bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A general model for designing the chirality of exciton-polaritons
Authors: Bai Ping , Peng Siying 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chirality of exciton-polaritons can be tuned by the chirality of photons, excitons, and their coupling strength. In this work, we propose a general analytical model based on coupled harmonic oscillators to describe the chirality of exciton-polaritons. Our model predicts the degree of circular polarization (DCP) of exciton-polaritons, which is determined by the DCPs and weight fractions of the constituent excitons and photons. At the anticrossing point, the DCP of exciton-polaritons is equally contributed from both constituents. Away from the anticrossing point, the DCP of exciton-polaritons relaxes toward the DCP of the dominant constituent, with the relaxation rate decreasing as the coupling strength increases. We validate our model through simulations of strongly coupled topological edge states and excitons, showing good agreement with model predictions. Our model provides a valuable tool for designing the chirality of strong coupling systems and offers a framework for the inverse design of exciton-polaritons with tailored chirality.
A novel gold and SiO2 material based planar 5-element high HPBW end-fire antenna array for 300 GHz applications
Authors: Kamili Jagadeesh Babu , Aldhaheri Rabah W. , Nella Anveshkumar , Alharbi Khalid H. , Sheikh Muntasir M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article is intended to propose a novel gold and SiO2 material based planar 5-element high half power beam-width (HPBW) end-fire antenna array for 300 GHz applications. The proposed radiating structure composes of a 5-element off-set feed rectangular patch antenna array fed by a tapered microstrip line to accomplish high HPBW. Off-set feeding and parasitic patch resonators are incorporated to access the end-fire radiation characteristics. This antenna operating frequency ranges from 277.5 to 315 GHz with a peak gain and HPBW of the antenna as 4.98 dBi and around 100°, respectively, at 300 GHz, making it a good radiator at the specified band. A gold material of thickness 5 μm is used as the metal, while the SiO2 with a thickness of 60 μm is adopted for the substrate material. Design, parametric analysis, and lumped element circuit models are also explored in this work. End-fire pattern, high HPBW, and good performance make this antenna to be eligible to use in THz applications such as imaging, scanning, communication, and bio-medical.
Positive and negative risk in adventure tourism discourse: adrenaline hunting in “arctic Lapland”
Authors: Ädel Annelie , Östman Jan-Ola 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
‘Risk’ is typically thought of as something negative, and as something that should be avoided at all cost: risk characteristically has to do with the probability of an unwanted event occurring. However, risk may also be seen as something positive, even energizing, as in the context of financial markets or gambling. Voluntary risk taking has typically been approached through the concepts ‘action’ and ‘edgework’. In this study, both negative and positive aspects of risk are explored in the context of adventure tourism. The focus is on how risk is discursively constructed in adventure tourism websites for Sápmi, centring on destinations in Sweden (Kiruna), Finland (Rovaniemi) and Norway (Tromsø). Our primary material from the booking platform Adrenaline Hunter amounts to 12,000 words. The findings show an ambivalence between negative and positive aspects of risk, but in a scalar sense, ranging from “soft” to “hard” types, with a negotiable awareness of how relative what counts as “extreme” may be. The theoretical suggestion is that positive aspects of risk need to be taken seriously for a fuller understanding of the very concept of ‘risk’ and of the workings of risk discourse.
Parkinsonism disrupts neuronal modulation in the pre-supplementary motor area during movement preparation
Authors: Hendrix Claudia M. , Baker Hannah E. , Yu Ying , Schneck David D. , Wang Jing , Johnson Luke A. , Vitek Jerrold L. 
Published: January 2025

Multiple studies suggest that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with changes in neuronal activity throughout the basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor circuit. There are limited electrophysiological data, however, describing how parkinsonism impacts neuronal activity in the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), an area in the medial frontal cortex involved in movement planning and motor control. In this study, single unit activity was recorded in the pre-SMA of two female non-human primates during a visually cued reaching task in both the naive and parkinsonian state using the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of parkinsonism. In the naive state neuronal discharge rates were dynamically modulated prior to the presentation of the instructional go-cue. In a subset of these modulated cells, the magnitude of modulation correlated linearly with reaction time (RT). In the parkinsonian state, however, modulation of discharge rates in the pre-SMA was disrupted and the predictive encoding of RT was significantly diminished. These findings add to our understanding of the role of pre-SMA in motor behavior and suggest that disrupted encoding in this cortical region contributes to the alteration of early preparatory and pre-movement processes present in Parkinson’s disease.Significance statementGoal-directed movements, such as reaching for an object, necessitate temporal preparation and organization of information processing within the basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor network. Impaired movement in people with Parkinson’s disease is thought to be the result of pathophysiological activity disrupting information flow within this network. This work provides neurophysiological evidence linking altered motor preplanning processes encoded in the neuronal firing pattern of pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) cells to the pathogenesis of motor disturbances in parkinsonism.
The Effect of Various Parameters on Measuring Alpha and Beta Particles from Soil Sample; An Environmental Dosimetry
Authors: Torshabi Ahmad Esmaili , Mohammadzadeh Sepideh 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: The measurement of natural radioactive decay in environmental samples such as soil has received increasing importance in recent years. Proportional counters in the form of large-area planar detectors are widely used for the initial screening of radioactivity in environmental samples. In this study, the affecting factors in the alpha and beta particles emitted from natural radioactive soil sample was simulated using the Monte Carlo FLUKA code.
Materials and Methods: These factors include the thickness of the sample, source-detector air gap, Mylar thickness, and gas detector density. Simulations were performed for alpha particles in 4.8 MeV and in the conventional range for the investigation of radioactive elements inside the soil sample.
Results: The final analyzed results show that the maximum number of primary particles can be measured up to 5 and 100 µm of soil sample thickness for alpha and beta particles, respectively. The maximum counting efficiencies for alpha and beta particles are 23% and 42%, respectively for our simulated sample.
Conclusion: For alpha particles, gas detector density variations have no effect on the efficiency. For beta particles, this efficiency is constant up to 0.0005 g/ density of gas. Furthermore, by increasing the air gap and Mylar thickness the efficiency will be decreased for both alpha and beta particles, while the variation of this value is remarkable for alpha particles.
Unveiling the Drivers of Entrepreneurial Internationalization: The Role of Human Capital, Digitalization, and Psychological Traits in Moroccan Early-stage Entrepreneurs
Authors: Jaoual Omar , Koubaa Salah 
Published: January 2025

This study examines the factors influencing the internationalization of early-stage Moroccan entrepreneurs, focusing on human capital, digitalization, and psychological traits. Drawing on Human Capital Theory, Dynamic Capability Theory, and Psychological Theories of Entrepreneurship, the research aims to explore how education, digitalization, fear of failure, self-efficacy, and opportunity perception impact export intensity. Using data from 524 early-stage entrepreneurs surveyed by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the study employs multiple regression analysis to evaluate the relationships between these factors and export activity. The findings reveal that opportunity perception significantly and positively influences export intensity, highlighting the critical role of entrepreneurial alertness in fostering internationalization. Conversely, education demonstrates a significant negative effect, suggesting that higher education levels may increase risk aversion, potentially deterring engagement in global markets. Surprisingly, digitalization, fear of failure, and self-efficacy do not show significant direct effects on export intensity, with the non-significant effect of digitalization reflecting context-specific challenges, such as limited strategic use, infrastructure gaps, and insufficient digital literacy. The study highlights the need for fostering opportunity recognition and aligning education with practical skills. It calls for investments in digital infrastructure, training, and entrepreneurial ecosystems to empower entrepreneurs in emerging economies.
Inégalités de Genre et Anémie des Femmes en Union dans les Provinces de Cibitoke et Kirundo (Nord-Ouest et Nord du Burundi)
Authors: Sindayihebura Jean François Régis , Djourdebbé Franklin Bouba , David Jean Simon 
Published: January 2025

Contexte : La prévalence de l’anémie chez les femmes en âge de procréer est de 52,5% dans la province de Cibitoke et de 60,4% dans celle de Kirundo, ce qui dépasse largement la moyenne nationale de 39%. Objectif : Cette étude vise à expliquer cette forte prévalence en analysant l’incidence des inégalités de genre. Méthodologie : Par la régression logistique binomiale, l’étude analyse les données collectées auprès de 270 et 276 femmes en union, de Cibitoke et de Kirundo, respectivement, qui ont accepté de se soumettre au test d'hémoglobines lors de l'Enquête Démographique et de Santé du Burundi (EDSB 2016-2017). Résultats : À Cibitoke, les femmes dont les maris décident seuls des gros achats pour la maison sont plus de 4 fois plus susceptibles d'être anémiées que celles qui sont impliquées dans ces décisions. À Kirundo, les femmes dont les maris décident seuls de l'utilisation de l'argent qu'ils ont gagné sont près de 2,5 fois plus susceptibles d'être anémiées que celles qui prennent ces décisions conjointement avec leurs maris. Conclusion : Ces résultats indiquent qu’au-delà de la suprématie masculine consacrée par le patriarcat burundais, les femmes sont victimes de violences économiques basées sur le genre dans ces provinces. Face aux conjoints qui dilapident les ressources des ménages dans des relations de concubinage et de polygamie, les femmes s'adaptent mal aux dynamiques familiales dans un contexte de changement climatique et de mutations rurales. D’où leur vulnérabilité vis-à-vis de l'anémie.

Background: The prevalence of anemia among women of childbearing age is 52.5% in the province of Cibitoke and 60.4% in Kirundo, well above the national average of 39%. Objective: This study aims to explain this high prevalence by analyzing the incidence of gender inequalities. Methodology: Using binomial logistic regression, the study analyzes data collected from 270 and 276 women in the union, from Cibitoke and Kirundo respectively, who agreed to undergo hemoglobin testing during the Demographic and Health Survey of Burundi (DHSB 2016-2017). Results: In Cibitoke, women whose husbands make alone decision on major household purchases are more than 4 times more likely to be anemic than those who are involved in these decisions. In Kirundo, women who live in households where one of the partners decides alone how to use the money earned by the husband are almost 2.5 times more likely to suffer from anemia than those who make these decisions jointly within the couple. Conclusion: These results indicate that, over and above the male supremacy patriarchy, women are victims of gender-based economic violence in these provinces. Faced with spouses who squander household resources in concubinage and polygamy, women adapt themselves hardly to family dynamics in the context of climate change and rural mutations. This makes them vulnerable to anemia.
Challenges in Cloud Computing Adoption for SMEs in the Middle East
Authors: Abudaqqa Fatma 
Published: January 2025

Technology's growth significantly affects how businesses grow because it offers new ways to do business. Due to a sharp rise in market competition and a rapidly changing business environment, businesses in all industries and sectors utilize information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enhance their company operations and boost their value. This study aims to address the challenges that prevent small and medium-sized businesses in the Middle East from adopting cloud computing, as well as the generally accepted techniques for eliminating these challenges. The study utilized a systematic review of relevant literature. The inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the analytic procedure, were documented in the study using the PRISMA protocol. The study also looked for pertinent journal publications that employed mixed, qualitative, and quantitative research methodologies using three pertinent databases: Sustainability, Google Scholar, and Emerald. The included English-language publications had to have been released between the first quarter of 2023 and 2016. More significantly, the evaluation did not include any research that did not concentrate on SMEs in the Middle East. Following an extensive analysis of the literature, it was discovered, among other things that infra needs to be more, budgetary restrictions, and a need for increased understanding of the significance of Industry 4.0. In conclusion, SMEs face challenges in adopting cloud computing, including financial constraints, restrictive policies, security concerns, and fear of losing investments in existing infrastructure, amongst others. Addressing these issues through policy changes, competition, and tailored solutions can enhance cloud adoption and SME competitiveness.
Effects of organic fertilizers and tillage on yield and its components of three varieties of Corchorus olitorius L. produced in South Benin
Authors: Manhognon Faton Oscar Euloge , Gbo Zaki Bonou , Azonwakin Rodrigue Akotegnon , Hambada Koffi David Montcho , Chakour-Ola Tounde Ogoubiyi , Djedatin Gustave , Atindehou Cynthia , Fanou Lucie , Gandonou Gbossegnon Bernard Christophe , Gnancadja-Andre Simplice Léopold , Aléodjrodo Edorh Patrick 
Published: January 2025

This study aims to evaluate the influence of organic fertilizer and tillage on the agro-morphological characteristics of three varieties of jute. A split plot design with three factors was installed in 02 repetitions. The main factor consists of the type of soil with 02 levels one of which is frequently plowed and the second of which has not been exploited during the last 5 years. The secondary factor is the dose of organic fertilizer with 08 levels including 0.5 kg/m2, 0.75 kg/m2, and 1 kg/m2 of poultry dung; 2 kg/m2, 2.5 kg/m2, 3 kg/m2 of cow dung; and one control without fertilizer, and the third factor is variety with 3 variants. The data collected during the trial were entered and processed in the Excel 2016 spreadsheet and subjected to various analyses including descriptive statistics, and analysis of variance with the Statitica software. The principal component analysis was performed with R 4.2.1 software and identified characters that are controlled by the treatments applied. The performance of the different varieties was assessed in the different study environments. The results show that soil amendment with varying doses of poultry dung associated with tillage improves the agro-morphological parameters of the plant. This association shows better improvement in seedling height, leaves, and biomass compared to the use of cow dung. Thus, organic fertilizer efficiently contributes to soil fertility improvement. The difference inthe contribution of these organic fertilizers to the improvement of soil status and crop yields could be due to the difference in organic matter and nutrients contained.
Dysfunction of the Windlass Mechanism Is Associated with Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Kihara Takumi , Kimura Tadashi , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki , Saito Mitsuru , Kubota Makoto 
Published: January 2025

Background:
The cause of hallux rigidus remains controversial. However, it is assumed that dysfunction of the windlass mechanism and metatarsus primus elevatus play a role in the pathology. Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) imaging is ideal for analysis of movements of the foot, which involve 3D and rotational motion. The purpose of the present study was to compare the windlass mechanism in healthy normal feet with that in feet with hallux rigidus by 3D CT imaging.

Methods:
A total of 17 feet with hallux rigidus and 21 normal feet were selected. Hallux rigidus was classified as grade 1 or 2 with use of the Coughlin and Shurnas system. CT imaging was performed during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing with the first metatarsophalangeal joint in a neutral position or in 30° of dorsiflexion. We measured the rotation of each joint and the height of the navicular during dorsiflexion and weight-bearing. We also compared changes in the tarsometatarsal joint and metatarsus primus elevatus in the neutral position between the non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing conditions.

Results:
During dorsiflexion, there were significant differences between the 2 groups in eversion and adduction at the talonavicular and talocalcaneal joints (p < 0.05), with less movement of bones in the hallux rigidus group. There was a significantly greater increase in height of the navicular in the control group than in the hallux rigidus group (1.2 ± 0.6 mm versus 0.7 ± 0.6 mm; p = 0.02). There was also a significant difference in metatarsus primus elevatus during the non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing conditions (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:
Hallux rigidus restricts the movement of the Chopart joint and hindfoot associated with dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, suggesting an association between hallux rigidus and windlass mechanism dysfunction.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Transient Flow Analysis of Multistage Fractured Horizontal Wells with Varied Natural Fractures Connection Relationships
Authors: Han Jiapeng , Chen Zhiming , Zhou Biao 
Published: January 2025

Summary
In this paper, we introduce a semianalytical model for analyzing the transient pressure behavior of a multistage fractured horizontal well (MFHW) with varying fracture distributions, and the pressure distribution in matrix and fracture networks. The model focuses on both matrix and fracture network domains. Matrix flow is simulated using the line-source function, with 1D flow assumed for fractures. The block center grid analysis technique is used to simulate pressure within the fracture network, utilizing the principle of pressure superposition for matrix pressure calculations.
First, the accuracy of the proposed model is confirmed by comparing its results with the numerical model. Then, we identify six flow stages in an MFHW with better-connected natural fractures (NFs): bilinear flow, NFs fluid supply, linear flow, early pseudoradial flow, elliptical flow, and latter pseudoradial flow. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis on operational factors [cluster spacing (CS), stage spacing, stage number, hydraulic fracture (HF) half-length, and fracture conductivity] and geological factors (NF distribution) evaluates their impact on dimensionless pressure and its derivative. The pressure distribution characteristics across different flow regimes were also analyzed using fracture and matrix pressure distribution maps. These analyses offer valuable insights into the development of MFHWs in reservoirs with NFs. A case study in the Lucaogou shale oil reservoir of the Junggar Basin demonstrates that varying connectivity of NFs significantly impacts the pressure transient behavior of an MFHW. Neglecting the influence of NFs resulted in higher errors compared with models with NFs, highlighting the critical role of NFs in accurately characterizing reservoir behavior.
A comparative analysis of community pharmacists’ involvement in HIV/AIDS services before and after training interventions in Nigeria
Authors: Oseni Yejide Olukemi , Erhun Wilson Oyekigho 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Community pharmacists' expanded roles in the delivery of HIV testing services (HTSs) and antiretroviral (ARV) medication therapy management (MTM) have been shown to improve with training interventions, but this has not been evaluated in Nigeria. This study evaluated community pharmacists' involvement in the delivery of HIV/AIDS services in community pharmacies in Nigeria before and after a training intervention and the value of the services added to community pharmacy practices.
Methods:
A before-and-after intervention study was conducted in 2019 among 45 selected community pharmacists in Oyo State, Nigeria. A semistructured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale was administered to assess their involvement, with 8 items for HTS and 9 items for ARV/MTM services before and after a training intervention. The data were analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics, and the p value was set at ≤ 0.05.
Results:
At the baseline survey, 17.8% of the respondents were involved in rapid HIV test services, while all the respondents were involved after training. The total mean total score for HTS after training was 31.80 ± 9.824, whereas it was 21.38 ± 16.542 before training (range 8–40, midpoint = 24, p ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the number of ARV/MTM services offered before (23.27 ± 18.896) and after (23.71 ± 13.441) the training programme (range 9–45, midpoint = 27, p > 0.05). The barriers to integrating HIV/AIDS services into community pharmacy practices before and after the training program were significantly lower after training (p ≤ 0.05), with the exception of the absence of financial compensation (p > 0.05). The services increased and encouraged patronage and patient inflow into the pharmacy (33.3%), where more clients in the community were tested and aware of their status (11.1%). Community pharmacists became more relevant in the community and had an improved positive image (11.1%), whereas the activities increased the knowledge and skills of pharmacists of HIV services (8.9%), among others.
Conclusion
Community pharmacists’ involvement in HIV/AIDS services was low before training. However, training interventions have been shown to improve HIV test services. For improved service delivery, the government should consider the remuneration of community pharmacists and possibly incorporate them into the healthcare system and designate them as PHC centers.