bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of generalized symmetries models in cosmological models of alternative gravity theories
Authors: Παπαγιαννόπουλος Ιωάννης
Published: September 2024

Το θέμα που μελετάται στην παρούσα διατριβή είναι η κατανόηση μιας πληθώρας κοσμολογικών μοντέλων και μέσω της εφαρμογής θεωρητικών και μαθηματικών εργαλείων η άμεση αξιολόγησή τους ως βιώσιμων για την περιγραφή του σύμπαντος. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στη μελέτη μοντέλων που είναι εγγενώς διαφορετικά ως προς τη γεωμετρία, την εισαγωγή νέων πεδίων και άρα περισσότερων βαθμών ελευθερίας και ως προς την τροποποίηση της κοσμολογικής σταθεράς ώστε να μπορεί να εξελίσσεται με την πάροδο του χρόνου. Τα μοντέλα αυτά μελετώνται ως προς τη δυναμική τους συμπεριφορά μέσω της ανάλυσης κρίσιμων σημείων, στην οποία τα διαφορετικά σημεία ανταποκρίνονται σε διαφορετικές κοσμολογικές εποχές, καθώς και μέσω της ανάλυσης διαταραχών της ύλης, όπου μπορεί κανείς να συγκρίνει τη δομοποίηση της ύλης του μοντέλου με αυτή που παρατηρούμε σήμερα.
Virtual reality therapy for alcohol relapse prevention
Authors: Σκεύα Ρηγίνα
Published: September 2024

Ανάπτυξη εφαρμογής εικονικής πραγματικότητας για χρήση ως θεραπευτικό εργαλείο στο στάδιο πρόληψης υποτροπής στην θεραπεία του αλκοολισμού. Διερευνήθηκαν μέσω ποιοτικής και ποσοτικής έρευνας: (1) η αποδοχή της VRT από τους ψυχολόγους που εξειδικεύονται στην θεραπεία κατάχρησης ουσιών και ψυχικών διαταραχών, (2) η αποδοχή της VRT από άτομα διαφορετικών επιπέδων κατάχρησης αλκοόλ και (3) τα στοιχεία της εφαρμογής ως προς το περιεχόμενό της που επηρεάζουν τον ρεαλισμό και την επιθυμία χρήσης αλκοόλ των εξαρτημένων ατόμων συγκριτικά με τα μη εξαρτημένα από το αλκοόλ άτομα. Προτάθηκαν θεραπευτικά σχήματα που προάγουν την ενσωμάτωση της VRT κλινικά, με απώτερο στόχο την επακόλουθη επικύρωση τους από εξειδικευμένες, κλινικές έρευνες.
Strategic Lead Generation and Competitive Positioning for Bid Writing Consultancy Firms
Authors: Fatorachian Hajar , Mitchell Ben , Smith Kate , Kisely Filip , Natalie Cech , jones Maisey , Pattison Ellie
Published: September 2024

Background The consultancy industry, valued at £18.6 billion, faces evolving challenges and opportunities in the post-COVID era. Consultancy and bid writing firms play a critical role in helping businesses secure contracts and funding, particularly through the preparation of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) and Invitations to Tender (ITTs). Despite the importance of bid writing, there is limited literature on how it can be leveraged for lead generation and business growth. Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed in this study, combining qualitative and quantitative research. Secondary research involved the review of existing literature and data from government databases, internal company records, and published reports. Primary research included surveys and semi-structured interviews with professionals from the Facilities Management and Logistics sectors. A case study of a UK-based bid-writing consultancy was also used to support the analysis. Results The findings highlighted significant knowledge gaps in bid writing among businesses, with only 12.5% of survey respondents expressing confidence in their bid-writing abilities. Despite this, 83.1% showed interest in receiving bid-writing training. The study also revealed that expertise, relationships, and past work are prioritized by businesses when selecting consultancy firms. Additionally, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business operations was identified as a key factor for enhancing efficiency and maintaining competitiveness. Conclusions There is a clear opportunity for consultancy and bid-writing firms to address the knowledge gaps in bid writing by offering targeted training programs. Effective networking and a robust social media presence are essential for generating new business leads and maintaining client relationships. Furthermore, integrating AI technologies into business operations can provide consultancy firms with a competitive edge. This study provides actionable insights for consultancy and bid-writing firms to enhance their lead generation strategies and improve their market positioning.
Navigating uncertain waters: 12 tips for medical department social media engagement under shifting platform landscapes
Authors: Van Roy Zachary , Cawcutt Kelly A. , Marcelin Jasmine R.
Published: September 2024

Social media has revolutionized how society receives and transmits information in the digital age, including healthcare. While the future of social media platforms remains uncertain, the benefits of social media for healthcare organizations, departments, and divisions are clear when compared to traditional communication methods, including improved recruitment efforts, increased promotion of faculty work, rapid dissemination of information and education innovations, and accelerated professional networking. Consequently, preferred platforms may shift but the benefits of social media likely cement it, in one form or another, in medical education and society at large. The strategic development of a social media presence at the department level can be opaque and overwhelming amidst varying mediums, yet the benefits of use have never been more important. Here, we present 12 tips for developing a successful social media presence as a healthcare department, addressing the creation of a purposeful social media strategy and crucial considerations for any platform, current or future, at all levels of development.
Doing ethics with microbes: toward a queer feminist posthuman framework for bioethics
Authors: Sudenkaarne Tiia , Sariola Salla ,   The Centre for the Social Study of Microbes (CSSM)
Published: September 2024

The Centre for the Social Study of Microbes (CSSM) at University of Helsinki, Finland is a Wellcome-funded hub for creating new approaches to human-microbial relations. Most urgently, the complex relations between microbes, antimicrobial resistance (in its human-health centered definition, understood as infection and disease now uncurable by antibiotics, threatening human life and wellbeing), animals, environments and climate emergency require new theoretical and methodological approaches. These include a variety of research interest from global fermentation practices and cultures to microbial bioremediation techniques, from aquatic microbes to urban gardens. A key orientation of CSSM is also combining ethnography with artistic and performative practice such as felting, painting, installation, sculpture and audiovisual means, to gain a deeper, more sensory and embodied perspective of our shared lives with microbes. As their agency exists outside textuality, new experimental methodology is needed to engage with it. Thinking with microbes invites many ethical issues that often remain unaddressed in medical and scientific approach. As one of such contributions, we suggest a new framework for bioethics. In a conceptual analysis, a queer feminist posthuman framework aims for radical reorientation of human exceptionalism for more-than-human justice while keeping existing social justice issues between groups of people, such as vulnerabilities cascading around gender and sexual variance, in the same framework. Both a theoretical and practical initiative, seeking to forge solidarity between justice movements, this framework could ground policies relevant to a broader bioethical and philosophical research community, and social scientists studying microbes. This open letter discusses this work at the CSSM.
“Transgenders are not dinosaurs!” Stigma faced by transgender women in their daily lives in India: implications for research and policy
Authors: Yatirajula Sandhya Kanaka , Mukherjee Ankita , Giri Santosh , Maulik Pallab K
Published: September 2024

Background Transgender women face stigma that adversely impacts their mental wellbeing. The stigma can be self-directed (internal), discrimination, violence and hatred directed towards them by others, mostly cis-gender persons (interpersonal stigma) and discrimination faced at the level of institutional arrangements (structural stigma). Methods This was an exploratory study that used qualitative methods of data collection (focused group discussions and in-depth interviews) to gather data from consenting adult trans women who lived in the city of Kolkata situated in the eastern state of West Bengal in India. Results The findings showed that trans women faced the trauma of non-acceptance and even rejection by their families when they began to express their chosen gender. Their gender non-conforming behaviour made them the butt of ridicule and harassment in school, resulting in many of them not finishing school. This made finding employment difficult. The trans women study participants also faced harassment at the hands of the police and from hospital staff, making them reluctant to approach the police for help and seek treatment from health providers for their physical as well as mental health concerns. Conclusions It is important for researchers to be cognizant of the challenges faced by trans women/transgender people while designing and conducting research. It is also important for policymakers to make gender affirming policies to mitigate and eliminate the stigma that transgender people are subject to thereby promoting their wellbeing.
The genome sequence of the Eurasian minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Nunn Andy D. , Moccetti Paolo , Hänfling Bernd ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Phoxinus phoxinus (the Eurasian minnow; Chordata; Actinopteri; Cypriniformes; Leuciscidae). The genome sequence spans 950.50 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 25 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.36 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Brown Silver-line moth, Petrophora chlorosata (Scopoli, 1763)
Authors: Davis Jo , Holt Stephanie , Sivess Laura , Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from a female Brown Silver-line moth, Petrophora chlorosata (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 512.00 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.54 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,565 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Dogs-Mercury Flea Beetle, Hermaeophaga mercurialis (Fabricius, 1792)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Telfer Mark , Barclay Maxwell V. L. , Phillips Dominic ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Dogs-Mercury Flea Beetle, Hermaeophaga mercurialis (Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae). The genome sequence has a length of 479.40 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 9 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.05 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,633 protein-coding genes.
Does Bank Monitoring Reduce Corporate Misreporting? Evidence from Foreign Bank Entry in China
Authors: Li Minwen , Makaew Tanakorn , Winton Andrew
Published: September 2024

We propose a model of bank monitoring and borrower financial misreporting. Using the staggered liberalization of the banking sector in China as a natural experiment, we find that, consistent with the model’s prediction, entry by more efficient foreign banks reduces corporate misreporting fraud. Fraud reduction is greatest among borrowers of foreign banks, but fraud also drops among borrowers of domestic banks, suggesting a spillover effect. As predicted by the model, fraud reduction is greatest for borrowers with higher levels of fixed assets or lower levels of current assets. Our evidence suggests that improved bank monitoring reduces financial misreporting.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.

Funding: M. Li acknowledges support from the National Science Foundation of China [Project 71402078] and the Social Science Foundation of Tsinghua University [Project 2013WKZD004].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02414 .
Tirzepatide-related acute liver injury
Authors: Abdullah Irrum , El-Ghousain Husam , Alenezi Meshaan
Published: September 2024

Tirzepatide, a modified protein containing 39 amino acids, acts as a dual agonist at the gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, showing great promise in weight-loss treatment. While rare, there have been reports of hepatotoxicity associated with tirzepatide use, and the exact mechanism of liver injury remains unclear. This case report highlights the experience of a 24-year-old female schoolteacher who started her weight-loss journey with tirzepatide. Despite its potential, she developed an idiosyncratic drug-related liver injury after escalating doses of tirzepatide prescribed by a private doctor. Her symptoms of recurrent vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain, initially indicative of hypoglycaemia and mild metabolic disturbances, ultimately revealed acute hepatitis and impaired coagulopathy. This case underscores the need for further research and frequent following of liver enzymes when using tirzepatide for weight loss.
The Use of Lemongrass/Lemon Blend Essential Oil Nanoemulsions in Chewy Candy Formulations and Its Evaluation Against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Jayus Jay , Witono Yuli , Rizky Mohammad , Muwahhidah Maryam Tsaqifah , Marlissa Jenny , Sukoco Aji
Published: September 2024

Lemongrass (Lg) and lemon (Lm) essential oils (EOs) mainly contain citral and limonene, respectively, which are not limited to flavor for food but can also provide antibacterial activity. The information on the enrichment of these combined EOs in chewy candy products has never been documented yet. This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical properties and volatile compound of nanoemulsion formulations of Lg/Lm blend EOs as well as the physical-chemical properties, total plate count (TPC), and sensory acceptability of chewy candy formulated with nanoemulsions. Antibacterial evaluations against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were performed for both nanoemulsion and chewy candy. Blending Lg and Lm EOs at ratios of Lg1.85 : Lm2.25 and Lg3.65 : Lm0.45 showed a broadly different constituent of the volatile compound than the ratio with the least amount of Lg (Lg0.05 : Lm4.05) but all the formulations possessed eugenol, β-Bisabolene, and caryophyllene oxide. The combination of Lg1.85 : Lm2.25 produced the nanoemulsion with the lowest particle size but lower zeta potential and emulsion stability. At this ratio, the significant inhibitory activity of the nanoemulsion was found to be 92.40% and 84.14% for S. mutans and P. gingivalis, respectively (p < 0.05). Its application in chewy candy formulation also resulted in the highest inhibitory activity against S. mutans (85%) and P. gingivalis (77.20%). Chewy candy formulated with Lg1.85 : Lm2.25 nanoemulsion was also found to have the lowest TPC of 3.72 log CFU/g. The overall acceptability of the chewy candy was around neutral (3.77) by panelists for its higher color score (4.73) and aroma (4.37) in average to the other samples. This study discovered the potential of Lg/Lm blend EOs nanoemulsion for enhancing the antibacterial effect and improving the texture and color of chewy candy.
Exploring the Traditional Foodways for Nutritional Well-Being Amongst Vulnerable Communities: Insights from Ho Indigenous Community of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Kapoor Ridhima , Sabharwal Manisha , Jerath Suparna Ghosh-
Published: September 2024

Nutritional well-being of Indigenous Peoples is shaped by foodways through their relationship with culturally vital indigenous foods. An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted among Ho community of Jharkhand to get an insight into their traditional foodways. Study sites included ten randomly selected villages from three geographically distant blocks of West Singhbhum, including Sonua, Khuntpani and Chakradharpur. Qualitative enquiries included focus group discussions and village transect walk interviews which captured diverse information including food access from natural sources, market access, livelihood sources, social and cultural norms around foods, environmental factors, hygiene and sanitation conditions, and community health. Seasonal market surveys (monsoon and winter) in ten local markets provided information on food diversity and local prices. The findings revealed that foodways of Ho community are based on foraging, hunting, and traditional farming through use of available ecosystem resources. However, their traditional foodways are under threats due to livelihood and nutrition transitions. They have unique food traditions and cultures, yet their meals lack variety in terms of the foods consumed. Their smallholder farming systems are not profitable, pushing them towards rural-to-urban migration. Thus, it is crucial to promote traditional foodways of Hos to support bio-cultural knowledge, food justice and nutrition in this community. Keywords: foodways, Indigenous Populations, food beliefs, lifeways, smallholder farmers
Benchmarking the Determinants of Nutritional Status among Community Schools’ Children in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Devaraj , Thapa Krishna Bahadur , Bhandari Tulsi Ram , Giri Surendra , Upreti Yadu Ram , Bhattarai Sushil Sharma , Tripathi Krishna Prasad
Published: September 2024

The government of Nepal initiated the Mid Day Meal Program (MDMP) to reduce hunger and increase educational outcomes, including health status. However, limited studies have been conducted on these issues covering the nutritional status of students at the lower basic level at community schools in Nepal. The main objective of the study is to determine the factors associated with malnutrition among children from community schools in Nepal. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 98 (46 basic and 52 secondary) community schools from 44 municipalities in Nepal. Altogether, 2727 students participated in the questionnaire survey and anthropometric measurement. Data collection was performed on May 10-31, 2023. WHO Anthro plus and LMS (Lambda Mu and Sigma) parameters were used: weight for age for national health and nutrition survey recommended by CDC/National Center for Health Statistics for ages older than ten years to analyze nutritional status, including z scores. Descriptive analysis, including inferential analyses such as the chi-square test and logistic regression, was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v25. The prevalence of weight-for-age Z-score[WAZ], height-for-age Z-score [HAZ], and body mass index-for-age Z-score [BAZ] were 72%, 75%, and 82%, respectively. Students with z-scores outside the range of ±2 were classified as malnourished. Of them, 27.3%, 23% and 16.6% were assessed as underweight, stunted and thin, respectively. Students' sociodemographic characteristics such as age, asex, family size and type, source of income, wealth status were significantly associated with malnutrition, while age group, gender, wealth status, residence setting, and geographical location were noted as significant predictors of nutritional status. The study found no statistical relationship between school feeding and good nutrition, questioning the quality of the midday meal program. The study concludes that existing school-based nutritional interventions need to be re-evaluated and re-designed since it is less potent to minimize malnutrition among students substantially. Policymakers could consider these findings when planning and implementing nutrition-related policies and programs.
Changes in the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Linden, Buckwheat and Sunflower Honey Stored at Low Temperatures
Authors: Gruznov Dmitry V. , Gruznova Olga A. , Sokhlikov Alexey B. , Lobanov Anton V. , Chesnokova Irina P.
Published: September 2024

Natural bee honey can change its physicochemical and biological properties during storage. Literature data on long-term storage of honey at low temperatures (from 0 to -20 °C) indicate that this ensures the stability of some physicochemical parameters. Despite the potential benefits of these temperature regimes for practical use, it is important to consider their potential negative effects on honey quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of various temperature conditions on the physicochemical and biochemical parameters of linden, buckwheat, and sunflower honeys during storage for 12 months. For the first time, a wide range of physicochemical parameters of honey samples was analyzed before and during storage for 12 months at temperatures of 18, 10, 5, 0, -5, -10 and -18 (±2) °C. The evaluation of the physicochemical parameters before storage demonstrated that the samples fully complied with the Interstate Standards. Throughout the storage period, the HMF level remained stable at -18 °C, whereas it significantly increased at higher temperatures; for example, after 12 months at 18 °C, the increase ranged from 472.5% to 488.1%, depending on the botanical origin of the honey. However, maximum permissible concentration – MPC (25 mg/kg) was not exceeded. A decrease in the activity of diastase, D-glucose-1-oxidase and catalase was observed at all temperature conditions already during the first month of storage. Minimal changes were observed at 0 and 5 °C. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) remained stable in this temperature range. Moisture content, total mass fraction of reducing sugars, and acidity did not change significantly in all samples. An antimicrobial study using test cultures found that honey stored at 5 and 0 °C had the greatest inhibitory effect. The data obtained demonstrates that the optimal temperature range for 12-month storage of honey is between 5 and 0 °C. These findings can be used as supplementary guidance when making amendments to regulatory documents governing storage requirements for this product.
Potential Combination of Roselle Flower Water Honey and Dates on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Aprillia Retno , Maigoda Tonny Cortis , Suryani Desri , Wahyudi Anang , Rizal Ahmad
Published: September 2024

High blood pressure is a condition where systolic blood pressure is more than 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is more than 90 mmHg. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of giving roselle flower decoction combined with honey and dates on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The type of research was an experimental study with a randomized group design (RGD) divided into 4 treatment groups: the control group was given a leaflet, treatment group 1 was given 10 g of roselle, treatment group 2 was given 30 g of roselle, and treatment group 3 was given 50 g of roselle. Administered for 7 days with 1 time per day. The number of respondents was 28 people with a purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used a digital blood pressure monitor, 24-hour recall form, statistical analysis used ANOVA and Duncan's further test. The results showed that there were significant differences from the four treatments, with post-systolic p<0.000 and post-diastolic p<0.004, it can be concluded that each treatment group after the intervention had significant differences. The best result was treatment 3 with a roselle dose of 50 g. There is an effect of giving roselle flower decoction combined with honey and dates on blood pressure in hypertensive patients in the working area of the Telaga Dewa Community Health Center, Bengkulu City. Further research is needed on dose modification and duration of administration for maximum BP reduction.
UM GATO, O ESCURO, A AMORA E UMA ANJA PRETA:
Authors: Da Silva Santos Raimunda Laura , De Oliveira Danilo Araujo
Published: September 2024

Neste artigo, analisamos dois livros de literatura - O gato e o Escuro de Mia Couto e Amoras de Emicida - para pensar a produção do conhecimento, saberes e verdades em livros de literatura antirracistas. Esses livros são entendidos aqui, a partir dos Estudos Culturais e da perspectiva pós-crítica, como currículos, pois ensinam e produzem saberes a partir de uma linguagem específica, disputando sentidos sobre as formas de conhecer o mundo e suas coisas. Sendo, pois, um importante artefato cultural da contemporaneidade. Desenvolvemos aqui o argumento de que os respectivos livros produzem narrativas antirracistas ao fazerem emergir sentidos positivos sobre a cor preta, incidindo também no ensino da cultura afro-brasileira como forma de resistência aos saberes eurocêntricos.
APRESENTAÇÃO DO DOSSIÊ -PROCESSOS EDUCATIVOS/CURRICULARES DAS INFÂNCIAS POR ARTEFATOS CULTURAIS:
Authors: Filha Constantina Xavier , De Oliveira Danilo Araujo , Frangella Rita de Cássia
Published: September 2024

DOSSIÊ -PROCESSOS EDUCATIVOS/CURRICULARES DAS INFÂNCIAS POR ARTEFATOS: Apresentação
Enhancing ulcerative colitis treatment with traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Hao Wen-Rui , Cheng Chun-Yao , Cheng Tzu-Hurng
Published: September 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis (UC), poses significant treatment challenges due to its chronic nature and potential for severe complications. This editorial reviews a recent network meta-analysis that evaluated the efficacy of and highlighted the superior outcomes achieved by combining each of five traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations with mesalazine for the adjuvant treatment of UC. Clinical outcomes included enhanced mucosal healing, improved quality of life, and reduced recurrence rates. Additionally, the combination therapy resulted in a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with mesalazine monotherapy. Despite these promising results, limitations such as variability in study quality and TCM dosage highlight the need for further high-quality, large-sample, multicenter randomized controlled trials. This editorial underscores the potential of TCM in enhancing UC management and calls for more rigorous research to substantiate these findings and refine clinical guidelines.
Hematological picture of pediatric Sudanese patients with visceral leishmaniasis and prediction of leishmania donovani parasite load
Authors: Elnoor Zeinab Ibrahim Ahmed , Abdelmajeed Omaima , Mustafa Alamin , Gasim Thuraya , Musa Shima Algam Mohamed , Abdelmoneim Abdelrahman Hamza , Omer Islamia Ibrahim Ahmed , Fadl Hiba Awadelkareem Osman
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic protozoan infection caused by Leishmania donovani (L. donovani ) and transmitted by sand flies, causing macrophage invasion in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Diagnosis of VL is currently based on clinical signs, symptoms, and specific in-vitro markers and bone marrow investigations. However, VL's specific hematological and bone marrow manifestation in Sudanese pediatric patients is not well studied.

AIM

To examine the blood and bone marrow characteristics in pediatric patients from Sudan who have VL.

METHODS

This is a retrospective hospital-based study with a sample of 107 consecutive Sudanese pediatric patients. The data focused on hematological and bone marrow results. We included only the completed records of the pediatric patients with VL in the Tropical Disease Teaching Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan from the period of 2016 to 2020.

RESULTS

The majority of pediatric patients included in this study are below 5-years-old (n = 59, 55.2%). Moreover, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia were among the prevalent characteristics in the population under study. To further analyze the data, we developed a machine learning model using boosted forest algorithms to predict L. donovani parasites load, with a mean accuracy of 0.88 for the training dataset and an accuracy of 0.46, 0.50, and 0.74 for mild, moderate, and severe L. donovani parasite load in the validation dataset.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the most common bone marrow change among Sudanese VL children was increased chronic inflammatory cells (n = 88, 82.2%) with present macrophage hemophagocytes (n = 103, 96.3%). While anemia and thrombocytopenia were the most common hematological changes. These results will hopefully lead to an early diagnosis and hence better management for Sudanese pediatric patients with suspected VL.
Non-Hermitian photonic band winding and skin effects: a tutorial
Authors: Wang Heming , Zhong Janet , Fan Shanhui
Published: September 2024

Non-Hermitian band structures have gained considerable attention due to the novel phenomena not present in their Hermitian counterparts and their connection to various branches of mathematics such as topology and complex analysis. The study of such band structures may also find applications in laser design and in sensing. The spectra and eigenmode characteristics of extended non-Hermitian systems depend strongly on the boundary conditions. With periodic boundary conditions, the spectra can become complex, leading to band winding on the complex frequency plane. With open boundary conditions, the eigenmodes have spatial profiles that are localized at the boundary, an effect known as the non-Hermitian skin effect. Here we provide an overview of the band winding and skin effects in non-Hermitian photonics bands, focusing on one-dimensional cases and photonic applications. We aim to provide a detailed, consistent, and unifying treatment of various phenomena associated with non-Hermitian band structures.
Scattering characteristics of dual counter-propagation high-order circularly symmetric Bessel beam by a multilayer chiral sphere
Authors: Bai Jing , Gao Yu , Ge Cheng-Xian , Wu Zhen-Sen , Long Shi-Ling
Published: September 2024

The interaction between dual counter-propagating high-order circularly symmetric Bessel beams (CSBBs) and multi-layered chiral particles is investigated. Within the framework of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT), the distribution characteristics of the superposition of two beams are studied based on the vector superposition theorem. The near-field, internal field, and far-field radar cross section (RCS) of the dual-layered chiral sphere illuminated by dual CSBBs are obtained according to the boundary conditions. By comparing the results of RCS with those from the references for two cases: first, when CSBBs degenerate into plane waves incident on multi-layered chiral sphere, and second, when Bessel beams illuminate isotropic multi-layer sphere degenerated by chiral multi-layered sphere, the effectiveness of the principle and program exhibited here is confirmed. The impact of various parameters on the distribution of the superposed field, the near-field, internal field, and far-field RCS of the particles are analyzed in detail, such as the order, half-cone angle, incidence angle, and polarization angle. The research results in this paper provide theoretical assistance for understanding the interaction between dual CSBBs and non-uniform chiral multi-layered particles and have important value in realizing optical manipulation of complex chiral layered particles.
Ultra-fast and accurate force spectrum prediction and inverse design of light-driven microstructure by deep learning
Authors: Wang Dongyong , Li Xiao , Ng Jack
Published: September 2024

Light can mechanically manipulate micro-/nano-particles. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in designing particles that experience controlled optical forces by tailoring light scattering. However, the huge parameter space makes traditional computational approaches impractical. Here, using data calculated from the state-of-the-art Mie scattering-Maxwell stress tensor method, deep neural networks (DNNs) are trained to study the optical forces acting on microstructures composed of a 5 × 5 square grid where each site is either empty or occupied by a dielectric sphere. Different structure configurations can tailor light scattering and forces. This paper aims to obtain a configuration that experiences different predefined forces when illuminated by light of different frequencies. The design targets are imprinted in a pseudo-optical force spectrum using a generative network. Then, by integrating all the proposed DNNs, inverse design is performed, where from a given pseudo-optical force spectrum, a microstructure satisfying the design targets is obtained. Compared to traditional approaches, the DNNs approach is several orders of magnitude faster while maintaining a high accuracy. Furthermore, for designing microstructures, this circumvents the need for iterative optimization. This approach paves the way for efficiently developing light-driven machines such as nano-drones or nano-vehicles, where tailored multiple-frequency responses are required.
Efficient completely polarization-encoded binocular structured light 3D measurement method for metallic objects
Authors: Zhu Zhenmin , Qiao Shuo , Liu Lingjun , Chen Peng , Chen Zhaozhang
Published: September 2024

In practical 3D measurement applications, stereo vision assisted with phase shift patterns is intensively studied and widely used for its high precision and excellent noise resilience. While aiming to improve matching efficiency, excessive projection patterns or unreliable algorithms may be introduced as a side effect. We propose a completely polarization-encoded phase shift (CPPS) method to overcome the above challenges. In our method, the Stokes parameter S1 of the polarization patterns is encoded. Compared to the traditional fringe patterns, our method can reduce the number of projected patterns to improve the measurement efficiency. Therefore, the exact constraints can be realized without additional patterns. Experimental results show that the CPPS method reduces the matching time by 76.6% while reducing the number of fringe patterns by half.
Broadband and low-reflection mid-infrared grating coupler for a perfectly vertical fiber-chip interface
Authors: Wang Yaru , Guo Rongxiang , Zou Changguang , Zhang Zunyue , Liu Kun , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Tiegen , Cheng Zhenzhou
Published: September 2024

Short-wavelength mid-infrared (SWMIR) silicon photonics has gained significant attention due to its applications in sensing, spectroscopy, and communications. A perfectly vertical grating coupler is a valuable packaging technique that is convenient for chip-to-chip optical interconnects and has low risks of mechanical failure during testing. However, SWMIR grating couplers have fewer periods to tailor the diffracted light, hindering the improvement of bandwidths and backreflections. Herein, we demonstrate a perfectly vertical subwavelength grating coupler by using a modified inverse design approach. The device exhibits a coupling efficiency of −5.9 dB with a 1-dB bandwidth of ∼122 nm and a low backreflection of −19.2 dB at 2200 nm wavelengths. Besides, the device also exhibits exceptional spatial fiber misalignment tolerance. The study underscores the effectiveness of the inverse design strategy in subwavelength grating couplers, charting a path to advance the mid-infrared silicon photonic packaging.
Multi-photon Fock state generation using a single-pixel ultrafast photon-number-resolving detector
Authors: Sonoyama Tatsuki , Takahashi Kazuma , Nomura Takefumi , Sano Tomoki , China Fumihiro , Yabuno Masahiro , Miki Shigehito , Terai Hirotaka , Takase Kan , Asavanant Warit , Endo Mamoru , Furusawa Akira
Published: September 2024

Single-pixel superconducting nanostrip photon detectors (SNSPDs) have both low timing jitter of 50 ps and photon-number-resolving capability. We generate multi-photon Fock states with Wigner negativities using SNSPDs, establishing key technologies for sub-THz quantum information processing.
Experimental Device-independent Certification of GHZ States
Authors: Schmid Mariana M. E. , Antesberger Michael , Cao Huan , Zhang Wen-hao , Dakič Borivoje , Rozema Lee A. , Walther Philip
Published: September 2024

We experimentally demonstrate a device-independent verification and certification of tripartite GHZ states in a sample-efficient way. Our high-performance table-top multiphoton source promises high fidelity and high confidence level, by consuming only a few hundred samples.
Development of a compact trapped ion quantum computer
Authors: Caron Christopher , Myers Jacob , Chauhan Nitesh , Wang Jiawei , Isichenko Andrei , Helaly Nishat , Liu Kaikai , Blumenthal Daniel J. , Niffenegger Robert J.
Published: September 2024

We report progress developing a compact trapped ion quantum computer and optical clock, based on a photonic integrated direct-drive visible wavelength Brillouin laser stabilized to an integrated 3-meter coil-resonator reference cavity.
High-rate generation and ultrafast real-time observation of optical non-Gaussian states encoded in sub-nanosecond wavepackets
Authors: Kawasaki Akito , Ide Ryuhoh , Brunel Hector , Suzuki Takumi , Nehra Rajveer , Nakashima Katsuki , Kashiwazaki Takahiro , Inoue Asuka , Umeki Takeshi , China Fumihiro , Yabuno Masahiro , Miki Shigehito , Terai Hirotaka , Yamashima Taichi , Sakaguchi Atsushi , Takase Kan , Endo Mamoru , Asavanant Warit , Furusawa Akira
Published: September 2024

We generate and observe optical non-Gaussian states defined in wavepackets of sub-nanosecond time width—O(103) faster than previous research—using waveguide optical parametric amplifier made of PPLN crystal, enabling ultrafast quantum information processing.
Photoinduced Modification of SHG Mediated by NV Centers in a Diamond Microcavity
Authors: Flågan Sigurd , Itoi Joe , Shandilya Prasoon K. , Zohari Elham , Kavatamane Vinaya K. , Losby Joseph E. , Barclay Paul E.
Published: September 2024

We demonstrate cavity-enhanced second-harmonic generation from a diamond microdisk. We further show that multicolor excitation of nitrogen-vacancy centers strongly affects the observed second-harmonic signal, indicating a difference in χ(2) between the two possible charge-states.
InGaP-on-Insulator Integrated Quantum Photonic Devices Fabricated at Wafer-Scale
Authors: Thiel Lillian , Castro Joshua E. , Steiner Trevor J. , Lewis Nicholas , Bowers John E. , Moody Galan
Published: September 2024

We present 100-mm wafer scale fabrication of the high χ(2) and χ(3) InGaP-on-insulator platform. Microring resonators with Q > 340,000 and propagation losses down to 1.72 dB/cm show promise for integrated quantum photonic applications.
Design of Silicon Quantum Squeezer
Authors: Al-Mahmoud Mouhamad , Clemmen Stéphane
Published: September 2024

We present a silicon squeezer optimized for high-degree of squeezing and integration with balanced detection. The design entails linear properties (dispersion engineering and cavity finesse) and proper choice of pumping parameters for the nonlinear properties.
Many-body phases enabled by quantum optical processes
Authors: Grigoriou Emmanouil , Li Ming , Kamiya Yoshitomo , de Valcárcel Germán J. , Navarrete-Benlloch Carlos
Published: September 2024

Many-body physics and quantum optics have traditionally worked on opposite sides of the physics spectrum. Quantum optics deals with the precise quantum control of atomic, optical, and solid state systems with a small number of degrees of freedom. On the other hand, many-body physics is typically associated with the statistical behavior of condensed-matter systems containing an infinite number of constituents. However, we are now in an era where our level of control of quantum-optical systems is so precise, that we can apply it to the design of devices that implement many-body models in regimes traditionally inaccessible to condensed-matter systems, so-called quantum simulators. Here we provide evidence that the addition of particle-non-conserving processes (pumping and dissipation) to the toolbox of quantum simulators will allow them to reach elusive many-body phases such as supersolids or time crystals.
Interference between quantum-dot emitted single photons and weak coherent states
Authors: Alvarez Juan R. , Lam Hubert , Fioretto Dario , de Buy Wenniger Ilse Maillette , Steindl Petr , Wein Stephen , Löffler Wolfgang , Belabas Nadia , Senellart Pascale
Published: September 2024

We determine the mean wavepacket overlap between single photons emitted from a quantum dot device and a weak coherent state from a pulsed laser using auto- and cross-correlation measurements, reaching an 82% mode match.
From an Optical Magnus Effect to a Novel Quantum Gate
Authors: Spreeuw R. J. C. , Ackerman Z. E. D. , Gallagher L. P. H. , Mazzanti M. , Safavi-Naini A. , Gerritsma R.
Published: September 2024

We discuss the use of optical tweezers for two-qubit gates on trapped ions in a crystal. Qubit-state dependent forces arise from polarization gradients near the focus. We simulate gate infidelities of ~10−3.
Microcavity Platform for Widely Tunable Optical Double Resonance
Authors: Flågan Sigurd , Maletinsky Patrick , Warburton Richard J. , Riedel Daniel
Published: September 2024

We present in situ tuning of both the absolute and relative frequency spacing of resonant modes in an optical microcavity by incorporating a wedged diamond membrane. We demonstrate THz continuous tuning of doubly-resonant Raman scattering.
MZI-based Polarization Encoder for DS-BB84 QKD
Authors: Giannoulis Giannis , Stathis Aristeidis , Ntanos Argiris , Poulopoulos Giannis , Avramopoulos Hercules
Published: September 2024

An interferometric polarization encoding structure, envisioned as a PIC suitable for QKD, is proposed, examining the impact of non-ideal components on its functionality, and assessing its performance in terms of intrinsic QBER.
Generation of indistinguishable single photons with nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Baumgart Pascal , Bergerhoff Max , Kucera Stephan , Eschner Jürgen
Published: September 2024

We investigate the generation of single photons from a single trapped 40Ca+ ion via nanosecond laser pulses, resulting in an increased photon indistinguishability for pulselengths in the order of the excited state lifetime.
The Performance-Cost Trade-Off of Multipath Multipartite Entanglement Distribution
Authors: Siow Natasha , Sutcliffe Evan , Beghelli Alejandra
Published: September 2024

High rates for multipath multipartite entanglement distribution require more repeaters than single-path. We show that prioritising high-usage repeaters enables multipath protocols to still significantly outperform single-path with just 2.8× repeaters instead of 6×.
Combating Decoherence in Single Rare Earth Ion Quantum Network Nodes
Authors: Green Emanuel , Hermans Sophie , Liu Erin , Ruskuc Andrei , Wu Chun-Ju , Faraon Andrei
Published: September 2024

We study the lifetime and coherence of single 171Yb3+ qubits in YVO4 in the context of Yb concentration, paramagnetic defects and nuclear spin interactions. Additionally, we works towards the control of an additional memory resource.
Towards Interacting Single Rare Earth Ions
Authors: Beattie Eduardo , Ulrich Lothaire , Grandi Samuele , Serrano Diana , Ferrier Alban , Goldner Philippe , Hunger David , de Riedmatten Hugues
Published: September 2024

Gates between multiple single rare earth ion qubits may be implemented via direct dipolar interactions. We outline our work towards the first detection of such interactions.
Towards Atomic Rydberg Ensembles as Quantum Network Nodes
Authors: Schumacher Lena , Lowinski Jan , Hoffet Félix , de Riedmatten Hugues
Published: September 2024

We present an experimental setup, in which we want to combine cavity-enhanced efficient single-photon generation with deterministic atom-photon entanglement generation to realize a quantum repeater protocol using atomic Rydberg ensembles.
Experimental high-dimensional quantum key distribution using a multi-plane light converter
Authors: Lib Ohad , Sulimany Kfir , Bromberg Yaron
Published: September 2024

We use multi-plane light conversion to realize up to 25-dimensional quantum key distribution with spatially entangled photons, and design measurement bases that reduce the experimental complexity and improve the error distribution.
Quantum Cryptography Network Testbed Connecting Smart Power Grid Nodes
Authors: Katramatos Dimitrios , Castillo-Veneros Leonardo , Cui Guodong , Du Dounan , Woronick Samuel , Martinez-Rincon Julian , Figueroa Eden
Published: September 2024

We present the deployment of a prototype hybrid quantum/classical network generating encryption keys with MDI-QKD and use it to secure a smart power grid encompassing a power plant and a solar array.
Optomechanical Microcavity With a Tensile-strained InGaP Membrane
Authors: Jung Alexander , Ciers Anastasiia , Strittmatter André , Wieczorek Witlef
Published: September 2024

We characterize a chip-based optomechanical microcavity that confines light between a crystalline DBR and a suspended InGaP photonic crystal high-Q membrane. In the future this approach could enable nonlinear quantum optomechanics.
Bidirectional Quantum Control
Authors: Vašinka Dominik , Bielak Martin , Neset Michal , Ježek Miroslav
Published: September 2024

We demonstrate a new method for optimal bidirectional control of complex physical systems. Employing a set of collaborative neural networks, our approach exhibits unprecedented accuracy, even at the single-photon level.
Continuous-variable nonclassicality certification under coarse-grained measurement
Authors: Roh Chan , Yoon Young-Do , Park Jiyong , Ra Young-Sik
Published: September 2024

We experimentally certify the nonclassicality of continuous-variable quantum states under coarse-grained measurement. Furthermore, we show that the coarse-grained measurement generally outperforms the ideal fine-grained measurement in nonclassicality detection.
A microwave-to-optical transducer based on a two-dimensional optomechanical crystal
Authors: Mayor Felix M. , Malik Sultan , Primo André G. , Gyger Samuel , Hitchcock Oliver A. , Multani Kevin K. S. , Jiang Wentao , Mayer Alegre Thiago P. , Safavi-Naeini Amir H.
Published: September 2024

Microwave-to-optical frequency converters have been plagued by added noise caused by heating from the pump laser. We present our efforts on mitigating this heating by implementing a piezo-optomechanical transducer based on a two-dimensional optome-chanical crystal.
Uplink Simulation for Entanglement-based Satellite Communication
Authors: Pickston Alexander , Jaeken Thomas , Redza Faris , Ho Joseph , Fedrizzi Alessandro
Published: September 2024

We report on an entanglement-based uplink test, simulating the overpass of a satellite. We set up a far-non-degenerate entangled photon source, simultaneously distributing photons optimised for both satellite and fibre-based channels.
Quantum network operations over the Saarbrücken telecom fiber link
Authors: Haen Christian , Kucera Stephan , Arenskötter Elena , Meiers Jonas , Bauer Tobias , Becher Christoph , Eschner Jürgen
Published: September 2024

We report on the implementation of quantum entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation over a 14-km polarization-stabilized telecom fiber link in Saarbrücken, using an SCPD photon pair source and a single trapped 40Ca+ ion.