Introductory Section Research Articles

Reconfigurable Photonic Lattices Based on Atomic Coherence

AbstractThe array of coupled optical waveguides, which is also viewed as a photonic lattice, can exhibit abundant photonic band structures depending on the desired spatial arrangements of involved waveguides. Studies of photonic lattices are usually performed in solid‐state materials, where the required periodic susceptibilities can be achieved by employing the femtosecond laser direct‐writing or optical induction method, and have spawned flourishing achievements in manipulating the behaviors of light. Recently, the concept of electromagnetically induced photonic lattice (EIPL) is proposed under the well‐known electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in coherently prepared multilevel alkali‐metal atomic systems, where the strong coupling beams producing EIT possess spatially periodic intensity profiles. The inherited instantaneous tunability of susceptibility from EIT‐modulated atomic coherence allows for the easy reconfigurability of EIPLs, which gives rise to exotic beam dynamics under such a readily controllable framework. This paper summarizes the historical overview and recent advances of the in situ and all‐optically reconfigurable EIPLs. The Introduction section provides the scheme and formation of the EIPL via atomic coherence. The following sections review the recently demonstrated dynamical properties of light in various 1D and 2D EIPLs and in compound EIPLs built by two coupling fields. The final section gives brief concluding remarks.

Electroanalysis with Carbon Paste Electrodes: A Look Behind the Scientific-Research Activities of the Electroanalytical Group in Pardubice

In this article, a retrospective view of the research activities of the electroanalytical group at the University in Pardubice (UPCE) is presented, offering a concise overview on the development, continuing work, and significant achievements in electrochemical measurements with carbon paste electrodes (CPEs). At the very beginning, a brief history of the field is provided and the state-of-the-art in a global view outlined. Second, research activities with CPEs and related configurations in the former Czechoslovakia and the succeeding Czech Republic are also summarised and the respective publications cited. The introductory section ends with a historical survey of the activities of the electroanalytical group at the UPCE, characterising the individual time periods with CPEs from the mid-1980s up until now and highlighting the most important achievements and the corresponding publications. The pivotal part of the text then gathers five various examples representing some of the truly key-themes that have made electroanalysis at UPCE well-known and, at the same, distinctive. Namely, overviewed, commented, and illustrated in selected figures are (i) carbon paste mixtures with atypical binders from liquid esters, (ii) extractive pre-concentration onto the carbon paste bulk and determination of iodine, (iii) method for determination of Ag(I) ions at a CPE with extraordinary analytical performance, (iv) carbon pastes as substrates for mercury, gold, bismuth, and antimony films, and (v) recent applications of CPEs prepared from carbonaceous materials of natural origin.

Fictionality in “Fog on the Barrow-downs”: Myth and Reference

Exploring fictionality as the link between imagined and referential reality, the paper draws on the theoretic al framework of cognitive narratology in examining the mechanisms on which the creation of myth relies in the narratives introduced at the beginning of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, in Chapters 7 and 8 of The Fellowship of the Ring. In the introductory section, the authors review relevant literature pertaining to the manner in which immersion occurs, how analogous links are formed between fiction and reality, and whether the pragmatic dichotomy of the fictional and factual holds in all fictional circumstances. Essentially, the reviewed literature offers an insight into how text reception depends on context and the imported or integrated rhetorical frame of the fictional text. Next, the paper uses these two chapters as illustration, with reference to the appendices relevant to their interpretation, from the perspective of the formulated framework. The concluding remarks summarise the importance of immersion, as well as other automatic processes activated during reading, in internalising truth programs contained within fiction and myths that render their fictionality almost irrelevant.

Regression: Understanding What Covariates and Confounds Do in Adjusted Analyses.

The use of regression analysis is common in research. This article presents an introductory section that explains basic terms and concepts such as independent and dependent variables (IVs and DVs), covariates and confounds, zero-order correlations and multiple correlations, variance explained by variables and shared variance, bivariate and multivariable linear regression, line of least squares and residuals, unadjusted and adjusted analyses, unstandardized (b) and standardized (β) coefficients, adjusted R2, interaction terms, and others. Next, this article presents a more advanced section with the help of 3 examples; the raw data files for these examples are included in supplementary materials, and readers are encouraged to download the data files and run the regressions on their own in order to better follow what is explained in the text (this, however, is not mandatory, and readers who do not do so can also follow the discussions in the text). The 3 examples illustrate many points. When important covariates are not included in regressions, the included IVs explain a smaller proportion of the variance in the DV, and the relationships between the included IVs and the DV may not be correctly understood. Including interaction terms between IVs can improve the explanatory value of the model whether the IVs are intercorrelated or not. When IVs are intercorrelated (such as when one is a confound), although their net effect in multivariable regression may explain a greater proportion of the variance in the DV, their individual b and β coefficients decrease in proportion to the shared variance that is removed. Thus, variables that were found statistically significant in unadjusted analyses may lose statistical significance in fully adjusted analyses. Readers may find it useful to keep these points in mind when running regressions on their data or when reading studies that present their results through regressions.

Usage of Chlorella and diverse microalgae for CO2 capture - towards a bioenergy revolution.

To address climate change threats to ecosystems and the global economy, sustainable solutions for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are crucial. Existing CO2 capture projects face challenges like high costs and environmental risks. This review explores leveraging microalgae, specifically the Chlorella genus, for CO2 capture and conversion into valuable bioenergy products like biohydrogen. The introduction section provides an overview of carbon pathways in microalgal cells and their role in CO2 capture for biomass production. It discusses current carbon credit industries and projects, highlighting the Chlorella genus's carbon concentration mechanism (CCM) model for efficient CO2 sequestration. Factors influencing microalgal CO2 sequestration are examined, including pretreatment, pH, temperature, irradiation, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and sources and concentrations of CO2. The review explores microalgae as a feedstock for various bioenergy applications like biodiesel, biooil, bioethanol, biogas and biohydrogen production. Strategies for optimizing biohydrogen yield from Chlorella are highlighted. Outlining the possibilities of further optimizations the review concludes by suggesting that microalgae and Chlorella-based CO2 capture is promising and offers contributions to achieve global climate goals.

Modular Open Chamber Stand for Biomass Densification Using the Example of Miscanthus × Giganteus Greef Et Deu

This article presents a modular open chamber stand which simulates the densification process that occurs in a single channel of a pelletising die. The results of the verification tests confirmed the suitability of this stand for determining the optimal geometry of the channel. The test material was the biomass of Miscanthus × giganteus which is considered to be a difficult material for pressure densification; therefore, it was decided that it would be a good material for verifying the stand. The stand consists of four modules: an introductory section with a diameter of D = 12 and 10 mm, a conical part with an angle of α = 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, a cylindrical part with lengths L = 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 mm and diameter d= 8 mm and a pellet receiving module. The stand is able to heat the densification channel. Individual modules can be assembled into test combinations; this results in a change in channel geometry without the necessity to manufacture many singular channels. The optimum geometry of the channel for miscanthus with a moisture content of 13%, densified at 100 °C was determined. It should be a channel with D = 10 mm, α = 40° and L = 18 mm.

Elucidating the non-genetic risk factors for celiac disease: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.

The breadth and validity of the associations of nongenetic risk factors with celiac disease (CeD) are elusive in the literature. We aimed to evaluate which of these associations have strong epidemiological credibility and assessed presence and extent of potential literature biases. We systematically searched PubMed until April 2024 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies examining associations between putative risk factors and CeD. Each association was categorized in five evidence grades (convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, and not statistically significant) based on broadly used criteria for evaluating quality of evidence in observational studies. Five eligible publications were included, describing 15 meta-analytic associations on seven nongenetic risk factors, three of which were nominally significant ( P < 0.05). None of the associations received a strοng or highly suggestive evidence. One meta-analytic association received suggestive evidence, namely any infections during childhood and adulthood for a higher risk of CeD (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.2-1.56; P =3.77 × 10 -6 ). Two meta-analyses reported weak evidence, pertaining to current smoking for a lower risk of CeD (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32-0.84; P =7.84 × 10 -3 ) and use of antibiotics for a higher risk (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.04-1.38; P 14.8 × 10 -3 ). The rest of the meta-analyses did not report statistically significant results, and pertained to breastfeeding, time of gluten introduction, rotavirus vaccination, and cesarean section. No association of nongenetic risk factors for CeD received high levels of evidence. The evidence was suggestive for the association of any infections during childhood and adulthood with higher risk of CeD. More and prospective future research is warranted.

Recent Advances in Aptamer‐Based Sensors for In Vitro Detection of Small Molecules

AbstractSensitive and accurate detection of small molecules from complex matrix has aroused increasing interest in many fields, yet remains an open challenge. Recent years have witnessed a considerable advance of aptasensors for diagnostic assay development towards diverse small molecules because aptamer is one of the most powerful classes of molecular receptors with advanced affinity and specificity. Herein, we reviewed the small‐molecule aptasensors in the past five years, focusing on the principles to specific applications in clinical diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. The first introductory section on the development of aptasensors in historical view and its analytical features contextualizes essential health‐related small molecules. The second part highlights the basic components of aptasensor and the detection principles of different sensors based on signal output modes. The subsequent part systematically discusses various small‐molecule sensing platforms by interfacing aptamers with diverse signal amplification strategies. Finally, challenges and perspectives for improving the aptasensor performance are also discussed. By describing biochemical and analytical procedures, this review highlights the optimal use of aptamers in the detection, quantification, and imaging of important health‐related small molecules and presents new insights, technical advances, and engineering strategies for practical applications.

Reviewing the role of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in climate mitigation

Climate change poses an imminent threat, necessitating innovative and sustainable strategies for mitigation. This paper explores the potential of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) as a promising approach. The introductory section sets the stage by elucidating the urgency of climate action. The background section surveys existing climate mitigation strategies, introducing bioenergy and carbon capture technologies. The paper delves into the distinctive contributions of bioenergy to carbon emission reduction and assesses the viability of various bioenergy sources. Simultaneously, the discussion on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) provides insight into the technological aspects of carbon capture. An integral focus is the integration of bioenergy and carbon capture technologies in BECCS, exploring synergies that enhance their combined efficacy. Real-world examples and case studies illustrate successful BECCS projects. Environmental and social impacts are critically examined, considering sustainability and ethical dimensions. Challenges and criticisms associated with BECCS are discussed comprehensively, addressing concerns and proposing potential solutions. The paper concludes by outlining future prospects for BECCS, offering recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. It also suggests avenues for further research and development in this evolving field. Keywords: Bioenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), Climate Mitigation.

Quality Assessment of Traditional Persian Medicine Observational Studies.

Although observational studies are valuable sources of scientific evidence, they are prone to bias and confounding. This study aimed to assess the quality of observational studies in Traditional Persian medicine (TPM). A systematic search was conducted in national and international databases up to the end of 2022 to identify observational studies on TPM. The quality of articles was evaluated using the STROBE checklist and CARE guidelines. Out of the 192 articles identified, 109 met the eligible criteria for quality assessment. Cross-sectional and case-control studies had a mean STROBE score of 1.2±0.51 out of 2, with the introduction section scoring highest and the results and methods sections scoring lowest. The worst reported items in the method section involved sensitivity analyses, bias control, and management of missing data. Case reports and case series had a mean score of 1.4±0.55 out of 2, with the section on therapeutic interventions scoring the highest. Other sections like keywords, follow-up and outcomes, diagnostic assessment, patient perspective, and informed consent scored below one. Many reviewed articles did not adhere to the recommended formatting in the evaluation tools, making it challenging to assess their quality. Having said that, the quality of observational studies in the field of TPM is a point of concern.

A MATLAB-based simulator for the study of process control of fed-batch yeast fermentations

This paper presents a MATLAB-based simulator for the study of process control of fed-batch yeast fermentations that meets the educational needs of undergraduate and graduate students. Against the background of challenges in interdisciplinary education, the paper examines the evolving environment of simulation tools in the field of bioprocesses. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity to prepare students for the complexities of the modern biotechnology industry. Built with accessibility and flexibility in mind, the simulator offers a modular structure with a graphical user interface (GUI) for novice users and direct access to MATLAB functions for advanced users. This design choice ensures ease of use for students with different programming backgrounds and allows for adaptability to alternative software environments. The introductory sections provide a detailed overview of the simulator development, including the mathematical models that govern biomass growth kinetics, mass transfer, and process quality indicators. Selected process control strategies such as rule-based and feedforward approaches are incorporated in the simulator to enhance the learning experience by allowing students to experiment with different scenarios. The paper concludes by emphasizing the simulator's adaptability, modularity, and user-friendly interface as a valuable asset in educating students about the complexities of bioprocess control.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Methods Within An Independent Curriculum(A Literature Review)

In this article, the author provides an overview of the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) methods within an independent curriculum. The introduction section introduces the topic and highlights the significance of PBL in education, while the overview of PBL methods section explains the key principles and components of this pedagogical approach. The importance of an independent curriculum is discussed in terms of empowering students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills. The article then outlines the benefits of implementing PBL, including enhanced critical thinking skills, improved problem-solving abilities, and increased engagement and motivation. Finally, the challenges and considerations of implementing PBL are addressed, such as the need for adequate teacher training and support, the development of new assessment strategies, and the integration of PBL with existing curricula. The article concludes by offering best practices for successful implementation, such as establishing clear learning objectives and outcomes and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Punishable Offenses Leading to the Loss of Clerical Status According to The Code of Canon Law Currently in Force

In this article, the author presents and analyses delicts threatened by the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state according to the Code of Canon Law currently in force. In the introductory section, the author defends the validity of examining this topic, due to the reform of criminal law carried out by Pope Francis with the apostolic constitutionPascite gregem Dei of 23rd May 2021. This reform expands the catalogue of crimes which are punishable with the lifelong expiatory penalty dimissio de statu clericali. The author also provides an understanding of the concept of crime in canon law, and then, in the main part of the study, he presents and discusses individual crimes in the order corresponding to their arrangement in the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law devoted to penal sanctions in the Church.

A Theological Reflection on African and Jewish Cultural Views on the Afterlife

This paper examines the African and Jewish views of the afterlife in their cultural contexts. It attempts to draw notable similarities and contrasts between the two. The African view is assessed from a study of relevant literature on the topic while the Jewish view is collated from an Old Testament Scripture passage. The paper evaluates the African afterlife view from a collation of secondary sources that are relevant to the study. It conveys an introduction section to the African view of the afterlife that encapsulates the role of the ancestors and lesser divinities in the African afterlife view. In the Jewish context, the paper evaluates the afterlife from the study of 1 Samuel 28, a passage that reveals the afterlife strand from the context of Jewish theological thought. Samuel’s spirit was recalled from the afterlife abode and he pronounced God’s judgment on king Saul. The paper concludes with a brief summary capturing the key similarities and contrasts between the two cultural worldviews. This study has established that the afterlife is embraced by both societies even though the cultural spectrums on the activities of the spirits of the dead significantly differ in each context. The African and Jewish afterlife views are significant for a cross-cultural religious study between the two views. A comparative study of the two afterlife views is significant in outlining the influence of traditional Jewish theological thought on African Christianity.

Nano lubricants in machining and tribology applications: A state of the art review on challenges and future trend

Nanofluids are a unique class of fluids generally prepared by adding nanosized particles to different types of base fluids, such as water, oil, etc. When nanoparticles are added to the base fluids, their thermophysical parameters like viscosity, heat transfer characteristics, and thermal conductivity are improved and provide good results. For this reason, the demand for fluids enriched with nanoparticles has considerably increased in the manufacturing sector. This comprehensive state-of-the-art review covers nanolubricants' role in friction reduction, wear resistance, and machining efficiency applications. Initially, the lubricants and their properties are revealed in the introduction section. Then, the different types of nanoparticles, their basic structure, and their different applications in machining and tribology are portrayed in different sections. In addition, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the difficulties related to nanofluids and their utilization in machining and tribology. Ultimately, this evaluation provides final comments on the latest advancements in both the academic and industrial sectors, as well as a strategy for future expansion. The results indicated that the fluids loaded with nanoparticles had a beneficial effect in lowering friction and temperature at the primary contact zone.

Is Moore’s Moral Objectivist Argument Sufficient Against Moral Relativism?

This study aims to expose certain weaknesses in Moore’s moral objectivist argument against moral relativism and subjectivism. It suggests that a moral objectivist argument has to explain moral diversity against moral relativism. Moral relativism is one of the most critical debates in metaethics, and it can be interpreted in two different ways: one as moral realism and the other as moral anti-realism. Moral realism, when reduced to moral objectivism, excludes moral relativism and subjectivism beyond moral realism. I will refer to this interpretation as narrowed moral realism. But moral realism can be extended in an inclusive way such as moral subjectivism and relativism. I will refer to this as extended moral realism. Due to the focus of the study, I will introduce both extended moral realism and narrowed moral realism in the introduction section. Then, I will address G. E. Moore's narrowed moral realism. I will criticize his arguments for their failure to explain the diversity of moral codes. Finally, I suggest that moral subjectivism and moral relativism can be appropriately addressed within extended moral realism. Contrary to Moore's claims, I contend that moral relativism and moral subjectivism would be claims within moral realism. I also evaluate the two main claims from a moral realist perspective. Moral subjectivism claims that moral reality is constructed by an individual’s mental state. Moral relativism argues that social codes of human conduct completely determine moral reality. In the first section of the study, I discussed moral relativism from a Moorean perspective, which asserts that there are self-evident and indefinable truths at the foundation of objective morality. The second section contends that if Moore is correct, however, it necessitates an explanation for why different cultures accept different moral codes. The third section argues the fact that Moore fails to provide any explanation for this. In the conclusion part, I claim that moral relativism and moral subjectivism can be viewed as moral realist theories based on the failure of Moore's arguments.

Emotional Intelligence in Text-To-Speech Synthesis in Pali Language Using Fuzzy Logic

The field of emotional text-to-speech (TTS) synthesis is making swift progress within the realm of artificial intelligence, holding immense promise to transform our interaction with technology. By using advanced algorithms to analyze and understand the emotional content of text, these systems are able to produce spoken language that accurately conveys the intended emotional tone of the message. Despite the existence of several Text-To-Speech systems across various languages, Pali language is yet to have its own. As a result, we have taken the initiative to create a Text-To-Speech synthesizer exclusively for Pali. Our system offers an end-to-end solution for emotional speech synthesis via Text-To-Speech. We address the problem by incorporating disentangled, well-grained prosody features with global, sentence-level emotion implanting. These well-grained features learn to denote local prosodic differences disentangled from the speaker, tone, and worldwide emotion label. Prosody is usually modeled by rules, so we have implemented the fuzzy logic system to develop a controller for the prosody of Pali speech. The fuzzy controller handles different linguistic parameters in three types of sentences: interrogative, exclamatory, and declarative. The final system produces comprehensible speech that mimics the appropriate intonation for every type of sentence. In this paper, we introduce and outline the application of a fuzzy paradigm to incorporate a Text-To-Speech system for the Pali language while preserving a rule-based Concatenative synthesizer. In the outline of classic Concatenative TTS systems, we recommend a new method in order to increase Concatenative unit selection computation, directed at increasing synthetic speech perceptual superiority. In order to tackle the problem of phonemes that are prone to multiple descriptions in rule-based speech synthesis, the proposed solution involves a fuzzy system. In the introductory section, we offer a concise description of the current context surrounding the challenge of emotional speech synthesis. The second section of this paper outlines the notable advancements made in emotional speech synthesis, acknowledging the contributions of various researchers in this field. The third section delves into the technical details of implementing a fuzzy system The last section of the paper presents the main conclusions and future research scope.

Feminist political communication in the Global South—an introduction to the special issue

Abstract In this introductory section of the special issue titled “Feminist Political Communication in the Global South” the editors make the case for the broader recognition and deeper examination of feminist political communication across the Global South. Women’s and feminist movements in this context have developed situated knowledges and strategies that make them distinct from the hegemonic (neo)liberal feminisms of the Global North. Furthermore, the recent successes of Global South feminisms demonstrate their ability to influence national and transnational politics in ways that expand freedoms and rights for marginalized constituencies across the world. This special issue offers a glimpse into some of these movements and their political communications, showcasing the political and theoretical value of feminist and women’s rights advocacy.

The Collective Domains in the Ecological Transition: A Preliminary Analysis in an Inner Area in the Campania Region, Italy

The growing attention to the sustainable management of territories leads to a reconsideration of common properties, those institutions which concern property rights belonging to all members of a well-defined community. Spread throughout the world in a variety of forms, they can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the ecological transition promoted by the European Green Deal. In Italy, common properties represent a historical phenomenon, specifically involving rural and mountain areas. Despite the fact that national law regarding collective domains fully recognizes their economic, social, and environmental functions, there is still much to be done in terms of their recognition. As the status of knowledge is lacking, especially in some areas of southern Italy, this article represents a preliminary analysis of the current consistency of collective domains. The introductory section places the topic in the broadest context of ecological transition, tracing its regulatory evolution. Next, collective domains are framed from an economic perspective, highlighting their multidimensional values and emerging assessment issues. The subsequent sections, based on the most recent available data, critically analyze the current supply of collective domains in Italy and in the Campania region. The in-depth analysis of an inner area, characterized by socio-economic marginality, represents the starting point from which it will be possible to identify the demand and to support policy makers and local communities in the valorization of common properties.

Accommodation and Language Contact.

The paper introduces the Special Issue on Language Contact and Speaker Accommodation, which originates from the conference Phonetics and Phonology in Europe (PaPE) held at the University of Lecce, Italy, in 2019. It discusses the topics of language contact and speaker accommodation, summarizing the contributions included in the Special Issue, and arguing explicitly in favour of a unitary view of how both temporary and stable changes happen in (part of) the linguistic systems. Accommodation is seen as the same gradual and non-homogeneous process at play in different contact settings. In the introductory sections, a discussion is offered on various situations in which linguistic systems are in contact and on the main factors that may be at play; the following sections offer an overview of the papers included in the Special Issue, which focus on accommodation in L2 and heritage speakers as well as on the time dimension of dialect or language societal contact. Finally, accommodation is discussed as the same process that is at work in any interaction, that may modify temporarily or long-term the system of L2 learners and bilinguals (e.g., immigrants), that usually affects in the long-term the heritage speakers' system, and that only in the long term can lead to language changes involving entire communities.