bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practical underwater quantum key distribution based on decoy-state BB84 protocol
Authors: Dong Shanchuan , Yu Yonghe , Zheng Shangshuai , Zhu Qiming , Gai Lei , Li Wendong , Gu Yongjian 
Published: May 2022

Polarization encoding quantum key distribution has been proven to be a reliable method to build a secure communication system. It has already been used in an inter-city fiber channel and near-Earth atmosphere channel, leaving an underwater channel the last barrier to conquer. Here we demonstrate a decoy-state BB84 quantum key distribution system over a water channel with a compact system design for future experiments in the ocean. In the system, a multiple-intensity modulated laser module is designed to produce the light pulses of quantum states, including signal state, decoy state, and vacuum state. Classical communication and synchronization are realized by wireless optical transmission. Multiple filtering techniques and wavelength division multiplexing are further used to avoid cross talk of different lights. We test the performance of the system and obtain a final key rate of 245.6 bps with an average quantum bit error rate of 1.91% over a 2.4 m water channel, in which the channel attenuation is 16.35 dB. Numerical simulation shows that the system can tolerate up to 21.7 dB total channel loss and can still generate secure keys in 277.9 m Jerlov type I ocean channel.
A qualitative study of COVID-19 vaccine intentions and mistrust in Black Americans: Recommendations for vaccine dissemination and uptake
Authors: Dong Lu , Bogart Laura M. , Gandhi Priya , Aboagye James B. , Ryan Samantha , Serwanga Rosette , Ojikutu Bisola O. 
Published: May 2022

Background
COVID-19 vaccination rates among Black Americans have been lower than White Americans and are disproportionate to their population size and COVID-19 impact. This study examined reasons for low vaccination intentions and preferred strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods
Between November 2020 and March 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 participants who expressed low vaccination intentions in a RAND American Life Panel survey; we also interviewed five stakeholders who represent organizations or subgroups in Black communities that have been highly affected by COVID-19.

Results
Many interviewees discussed the “wait-and-see” approach, citing that more time and evidence for vaccine side effects and efficacy are needed. Perceived barriers to COVID-19 vaccination included structural barriers to access (e.g., transportation, technology) and medical mistrust (e.g., towards the vaccines themselves, the government, healthcare providers and healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical companies) stemming from historical and contemporary systematic racism against Black communities. Interviewees also discussed strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccines, including acknowledging systemic racism as the root cause for mistrust, preferred messaging content (e.g., transparent messages about side effects), modes, and access points (e.g., a variety of medical and non-medical sites), and trusted information sources (e.g., trusted leaders, Black doctors and researchers).

Conclusions
These insights can inform ways to improve initial and booster vaccination uptake as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.
25-hydroxyvitamin D is a predictor of COVID-19 severity of hospitalized patients
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen N. , Raju Muppala N. P. , da Graca Briget , Wang Dapeng , Mohamed Nada A. , Mutnal Manohar B. , Rao Arundhati , Bennett Monica , Gokingco Matthew , Pham Huy , Mohammad Amin A. 
Published: May 2022

Objectives
Studies investigating the association between vitamin D and severity of COVID-19 have mixed results perhaps due to immunoassay assessment of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (tD) (the sum of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D2 [25-OH-D2] and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 [25-OH-D3]). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for 25-OH-D2 and 25-OH-D3, and thus enables a more accurate assessment of impact on COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods
We established reference intervals for 25-OH-D3 and tD using LC-MS/MS. 25-OH-D2, 25-OH-D3 and tD were quantitated for 88 COVID-19 positive and 122 COVID-19 negative specimens. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to test associations in binary variables. T-Tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for continuous variables. Cox proportional hazards were used to test associations between 25-OH-D3 or tD levels and length of stay (LOS). For mortality and ventilation, logistic regression models were used.

Results
COVID-19 patients with deficient (<20 ng/mL) levels of 25-OH-D3 had significantly longer LOS by 15.3 days. COVID-19 P patients with deficient (<20 ng/mL) and insufficient (<30 ng/mL) of tD had significantly longer LOS by 12.1 and 8.2 days, respectively. Patients with insufficient levels of tD had significantly longer LOS by 13.7 days. COVID-19 patients with deficient serum 25-OH-D3 levels had significantly increased risk-adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (OR [95% CI]: 5.29 [1.53–18.24]); those with insufficient 25-OH-D3 had significantly increased risk for requiring ventilation during hospitalization was found at LCMS insufficient cutoff (OR [95% CI]: 2.75 [1.10–6.90]).

Conclusions
There is an inverse relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and hospital LOS for COVID-19 patients. Vitamin D status is a predictor for severity of outcomes. LCMS results are useful for assessing the odds of mortality and the need for ventilation during hospitalization.
Primera aproximación al estudio de un manuscrito del siglo XVIII: el "Vocabulario Pomier"
Authors: Zulaika Hernández Josu M. 
Published: May 2022

Presentamos en este trabajo el Vocabulario Pomier, manuscrito anónimo del siglo xviii que, pese a hallarse en la Biblioteca Foral de Bizkaia —importantísima biblioteca pública sita en pleno centro de Bilbao—, no parecía haber llamado hasta el momento la atención de los vascólogos. Hasta donde alcanzan nuestras noticias, tan solo Justo Mocoroa se sirvió escuetamente del mismo para rescatar algunas locuciones que incluyó en su obra Ortik eta emendik (1990). El Vocabulario Pomier comprende cerca de 3500 lemas vascos pertenecientes al dialecto central o guipuzcoano, siendo el español —al menos formalmente— la lengua de destino. Aunque en el manuscrito no aparece la fecha de su elaboración, nosotros creemos que pudo ser elaborado entre 1729 y 1745, con lo que, de confirmarse esta hipótesis, vendría a engrosar la magra nómina de los repertorios lexicográficos anteriores al Diccionario Trilingüe (1745) de Larramendi. A la espera de la pronta edición crítica del vocabulario junto al profesor Ricardo Gómez, en el presente estudio hablaremos de la historia del manuscrito (§ 2); de sus características físicas (§ 3); de la disposición y estructura del vocabulario (§ 4); de sus fuentes (§ 5); de su posible datación (§ 6); y de la variedad lingüística del euskera del vocabulario (§ 7).
Evolución de la microbiota en un aula de farmacia pre y post primera oleada de la pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Mateos Pedro F. , Alonso María , Sánchez-Juanes Fernando 
Published: May 2022

La microbiota varía con el tiempo, por ello durante el curso académico 2019-20, coincidiendo con la pandemia SARS-COV-2, se evaluó la evolución de la misma en un aula de la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad de Salamanca con la espectrometría de masas Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight. Además, se comparó con otros estudios, así como con las directrices de la Comisión de la Comunidad Europea de calidad del aire de interiores.
Tras el estudio se concluyó que dicha aula presentaba un grado de contaminación muy bajo, y que la mayoría de la microbiota era saprofítica. Asimismo, de forma general se puede concluir que de forma cuantitativa los hongos y de forma cuali-cuantitativa las bacterias no presentaban un riesgo para la salud.
Por otro lado, entre las variables más importantes encontramos la afluencia de personas, la frecuencia de limpieza y la ventilación. Finalmente, este estudio recoge la poca normativa que existe sobre la calidad del aire en interiores no industriales y no hospitalarios.
Effect of Monetary Policy on Government Spending Multiplier
Authors: Han Jong-Suk , Hur Joonyoung 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper empirically examines the effect of monetary policy on the government spending multiplier when the nominal interest rate is not bound to zero. We estimate a time-varying coefficient vector autoregressive (TVC-VAR) model using 2000:Q1 to 2019:Q3 quarterly data of Korea, whose policy rate is distant from zero. We find a substantial degree of time variation in the medium-run government spending multipliers, which increase over time and become statistically different from zero throughout the 2010s. Yet the reverse pattern is observed in the policy rate responses to government spending shocks, decreasing gradually until 2008–09 and then stagnating for the subsequent period. Decompositions of the policy rate responses reveal that inflation is an important ingredient in determining the responses of the nominal interest rate to government spending shocks, and thus has a critical impact on the size of government spending multipliers. In particular, our finding underscores a substantial role of the monetary policy stance against inflation in shaping government spending multipliers.
“Our show is so twisted”: comparing impoliteness in Taiwan and Mainland China talk shows
Authors: Lee Cher Leng , Zhu Daoning 
Published: May 2022

AbstractImpoliteness has been a focus of recent research with more emphasis placed on context, situated evaluations and social action. Although talk shows are not the same as everyday conversations, the use of impoliteness to entertain is often an intentional part of the format. This paper uses Chinese talk shows to examine the subtle differences in impoliteness of talk shows in the different Chinese contexts. We compare one TV talk show in Taiwan (Kangxi Laile), and the other in Mainland China (Huahua Wanwu), both with the same hosts and similar program formats, to examine how impoliteness is shown at personal, relational, and group levels. Comparing how this is done in different contexts will help us better understand what is acceptable and what is not in different Chinese communities, as each community is different given the different historical, political, and sociological backgrounds, which will lead to different manifestations of (im)politeness.
How ethnic groups and clan systems influence humor styles: evidence from indigenous students in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Meng-Hua , Chen Hsueh-Chih , Chang Jen-Ho , Chang Yu-Lin , Chien Hsin-Ying 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The aim of this study is to compare the differences in humor styles between indigenous and Han Chinese populations in Taiwan. The differences in humor styles between clan systems (patriarchy or matriarchy) within indigenous people were further examined. A total of 442 indigenous students and 1,040 Han Chinese students (M
age = 12.88) in Taiwan were recruited. The Chinese version of the Humor Styles Questionnaire was applied. The following are the main findings. (1) Indigenous students use positive humor (affiliative and self-enhancing humor) more often than do Han students. (2) Indigenous girls in matriarchal societies use aggressive humor more often than do indigenous girls in patriarchal societies. (3) Indigenous boys use aggressive humor more often than do girls in patriarchal societies. However, such evidence was lacking in matriarchal societies. From the perspective of social constructions, the present findings reconfirm the effect of social status on humor.
Phosphorylated nata de banana as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells
Authors: Rahmawati Sitti , Sepriyani Ira , Ningsih Purnama , Muhammad Diah Anang Wahid 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize nata de banana (NDB) and phosphorylated nata de banana (NDBP) membranes for use in fuel cells as polymer electrolyte membranes. Banana peel juice was fermented with Acetobacter xylinum and subsequently molded into a nata de banana membrane in this study. This membrane was phosphorylated by adding various quantities of phosphoric acid solution to it (1.5 M, 2 M, and 2.5 M). Several approaches were used to characterize these membranes, including functional group analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ion exchange capacity (IEC), swelling degree (%SI), mechanical properties, and morphological characterization using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analyser. The results showed that NDBP has a higher ion exchange capacity and degree of swelling than NDB, and that the optimum membrane condition is 2 M phosphoric acid, with a 5.14 m Eq g−1 ion exchange capacity and a 19.06 % swelling index. The cross-section of the NDB and NDBP membranes had a regular and good structure of the cellulose fiber pattern, according to morphological examination. Using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analyser, the phosphorus levels were identified in modest amounts (approximately 0.5 %). This also suggests that the phosphorylation event on the membrane of the nata de banana was successful. It can be inferred that electrolyte membranes can be manufactured using environmentally benign natural resources. The phosphorylated nata de banana membrane can be employed as a polymer electrolyte membrane in a fuel cell, according to these findings.
AICAR promotes endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase via increased ZMP and decreased ATP/ADP ratio in aortic smooth muscle
Authors: Pyla Rajkumar , Hartney Thomas J. , Segar Lakshman 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Objectives
AICAR, an adenosine analog, has been shown to exhibit vascular protective effects through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, it remains unclear as to whether adenosine kinase-mediated ZMP formation or adenosine receptor activation contributes to AICAR-mediated AMPK activation and/or vasorelaxant response in vascular smooth muscle.

Methods and Results
In the present study using endothelium-denuded rat aortic ring preparations, isometric tension measurements revealed that exposure to 1 mM AICAR for 30 min resulted in inhibition of phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced smooth muscle contractility by ∼35%. Importantly, this vasorelaxant response by AICAR was prevented after pretreatment of aortic rings with an AMPK inhibitor (compound C, 40 µM) and adenosine kinase inhibitor (5-iodotubercidin, 1 µM), but not with an adenosine receptor blocker (8-sulfophenyltheophylline, 100 µM). Immunoblot analysis of respective aortic tissues showed that AMPK activation seen during vasorelaxant response by AICAR was abolished by compound C and 5-iodotubercidin, but not by 8-sulfophenyltheophylline, suggesting ZMP involvement in AMPK activation. Furthermore, LC–MS/MS MRM analysis revealed that exposure of aortic smooth muscle cells to 1 mM AICAR for 30 min enhanced ZMP level to 2014.9 ± 179.4 picomoles/mg protein (vs. control value of 8.5 ± 0.6; p<0.01), which was accompanied by a significant decrease in ATP/ADP ratio (1.08 ± 0.02 vs. 2.08 ± 0.06; p<0.01).

Conclusions
Together, the present findings demonstrate that AICAR-mediated ZMP elevation and the resultant AMPK activation in vascular smooth muscle contribute to vasorelaxation.
Antimicrobials in COVID-19: strategies for treating a COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shukla Ajay Kumar , Misra Saurav 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a serious global challenge, with the world engulfed in fighting second, third and fourth waves of the disease, which is reaching scary proportions in terms of cases and mortality in countries like India. Despite the urgent need of proven management protocols, there is still confusion about the best practices for treating COVID-19 with different pharmaceutical interventions. Antimicrobials are empirically used in COVID-19 patients. During the initial phase of this pandemic, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, azithromycin and doxycycline were widely suggested for possible prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19 in outpatient as well as hospitalized settings. Various national and international guidelines recommended its use. However, cumulative evidence from subsequent clinical trials has revealed no significant clinical benefits in any setting, with the risk of adverse effects being high particularly in combination with azithromycin. Yet, there is continued use of antimicrobials particularly in outpatient settings which should be avoided because there is no justifiable rationale for doing so. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was one of the top problems for global public health before the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began. AMR, which is already a difficult problem, must now be handled in the context of a changing healthcare sector.
Effect of pre-slaughter weight on morphological composition of pig carcasses
Authors: Mykhalko Oleksandr , Povod Mykola , Verbelchuk Tetyana , Shcherbyna Olena , Susol Ruslan , Kirovich Natalia , Riznychuk Igor 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
To achieve the goals of our study, we investigated the relationship between morphological composition of pig carcasses and their pre-slaughter weight. In this research, 60 pigs were reared for fattening under the identical conditions of keeping and feeding, then slaughtered and sampled with pre-slaughter weight 110 and 120 kg. The content of meat, fat, and bones and their ratio in carcasses were evaluated. The probable influence of the factor of pre-slaughter weight on the share of meat in certain parts of the carcass is established 61.96% for the cervical-scapular third, 62.21% for the lumbosacral third, and 96.57% for the pelvic-femoral thirds. It has been found that in pigs at slaughter weight 120 kg for each additional increase in fat content by 1.0 kg, the meat content was proportionally insufficient by 0.43 kg in the cervical-scapular third and by 0.39 kg in the pelvic-femoral third of the carcass. In peers weighing 110 kg, each additional 1 kg of fat did not allow to gain 0.72 kg of meat in the cervical-scapular third of the carcass. The study shows that pigs fattening up to 110 kg of its carcass is more sensitive (44.99%) to changes in meat–fat ratios in the cervical-scapular third, which allows more targeted formation of the characteristics of semi-finished products of this part at this stage. Slaughter weight management can improve the quality of pork.
Hot deformation behavior and microstructure of a 0.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelet reinforced aluminum composite
Authors: Lou Shumei , Li Xin , Guo Guangxin , Ran Lingwei , Liu Yongqiang , Zhang Pingping , Su Chunjian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Through hot compression experiments at temperatures ranging from 603 to 723 K and strain rates ranging from 0.01 to 10 s−1, the hot deformation behavior of a 0.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced aluminum (0.5 wt% GNP/Al) composite prepared by the powder metallurgy method was studied. The constitutive equations obtained by mathematical models and a neural network were evaluated. The deformation property of the composite can be better described by the Johnson–Cook (JC) constitutive model optimized by establishing a relationship between the coefficient and variables obtained in the hot compression test, with a correlation coefficient (R) reaching 99.97% with the average relative error of 0.37% (98.1 and 4.17%, respectively, before optimization). Compared with the JC model, the neural network has perfect calculation accuracy and whole-process effectiveness, providing expanded and more accurate constitutive equations for subsequent simulations and for building the dynamic recrystallization model of the composite. The dynamic recrystallization model, hot processing map, and EBSD results are in agreement with each other and indicate that the optimal strain rate and temperature range of the composite are 0.01–0.1 s−1 and 693–723 K, respectively.
The rhetorical dimension of images: identity building and management on social networks
Authors: D’Armenio Enzo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This article proposes a semio-rhetorical epistemology for visual documents, one capable of accounting for both their internal configuration, which we shall call the compositional dimension, and their persuasive force within public space, or their rhetorical dimension. The field of reference will be that of identity-related images on social networks, because compared to other kinds of images, such as artistic or professional ones, they adopt new compositional solutions and new dynamics of circulation. To test this theoretical framework, we will conduct an analysis which has never been carried out in semiotics and which, as far as we know, remains very rare even in the overall field of visual studies, that is, the analysis of the profile of an Instagram influencer’s visual production, that of Canadian artist Rupi Kaur. Taking into account the flow of images shared over time, we will focus primarily on the compositional dimension that articulates the specificity of the language of images. The most appropriate model for investigating social network photos seems to be that of the portrait, thanks to which we will identify a first series of regularities and deviations. Secondly, we will turn towards the rhetorical dimension – the persuasive strategies found within, through, and towards images – focusing on the analysis of a single photo: on the one hand, it is a shot which presents greater compositional richness than others; on the other hand, it has greatly impacted the notoriety of the influencer, due to the censorship incurred on Instagram, its abundant coverage by traditional media, and the heated debate it triggered on social media. We will thus propose a reinterpretation of Paul Ricœur’s theory of identity in order to balance the rhetorical and the compositional dimensions through a unitary theoretical hypothesis. Visual identity on social networks is always the result of a negotiation between two opposite tendencies: on the one hand, the experiential pressure expressed through images related to the body and everyday practices; on the other, the algorithmic pressure due to the delegation of the management of identity to software. The case of Rupi Kaur is a rare example of a critical mediation between these two pressures and helps us build a methodology for the examination of images belonging to other social domains.
Calibration method of ultra-low emission particulate concentration measurement by light scattering method
Authors: Hui Lifeng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
To reduce the error caused by optical device pollution and background value drift in the measurement process of ultra-low emission particulate concentration by light scattering method, an on-line calibration method which can realize self-check and full-range calibration was put forward. The single light source spectral method was used to set up calibration light path, through a strong emphasis on technology achieving light signal extraction. The calibration effect was evaluated based on the dust tunnel system. The results show that the light intensity-modulated technique can significantly improve the measurement accuracy of low concentration particles compared with the constant light intensity technology. When the concentration of particles to be measured is higher than 500 μg/m³, the relative error between the measurement results of the experimental prototype and those of the filter membrane weighing method is less than 10 %. The optimal calibration period of the measuring instrument is 3 hours. When the variation deviation from the calibration light intensity of light intensity modulation is less than 2 %, the relative error between the particle concentration measurement result and the filter membrane weighing method is less than 10 %.