (PL) measurements and consistent with prior work on undoped IrO₂. Electrical characterization demonstrated p-type conductivity with a high carrier concentration, comparable to that of epitaxial IrO₂ films. The valence and conduction band offsets at the IrO₂:Li/Si heterointerface were determined to be 0.76 ± 0.10 and 2.54 ± 0.10 eV, respectively, using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HRXPS), indicating a type-II (staggered) band alignment. The combination of wide bandgap, p-type conductivity, and favorable band alignment with Si makes PLD-grown IrO₂:Li a promising candidate for future optoelectronic and power devices integrated with Si technology.
ER = EPR: quantum entanglement perspective
Authors: Duarte Francisco
Published: October 2024

The conjecture ER = EPR is critically evaluated from a quantum entanglement perspective. The Google Sycamore quantum calculation designed to probe this conjecture is also considered. Beyond the immediate conclusion that the Google Sycamore effort was a computation and not an experiment, the path utilized to arrive at the ER = EPR conjecture is determined to be a misunderstanding.
A comprehensive framework for trans-ancestry pathway analysis using GWAS summary data from diverse populations
Authors: Fu Sheng , Wheeler William , Wang Xiaoyu , Hua Xing , Godbole Devika , Duan Jubao , Zhu Bin , Deng Lu , Qin Fei , Zhang Haoyu , Shi Jianxin , Yu Kai
Published: October 2024

As more multi-ancestry GWAS summary data become available, we have developed a comprehensive trans-ancestry pathway analysis framework that effectively utilizes this diverse genetic information. Within this framework, we evaluated various strategies for integrating genetic data at different levels—SNP, gene, and pathway—from multiple ancestry groups. Through extensive simulation studies, we have identified robust strategies that demonstrate superior performance across diverse scenarios. Applying these methods, we analyzed 6,970 pathways for their association with schizophrenia, incorporating data from African, East Asian, and European populations. Our analysis identified over 200 pathways significantly associated with schizophrenia, even after excluding genes near genome-wide significant loci. This approach substantially enhances detection efficiency compared to traditional single-ancestry pathway analysis and the conventional approach that amalgamates single-ancestry pathway analysis results across different ancestry groups. Our framework provides a flexible and effective tool for leveraging the expanding pool of multi-ancestry GWAS summary data, thereby improving our ability to identify biologically relevant pathways that contribute to disease susceptibility.
Deciphering the complex interplay: Heterogeneous, threshold, and mediation effects of trade openness on CO2 emissions in Africa
Authors: Kitila Getachew Magnar
Published: October 2024

Despite having barely anything to do with the issue of CO2 emissions, Africa has been experiencing more severe climate change and its adverse effects than most other regions of the globe. However, the issue of CO2 emissions and its adverse effects has received relatively little attention in the African research arena. To this end, the present research assesses the effect of trade openness on the CO2 emissions utilizing panel data from 46 African countries spanning 2000 through 2022. To account for the possible heterogeneity and nonlinearity, the panel quantile regression and threshold methods were employed. Moreover, this study investigates the key mediating effects of the channel. The empirical findings show that greater trade openness is associated with significantly higher CO2 emission, additionally; it demonstrates that the influence is heterogeneous across different CO2 emission quantiles in African countries. Besides the result from the double threshold model reveals a complex, nonlinear relationship between trade openness and CO2 emissions in Africa. Moreover, the findings divulge that openness to trade indirectly reduces CO2 emissions through the substitution and technology channels whereas it indirectly increases carbon dioxide production via the economic track. Therefore, it is vital to promote the use of renewable energy, effectively leverage the knowledge spillover effects of trade to decrease energy intensity and formulate pertinent policies aimed at curbing carbon emissions and addressing the imminent threat of climate change in Africa. Besides, the nonlinear and heterogeneous effects of trade openness on CO2 emissions suggest that policies and interventions related to the impact of trade openness on CO2 emissions should consider the current level of carbon dioxide emissions.
Changes in systems thinking and health equity considerations across four communities participating in Catalyzing Communities
Authors: Moore Travis R. , Calancie Larissa , Hennessy Erin , Appel Julie , Economos Christina D.
Published: October 2024

Childhood obesity is a persistent public health concern, and community-based interventions have become crucial for addressing it by engaging local communities and implementing comprehensive evidence-based strategies. The Catalyzing Communities intervention takes a “whole-of-community”approach to involve leaders from diverse sectors in thinking systematically about child healthy weights and implementing evidence-based solutions. Using systems thinking and the Getting to Equity framework to guide interview analysis, this study examines changes in participants’ use of systems thinking concepts and health equity in 43 participants across four U.S. communities involved in the Catalyzing Communities intervention. Our findings reveal significant shifts in systems thinking concepts, as participants develop a deeper understanding of childhood obesity as a complex adaptive system, and system insights, as participants increasingly recognize the interconnections and leverage points within the system driving childhood obesity. Participants also experienced increases in health equity thinking and action, particularly when discussing social and structural determinants of health, commitment to targeted actions, and a focus on addressing barriers and enhancing resources. The intersection between systems insights and health equity action, such as explaining leverage points and interventions to reduce deterrents to health behaviors, suggests the need for systems thinking activities to be integrated into health equity planning. Future research is needed to develop measures to connect systems thinking concepts to health equity, and the impact of these to community-level policy, systems, and environmental changes in public health.
Portable X-ray fluorescence of zinc and selenium with nail clippings–Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI)
Authors: Fleming David E. B. , Madani Nelly , Kaiser Michaela G. , Kim Jong Sung , Keltie Erin , Drage Natashia , Jin Ying , Coad Jane , Brough Louise
Published: October 2024

Zinc and selenium are essential minerals for human nutrition. Reliable biomarkers of zinc status and selenium status in humans are therefore important. This work investigates a novel portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method with the ability to rapidly assess zinc and selenium in nail clippings. This approach used a mono-energetic X-ray beam to excite characteristic X-rays from the clippings. Nail clippings were obtained from the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI), a study designed to assess nutrition in a population of women and their breastfed children in New Zealand. Twenty mother-infant pairings were selected to provide nail clippings at two time points (visit 1 at 3 months postpartum; visit 2 at 6 months postpartum). Nail clippings from each mother-infant pairing were divided into three groupings of clippings prior to analysis: those obtained from a big toe of the mother, those from the other toes of the mother, and those from the toes and fingers of the infant. Clippings were prepared and mounted prior to XRF measurement, providing four distinct fragments from each clipping grouping. These fragments were assessed by XRF using a measurement time of either 300 s (visit 1) or 180 s (visit 2). XRF results were determined through both an automated system output and an analysis of the X-ray energy spectrum. Following this assessment of zinc and selenium with the non-destructive XRF method, clippings were measured for zinc and selenium concentration using a “gold standard” technique of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mean ICP-MS concentrations ranged from 122 μg/g to 127 μg/g for zinc, and from 0.646 μg/g to 0.659 μg/g for selenium. Precision, assessed by a relative standard deviation of measurement, was superior for ICP-MS relative to XRF. For both zinc and selenium, XRF results were compared with ICP-MS concentrations. Linear equations of best fit were determined for each comparison between XRF and ICP-MS results. Coefficients of determination (r2) were stronger for zinc (from 0.74 to 0.95) than selenium (from 0.53 to 0.70). A decrease in XRF measurement time from 300 s to 180 s did not appear to adversely affect the correlation between XRF and ICP-MS results. Using the mono-energetic portable XRF method, the correlation of XRF zinc results with ICP-MS zinc concentrations was improved over previous findings, and selenium measurement was reported for the first time. The method may prove useful for future applications to trace element analysis using nail clippings as a biomarker.
Increased pathogen exposure of a marine apex predator over three decades
Authors: Rode Karyn D. , Van Hemert Caroline , Wilson Ryan R. , Woodruff Susannah P. , Pabilonia Kristy , Ballweber Lora , Kwok Oliver , Dubey Jitender P.
Published: October 2024

Environmental changes associated with global warming create new opportunities for pathogen and parasite transmission in Arctic wildlife. As an apex predator ranging over large, remote areas, changes in pathogens and parasites in polar bears are a useful indicator of changing transmission dynamics in Arctic ecosystems. We examined prevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to parasites and viral and bacterial pathogens in Chukchi Sea polar bears. Serum antibodies to six pathogens were detected and prevalence increased between 1987–1994 and 2008–2017 for five: Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Francisella tularensis, Brucella abortus/suis, and canine distemper virus. Although bears have increased summer land use, this behavior was not associated with increased exposure. Higher prevalence of F. tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, and B. abortus/suis antibodies in females compared to males, however, could be associated with terrestrial denning. Exposure was related to diet for several pathogens indicating increased exposure in the food web. Elevated white blood cell counts suggest a possible immune response to some pathogens. Given that polar bears face multiple stressors in association with climate change and are a subsistence food, further work is warranted to screen for signs of disease.