bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversations with Arlie Hochschild
Authors: Willaa Katrine Weiland
Published: October 2024

This article presents insights gained from conversations with Arlie Hochschild, which challenged my initial assumptions and encouraged a nuanced integration of sociological and psychological perspectives in exploring children’s wellbeing through their experiences and management of emotional demands within institutional settings. Drawing on parallels between adults who are adept at managing emotions in societal contexts, such as flight attendants, and the challenges faced by children, Hochschild illuminated the distinctive nature of children’s emotional experiences. These insights enriched the theoretical foundation of my research, offering new perspectives on children’s emotion work within institutional settings. By investigating the emotional demands children face during their transition from kindergarten to school and after-school care, the article sheds light on the influence of schools’ approaches to children’s wellbeing and emotional experiences. The findings underscore the importance of considering children’s genuine emotional experiences in wellbeing initiatives, particularly in navigating expectations to be happy.
Multiple high-Q resonances from mirror-coupled dielectric arrays
Authors: Fu Boya , Ao Xianyu
Published: October 2024

This paper reports how high-Q resonances can be created at multiple designated wavelengths in a low-index-contrast dielectric nanoparticle array coupled with a metal mirror. A rectangular array of TiO2 nanoparticles over a silver film (separated by a SiO2 spacer layer) can support collective resonances of magnetic and electric dipoles with their wavelengths determined mainly by the lattice spacings of the rectangular lattice. These resonances can be modulated by the spacer layer thickness to form accidental bound states in the continuum. Furthermore, resonances related to the periodicity along the diagonal of the rectangular unit cell can be produced by perturbing the lattice through modifying the dimensions of adjacent nanoparticles in the unit cell. Our result expands the potential of lattice resonances in low-index-contrast dielectric lattices, making them promising for applications in compact multi-wavelength and unidirectional light-emitting devices.
Reservoir computing for equalization in a self-coherent receiver scheme
Authors: Zelaci Aimen , Masaad Sarah , Bienstman Peter
Published: October 2024

Short-reach optical networks, the backbone of data centers, face a significant challenge: transmitting high data rates at low cost and low energy consumption. While coherent signals can carry high data rates, coherent receivers are expensive and complex. Also, to equalize channel dispersion, they rely on digital signal processing modules, which consume large amounts of power and introduce more latency. Photonic reservoirs emerged as a way to process these signals in the analog optical domain, alleviating the power consumption and latency issues in state-of-the-art receivers. In this work, we show in simulations that a photonic reservoir combined with a self-coherent photonic receiver achieves a BER of 3.8 × 10−3 for a 32 Gbaud 16-QAM signal and an 80 km link, requiring a low CSPR of 3 dB compared to state-of-the-art self-coherent receivers.
Mode locking mechanism in Fourier-domain mode-locked optoelectronic oscillators
Authors: Zhang Lingjie , Wu Yilin , Tian Huan , Zeng Zhen , Zhang Yaowen , Zhang Zhiyao , Zhang Yali , Zhang Shangjian , Li Heping , Liu Yong
Published: October 2024

Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) are regarded as a promising candidate to generate linearly chirped microwave waveforms (LCMWs) with large time-bandwidth products. Nevertheless, up to date, the mode locking mechanism in FDML-OEOs is still not clear enough. Here, a comprehensive theoretical analysis is made to reveal the mode locking mechanism in FDML-OEOs. In particular, the phase relationship among numerous oscillation modes under stable oscillation is obtained. In addition, the FDML oscillation process originated from either noise or single-mode oscillation and is numerically simulated based on the model. Therefore, the initial oscillation process is comprehensively analyzed in the time domain, the Fourier domain, and the fractional Fourier domain, which provides a deep insight into the FDML oscillation process. Finally, the initial oscillation process of a FDML-OEO is captured in the experiment. The corresponding analysis is carried out to reveal the real mode locking mechanism, where the experimental results fit in with the theoretical and numerical results. This work provides a new approach for in-depth analysis of FDML-OEOs.
10 W, 2 mJ-level ns all-fiber amplifier at 2.8 µm
Authors: Leonov Stanislav , Perry-Auger Quentin , Karim Andrew , Zhang Daiying , Kraemer Darren , Vallée Réal , Bernier Martin
Published: October 2024

In this Letter, we demonstrate a single-stage erbium-doped fluoride fiber amplifier composed of two spliced large core fibers with respective diameters of 85 and 130 µm. An optical parametric generator (OPG) operating at a 5 kHz repetition rate, and providing ∼2 ns pulse duration, and an average output power of 500 mW at a wavelength of 2.8 µm was used as a seed source. This nanosecond amplifier configuration achieved an average output power of 10 W with a record pulse energy of 2 mJ, corresponding to 1 MW of output peak power. The maximum slope efficiency of this hybrid amplifier is 21% with respect to the total incident pump power at 940 nm. The presented master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) configuration shows its potential for further power and energy scaling.
Femtotesla atomic magnetometer with counter-propagating optical sideband pumping
Authors: Peng Jin , Xu An-Ning , Liu Bei
Published: October 2024

The ultrasensitive magnetometer has a vital importance in fundamental research and applications. Currently, the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometer has been reported with a sensitivity around the level of fT/Hz1/2. To enhance the sensitivity, a gradiometer configuration has usually been introduced to cancel the common-mode noise between two separate channels. However, the signal and response from different channels are not the same due to the attenuation of the pump beam. Here, we proposed a counter-propagating optical sideband pumping method to polarize the atoms, using the electro-optic modulator to modulate the single-pump beam, generating two symmetrically red- and blue-detuned sidebands of frequency. This scheme leads to a significant reduction of undesirable effects coming along with the optical pumping, such as light shifts and spatial inhomogeneity in atomic spin polarization. With the help of this pumping scheme, the two channels have the same magnetic response, and we have built a gradiometer atomic magnetometer with a sensitivity of 0.5 fT/Hz1/2 ranging from 5 to 40 Hz. Our results propose the possibility of creating larger arrays of atomic magnetometers (AMs) with high sensitivity and spatial resolution based on single-vapor cells for magnetocardiography and magnetoencephalography imaging or searching for exotic spin-dependent interactions.
Tunable frequency conversion in doped photonic crystal fiber pumped near degeneracy
Authors: Murphy Leah R. , Olszewski Mateusz J. , Androvitsaneas Petros , Alvarez Perez Miguel , Smith Will A. M. , Bennett Anthony J. , Mosley Peter J. , Davis Alex O. C.
Published: October 2024

Future quantum networks will rely on the ability to coherently transfer optically encoded quantum information between different wavelength bands. Bragg-scattering four-wave mixing in optical fiber is a promising route to achieving this, but requires fibers with precise dispersion control and broadband transmission at signal, target, and pump wavelengths. Here, we introduce a photonic crystal fiber with a germanium-doped core featuring group velocity matching at 1550 nm, the telecoms C-band, and 920 nm, within the emission range of efficient single photon sources based on InAs quantum dots. With low chromatic walk-off and good optical guidance even at long wavelengths, large lengths of this fiber are used to achieve nanometer-scale frequency shifts between wavelengths around 920 nm with up to 79.4% internal conversion efficiency, allowing dissimilar InAs dots to be interfaced. We also show how cascading this frequency conversion can be used to generate a frequency comb away from telecoms wavelengths. Finally, we use the fiber to demonstrate tunable frequency conversion of weak classical signals around 918 nm to the telecoms C-band.
Orthohantavirus diversity in Central-East Argentina: Insights from complete genomic sequencing on phylogenetics, Geographic patterns and transmission scenarios
Authors: Alonso Daniel Oscar , Kehl Sebastián Dario , Coelho Rocío María , Periolo Natalia , Poklépovich Caride Tomás , Sanchez Loria Julián , Cuba Facundo Gabriel , Pérez-Sautu Unai , Sanchez-Lockhart Mariano , Palacios Gustavo , Bellomo Carla Maria , Martinez Valeria Paula
Published: October 2024

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), characterized by its high fatality rate, poses a significant public health concern in Argentina due to the increasing evidence of person-to-person transmission of Andes virus. Several orthohantaviruses were described in the country, but their phylogenetic relationships were inferred from partial genomic sequences. The objectives of this work were to assess the viral diversity of the most prevalent orthohantaviruses associated with HPS cases in the Central-East (CE) region of Argentina, elucidate the geographic patterns of distribution of each variant and reconstruct comprehensive phylogenetic relationships utilizing complete genomic sequencing. To accomplish this, a detailed analysis was conducted of the geographic distribution of reported cases within the most impacted province of the region. A representative sample of cases was then selected to generate a geographic map illustrating the distribution of viral variants. Complete viral genomes were obtained from HPS cases reported in the region, including some from epidemiologically linked cases. The phylogenetic analysis based on complete genomes defined two separate clades in Argentina: Andes virus in the Southwestern region and Andes-like viruses in other parts of the country. In the CE region, Buenos Aires virus and Lechiguanas virus clearly segregate in two subclades. Complete genomes were useful to distinguish person-to-person transmission from environmental co-exposure to rodent population. This study enhances the understanding of the genetic diversity, geographical spread, and transmission dynamics of orthohantaviruses in Central Argentina and prompt to consider the inclusion of Buenos Aires virus and Lechiguanas virus in the species Orthohantavirus andesense, as named viruses.
Usefulness of next-generation sequencing for laboratory diagnosis of rickettsiosis
Authors: Xing Fanfan , Deng Chaowen , Huang Jinyue , Yuan Yanfei , Luo Zhendong , Lo Simon K. F. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: October 2024

Rickettsiosis includes a diversity of culture-negative non-specific systemic infections. Laboratory diagnosis of rickettsiosis is often not easy. In this 12-month study, six patients with a variety of rickettsia infections of the spotted fever group, typhus group and scrub typhus were diagnosed directly or indirectly by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). The patient with Japanese spotted fever was rapidly made when mNGS analysis of the patient’s blood revealed Rickettsia japonica sequences. For the two patients with Rickettsia felis chest infections, the bacterium was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage of one case and lung biopsy of the other. Both patients had underlying malignancies, carcinoma of the breast and carcinoma of the lung respectively, and were on chemotherapy with immunosuppressive effect. For the remaining three patients who presented over a period of 13 weeks, all had fever, headache and the typical eschar. They also had increased serum transaminases and responded promptly to doxycycline. However, the Weil-Felix test results of all three patients were negative. Since we considered the three cases typical of rickettsiosis, we submitted their serum samples for mNGS analysis. Results showed that Orientia tsutsugamushi sequences were present in the serum of one case. In view of the positive mNGS results, we repeated the Weil-Felix test for the residual sera of all three patients and it revealed that those of the other two cases showed OX-19 titers of 1:640 and 1:160 respectively, inferring that these two patients probably had rickettsiosis of the typhus group. As for the patient positive for O. tsutsugamushi sequences, we also detected IgM for O. tsutsugamushi in the serum, which double confirmed that it was a case of scrub typhus. mNGS is an important molecular tool and can complement serology for laboratory diagnosis of rickettsiosis.
Household expenditure on control of urban mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy
Authors: Canali Massimo , Vici Laura , Rivas Morales Stefano , Donati Luciano , Matrangolo Carmela , Venturelli Claudio , Angelini Paola , Dottori Michele , Bellini Romeo , Carrieri Marco
Published: October 2024

Background

In 2007, the first outbreak of Chikungunya in Italy generated great alarm, highlighting the health risks caused by exotic species recently introduced in Europe and the need to strengthen control actions against the vectors. Besides health risks, mosquitoes cause nuisance, and citizens are required to adopt control measures. While the economic aspects of mosquito control by public agencies have been investigated, the scientific literature on the costs of mosquito protection incurred by families is scarce.

This study assessed the households’ expenditure on protective measures against mosquitoes in Emilia-Romagna, a region in Northern Italy.

Methodology/Principal findings

A phone questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the annual expenditure incurred by households for self-protection against mosquitos in relation to the perceived level of nuisance and the household and dwelling characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the main determinants influencing such expenditure, which resulted affected by dwelling characteristics, presence of children under 6 years of age, and health concerns of family members. The average annual household expenditure was estimated at 84.63 euros, about 30 times higher than the expenditure per household supported by regional and local administrations for interventions against mosquitoes in public areas, as calculated in a previous study.

Conclusion/Significance

Household expenditure is mainly aimed at providing a direct defense against mosquito bites (mosquito nets, adulticides, skin-on repellents, etc.) while spending for more effective measures addressed to reduce mosquito density results marginal: e.g., only 3.5% of the total expenditure was dedicated to larval control.

Control activities that lower the mosquito density in both private and public areas could reduce the use of household insecticides in urban environments and the related costs, and the risk of spread of imported arboviruses as well.
Predicting harmful alcohol use prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2015 and 2019: Evidence from population-based HIV impact assessment
Authors: Goma Mtumbi , Ng’ambi Wingston Felix , Zyambo Cosmas
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Harmful alcohol use is associated with significant risks to public health outcomes worldwide. Although data on harmful alcohol use have been collected by population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA), there is a dearth of analysis on the effect of HIV/ART status on harmful alcohol use in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries with PHIA surveys.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the PHIA surveys: Namibia (n = 27,382), Tanzania (n = 1807), Zambia (n = 2268), Zimbabwe (n = 3418), Malawi (n = 2098), Namibia (n = 27,382), and Eswatini (n = 2762). Using R version 4.2, we analysed the uptake and correlates of harmful alcohol consumption in SSA. The cutoff point for statistically significant was P<0.05.

Results

Of the 12,460 persons, 15% used alcohol harmfully. Harmful alcohol use varied by countries and ranged from 8.7% in Malawi to 26.1% in Namibia (P<0.001). Being female or HIV-positive and on ART were associated with less-likelihood of harmful alcohol consumption however persons that were HIV-positive and not on ART was associated with higher likelihood of harmful alcohol use (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.32–1.69, P<0.001). The best performing models were Lasso or Super Learner or Random Forest were the best performing models while gradient boosting models or sample mean did not perform well.

Conclusion

Harmful alcohol use was high. Harmful alcohol use varied by countries, sex, age, HIV/ART status and marital status. Therefore, there is a need to introduce or enforce harmful alcohol use control policies in SSA through taking into account these characteristics.
Molecular and microbiological methods for the identification of nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sarathy Jansy Passiflora
Published: October 2024

Chronic tuberculosis (TB) disease, which requires months-long chemotherapy with multiple antibiotics, is defined by diverse pathological manifestations and bacterial phenotypes. Targeting drug-tolerant bacteria in the host is critical to achieving a faster and durable cure for TB. In order to facilitate this field of research, we need to consider the physiology of persistent MTB during infection, which is often associated with the nonreplicating (NR) state. However, the traditional approach to quantifying bacterial burden through colony enumeration alone only informs on the abundance of live bacilli at the time of sampling, and provides an incomplete picture of the replicative state of the pathogen and the extent to which bacterial replication is balanced by ongoing cell death. Modern approaches to profiling bacterial replication status provide a better understanding of inter- and intra-population dynamics under different culture conditions and in distinct host microenvironments. While some methods use molecular markers of DNA replication and cell division, other approaches take advantage of advances in the field of microfluidics and live-cell microscopy. Considerable effort has been made over the past few decades to develop preclinical in vivo models of TB infection and some are recognized for more closely recapitulating clinical disease pathology than others. Unique lesion compartments presenting different environmental conditions produce significant heterogeneity between Mycobacterium tuberculosis populations within the host. While cellular lesion compartments appear to be more permissive of ongoing bacterial replication, caseous foci are associated with the maintenance of M. tuberculosis in a state of static equilibrium. The accurate identification of nonreplicators and where they hide within the host have significant implications for the way novel chemotherapeutic agents and regimens are designed for persistent infections.
Saurian-associated Leishmania tarentolae in dogs: Infectivity and immunogenicity evaluation in the canine model
Authors: Mendoza-Roldan Jairo Alfonso , Varotto-Boccazzi Ilaria , Louzada-Flores Viviane Noll , Evans Alec , Cheikhi Imad Bouzaidi , Carbonara Mariaelisa , Zatelli Andrea , Epis Sara , Bandi Claudio , Beugnet Frédéric , Otranto Domenico
Published: October 2024

In canine leishmaniosis endemic areas, Leishmania infantum may occur in sympatry with the non-pathogenic Leishmania tarentolae, which is associated to reptiles. The potential infectivity of L. tarentolae for mammals raises questions about the interactions between the two Leishmania species, and the potential cross-immune protection in dogs. This study aimed to assess the outcome of experimental L. tarentolae infection in dogs, determining: i) the anti-L. tarentolae antibody production, ii) the duration of the immunity and cytokine expression, and iii) the possible pathogenic effect in the canine host. Twelve purpose-bred beagle dogs were randomly allocated to three groups (intravenous inoculation, G1; intradermal inoculation, G2; negative control, G3). G1 and G2 dogs were inoculated twice (day 0, day 28) with 108 promastigotes of L. tarentolae strain (RTAR/IT/21/RI-325) isolated from a Tarentola mauritanica gecko. The animals were followed until day 206. Blood, serum, conjunctival swabs and lymph node aspirate samples were collected monthly and bone marrow, liver and spleen biopsies on day 91. Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed monthly, as well as serology (IFAT and ELISA) and molecular identification of L. tarentolae. Mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained to assess the cytokine expression through in vitro stimulation or (re-) infection. Data from this study demonstrated that DNA from L. tarentolae is detectable up to 3 months post-infection, with seroconversion after day 28. Moreover, the non-pathogenic nature of L. tarentolae was confirmed, with a neutral Th1/Th2 polarization, and a possible shift to Th1 phenotype after derived macrophages (re-) infection, as demonstrated by the expression of IFN-gamma. Therefore, L. tarentolae demonstrated a great potential as a surrogate pathogen and/or immune-prophylaxis/immune-therapy against Leishmania infections in dogs and humans.
Visual Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy Vs Antibiotic Therapy for Treatment of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Zhan Ke , Bai Yang , Liu Tianyu , Su Xing , Yang Qingqing , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiangrong , Zhang Yichuan , Tang Jianhua , Jiang Zheng , Yang Xin , Liu Weihui
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Visual endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (V-ERAT) involves a single-use video scope, allowing for real-time visualization of the appendiceal lumen during the procedure to treat uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AA). This study aims to compare V-ERAT to antibiotic therapy in treating uncomplicated AA.

METHODS:

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at 9 hospitals in China from August 2021 to July 2023. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias. A total of 692 uncomplicated AA patients were included, with 188 undergoing V-ERAT and 504 receiving antibiotic therapy. The primary outcome was treatment success rate. The secondary outcomes included recurrent appendicitis rate, the appendectomy rate during the initial hospitalization, length of initial hospitalization, time to disease recurrence, and overall adverse events.

RESULTS:

The treatment success rate did not differ between the V-ERAT and antibiotic groups (93.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 89.1%–96.7% vs 90.5%; 95% CI, 87.6%–92.9%) (P = 0.225). However, V-ERAT demonstrated a significantly lower risk of appendicitis recurrence compared with antibiotic therapy during the follow-up (log-rank P < 0.001), with a hazard ratio of 0.14 (95% CI, 0.07–0.29, P < 0.001). V-ERAT was associated with a lower appendectomy rate during the initial hospitalization (4.3%; 95% CI, 1.9%–8.2% vs 9.5%; 95% CI, 7.1%–12.4%) (P = 0.027), a shorter length of initial hospitalization (3 [interquartile range (IQR), 3–4] vs 4 [IQR, 4–6] days, P < 0.001), and a longer time to recurrence (269 [IQR, 210–318] vs 70 [IQR, 21–103] days, P < 0.001). The overall adverse event rates did not differ between the 2 groups (log-rank P = 0.064).

DISCUSSION:

V-ERAT seems to be a safe and effective alternative to antibiotic therapy in treating uncomplicated AA, significantly reducing the risk of appendicitis recurrence.
Mushroom alkaloids as nutraceuticals, bioactive and medicinal properties: a preliminary review
Authors: Archana O  , Nagadesi Praveen Kumar
Published: October 2024

Mushroom alkaloids are quite interesting due to their distinct secondary metabolites. Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites that are found in different types of organisms. The primary focus of this study is the alkaloids that were taken out of the mushrooms. Mainly the mushrooms alkaloids are classified as 2 groups like indoles and isoxazoles. In the present paper 68 distinct alkaloids produced from mushrooms were attempted to be listed under 24 distinct groups; i.e. 24 alkaloids were kept under Indole group, 5 different alkaloids were kept under ? - carboline group and pyrroloquinoline group, 4 different alkaloids were kept under pyrrole group, and 3 different alkaloids were mentioned under quinoline groups. Mushrooms were used as food in many parts of the world. The alkaloids obtained from mushrooms showing different bioactivities like antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti - ageing, nematicidal, helmintic, against cardiovascular disease and as antiasthmatic agent. Mushrooms were widely used in the traditional medicine of many countries like china, India, Taiwan, Japan etc. these mushrooms became great resources for many groups of alkaloids with bioactivities which should be useful in present day modern clinical and pharmacological research. The present review aims at listing the applications of mushroom alkaloids in different fields like medicine, health science, pharmacy etc.
Evaluation of the in vitro toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L. harvested from northwestern Algeria.
Authors: Bourroubey Bachir , Chelli Nadia , Tir Touil Aicha , Meddah Boumediene , Bettouati Abdelkader , Berkane Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties, to treat various ailments and maintain health. This study was carried out to test the in vitro toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L., native to the north-western region of Algeria. Toxicity was studied in vitro by the hemolysis test and anti-hemolytic activity on human red blood cells, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vitro by the protein denaturation method. The study of toxicity by hemolysis of red blood cells showed a high rate of hemolysis at a dose of 200 mg/mL, with a hemolytic percentage of around 88.64%, while a high rate of anti-hemolysis was observed at a dose of 25 mg/mL, with an inhibition percentage of around 83.17%. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed a high percentage of inhibition of ovalbumin denaturation, reaching 63.53% at the 2000 ug/mL dose, while the lowest percentage was obtained at the 3500 ug\mL concentration with 10.16%. This extract has a toxic substance but does not exceed the toxicity threshold which achieves significant anti-inflammatory activity with depandant doses.
Phyto-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of cationic and anionic dyes
Authors: Abduh Naaser A. Y. , Al-Kahtani Abdullah , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit
Published: October 2024

In this study, zinc oxide-based nanocatalysts were biosynthesized using Ocimum basilicum (OB) and Olea africana (OA) leaf aqueous extracts, termed OB-ZnO and OA-ZnO, as a simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly approach. Their characteristics and efficacy in photodegrading cationic dyes (crystal violet and methylene blue) and anionic dyes (methyl orange and naphthol blue black) were investigated. The catalyst’s properties were analyzed using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-Vis, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. Analysis revealed pure products having a hexagonal wurtzite structure, crystallite sizes of 15.04 and 21.46 nm, surface areas of 23.65 and 7.97 m2/g, particle sizes of 35 and 170 nm with spherical (uniform) and oval-like (non-uniform) shapes, and optical bandgaps of 3.15 and 3.05 eV, respectively. Photocatalytic applications under sunlight indicated excellent activity of both catalysts against targeted cationic and anionic dyes. Most notably, even though OA-ZnO has a lower surface area than OB-ZnO, it demonstrated greater efficiency. The variation in effectiveness is explained by the lower bandgap value of OA-ZnO and its ability to reduce electron–hole recombination due to its larger crystal size, which accelerates the degradation process. Additionally, both catalysts exhibited high stability after being used four times.
The Ark of the Covenant’s Spelling Controversy: A Historical Linguistic Perspective
Authors: van Putten Marijn
Published: October 2024

This article examines a famous element in the reports on the canonization of the Qurʾānic text under the auspices of Uthman, in which the committee of scribes that were to write the standard text came to a disagreement on how to write the Qurʾānic word for at-tābūt “Ark.” After examining the different versions of the report that contain this episode, and concluding that the report of this episode goes back to the common link of Ibn Šihāb al-Zuhrī (d. 124/741–2), it is shown that early on the linguistic details of this disagreement were no longer understood. However, by examining how Aramaic and Classical Ethiopic loanwords that end in stem-final -ūt or -ōt are treated, this report can be understood as referring to two competing adaptations of this foreign word into Arabic. On the one hand at-tābūt, the form that ends up in the standard text, and on the other hand at-tābāh (or more precisely: at-tābōh), which shows a similar strategy of adaptation as several other central loanwords in the Qurʾān such as aṣ-ṣalāh “prayer” and az-zakāh “alms.”
“Superiority is due to us, and the king should come from among us”: The Arab Conquests and Conflicts of the Early Umayyad Era in a 7th-Century Syriac Universal History of Yoḥannān bar Penkāyē
Authors: Furman Yulia , Cherkashin Dmitry
Published: October 2024

The last few decades have seen considerable interest in non-Muslim sources that contain material on the earliest stage of Islam. This paper examines one such witness, The Book of the Main Points by Yoḥannān bar Penkāyē, a 7th-century Syriac universal history, that provides an account of the Arab conquests, the first decades of the Umayyad caliphate, with a special focus on the events of the Second Fitna. The paper includes a commentary on selected passages from the History concerning the conquests and early Muslim rule, a comparative study of Syriac Christian sources on the Second Fitna, and a lexico-historical sketch of the phenomenon of the šurṭa (slaves and prisoners of war) fighting on the side of al-Muḫtār during the Second Fitna.
Optimization of vehicle crashworthiness problems using recent twelve metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Yildiz Betul Sultan , Mehta Pranav , Sait Sadiq M. , Hussien Abdelazim G. , Yildiz Ali Riza
Published: October 2024

In recent years, numerous optimizers have emerged and been applied to address engineering design challenges. However, assessing their performance becomes increasingly challenging with growing problem complexity, especially in the realm of real-world large-scale applications. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of twelve recently introduced metaheuristic optimizers. The analysis encompasses real-world scenarios to evaluate their effectiveness. Initially, a review was conducted on twelve prevalent metaheuristic methodologies to understand their behavior. These algorithms were applied to optimize an automobile structural design, focusing on minimizing vehicle weight while enhancing crash and noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics. To approximate the structural responses, a surrogate model employing radial basis functions was utilized. Notably, the MPA algorithm excelled in automobile design problems, achieving the lowest mass value of 96.90608 kg during both mid-range and long-range iterations, demonstrating exceptional convergence behavior.
Reinforcement of recycled polypropylene by nano lanthana with improved thermal, mechanical and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Ramakoti Ivaturi Siva , Panda Achyut Kumar , Jal Soumya , Gouda Narayan
Published: October 2024

In this study, lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanoparticles or lanthana were synthesized by the planetary ball milling method and then used as a filler for the preparation of the polypropylene (PP) based nanocomposites by solution mixing method. The PP used in the study was derived from the discarded saline bottles. The structural and the surface morphology of the synthesized lanthanum oxide nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM and FTIR. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) study revealed that the thermal stability of the nano lanthana composites increased with the addition of the lanthanum oxide nanoparticles. The mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength, were also improved by the addition of the lanthanum oxide nanoparticles to the PP matrix. The composites also showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria. This approach not only mitigates medical plastic waste and environmental impact but also paves the way for versatile polymer nanocomposites with extensive industrial applications, especially in biomedical packaging.
A Geometric Model of Elections in Five Federal Democracies
Authors: Heggen Richard J. , Cuzán Alfred G.
Published: October 2024

In an analysis of 1,825 state or provincial election outcomes in five federal democracies the rate of decay of incumbency (K) serves to partition the distribution of the vote for the incumbent party, the party of the head of government, between those who win a subsequent term and those who do not. In conjunction with the mean and standard deviation of the distribution, the weighted mean of the vote in re-election and defeat is identified. The model’s predictions are generally within 2–3 percentage points of the actual outcome.
Microbial Composition of Haemaphysalis longicornis in Shaanxi Province, Determined Through Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Lu Zhenhua , Xu Linli , He Zhen , Liu Jiacheng , Yang Zurong , Shao Zhongjun , Long Yong
Published: October 2024

Background:

Ticks are parasitic organisms that can transmit a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. They are the second most common vectors of diseases affecting humans and animals. The occurrence and transmission of tick-borne diseases has recently shown increasing or fluctuating trends.

Methods:

DNA was extracted after the collection of tick samples. A library targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was constructed. After quality control, next-generation sequencing was performed with the Illumina NextSeq platform to analyze microbial diversity within the ticks.

Results:

Samples were gathered between May 2023 and July 2023. A total of 77 ticks from five distinct regions were selected for next-generation sequencing. Molecular identification confirmed that all sequenced samples belonged toHaemaphysalis longicornis. The most abundant bacteria belonged to the phylumProteobacteria, which was present in all samples. Variations in sample richness and evenness were observed among sampling sites (Shannon index,P= 0.019). The bacterial diversity in LT exhibited the highest value, with an average of 2.449.RickettsiaandCoxiellawere the predominant bacterial species, both of which are classified as tick-borne pathogens. The linear discriminant analysis effect size revealed significant differences in microbial composition among groups, except for the PC and LY groups, and identified distinct biomarkers for each group.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated the high relative abundance of both pathogenic bacteria and non-pathogenic endosymbionts inH. longicornisand the potential for pathogen transmission to residents. However, further validation through human case studies is necessary. Health care providers should be aware of the possibility of the occurrence of these diseases.
Symposium: What Does the Microbiome Tell Us about Prevention and Treatment of AD/ADRD?
Authors: Capocchi Joia K. , Figueroa-Romero Claudia , Dunham Sage J. B. , Faraci Gina , Rothman Jason A. , Whiteson Katrine L. , Seo Dong-oh , Holtzman David M. , Grabrucker Stefanie , Nolan Yvonne M. , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima , Jett David A.
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRDs) are broad-impact multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases. Their complexity presents unique challenges for developing effective therapies. This review highlights research presented at the 2024 Society for Neuroscience meeting which emphasized the gut microbiome's role in AD pathogenesis by influencing brain function and neurodegeneration through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. This emerging evidence underscores the potential for targeting the gut microbiota to treat AD/ADRD.
PSNR and SSIM Performance Analysis of Schur Decomposition for Imperceptible Steganography
Authors: Susanto Ajib , Sinaga Daurat , Mulyono Ibnu Utomo Wahyu
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This research examines how well Schur decomposition-based steganography can hide data in digital images without being noticed, while also keeping the image quality high and keeping the hidden information safe.
Methods: The study starts by choosing regular test images (Lena, Plane, Peppers, Cameraman, Baboon) to use for hiding messages in. The Schur decomposition is used to hide information within images in a subtle way. To test how well the new method works, we added Gaussian noise and Salt & Pepper noise after embedding. The quality of the image is determined by looking at the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) metrics.
Result: The research shows that Schur decomposition results in very good SSIM values (greater than 0.92) and high PSNR scores (as high as 90.27 dB) for various image sizes (64x64, 128x128, 256x256). This means that the quality of the images is not greatly reduced even after steganography is applied.
Novelty: This research introduces a unique use of Schur decomposition for hiding data in images without affecting their quality. The study highlights how this method can securely hide information in digital media, which could be really useful for improving steganography techniques in the future. Future studies should concentrate on making improvements to Schur decomposition-based steganography, especially for bigger images. One possibility is to create adaptive methods that can change how images are hidden based on their content. This could make it harder for others to detect and analyze hidden information in the images.
Validación de un método de cromatografía líquida (HPLC-UV/Vis) para la cuantificación de aldehídos en agua de lluvia y aire
Authors: Araya Araya Melissa , Sibaja Brenes José Pablo , Soto Fallas Roy , Mora-Barrantes José Carlos , Alfaro Solís Rosa , Borbón-Alpízar Henry , Valdés González Juan
Published: October 2024

Aldehydes are compounds in the atmosphere formed by the photochemical degradation of other organic compounds in the troposphere and can be emitted by natural or anthropogenic sources. [Objective] An analytical method was implemented to quantify aldehyde samples in matrices such as air and rainwater. [Methodology] Aldehyde sampling and analysis were conducted using method TO-11 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sampling was carried out by using adsorption cartridges coated with a 2,4-DNPH solution, forming a hydrazone with the aldehydes present in the rainwater and the air, which were tested using a liquid chromatograph coupled to a UV-visible detector (HPLC-UV/Vis). To validate the analysis technique and the analytical quality of the results, the following was determined: linearity, sensitivity, quantification limits, detection limits, repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery percentage. In the case of repeatability, the comparison of the Horwitz coefficient of variation was used with the percentages of relative standard deviation (% RSD) of the samples. [Results] The detection and quantification limits obtained range between 0.18 μg/m3 and 3.20 μg/m3 for acetaldehyde and acrolein, respectively, while quantification limits are between 0.62 μg/m3 for acetaldehyde and 4.70 μg/m3 for heptanal, data that characterizes the method’s analytical quality. [Conclusions] In general, the analysis method for aldehydes showed linearity, with R2 values equal to or greater than 0.9991 for each calibration curve, and relative deviation percentage values less than 2.25 %, indicating good precision in the analysis.
Gobernanza ambiental, agua, saneamiento y residuos sólidos: ¿qué piensa al respecto la población costarricense?
Authors: López-Alfaro Nelly , Gutiérrez-Hernández Anayudel , Drevins-Sandi Amina
Published: October 2024

[Objective] The objective of this study was to collect the perception of Costa Ricans on environmental issues in order to generate information to influence decision-makers. [Methodology] A descriptive-quantitative research was conducted from June 13th to 17th and June 20th, 22nd, and 23rd, 2022 through a telephone poll of 702 people, using a sampling of active cellphone banks in the country. [Results] Opinion polls provide elements of the population's sentiments and help measure actions developed in different areas; therefore, this study is relevant to show what the population thinks about environmental matters. For example, six out of ten people consider that the country's international prestige on environmental matters is an accurate representation of reality, but it is evident that 67.8% of the people polled think the government is not clear on environmental policies. However, the government must address 11 environmental issues as a priority. Furthermore, interviewees agree with the statements in the Escazú Agreement, as an instrument of international regulations regarding the right to citizen participation and information on environmental issues. On another issue, seven out of ten people indicate that the country's wastewater is dumped into the rivers, thus contaminating water sources. Regarding solid waste management, little progress is perceived regarding solutions to this problem. [Conclusions] Finally, there is evidence of knowledge about environmental issues and an expectation for the government to solve the problems identified as priorities.
МОРФОЛОГИЯ ЧАСТИЦ И ФАЗОВЫЕ СОСТАВЫ НАНОСТРУКТУРИРОВАННЫХ СИСТЕМ COPT И COPD В ОБЛАСТЯХ, “БОГАТЫХ” БЛАГОРОДНЫМИ МЕТАЛЛАМИ
Authors: ЗАХАРОВ Ю.А. , ТИХОНОВА И.Н. , ПУГАЧЕВ В.М. , ПОПОВА А.Н. , ЗАХАРОВ Н.С. , ДОДОНОВ В.Г. , РУССАКОВ Д.М.
Published: October 2024

Методами рентгенофазового и рентгеноструктурного анализа, малоуглового рентгеновского рассеяния и просвечивающей электронной микроскопии высокого разрешения изучены и впервые сопоставлены морфология наночастиц, структурно-фазовые свойства и фазовые трансформации при нагревании “богатых” благородными металлами наноструктурированных систем CoPt и CoPd, полученных совместным восстановлением гидразин-гидратом смесей водных растворов прекурсоров. Полученные результаты представляют интерес при разработке основ материаловедения биметаллических наносплавов, а также относятся к ключевым в понимании процессов, приводящих к формированию при нагревании наносплавов FePt, CoPt и FePd интерметаллидов с высокоупорядоченной структурой L10, обладающих рекордными для биметаллов магнитными и магнитооптическими свойствами.

The morphology of nanoparticles, structural-phase properties, and phase transformations that occur during heating in the nanostructured CoPt and CoPd systems rich in precious metals, obtained by co-reduction of aqueous precursor solutions by hydrazine hydrate, were studied by X-ray phase analysis and X-ray structural analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results obtained are of interest for the development of the fundamentals of materials science of bimetallic nanoalloys, and provide a key to understand the processes of the formation of FePt, CoPt and FePd nanoalloys while heating intermetallic compounds with a highly ordered structure L10, which possess record-setting magnetic and magneto-optical properties.
КАТАЛИТИЧЕСКОЕ ГИДРИРОВАНИЕ СО В ПРИСУТСТВИИ КАТАЛИЗАТОРОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ЛИГНИНА, ПОЛУЧЕННЫХ ГИДРОТЕРМАЛЬНЫМ СИНТЕЗОМ
Authors: ИВАНЦОВ М.И. , СВИДЕРСКИЙ С.А. , КРЫСАНОВА К.О. , СОТНИКОВА А.Е. , КУЛИКОВА М.В.
Published: October 2024

Работа посвящена разработке нового типа железосодержащего катализатора (Кт) на основе лигнина для процесса гидрирования монооксида углерода. Каталитические системы получали методом гидротермального синтеза и изучали комплексом физико-химических методов (ИК-Фурье спектроскопия, спектроскопия комбинационного рассеяния, низкотемпературная адсорбция азота, элементный анализ, атомно-абсорбционный анализ, рентгенофазовый анализ, рентгеновская фотоэлектронная спектроскопия, просвечивающая электронная микроскопия). Показано, что сформированные катализаторы представляют собой мелкозернистый непирофорный негигроскопичный порошок черного цвета. Установлено, что каталитические системы проявляют высокую активность в процессе гидрирования монооксида углерода: конверсия близка к 100 %, производительность по углеводородам С5+ достигает 131.6 г/(кг Кт•ч).

The work is concerned with the development of a new type of iron-containing catalyst (Ct) based on lignin for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. Catalytic systems were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis and studied using a set of physicochemical methods (Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, elemental analysis, atomic absorption analysis, X-ray phase analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, elemental analysis, atomic absorption analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is shown that the formed catalysts are fine-grained, non-pyrophoric, non-hygroscopic, black powders. The catalytic systems are determined to exhibit high activity in carbon monoxide hydrogenation: the conversion is close to 100 %, the productivity with respect to C5+ hydrocarbons reaches 131.6 g/(kg Ct ∙ h).