bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Admission patterns and risk factors linked with neonatal mortality: A hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Al-Momani Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

Objective: This research was conducted to analyze the elements and factors that link with newborn deaths at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a public teaching hospital in Jordan.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all the neonates admitted to the NICU over a one-year period from 1st of March, 2018 to 28th of February, 2019 at Princess Rahma Pediatric Hospital, Jordan.

Results: Overall, the medical records of 1247 neonates were included in this study. The common causes of admission were sepsis (27.3%), followed by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (24.9%) and asphyxia (13.1%). The majority of the admitted neonates survived (91.9%), and the overall mortality rate was 8.1%. According to the cause-specific death rate analysis, RDS was the most common cause of death rate (35.6%), followed by sepsis (27.7%). Logistic regression analysis results show that gestational age, weight of the baby at birth, and the quick clinical assessment (Apgar) within the first five minutes were the strongest predictors of neonatal mortality (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Sepsis, RDS, and asphyxia were the leading causes of morbidity in neonates. These diseases were also responsible for a high rate of mortality. Understanding the cause of morbidity and mortality of neonates admitted at NICU is useful for prioritizing and planning health services, re-allocating resources, and improving the quality of care.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2281

How to cite this:Al-Momani MM. Admission patterns and risk factors linked with neonatal mortality: A hospital-based retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1371-1376. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2281

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Endometriosis within the sigmoid colon: A rare cause of bowel obstruction
Authors: Long-zhi Zheng , Jian Guo , Wei Lin
Published: July 2020

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, ectopic endometrium can invade any part of the body, usually in the ovary and uterine sacral ligament, while endometriosis invades the intestinal wall to cause intestinal obstruction is very rare, which easily leads to misdiagnosis. In this case report, we present a case of sigmoid endometriosis with bowel obstruction. Pathological examination is the main basis for the diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis, and the comprehensive treatment of surgery and hormonal therapy is an effective method for the treatment of intestinal endometriosis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2525

How to cite this:Long-zhi Z, Jian G, Wei L. Endometriosis within the sigmoid colon: A rare cause of bowel obstruction. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1421-1424. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2525

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
H νόσος του κινητικού νευρώνα - υπάρχει άραγε ελπίδα;
Authors: Δαρμανή Έλλη , Δοσοπούλου Ελένη , Λυμπεροπούλου Δήμητρα , Ξενοπούλου Δήμητρα-Ιωάννα
Published: July 2020

Με αφορμή τον πρόσφατο θάνατο του κορυφαίου κοσμολόγου και θεωρητικού φυσικού Στίβεν Χόκινγκ, θα ασχοληθούμε με μια σοβαρή νόσο του κεντρικού νευρικού συστήματος, τη νόσο του κινητικού νευρώνα ή αμυοτροφική πλάγια σκλήρυνση ή νόσο του Lou Gehrig, από τον διάσημο παίκτη του μπέιζμπολ που πέθανε από τη νόσο αυτή, το 1941. Αρχικά αναλύουμε τη φυσιολογία της πάθησης σε σχέση με την ανατομία του κινητικού νευρώνα, στη συνέχεια περιγράφουμε τα κλινικά συμπτώματα, την εξέλιξη της νόσου και το πώς την ξεχωρίζουμε από άλλες παρεμφερείς παθήσεις. Η αντιμετώπιση της νόσου και συγκεκριμένα των συμπτωμάτων απαιτεί πολυθεματική ιατρική ομάδα. Τελευταία έχει αναπτυχθεί τεχνολογία που επιτρέπει τη δημιουργία και μελέτη των κινητικών νευρώνων από ασθενείς στο εργαστήριο. Συγκρίνοντας τους κινητικούς νευρώνες με αυτούς από υγιείς οργανισμούς, οι επιστήμονες έχουν εντοπίσει πολλές από τις βλάβες, που οδηγούν στον θάνατο των νευρικών κυττάρων. Η χρήση των βλαστοκυττάρων σαφώς και βελτιώνει την κλινική εικόνα των ασθενών, είναι η μόνη μέθοδος που μέχρι σήμερα έχει οδηγήσει τη νόσο σε ύφεση, έστω και για περιορισμένο χρονικό διάστημα. H προσπάθεια θα πρέπει να εστιαστεί στη μόνιμη παραμονή των βλαστοκυττάρων στην περιοχή της βλάβης του νωτιαίου μυελού και στη συνεχή ενεργοποίησή τους. Η εφαρμογή γονιδιακής θεραπείας μείωσε την υπερδραστηριότητα των κινητικών νευρώνων οι οποίοι εκπέμπουν συνεχώς ηλεκτρικά σήματα και έδωσε ελπίδες στους ασθενείς.
Οικοποίηση του Κόκκινου πλανήτη
Authors: Παπαδοπούλου Αλεξάνδρα , Ρίτσας Αθανάσιος , Φλώρου Παρασκευή , Γρηγοριάδου Κυριακή , Παπαδόπουλος Σταύρος
Published: July 2020

Τα τελευταία χρόνια, με τις ραγδαίες διαστημικές ανακαλύψεις, η επιστημονική κοινότητα έχει οδηγηθεί στην υπόθεση πως ο πλανήτης Άρης χαρακτηρίζεται από μία μακρόχρονη ιστορία και πως το ψυχρό, αφιλόξενο περιβάλλον του που γνωρίζουμε σήμερα πιθανόν να ήταν στο παρελθόν παρόμοιο με αυτό της Γης, με συνθήκες καταλληλότερες για την επιβίωση μορφών ζωής. Η παρούσα βιβλιογραφική εργασία αποσκοπεί στη διερεύνηση μεθόδων για την αναδιαμόρφωση και οικοποίηση αυτού του πλανήτη, ώστε να είναι εφικτή η μακροχρόνια ανάπτυξη και εξέλιξη γήινων μορφών ζωής.
A Journey of Hope: giving research participants a voice to share their experiences and improve community engagement around advanced HIV disease in Uganda
Authors: Cresswell Fiona V. , Kasibante John , Martyn Emily M. , Tugume Lillian , Stead Gavin , Ssembambulidde Kenneth , Rutakingirwa Morris K. , Kagimu Enock , Nsangi Laura , Namuju Carol , Ndyetukira Jane F. , Ahimbisibwe Cynthia , Kugonza Florence , Sadiq Alisat , Namudde Alice , Dobbin Joanna , Srishyla Diksha , Quinn Carson , Kabahubya Mable , Muzoora Conrad , Watiti Stephen , Meya David B. , Elliott Alison M.
Published: July 2020

Over the last decade excellent progress has been made globally in HIV management thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART) rollout and international guidelines now recommending immediate initiation of ART in all HIV-positive people. Despite this, advanced HIV disease (CD4 less than 200 cells/mL) and opportunistic infections remain a persistent challenge and contribute significantly to HIV-associated mortality, which equates to 23,000 deaths in Uganda in 2018 alone. Our Meningitis Research Team based in Uganda is committed to conducting clinical trials to answer important questions regarding diagnostics and management of HIV-associated opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis. However, clinical research is impossible without research participants and results are meaningless unless they are translated into benefits for those affected by the disease. Therefore, we held a series of community engagement events with the aims of giving clinical research participants a voice in sharing their experiences of clinical research and messages of hope around advanced HIV disease with the community, dispelling myths and stigma around HIV, raising awareness about the complications of advanced HIV disease and local ongoing clinical research and recent scientific advances. The purpose of this Open Letter is to describe our community engagement experience in Uganda, which we hope will lay the foundation for further clinical research public engagement activities, giving research participants a greater voice to share their experiences.
Isolation and characterization of a novel Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain variant that uses biohazardous saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds as sole carbon sources
Authors: Mitra Mautusi , Nguyen Kevin Manoap-Anh-Khoa , Box Taylor Wayland , Gilpin Jesse Scott , Hamby Seth Ryan , Berry Taylor Lynne , Duckett Erin Harper
Published: July 2020

Background: Green micro-alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (a Chlorophyte), can be cultured in the laboratory heterotrophically or photo-heterotrophically in Tris-Phosphate-Acetate (TAP) medium, which contains acetate as the carbon source. Chlamydomonas can convert acetate in the TAP medium to glucose via the glyoxylate cycle, a pathway present in many microbes and higher plants. A novel bacterial strain, CC4533, was isolated from a contaminated TAP agar medium culture plate of a Chlamydomonas wild type strain. In this article, we present our research on the isolation, and biochemical and molecular characterizations of CC4533.

Methods: We conducted several microbiological tests and spectrophotometric analyses to biochemically characterize CC4533. The 16S rRNA gene of CC4533 was partially sequenced for taxonomic identification. We monitored the growth of CC4533 on Tris-Phosphate (TP) agar medium (lacks a carbon source) containing different sugars, aromatic compounds and saturated hydrocarbons, to see if CC4533 can use these chemicals as the sole source of carbon.

Results: CC4533 is a Gram-negative, non-enteric yellow pigmented, aerobic, mesophilic bacillus. It is alpha-hemolytic and oxidase-positive. CC4533 can ferment glucose, sucrose and lactose, is starch hydrolysis-negative, resistant to penicillin, polymyxin B and chloramphenicol. CC4533 is sensitive to neomycin. Preliminary spectrophotometric analyses indicate that CC4533 produces b-carotenes. NCBI-BLAST analyses of the partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of CC4533 show 99.55% DNA sequence identity to that of Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain PR86 and S. yanoikuyae strain NRB095. CC4533 can use cyclo-chloroalkanes, saturated hydrocarbons present in car motor oil, polyhydroxyalkanoate, and mono- and poly-cyclic aromatic compounds, as sole carbon sources for growth.

Conclusions: Taxonomically, CC4533 is very closely related to the alpha-proteobacterium S. yanoikuyae, whose genome has been sequenced. Future research is needed to probe the potential of CC4533 for environmental bioremediation. Whole genome sequencing of CC4533 will confirm if it is a novel strain of S. yanoikuyae or a new Sphingobium species.
Platform Competition with Multihoming on Both Sides: Subsidize or Not?
Authors: Bakos Yannis , Halaburda Hanna
Published: July 2020

A major result in the study of two-sided platforms is the strategic interdependence between the two sides of the same platform, leading to the implication that a platform can maximize its total profits by subsidizing one of its sides. We show that this result largely depends on assuming that at least one side of the market single-homes. As technology makes joining multiple platforms easier, we increasingly observe that participants on both sides of two-sided platforms multihome. The case of multihoming on both sides is mostly ignored in the literature on competition between two-sided platforms. We help to fill this gap by developing a model for platform competition in a differentiated setting (a Hotelling line), which is similar to other models in the literature but focuses on the case where at least some agents on each side multihome. We show that when both sides in a platform market multihome, the strategic interdependence between the two sides of the same platform will diminish or even disappear. Our analysis suggests that the common strategic advice to subsidize one side in order to maximize total profits may be limited or even incorrect when both sides multihome, which is an important caveat given the increasing prevalence of multihoming in platform markets.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Implementation of a nationwide universal ultrasound screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the neonatal hip in Mongolia
Authors: Ulziibat Munkhtulga , Munkhuu Bayalag , Schmid Raoul , Baumann Thomas , Essig Stefan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Mongolia is the first Asian country to launch universal ultrasound screening for newborns with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The aims of this study were to determine the coverage and treatment rate of this programme.

Methods

Data from birth statistics and ultrasound hip screening from 29 hospitals were retrospectively reviewed (2010 to 2016, pre-nationwide phase; and 2017 to 2019, nationwide programme). DDH was diagnosed using the Graf-technique and treated according to ‘ABCD’, a modified Graf classification (Group A: Graf Type 1, mature; B: 2a, physiologically immature; C: 2c to 3, early DDH; D: 4, dislocated). Group B children were followed with monthly ultrasound. Group C and D children were treated with a flexion and abduction orthosis (Tübingen). Screeners used a web-based platform to upload images for quality surveillance.

Results

Between 2017 and 2019, 230 079 live births were registered and 176 388 newborns screened. The nationwide screening coverage rate in newborns increased from 73.6% in 2017 to 82.1% in 2019. Group A (148 510 children, 84.2%) was discharged, while Group B (25 820, 14.6%) was followed. Among children in Group B, 284 cases worsened to Group C and were, therefore, treated with a Tübingen orthosis. The remaining 2058 (1.2%) of newborns with DDH were treated with a Tübingen orthosis, including 1999 newborns in Group C and 59 in Group D. Since 2017, a total of 142 860 (81.0%) hip sonograms were uploaded to the platform.

Conclusion

A simplified diagnostic and therapeutic framework for ultrasound DDH screening for newborns was successfully deployed in Mongolia, a developing country, providing high surveillance coverage and appropriate treatment. Level of evidence: IV
Design and Experimental Analysis of a Stirring Device for a Pneumatic Precision Rice Seed Metering Device
Authors: Xing He , Zang Ying , Wang Man Zai , Luo Wen Xi , Zhang Hua Ming , Ma Xin Yue , Fang Yu Long
Published: July 2020

Highlights

The problems of high resistance to seed sucking and the poor stability of seed sucking were solved.

A mechanical model was established for seeds in a seed stirring device.

The optimum parameters of the seed stirring device were obtained.

Seeding precision was improved, providing a reference for the seed sucking process.

Abstract. To achieve a goal of precision seeding with 1 to 3 seeds per hill and to solve problems in a pneumatic rice seed metering device, including high resistance to seed sucking, poor stability of seed suction, and low seeding precision, a cylindrical seed stirring device was designed. The design was based on the characteristics of the rice seed flow in the seed suction area. A mechanical model of the rice seed in the seed stirring device was established. The relationships between the seed fluidity and the parameters of the seed stirring device were simulated with EDEM software. The effects of seed fluidity on the seed suction area were analyzed under different seed stirring device parameters. To analyze the influences of different parameters of the seed stirring device on seed stirring and to observe the relationships between different parameters and rice seeds, high-speed photography was used to observe the seed sucking and stirring processes. The super hybrid rice Y-2 You 900 was selected as the test material. The seeding precision was tested at different rotating speeds, negative pressures, and parameters of the seed stirring device. The test results showed that an increase in the diameter and thickness of the seed stirring device was beneficial for increasing the seed absorption rate and reducing the missed seed rate but also increased the rate of multiple-seed sucking and reduced the seeding precision. The optimal parameters of the seed stirring device were a cylinder thickness of 2 mm and a diameter of 5 mm. This study provides a certain reference basis for the seed suction process of a pneumatic seed metering device. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Precision seeding, Rice sowing, Seed stirring device, Seeder.
Analisis Situasi Pembangunan Manusia di Jawa Tengah
Authors: Sugiyono Laeli
Published: July 2020

This study aims to analyze the disclosure distribution of the position regency/city in Central Java based on the linkage of Economic Growth (EG) and Human Development Index (HDI). The study uses secondary data in the form of cross-sectional regional regency/city based on EG and HDI components. Data analysis uses regency/city distribution plot diagram based on EG and HDI components in the Cartesian diagram which divides the space into 4 Quadrants, namely: Quadrant I of the regency/city distribution plots with high EG and HDI, Quadrant II of the regency/city distribution plots with low EG and high HDI, Quadrant III of the regency/city distribution plots with high EG and low HDI, and Quadrant IV of the regency/city distribution plots with low EG and HDI. This study concludes that the position of cities in Central Java in general is in line with the Quadrant I group, the HDI of regency/city in the area of the ex-Semarang and ex-Surakarta residency is in Quadrant I. Other regencies/cities are spread in Quadrant II, III, and IV.

Keywords : human development index, economic growth, Central Java, distribution plot

 
The theoretical description for the electrochemical determination of 4-4´-dihydroxyazobenzene, assisted by a composite of squaraine dye with cobalt (iii) oxyhydroxide in pair with cobalt (iv) oxide
Authors: Tkach Volodymyr Valentynovych , Kushnir Marta V. , Ahafonova Oleksandra V. , Mytchenok Mariia P. , Bocharov Andrii V. , Kovalchuk Petro Ye. , De Oliveira Sílvio C. , Yagodynets Petro I. , Kormosh Zholt O. , Dos Reis Lucinda Vaz , Bredikhina Yulia L. , Ivanushko Yana G. , Nazymok Yevgeniya V.
Published: July 2020

The theoretical description for 4-4´-dihydroxyazobenzene CoO(OH) – assisted electrochemical determination in the mushroom pulp, food, and biological liquids has been described. In this system, a squaraine dye is used as a Cobalt(III)oxyhydroxide stabilizer and electron transfer mediator. It is shown that, contrary to the large part of the systems with cobalt (III) oxyhydroxide, this system will behave more stably, providing an efficient diffusion-controlled process. On the other hand, the oscillatory and monotonic instabilities, although possible, are caused by the double electric layer influences of either chemical or electrochemical stage.
Community-based personal support workers’ responses to health and safety risks: tensions between individual and collective responsibility
Authors: Barken Rachel , Denton Margaret , Brookman Catherine , Davies Sharon , Zeytinoglu Isik U.
Published: July 2020

Across sectors, neo-liberal logics render individual workers responsible for health and safety while limiting public protections against hazards. This article considers how ‘responsibilisation’ strategies shape responses to health and safety risks among community-based personal support workers in Ontario, Canada. Using mixed-methods data, we consider how structural and demographic conditions exacerbate risks. We argue that the relational aspects of care and the private nature of working in clients’ homes shape perceptions of individual responsibility, even when organisations provide supports. We engage with feminist political economy to articulate the macro-, meso- and micro-dynamics relevant to health and safety in this feminised occupation.
Neuroeducation: Teaching with the brain
Authors: Rueda Charo
Published: July 2020

Schooling is an essential and distinctive feature of human beings. Advances in neuroimaging have helped to understand the peculiarities of the human brain and how they relate to our interest on sharing knowledge. The human brain is an organ that evolved to enable the cognitive skills that allow social learning. In turn, education and experience have a major impact on the development of the human brain. The emerging field of Neuroeducation aims at including information about the brain processes related to cognitive skills involved in learning to the efforts of the education community to optimize the transmission and assimilation of knowledge.
"Nada vive más que el fantasma"
Authors: Sánchez Gómez Pablo Bernardo
Published: July 2020

Reseña de Rocha, D. (2019). Deconstrucción de la pena de muerte. Madrid: Oficina de Arte y Ediciones.
Efficient video-based breathing pattern and respiration rate monitoring for remote health monitoring
Authors: Siam Ali I. , El-Bahnasawy Nirmeen A. , El Banby Ghada M. , Abou Elazm Atef , Abd El-Samie Fathi E.
Published: July 2020

A contact-free inexpensive measurement system with an algorithm based
on the integral form of video frames is proposed to estimate the
respiration rate from an extracted respiration pattern. The proposed
algorithm is applied and tested on 28 videos of sleeping-simulated
positions, and the results are compared with the manual visual
inspection values. With linear regression, the determination
coefficient (

R
2

) is 0.961, which demonstrates high
agreement with reference measurements. In addition, the Bland–Altman
plot shows that almost all data points are within the 95% limits of
agreement. Moreover, the time complexity of the proposed algorithm,
which involves taking just a single point value of the integral image,
is lower than that of traditional methods that circulate over a large
number of points. In other words, the proposed algorithm achieves

O
(

1

)

fixed-time complexity compared to

O
(

N
2

)

for traditional methods. The average
speed of processing is enhanced by about 17.4%.
Dipolar analysis of substrated particles using a far-field response method
Authors: Hesari-Shermeh Maryam , Abbasi-Arand Bijan , Yazdi Mohammad
Published: July 2020

The presence of a substrate, when working with nanoparticles, is
essential in many applications, like optical nanoantennas, solar
cells, and sensing. Understanding the effects of substrates upon the
nanoparticles is, therefore, important, as the substrates typically
affect the resonance behaviors of particles, as well as the
interactions between their electric and magnetic resonances. In order
to better understand the impacts of substrates in practical
applications with nanoparticles, this paper presents a semianalytical
method to calculate the polarizability tensors of individual
nanoparticles located on dielectric substrates. This approach is based
on a sampling of the scattered far-field responses to plane-wave
illuminations from structures. By using scattered far fields, the
induced electric and magnetic dipole moments are calculated at the
geometrical center of a particle. Then, using these dipole moments,
the individual polarizability tensors of the substrated particle are
calculated. To show the accuracy of the proposed method, the numerical
results of different particles on a substrate are compared to two
other approaches, and the results are shown to be in good agreement
with these approaches. Moreover, the effect of the refractive index of
the substrate and the geometric characteristics of the particle on the
substrate-induced bianisotropy are also investigated. The proposed
method clearly demonstrates how a particle without any bianisotropic
interaction in free space can possess this property in the presence of
a dielectric substrate.
Thermo-optic properties of silicon-rich silicon nitride for on-chip applications
Authors: Nejadriahi Hani , Friedman Alex , Sharma Rajat , Pappert Steve , Fainman Yeshaiahu , Yu Paul
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate the thermo-optic properties of silicon-rich silicon nitride (SRN) films deposited using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Shifts in the spectral response of Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) as a function of temperature were used to characterize the thermo-optic coefficients of silicon nitride films with varying silicon contents. A clear relation is demonstrated between the silicon content and the exhibited thermo-optic coefficient in silicon nitride films, with the highest achievable coefficient being as high as (1.65±0.08) ×10−4 K-1. Furthermore, we realize an SRN multi-mode interferometer (MMI) based thermo-optic switch with over 20 dB extinction ratio and total power consumption for two-port switching of 50 mW.
Parametric attosecond pulse amplification far from the ionization threshold from high order harmonic generation in He+
Authors: Serrat C. , Seres J. , Seres E. , Dinh T. H. , Hasegawa N. , Nishikino M. , Namba S.
Published: July 2020

Parametric amplification of attosecond coherent pulses around 100 eV at the single–atom level is demonstrated for the first time by using the 3D time–dependent Schrödinger equation in high–harmonic generation processes from excited states of He+. We present the attosecond dynamics of the amplification process far from the ionization threshold and resolve the physics behind it. The amplification of a particular central photon energy requires the seed XUV pulses to be perfectly synchronized in time with the driving laser field for stimulated recombination to the He+ground state and is only produced in a few specific laser cycles in agreement with the experimental measurements. Our simulations show that the amplified photon energy region can be controlled by varying the peak intensity of the laser field. Our results pave the way to the realization of compact attosecond pulse intense XUV lasers with broad applications.
Ultrafast intermodal third harmonic generation in a liquid core step-index fiber filled with C2Cl4
Authors: Schaarschmidt Kay , Kobelke Jens , Nolte Stefan , Meyer Tobias , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: July 2020

Third harmonic generation in a circular liquid core step-index fiber filled with a highly transparent inorganic solvent is demonstrated experimentally using ultrafast pump pulses of different durations in the telecom domain for the first time. Specifically we achieve intermodal phase matching to the HE13 higher order mode at the harmonic wavelength and found clear indications of a non-instantaneous molecular contribution to the total nonlinearity in the spectral broadening of the pump. Spectral power evolution and efficiency of the conversion process is studied for all pulse parameters, while we found the greatest photon yield for the longest pulses as well as an unexpected blue-shift of the third harmonic wavelength with increasing pump power. Our results provide the basis for future studies aiming at using this tunable fiber platform with a sophisticated nonlinear response in the context of harmonic generation.
Image-free real-time 3-D tracking of a fast-moving object using dual-pixel detection
Authors: Deng Qiwen , Zhang Zibang , Zhong Jingang
Published: July 2020

Real-time 3-D tracking of a fast-moving object has found important applications in industry, traffic control, sports, biomedicine, defense, etc. However, it is difficult to adopt typical image-based object tracking systems in a fast-moving object tracking in real time and for a long duration, because reliable and robust image processing and analysis algorithms are often computationally exhausted, and limited storage and bandwidth can hardly fulfill the great demand of high-speed photography. Here we report an image-free 3-D tracking approach. The approach uses only two single-pixel detectors and a high-speed spatial light modulator for data acquisition. By illuminating the target moving object with six single-period Fourier basis patterns, the approach is able to analytically calculate the position of the object with the corresponding single-pixel measurements. The approach is low-cost, and data- and computation-efficient. We experimentally demonstrate that the proposed approach can detect and track a fast-moving object at a frame rate of 1666 frames per second by using a 10,000 Hz digital micromirror device. Benefiting from the wide working spectrum of single-pixel detectors, the reported approach might be applicable for hidden fast-moving object tracking.
Suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fibers by tilted fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Tian Xin , Zhao Xiaofan , Wang Meng , Wang Zefeng
Published: July 2020

Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) has significant influence on optical fiber communication (OFC), optical fiber sensing (OFS), and narrow-linewidth fiber laser (NLFL) systems. How to effectively suppress it has always been a challenge. In this Letter, we propose and demonstrate a versatile solution, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, by using tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs). A specially designed and fabricated TFBG can be used as an ultra-narrow spectral filter, precisely matching with the operation laser wavelength and the tiny frequency shift due to SBS. Experimental results show that the backward Stokes can be strongly rejected with a filtering ratio of  

>

10

d
B

; meanwhile, an obvious increasing of SBS threshold is observed with a maximum value of 1.7 times that without the TFBG, which enhances the effective transmission power by 33%. The operation stability of this method also is validated. This work opens new opportunities for SBS suppression in OFC, OFS, and high-power NLFL systems.
Multiphoton photoreduction for dual-wavelength-light-driven shrinkage and actuation in hydrogel
Authors: Mizuguchi Kosuke , Nagano Yo , Nishiyama Hiroaki , Onoe Hiroaki , Terakawa Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2020

The dual-wavelength-driven shrinkage of metal microstructures and hydrogel actuation are demonstrated by the fabrication of multi-metal microstructures in hydrogels by multiphoton photoreduction. Silver and gold microstructures were fabricated in a poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAm) hydrogel. Because of the different optical resonances of the metals, wavelength-dependent shrinkage of metal microstructures was demonstrated concurrently with the volume change of the supporting hydrogel by light stimulation. Furthermore, the direction of actuation of the hydrogel was controlled by switching the wavelength of light stimulation. The results indicate the potential of multiphoton photoreduction for applications in light-driven optical components and micro-robots fabricated with soft materials.
Studies of thorium and ytterbium ion trap loading from laser ablation for gravity monitoring with nuclear clocks
Authors: Piotrowski Marcin , Scarabel Jordan , Lobino Mirko , Streed Erik , Gensemer Stephen
Published: July 2020

Compact and robust ion traps for thorium are enabling technology for the next generation of atomic clocks based on a low-energy isomeric transition in the thorium-229 nucleus. We aim at a laser ablation loading of single triply ionized thorium in a radio-frequency electromagnetic linear Paul trap. Detection of ions is based on a modified mass spectrometer and a channeltron with single-ion sensitivity. In this study, we successfully created and detected 232Th+ and 232Th2+ ions from plasma plumes, studied their yield evolution, and compared the loading to a quadrupole ion trap with Yb. We explore the feasibility of laser ablation loading for future low-cost 229Th3+ trapping. The thorium ablation yield shows a strong depletion, suggesting that we have ablated oxide layers from the surface and the ions were a result of the plasma plume evolution and collisions. Our results are in good agreement with similar experiments for other elements and their oxides.
Widely tunable, heterogeneously integrated quantum-dot O-band lasers on silicon
Authors: Malik Aditya , Guo Joel , Tran Minh A. , Kurczveil Geza , Liang Di , Bowers John E.
Published: July 2020

Heterogeneously integrated lasers in the O-band are a key component in realizing low-power optical interconnects for data centers and high-performance computing. Quantum-dot-based materials have been particularly appealing for light generation due to their ultralow lasing thresholds, small linewidth enhancement factor, and low sensitivity to reflections. Here, we present widely tunable quantum-dot lasers heterogeneously integrated on silicon-on-insulator substrate. The tuning mechanism is based on Vernier dual-ring geometry, and a 47 nm tuning range with 52 dB side-mode suppression ratio is observed. These parameters show an increase to 52 nm and 58 dB, respectively, when an additional wavelength filter in the form of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer is added to the cavity. The Lorentzian linewidth of the lasers is measured as low as 5.3 kHz.
The chartered accountant profession in South Africa: In dire need of decoloniality and ubuntu principles
Authors: Terblanche Judith , Waghid Yusef
Published: July 2020

The chartered accountant (CA) profession plays a significant role in the South African business society, as individual members often fulfil leadership positions. Consequently, whether CAs are cultivated into being responsible and socially just leaders whilst they are at higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa is an important aspect to consider. Decoloniality and ubuntu principles, those associated with restoring human dignity through recognition, contribute to the fostering of the appropriate conditions for human engagement that could result in a social awareness. So far, the CA profession has largely ignored the call for decoloniality, and we argue for a certain response by the profession that will result in meaningful transformation of the profession, the fostering of relationships, and a socially just consciousness. In particular, such a response has to do with openness towards other knowledge systems, a willingness to deliberate and the adoption of deliberative teaching and learning approaches.
Prevalence, molecular detection, and virulence gene profiles of Campylobacter species in humans and foods of animal origin
Authors: Barakat Ashraf M. A. , Abd El-Razik Khaled A. , Elfadaly Hassan A. , Rabie Nagwa S. , Sadek Sabry A. S. , Almuzaini Abdulaziz M.
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim: Campylobacteriosis is one of the most well-characterized bacterial foodborne infections worldwide that arise chiefly due to the consumption of foods of animal origin such as poultry, milk, and their products. The disease is caused by numerous species within the genus Campylobacter, but Campylobacter jejuni is the most commonly isolated species from established cases of human campylobacteriosis. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and virulence of Campylobacter isolates from human, chicken, and milk and milk products in Egypt.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1299 samples (547 chicken intestine and liver, 647 milk and milk products, and 105 human stool) were collected and microbiologically investigated, confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 23S rRNA, hipO, and glyA genes specific for Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni, and Campylobacter Coli, respectively, followed by virulence genes (Campylobacter adhesion to fibronectin F [cadF] and cdtB) detection using PCR.

Results: About 38.09%, 37.84%, and 8.5% of human stool, chicken, and milk and milk product samples, respectively, were bacteriologically positive, with a total of 302 Campylobacter isolates. All isolates were molecularly confirmed as Campylobacter spp. (100%) where 285 isolates (94.37%) were identified as C. jejuni and 17 isolates (5.62%) as C. coli. Regarding the virulence pattern, all isolates (100%) carried cadF gene while cytolethal distending toxin B gene was definite in 284/302 isolates (94%), concisely, 282/285 (98.94%) C. jejuni isolates, and in 2/17 (11.76%) C. coli isolates.

Conclusion: The widespread presence of these highly virulent Campylobacter, especially C. jejuni, proofs the urgent need for the implementation of stringent control, public health, and food protection strategies to protect consumers from this zoonotic pathogen. The availability of information about pathogen virulence will enable enhanced local policy drafting by food safety and public health officials.
Chemical Composition in Essential Oils of Schefflera octophylla L. Harvested in Hai Duong Province, Vietnam
Authors: Toan Tran Quoc , Long Pham Quoc , Quan Pham Minh , Kim Gan Tran Thi , Huyen Luu Van , Hai Ha Pham Thi
Published: July 2020

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from Schefflera
octophylla L. harvested in Pha Dong commune, Chi Linh district, Hai Duong province, Vietnam. To
determine the concentration of volatile components, GC - MS was performed. The results showed that
the content of volatile substances occupied 97.07% of essential oils. Some main ingredients having
medicinal properties were myrcene (9.0%), cis-β-elemene (6.67%), E-caryophylene (β-caryophylene)
(24.91%), α-selinene (6.30%), β-selinene (7.29%). This study opens new potentials in the application
of chemical ingredients in the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture and in some therapeutic
activities.
Physico-Chemical and Biocompatibility of Poly(vinyl alcohol):
Polyethylene Glycol/κ-Carragreenan Membrane by Freeze-Gelation Method
Authors: Nasalapure Anand V. , Chalannavar Raju Krishna , Kasai Deepak R.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to fabricate membrane based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA):polyethylene glycol (PEG)/κ-carragreenan (KC)
with different weight ratio (w/v) by freeze gelation method. The prepared membrane was characterized by using SEM, FT-IR, TGA, AFM
and XRD techniques. The results revealed that FTIR and SEM showed good molecular interaction among the PVA/PEG with κ-carragreenan.
The rate of thermal degradation stabilized with increased κ-carragreenan ratio and also increased the percent of crystallinity. Further water
uptake also performed under phosphate buffer saline (PBS) media and results showed increased rate of swelling with increased κ-
carragreenan concentration, which enhanced the stability of water uptake. Moreover cell viability performed using MTT method. The
highest compatibility showed for lower concentration κ-carragreenan (PVA/PEG/KC10%). Overall results exhibited moderate swelling
and degradation, good mechanical properties with strong molecular interaction between PVA/PEG with κ-carragreenan these all characters
might have advantage in the field of biomedical applications.
Identification and Detection of Finasteride Polymorphs in Finasteride Tablets by FT-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Sekhara Rao M. Chandra , Krishna Reddy R. Chenna , Chandra Sekhar K.B. , Rami Reddy Y.V.
Published: July 2020

A simple FT-Raman spectroscopic method was developed for identification of finasteride polymorph form in finished dosage form.
Finasteride polymorph form I was used in the tablet preparation and the weight fraction of finasteride in tablet was only about 0.023. The
method was successfully used to identify the polymorphic form of finasteride in tablet and also to detect up to a level of about 15% of the
other polymorph of finasteride present in the solid dosage. The dosage form was characterized by different techniques i.e. powdered X-ray
diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Based on literature survey, only Raman spectroscopy method is able to
identify the polymorph of finasteride in dosage form.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Thermal and Biological
Studies of Some Metal Complexes with Aroyl Hydrazone Based Ligand
Authors: Aswar A.S. , Thakare K.A.
Published: July 2020

The metal complexes of Ti(III), Cr(III), Fe(III), VO(IV), MoO2(VI), WO2(VI), Th(IV) have been
synthesized with hydrazone ligand. The mononucleating hydrazone ligand has been synthesized via
condensation reaction between pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide and 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone in 1:1
ratio. The ligand and its complexes were studied on the basis of elemental analysis, magnetic
susceptibility measurements, IR and electronic spectra, TGA, XRD, 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy and
SEM analysis. Spectroscopic and magnetic studies suggest coordination of most of the metal complexes
in a regular octahedral around the central metal ions except vanadium which is square pyramidal. Free
ligand as well as its metal complexes were screened against the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The
inhibition data revealed that metal complexes exhibit higher inhibition potential against growth of
bacteria and fungi than free ligand.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Luminescent Properties of Ni(II) Complex
Bearing 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl and Isothiocyanate Ligands for OLED Applications
Authors: Basavaraja Thippeswamy , Vijayakumar Giriyapura R.
Published: July 2020

An octahedral Ni(II) complex viz. diisothiocyanatobis(dmbpy)nickel(II) (3) based on 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-
bipyridine (dmbpy) ligand was prepared by conventional method under mild reaction conditions. Besides
analyzing FT-IR spectrum and the determination of percentages of atoms of elements, a thorough
investigation of thermal and photophysical properties of the present complex was carried out. Diffuse
reflectance spectrum of the complex scanned in the range 200-1100 nm displayed a prominent peak at
455 nm, with exhibiting reflectance percentage of 45. The measured band gap energy of the complex
obtained by following Kubelka-Munk (K-M) function was found to be 2.18 eV. The photoluminescence
spectra that incorporated excitation and emission spectra exposed the likely possibility of emission of
blue light by the complex, for which the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of
(0.3009, 0.2942) were calculated. A fairly high thermal stability of the synthesized complex with the
incorporation of thiocyanate ligands, practically confirmed by simultaneous TG-DTA measurements,
could be explored for application as an emissive layer in the fabrication of OLED devices.
Effect of Doping Nano Samarium(III) Oxide in PVA+Na3C6H5O7 Films for Battery Applications
Authors: Babu J. Ramesh , Ravindhranath K. , Kumar K.Vijaya
Published: July 2020

The effect of doping nano Sm2O3 particles in PVA + Na3C6H5O7 (90:10% w/w) polymer composite
films on the structural, thermal, electrical properties and battery parameters are investigated. The PVA
+ Na3C6H5O7 + nano Sm2O3 (90:10:1- 4% w/w) films were synthesized and characterized. A 2% w/w
Sm2O3 film was relatively homogeneous with high amorphous in nature enabled the movement of
nanoparticles in the matrix of polymer under potential gradient. The maximum conductivity was 2.09
× 10-3 S cm-1 for 2% w/w nano Sm2O3 film and it is 7 orders more than polyvinyl alcohol. The films
were adopted in batteries with configuration: Anode (Mg+MgSO4)/[{PVA:Na3C6H5O7 (90:10% w/w)}
+ nano Sm2O3 (1-4% w/w)]/cathode (iodine + carbon + pieces of electrolyte) and battery parameters
were assessed. The discharge time is 174 h with the cell having 2.0% w/w nano Sm2O3 film. These
nano Sm2O3 doped films are successfully adopted in the fabrication of batteries and also the proposed
cells are simple, effective, eco-friendly and economical.
Synthesis of Spirohydantoins and Schiff Bases of Indenoquinoxalinones and Indenopyridopyrazinones
Authors: Song J.H. , Bae S.M. , Shin H.Y. , Jung D.I. , Cho J.H.
Published: July 2020

The main structure of many compounds containing spirohydantoin and Schiff bases of
indenoquinoxalines and indenopyridopyrazinones expose valuable pharmacological properties. Herein,
an effective synthesis and stereochemistry of indenoquinoxalinones (2a, 2b+bi~2d+di) and
indenopyridopyrazinones (2e+ei~g+gi) via the reaction of ninhydrin with desirable diamines is reported.
We synthesized the corres-ponding spirohydantoins (3a, 3b~d and 3bi~di) from synthesized
indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalinones and indeno[1,2-b]pyrido[3,2-e]pyrazinones with the standard
Bucherer-Bergs conditions (KCN, ammonium carbonate, acetonitrile, refluxing, without NaHSO3).
And also synthesized the azomethine analogs (4~8+8i) of tetracyclic indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalinones as
a Schiff base.
[3+2] Cycloadditions: Part XXXV. Selective Cycloadditions of
C-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N-methyl Nitrone to Cinnamic Acid Anilides
Authors: Sengupta Sumana , Banerji Avijit , Prangé Thierry , Neuman Alain , Hazra Jayram
Published: July 2020

[3+2] Cycloadditions of nitrones as three-atom components to alkenes yield isoxazolidine cycloadducts,
which on chemical transformations can be converted to bioactive compounds. The [3+2] cycloadditions
route thus provides conversion of simple natural products to more complex naturally occurring bioactive
nitrogen heterocycles, and close analogues. As α,β-unsaturated amides abundantly occur as natural
products, [3+2] cycloadditions of nitrones with simpler α,β-unsaturated amides were studied to get
information about reactivity profiles. The reactions of C-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl nitrone as
three-atom component to cinnamic acid anilides were investigated. The 3,4-trans-4,5-trans-4-
carboxanilido-2-methyl-3,5-diaryl isoxazolidines were the major cycloadducts; the diastereoisomeric
3,4-cis-4,5-trans-4-carboxanilido-2-methyl-3,5-diaryl isoxazolidines and regioisomeric 3,4-trans-4,5-
trans-5-carboxanilido-2-methyl-3,4-diaryl isoxazolidines were obtained as minor cycloadducts. The
cycloadducts were characterized by NMR studies and XRD analysis.
Synthesis of Dimethyl Octahydroquinazolinones by using Electrochemically Prepared Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Sawant Manisha R. , Gaikwad Suresh T. , Zaware Bhaskar H. , Rajbhoj Anjali S.
Published: July 2020

Present work involves the synthesis of
substituted dimethyl octahydroquinazolinones by using electrochemically prepared copper oxide
nanoparticles as catalyst in microwave. Copper oxide nanoparticles were prepared in appreciable
yield by using electrochemical reduction method of synthesis in the presence of tetrabutylphosphonium
bromide for capping. The prepared nanoparticles were analyzed by UV, FTIR, TGA, X-ray diffraction
and electron microscopic studies. The nanoparticles of copper oxide then were successfully used as a
catalyst in multicomponent reaction between diketones, substituted aldehydes and urea/thiourea to
synthesize substituted dimethyl octahydroquinazolinones.
in vitro Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial
Activity of Coleus forskohlii Grown in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fadlelmula Abdelfatah A. , Al-Ghamdi Abdulaziz Y. , Abdalla Mohamed O.M.
Published: July 2020

In this study, the active ingredients from Coleus forskohlii were detected and evaluated their antioxidant
and antimicrobial activities. Coleus forskohlii leaves were collected, air dried, powdered and extracted
first with aqueous ethanol and secondly with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol
successively. The chemical analysis of the extracts showed the existence of (flavonoids, alkaloids,
tannins, terpenoids, steroids, saponins and sugars). Furthermore, the extracts were subjected to analysis
of total phenolic contents. Where the n-butanol exhibited highest TPC value (384.23±15.86 mg GAE/g),
followed by ethyl acetate (199.73±29.35 mg GAE/g) then petroleum ether (96.97±61.29 mg GAE/g),
ethanol (90.80±17.51 mg GAE/g), and eventually chloroform extract exhibited the lowest (TPC) value.
In addition to that the antioxidant status of the different extracts of Coleus forskohlii was detected.
Butanolic extract showed the highest radical scavenging (96.33±1.53 %, lowest IC50 value 0.03) followed
by ethyl acetate extract (46.67±3.50 %, IC50 value 0.07). Eventually the antimicrobial activity tests
were carried out for all the plant extracts. Where n-butanol showed the maximum inhibition (14±0.70
mm). All the pathogens except C. albicans exhibited moderate response towards petroleum ether
extract. C. albicans was sensitive towards ethanol extract only (14.00±1.41), whereas the other
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria exhibited high impedance to the ethanol, chloroform, and
ethyl acetate extracts. This study scientifically props the usage of whole plant as a medicine for several
surface bacterial and fungal strike in folk medicine, in addition to this the plant may serve as a exporter
for additional development of indigenous antioxidant and antitumor agents.