bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting stock market with nanophotonic reservoir computing system based on silicon optomechanical oscillators
Authors: Liu Bocheng , Xie Yiyuan , Jiang Xiao , Ye Yichen , Song Tingting , Chai Junxiong , Tang Qianfeng , Feng Manying
Published: June 2022

The essence of stock market forecasting is to reveal the intrinsic operation rules of stock market, however it is a terribly arduous challenge for investors. The application of nanophotonic technology in the intelligence field provides a new approach for stock market forecasting with its unique advantages. In this work, a novel nanophotonic reservoir computing (RC) system based on silicon optomechanical oscillators (OMO) with photonic crystal (PhC) cavities for stock market forecasting is implemented. The long-term closing prices of four representative stock indexes are accurately forecast with small prediction errors, and the forecasting results with distinct characteristics are exhibited in the mature stock market and emerging stock market separately. Our work offers solutions and suggestions for surmounting the concept drift problem in stock market environment. The comprehensive influence of RC parameters on forecasting performance are displayed via the mapping diagrams, while some intriguing results indicate that the mature stock markets are more sensitive to the variation of RC parameters than the emerging stock markets. Furthermore, the direction trend forecasting results illustrate that our system has certain direction forecasting ability. Additionally, the stock forecasting problem with short listing time and few data in the stock market is solved through transfer learning (TL) in stock sector. The generalization ability (GA) of our nanophotonic reservoir computing system is also verified via four stocks in the same region and industry. Therefore, our work contributes to a novel RC model for stock market forecasting in the nanophotonic field, and provides a new prototype system for more applications in the intelligent information processing field.
Evaluation of optical parameters for a microminiature Rb vapor cell in a dual-beam SERF magnetometer
Authors: Wang Yaxiang , Shi Tao , Zhou Weiyong , Tang JunJian , Zhou BinQuan , Jin Ge , Han Bangcheng , Zou Sheng
Published: June 2022

In the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer of a perpendicular pump-probe configuration, the pump and probe beam characteristics significantly affect the performance. In this paper, an efficient evaluation of optical parameters to improve the sensitivity of a miniature magnetometer has been presented. We have determined the pump light’s optimal intensity and wavelength through theoretical analysis and the zero-field resonance experiments. Chirp signals are applied to measure the optical rotations at different probe intensities and frequencies. Through theoretical and experimental analysis of noise source characterization under different beam intensities and wavelengths, we demonstrate that dual-beam magnetometer performance is mainly limited by photon shot noise. Based on the optimum pump and probe beam parameters, we demonstrate magnetic field sensitivity of 6.3

fT/

Hz

in an 87Rb vapor cell filled with nitrogen gas, with an active measurement volume of 3 × 3 × 3 mm3.
Pulse-to-pulse detection of terahertz radiation emitted from the femtosecond laser ablation process
Authors: Tamaki Ryo , Kasai Tatsuki , Asai Gaku , Hata Daiki , Kubo Hajime , Takigawa Yuichi , Takeda Jun , Katayama Ikufumi
Published: June 2022

Determining the dynamics of electrons and ions emitted from a target material during laser ablation is crucial for desirable control of laser processing. However, these dynamics are still challenging to understand because of a lack of ubiquitous spectroscopic tools to observe tangled-up dynamics appearing at ultrafast timescales. Here by harnessing highly sensitive single-shot terahertz time-domain spectroscopy using an echelon mirror, we investigate pulse-to-pulse temporal profile of terahertz radiation generated from the material surface. We clearly found that the carrier–envelope phase and the electric field amplitude of the terahertz waveform systematically vary between the pre- and post-ablation depending on the laser fluence and irradiated pulse numbers. Our results provide a stepping-stone towards perception of Coulomb explosion occurring throughout the laser ablation process, which is indispensable for future laser processing applications.
Terahertz radiation from propagating acoustic phonons based on deformation potential coupling
Authors: Park Sang-Hyuk , Lee Sehyuk , Ishioka Kunie , Stanton Christopher J. , Kee Chul-Sik , Beyer Andreas , Höfer Ulrich , Stolz Wolfgang , Volz Kerstin , Jho Young-Dahl
Published: June 2022

We report on new THz electromagnetic emission mechanism from deformational coupling of acoustic (AC) phonons with electrons in the propagation medium of non-polar Si. The epicenters of the AC phonon pulses are the surface and interface of a GaP transducer layer whose thickness (d) is varied in nanoscale from 16 to 45 nm. The propagating AC pulses locally modulate the bandgap, which in turn generates a train of electric field pulses, inducing an abrupt drift motion at the depletion edge of Si. The fairly time-delayed THz bursts, centered at different times (

t

1

T
H
z

,

t

2

T
H
z

, and

t

3

T
H
z

), are concurrently emitted only when a series of AC pulses reach the point of the depletion edge of Si, even without any piezoelectricity. The analysis on the observed peak emission amplitudes is consistent with calculations based on the combined effects of mobile charge carrier density and AC-phonon–induced local deformation, which recapitulates the role of deformational potential coupling in THz wave emission in a formulatively distinct manner from piezoelectric counterpart.
Optical filtering impairment monitoring based on model fusion for optical networks
Authors: Cai Meng , Liu Xiaomin , Liu Lei , Lun Huazhi , Yi Lilin , Hu Weisheng , Zhuge Qunbi
Published: June 2022

Reconfigurable optical add-and-drop multiplexer (ROADM) is a key element in optical networks. As several ROADMs are cascaded over long paths, the penalty induced by ROADM has become non-negligible due to the tight optical filtering. In this case, for efficient and reliable network planning and operation, accurate monitoring of optical filtering penalty is very important. In this paper, we propose a real-time optical filtering monitoring scheme based on model fusion. We combine an analytical model based on the digital communications theory of band-limited channels with linear equalization and a data-driven model implemented using artificial neural network (ANN). The scheme can achieve high accuracy and interpretability. Moreover, since the input features are extracted from configuration parameters and receiver digital signal processing (DSP), no additional devices are needed, which is attractive for practical deployment. Extensive simulations and experiments are conducted to investigate the performance of the scheme, and the results show the superior performance.
Layer-dependent nonlinear optical properties of two-dimensional InSe and its applications in waveguide lasers
Authors: Lv Hengyue , Chu Lingrui , Wang Shixiang , Sun Shuo , Sun Xiaoli , Jia Yuechen , Chen Feng
Published: June 2022

The thickness-dependent third-order nonlinear optical properties of two-dimensional β-InSe and its potential applications as a saturable absorber in pulsed laser generation are investigated. InSe sheets with different layers are prepared by the chemical vapor deposition. Using open-aperture femtosecond Z-scan technique at 1030 nm, the modulation depth and nonlinear absorption coefficient are obtained to be 36% and -1.6 × 104 cm·GW-1, respectively. The intrinsic mechanism of the layer-dependent energy band structure evolution is analyzed based on density functional theory, and the theoretical analysis is consistent with the experimental results. Based on a waveguide cavity, a Q-switched mode-locked laser at 1 µm with a repetition frequency of 8.51 GHz and a pulse duration of 28 ps is achieved by utilizing the layered InSe as a saturable absorber. This work provides an in-depth understanding of layer-dependent properties of InSe and extends its applications in laser technology for compact light devices.
3-5 µm mid-infrared broadband absorbers composed of layered ITO nanorod arrays with high visible light transmittance
Authors: Li Liang , Cui Qi , Zhang Yu-Jun , Li Cheng , Gu Tian-Cheng , Wu Ying , Han Cai-Qin , Yan Chang-Chun
Published: June 2022

A mid-infrared broadband absorber with high visible light transmittance is proposed in this paper. The absorber is composed of layered ITO nanorod arrays with increasing angles fabricated by oblique angle deposition technique. The experimental results show that the average transmittance of the absorber reaches 80% in the 400-800 nm band and the integrated absorption reaches 82.9% in the 3-5 µm band, when the QCM thickness of the first layer of film is 100 nm and the deposition angle θ is 10°, the QCM heights of the second to fifth layers of nanorods are all 330 nm, and their deposition angles are 55°, 68°, 80°, and 87°, respectively. The high transmittance in the visible band is attributed to the gradient of the refractive index. The broadband absorption in the mid-infrared band results from different resonances in the empty cavities with different sizes. Such a simple and large-area absorber has potential applications in window materials and infrared cloaking.
Femtosecond laser inscribed parallel long-period fiber gratings for multi-channel core mode conversion
Authors: Jiang Chen , Zhou Kaiming , Sun Bing , Wang Zhiqiang , Wan Ying , Ma Yuehui , Mou Chengbo , Shen Lei , Zhang Lei , Luo Jie , Liu Yunqi
Published: June 2022

We propose and demonstrate the inscription of parallel long-period gratings (LPGs) in a few-mode fiber (FMF) using femtosecond lasers. Mode conversion from the fundamental (LP01) mode to high-order core modes, including LP11, LP21, LP31, LP02, and LP12, is achieved by controlling the inscription period of the gratings. Taking advantage of the highly focused femtosecond laser, LPGs with different off-axis offsets were fabricated, and the resonance wavelength and the inscription efficiency of the gratings versus the offset were investigated. Based on the off-axis writing technique and using the femtosecond laser source, we wrote parallel LPGs that contain multi-gratings in a single FMF and achieved a multi-channel core mode converter in a single FMF with flexibility in terms of the resonant wavelength and mode conversion among different modes. This approach offers a new, to the best of our knowledge, option for implementation with high integration, and a multi-channel mode converter, which could find potential applications in FMF multi-wavelength laser systems, and wavelength/mode division multiplex communication systems. Furthermore, these microstructured LPGs integrated into an optical fiber can be used as a multifunctional sensor.
Simultaneous multi-channel near-eye display: a holographic retinal projection display with large information content
Authors: Wang Zi , Tu Kefeng , Pang Yujian , Zhang Xu , Lv Guoqiang , Feng Qibin , Wang Anting , Ming Hai
Published: June 2022

Augmented reality (AR) near-eye displays (NEDs) are emerging as the next-generation display platform. The existing AR NED only present one single video channel at a time, same as traditional media such as TVs and smartphones. In this Letter, to the best of our knowledge, we propose for the first time a multi-channel holographic retinal projection display (RPD), which can provide multi-channel image sources simultaneously, thus greatly increasing the information content. Due to the superposition capacity of a hologram, multiple images are projected to different viewpoints simultaneously through multiple spherical wave encoding, so that the viewer can switch among playing channels very fast through eye rotation. A full-color dynamic multi-channel holographic near-eye display is demonstrated in the optical experiment. The proposed method provides a good prospect that the future AR glasses can play dozens of video channels in parallel, and the user can switch among channels freely and efficiently just through a simple eye rotation.
Frequency conversions of nine peaks based on dispersive waves and solitons in a tellurite microstructured optical fiber
Authors: Cheng Tonglei , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Qi , Yan Xin , Zhang Xuenan , Suzuki Takenobu , Ohishi Yasutake , Wang Fang
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate the generation of broadband dispersive waves (DWs) and solitons in an 80-cm tellurite microstructured optical fiber (TMOF) designed and fabricated with 78TeO2-5ZnO-12LiCO3-5Bi2O3 (TZLB) glass. A 1810-nm femtosecond laser is used as the pump source with an average pump power ranging from 33 mW to 175 mW, where the tunable frequency range is 211.1 THz, which corresponds to the tunable wavelength range of 1742.9 nm. At 175 mW, the trapped multiple DWs are located at 923.8 nm, 1039.2 nm, 1121.6 nm, and 1204.6 nm and the multiple solitons are located at 2666.7 nm, 2426.1 nm, 2165.9 nm, 1952.7 nm, and 1842.1 nm. The experimentally obtained maximum DW conversion efficiency is 14%, and the maximum soliton conversion efficiency is 43%. The experimental and theoretical results of pulse evolution in the TMOF agree very well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that nine peaks of frequency conversions have been realized simultaneously in non-silicon fibers. The exceptionally high nonlinearity and broadband-tunable characteristics of the proposed TMOF are promising components for the development of compact and highly efficient tunable mid-infrared fiber lasers, wavelength converters, and time-frequency metrology.
Diffraction-limit focusing using a 60-nm-thick spiral slit
Authors: Ma Zixian , Zhang Xin , Hu Yanwen , Yin Hao , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang , Fu Shenhe
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate a technique for diffraction-limit focusing, on the basis of a spatial truncation of incident light using spirally structured slit motifs. The spiral pattern leads to a global phase domain where the diffractive wave vectors are distributed in phase. We fabricate such a spiral pattern on a 60-nm-thick metallic film, capable of converting an orbital-angular-momentum beam to a non-helical high-resolution diffractive focusing beam, resulting in a high numerical aperture of 0.89 in air, and of up to 1.07 in an oil-immersion scenario. The topological complementarity between the incident beam and the slit motifs generates broadband subwavelength focusing. The idea can be extended to large-scale scenarios with larger constituents. The presented technique is more accessible to low-cost fabrications as compared with metasurface-based focusing elements.
Identification of upstream transcription factor binding sites in orthologous genes using mixed Student’s t-test statistics
Authors: Huang Tinghua , Xiao Hong , Tian Qi , He Zhen , Yuan Cheng , Lin Zezhao , Gao Xuejun , Yao Min
Published: June 2022

Background

Transcription factor (TF) regulates the transcription of DNA to messenger RNA by binding to upstream sequence motifs. Identifying the locations of known motifs in whole genomes is computationally intensive.

Methodology/Principal findings

This study presents a computational tool, named “Grit”, for screening TF-binding sites (TFBS) by coordinating transcription factors to their promoter sequences in orthologous genes. This tool employs a newly developed mixed Student’st-test statistical method that detects high-scoring binding sites utilizing conservation information among species. The program performs sequence scanning at a rate of 3.2 Mbp/s on a quad-core Amazon server and has been benchmarked by the well-established ChIP-Seq datasets, putting Grit amongst the top-ranked TFBS predictors. It significantly outperforms the well-known transcription factor motif scanning tools, Pscan (4.8%) and FIMO (17.8%), in analyzing well-documented ChIP-Atlas human genome Chip-Seq datasets.

Significance

Grit is a good alternative to current available motif scanning tools.
Whole community invasions and the integration of novel ecosystems
Authors: Campbell Colin , Russo Laura , Albert Réka , Buckling Angus , Shea Katriona
Published: June 2022

The impact of invasion by a single non-native species on the function and structure of ecological communities can be significant, and the effects can become more drastic–and harder to predict–when multiple species invade as a group. Here we modify a dynamic Boolean model of plant-pollinator community assembly to consider the invasion of native communities by multiple invasive species that are selected either randomly or such that the invaders constitute a stable community. We show that, compared to random invasion, whole community invasion leads to final stable communities (where the initial process of species turnover has given way to a static or near-static set of species in the community) including both native and non-native species that are larger, more likely to retain native species, and which experience smaller changes to the topological measures of nestedness and connectance. We consider the relationship between the prevalence of mutualistic interactions among native and invasive species in the final stable communities and demonstrate that mutualistic interactions may act as a buffer against significant disruptions to the native community.
Why modern family planning needs of women is not met in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia?
Authors: Ewunetie Gojjam Eshetie , Alemu Mamo Dereje , Chanie Muluken Genetu
Published: June 2022

Background

Family planning is critical for the health of women and their families and it can accelerate a country’s progress toward reducing poverty and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Effective use of family planning methods helps couples achieve the desired number of children, contribute to improving maternal and child health which may help women avoid unwanted pregnancy, and reduce the risk factors for maternal and child deaths. Moreover, contraceptive prevalence and unmet need for family planning are key indicators for determining the level of improvements in access to reproductive health. So, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of unmet need of modern family planning among reproductive-age women in the south Gondar zone.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in the southern Gondar zone among 528 reproductive-age women. Data were collected with pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were coded and entered into Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied. A P-value0.05 was considered to declare a result as significant at 95% CI.

Result

The overall unmet need in this study area was 22.6%, from whom 15.1% of respondents were wanted children later and 7.5% were wanted no more children. For women who had been visited by health care providers within 12 months before the study, women currently on menstrual status, the desired number of children, and induced abortion were found statistically significant.

Conclusion

The unmet need for FP was found high in the study area as compared to the national and regional prevalence. Women visited by health care providers, currently menstruating, the desired number of children, and history of induced abortion were significantly associated with the unmet need of modern FP. Health care providers and health extension workers need to visit regularly and promote appropriate and active IEC programs that address the provision of accurate information about the availability of the services and various contraceptive options including techniques to reduce and change perceived barriers to service utilization (such as rumors and misconceptions of FP).
A mouse infection model and long-term lymphatic endothelium co-culture system to evaluate drugs against adult Brugia malayi
Authors: Marriott Amy E. , Furlong Silva Julio , Pionnier Nicolas , Sjoberg Hanna , Archer John , Steven Andrew , Kempf Dale , Taylor Mark J. , Turner Joseph D.
Published: June 2022

The development of new drugs targeting adult-stage lymphatic filarial nematodes is hindered by the lack of a robust long-termin vitroculture model. Testing potential direct-acting and anti-Wolbachiatherapeutic candidates against adult lymphatic filariaein vitrorequires their propagation via chronic infection of gerbils. We evaluatedBrugia malayiparasite burden data from male Mongolian gerbils compared with two immune-deficient mouse strains highly susceptible toB.malayi: CB.17 Severe-Combined Immmuno-Deficient (SCID) and interleukin-4 receptor alpha, interleukin-5 double knockout (IL-4Rα-/-IL-5-/-) mice. Adult worms generated in IL-4Rα-/-IL-5-/-mice were tested with different feeder cells (human embryonic kidney cells, human adult dermal lymphatic endothelial cells and human THP-1 monocyte differentiated macrophages) and comparative cell-free conditions to optimise and validate a long-termin vitroculture system. Cultured parasites were compared against those isolated from mice using motility scoring, metabolic viability assay (MTT),ex vivomicrofilariae release assay andWolbachiacontent by qPCR. A selected culture system was validated as a drug screen using reference anti-Wolbachia(doxycycline, ABBV-4083 / flubentylosin) or direct-acting compounds (flubendazole, suramin). BALB/c IL-4Rα-/-IL-5-/-or CB.17 SCID mice were superior to Mongolian gerbils in generating adult worms and supportingin vivopersistence for periods of up to 52 weeks. Adult females retrieved from BALB/c IL-4Rα-/-IL-5-/-mice could be cultured for up to 21 days in the presence of a lymphatic endothelial cell co-culture system with comparable motility, metabolic activity andWolbachiatitres to those maintainedin vivo. Drug studies confirmed significantWolbachiadepletions or direct macrofilaricidal activities could be discerned when femaleB.malayiwere cultured for 14 days. We therefore demonstrate a novel methodology to generate adultB.malayi in vivoand accurately evaluate drug efficacyex vivowhich may be adopted for drug screening with the dual benefit of reducing overall animal use and improving anti-filarial drug development.
Increased airway resistance can be related to the decrease in the functional capacity in obese women
Authors: Perossi Larissa , Holtz Mayara , Santos Daniele Oliveira dos , Perossi Jéssica , Souza Hugo Celso Dutra de , Salgado Junior Wilson , Gastaldi Ada Clarice
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Obesity can increase the airways resistance, mainly in the periphery, leading to dyspnea perception that can impair the functional capacity. This study aimed to analyze if airways resistance could be related to the walking capacity of women with morbid obesity.

Methods

Thirty-seven women with grade III obesity in preoperative bariatric surgery were evaluated using the spirometry test, impulse oscillometry system (IOS), and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Additionally, data about their daily dyspnea perception and physical activity level were collected.

Results

Variables of the spirometry test did not detect ventilator disorders. Compared to the predicted values, the IOS identified significant increase in airways resistance (kPa/L/s) (R5: 0.36 (0.34; 0.36) and 0.53 (0.47; 0.61); R20: 0.30 (0.28; 0.30) and 0.41 (0.35; 0.45); R5-20: 0.06 (0.06; 0.06) and 0.14 (0.10; 0.15); X5: -0.03 (-0.04; -0.01) and -0.20 (-0.27; -0.18), respectively). The distance walked in the 6MWT, 491.4±60.4m was significantly correlated to R5 (rho = -0.41, p = 0.01), R5-20 (rho = -0.52, p = 0.001), and X5 (rho = 0.54, p = 0.0006).

Conclusion

The IOS is able to identify changes in airway resistance even before the onset of symptoms. When evaluated by IOS women with severe obesity and normal spirometry exhibited central and peripheral airways obstruction. The correlations between the IOS and six-minute walk distance suggest that increased peripheral airways resistance could be related to worsening functional capacity.
Cash stock strategies during regular and COVID-19 periods for bank branches by deep learning
Authors: Jariyavajee Chattriya , Lamjiak Taninnuch , Ratanasanya San , Fairee Suthida , Puphaiboon Kreecha , Khompatraporn Charoenchai , Polvichai Jumpol , Sirinaovakul Booncharoen
Published: June 2022

Determining the optimal amount of cash stock reserved in each bank branch is a strategic decision. A certain level of cash stock must be kept and ready for cash withdrawal needs at a branch. However, holding too much cash not only forfeits opportunities to make profit from the exceeding amount of cash in the stock but also increases insurance cost. This paper presents cash stock strategies for bank branches by using deep learning. Deep learning models were applied to historical data collected by a retail bank to predict the cash withdrawals and deposits. Data preparation and feature selection to identify important attributes from the bank branch data were performed. In the prediction process, two Recurrent Neural Network techniques—Long Short-Term Memory and Gated Recurrent Units methods—were compared. Then prediction errors were measured and statistically tested for their probability distributions. These distributions together with the predicted values were used in determining the lower and upper bounds for holding the cash stock. These bounds were employed to recommend the cash stock level strategies by having two options for different situations. The impacts of COVID-19 were also tested and discussed. According to the bank under this study, the proposed strategies can reduce the amount of cash stock by more than 10% for which was their initial target. Hence, the costs of cash management such as insurance cost and cash transportation cost were reduced. Moreover, the excess cash could be used for other purposes of the bank.
Assessing the diet and trophic level of marine fauna in a fishing ground subject to discarding activity using stable isotopes
Authors: Lejeune Benjamin , Kopp Dorothée , Mehault Sonia , Mouchet Maud Aline
Published: June 2022

Discarding practices have become a source of concern for the perennation of marine resources, prompting efforts of discard reduction around the globe. However, little is known about the fate of discards in marine environments. Discarding may provide food for various marine consumers, potentially affecting food web structure and stability. Yet, quantifying reliance upon discards is difficult because identity and frequency of discards may change according to multiple factors, and most previously used diet assessment techniques do not allow to assume consistency of feeding strategies over time. One currently untested hypothesis is that significant contribution of discards over time should reflect in increased trophic level (TL) of marine fauna, particularly in low TL consumers. Here, we explored this hypothesis by modeling the TL and assimilated diet of consumers living in fishing grounds subject to important discarding activity using stable isotope analysis. We found indications that benthic invertebrates and Chondrichthyes may depict a higher than expected TL, while other fish tend to depict similar to lower TL compared to global averages from the literature. Based on prior knowledge of discard consumption in the same area, stable isotope mixing models congruently revealed that discards may represent substantial portions of the assimilated diet of most benthic invertebrate macrofauna, cephalopods and Chondrichthyes. We highlight limitations and challenges of currently used diet assessment techniques to study discard consumption and stress that understanding their reintegration in marine food webs is crucial in the context of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management and to better understand the functioning of marine ecosystems subject to fishing.
Effect of season and diet on heart rate and blood pressure in female red deer (Cervus elaphus) anaesthetised with medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam
Authors: Rauch Hanna , Pohlin Friederike , Einwaller Joy , Habe Manuela , Gasch Kristina , Haw Anna , Arnold Walter , Stalder Gabrielle , Painer Johanna
Published: June 2022

Temperate zone ungulates like red deer (Cervus elaphus) show pronounced seasonal acclimatisation. Hypometabolism during winter is associated with cardiovascular changes, including a reduction in heart rate (fH) and temporal peripheral vasoconstriction. How anaesthesia with vasoactive substances such as medetomidine affect the seasonally acclimatised cardiovascular system is not yet known. We anaesthetised eleven healthy female red deer with medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg) and tiletamine/zolazepam (3 mg/kg) twice in winter (ad libitumand restricted feed) and in summer (ad libitumand restricted feed), with a two-week washout-period in-between, to test for the effect of season, food availability and supplementation with omega-3 or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) onfHand arterial blood pressure (ABP) during anaesthesia. Six animals received pellets enriched with omega-6 fatty acids (FA), and five animals with omega-3 FA. Anaesthesia significantly decreasedfHin summer but not in winter and ABP was lower in winter (p< 0.05). The combination of omega-6 FA enriched pellets and food restriction resulted in a lowerfHand higher ABP during anaesthesia with more pronounced changes in winter (p< 0.001). Our results demonstrate that season, food availability and type of PUFA supplementation in red deer affect the cardiovascular system during anaesthesia.
Potential of Oscheius tipulae nematodes as biological control agents against Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Loulou Ameni , M’saad Guerfali Meriem , Muller Arthur , Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Abolafia Joaquín , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Kallel Sadreddine
Published: June 2022

A survey to collect soil nematodes with potential to controlCeratitis capitataflies was carried out in different locations in Tunisia. Several nematode isolates were recovered, laboratory colonies were established, and their taxonomic identities were determined based on molecular methods. Among all the recovered nematode isolates, two of them,Oscheius tipulaeTC2 and OC2, were evaluated for their capacity to controlC.capitataflies and for their ability to kill and reproduce onGalleria mellonellalarvae. Our results show a great potential of these two isolates as biocontrol agents as they killC.capitataeggs and pupae and interfere with the metamorphosis ofC.capitatalarvae. More specifically, TC2 and OC2 nematodes killed 39 and 31% ofC.capitataeggs, respectively, impaired the metamorphosis of up to 77% and up to 67% ofC.capitatalarvae, respectively, and killed up to 66% and up to 58% ofC.capitatapupae, respectively. The efficacy of TC2 and OC2 nematodes was particularly high onC.capitatapupae, and significant insect mortalities were observed even at concentrations of 1 and 5 nematodes/pupae, respectively. We also found that TC2 and OC2 nematodes efficiently kill and reproduce inG.mellonellalarvae, suggesting that these insects could be used for mass-multiplication of these nematodes. These results reveal the potential ofO.tipulaeto complement integrated pest management programs againstC.capitataflies.
Investigating CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive for production of disease-preventing prion gene alleles
Authors: Castle Andrew R. , Wohlgemuth Serene , Arce Luis , Westaway David
Published: June 2022

Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that includes chronic wasting disease, which affects cervids and is highly transmissible. Given that chronic wasting disease prevalence exceeds 30% in some endemic areas of North America, and that eventual transmission to other mammalian species, potentially including humans, cannot be ruled out, novel control strategies beyond population management via hunting and/or culling must be investigated. Prion diseases depend upon post-translational conversion of the cellular prion protein, encoded by the Prnp gene, into a disease-associated conformation; ablation of cellular prion protein expression, which is generally well-tolerated, eliminates prion disease susceptibility entirely. Inspired by demonstrations of gene drive in caged mosquito species, we aimed to test whether a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drive mechanism could, in principle, promote the spread of a null Prnp allele among mammalian populations. First, we showed that transient co-expression of Cas9 and Prnp-directed guide RNAs in RK13 cells generates indels within the Prnp open-reading frame, indicating that repair of Cas9-induced double-strand breaks by non-homologous end-joining had taken place. Second, we integrated a ~1.2 kb donor DNA sequence into the Prnp open-reading frame in N2a cells by homology-directed repair following Cas9-induced cleavages and confirmed that integration occurred precisely in most cases. Third, we demonstrated that electroporation of Cas9/guide RNA ribonucleoprotein complexes into fertilised mouse oocytes resulted in pups with a variety of disruptions to the Prnp open reading frame, with a new coisogenic line of Prnp-null mice obtained as part of this work. However, a technical challenge in obtaining expression of Cas9 in the male germline prevented implementation of a complete gene drive mechanism in mice.
Auxology of small samples: A method to describe child growth when restrictions prevent surveys
Authors: Henneberg Maciej , Żądzińska Elżbieta
Published: June 2022

Background

Child growth in populations is commonly characterised by cross-sectional surveys. These require data collection from large samples of individuals across age ranges spanning 1–20 years. Such surveys are expensive and impossible in restrictive situations, such as, e.g. the COVID pandemic or limited size of isolated communities. A method allowing description of child growth based on small samples is needed.

Methods

Small samples of data (N~50) for boys and girls 6–20 years old from different socio-economic situations in Africa and Europe were randomly extracted from surveys of thousands of children. Data included arm circumference, hip width, grip strength, height and weight. Polynomial regressions of these measurements on age were explored.

Findings

Polynomial curves based on small samples correlated well (r = 0.97 to 1.00) with results of surveys of thousands of children from same communities and correctly reflected sexual dimorphism and socio-economic differences.

Conclusions

Fitting of curvilinear regressions to small data samples allows expeditious assessment of child growth in a number of characteristics when situations change rapidly, resources are limited and access to children is restricted.
On the existence of momentum in professional football
Authors: Roebber Paul J. , Burlingame Bryan M. , deWinter Anthony
Published: June 2022

Using United States National Football League play-by-play data for the 2002–2012 seasons, we train a neural network to predict win probability, based on measures of the game state. This predictor’s performance is comparable to the point spread at the start of the game and improves thereafter with little bias. We define a measure of success as the change in a team’s win probability over the course of a possession, and show that streaks in this measure are highly unlikely to be random. Further, this finding holds when controlling for the effects of clock management in the fourth quarter of football games, when win probability can increase incrementally for the leading team as the game continues. By defining momentum as an increase in win probability over the course of at least three successive changes in possession, we show some ability to anticipate its emergence, based on game state, using a second neural network. The possibility of using this knowledge for strategic advantage is discussed. We consider these results in the context of examples from National Football League games, including that from Super Bowl LI (Atlanta Falcons versus the New England Patriots), and end with some discussion of future extensions to this work.
A qualitative photo-elicitation study exploring the impact of falls and fall risk on individuals with subacute spinal cord injury
Authors: Habib Perez Olinda D. , Martin Samantha , Chan Katherine , Singh Hardeep , Yoshida Karen K. , Musselman Kristin E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) are at an increased risk of falling. However, little is known about the impact of falls and fall risk in the subacute phase of SCI/D, despite this being a time when fall prevention initiatives are delivered. Hence, we explored the impact of falls and fall risk in individuals with subacute SCI/D as they transitioned from inpatient rehabilitation to community living.

Methods

This qualitative photo-elicitation study used an inductive thematic analysis. Eight individuals (7 male) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at a Canadian tertiary rehabilitation hospital due to a new SCI/D participated. Six months following discharge, photo-elicitation interviewing was used to understand the impact of falls and fall risk. Over 7–14 days, participants completed a photo-assignment that involved taking photographs in response to questions, such as what increases/decreases your likelihood of falling? A semi-structured interview followed, in which participants described their photographs and discussed their experiences with falls, fall risk and fall prevention training.

Results

Four themes were identified. 1) Risk factors and strategies identified through lived experience. Participants discovered their fall risk factors and fall prevention strategies through “trial and error”. 2) Influences on the individual’s perception of their fall risk. Prior experience with falls, including falls experienced by themselves as well as friends and family, influenced their perception of fall risk. 3) Experiencing life differently due to increased fall risk. A high fall risk reduced participation, increased negative emotions and decreased independence and quality of life. 4) Falls training in rehabilitation can be improved. Prior experiences with falls training varied; however, participants expressed a desire for comprehensive and individualized training.

Conclusion

Although participants’ experiences with falls and fall prevention varied, falls and the risk of falling can have a significant impact on the first year of living with a SCI/D.
Evaluation of subclinical ventricular systolic dysfunction assessed using global longitudinal strain in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Ridjab Denio A. , Ivan Ignatius , Budiman Fanny , Tenggara Riki
Published: June 2022

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) can identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis. This systematic review aims to provide evidence of a possible difference in GLS values between patients with cirrhosis and patients without cirrhosis. Studies from inception to August 11, 2021, were screened and included based on the inclusion criteria. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies. Meta-analyses were conducted with subsequent sensitivity and subgroup analyses according to age, sex, cirrhosis etiology, and severity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plot, Egger’s test, and rank correlation test with subsequent trim-and-fill analysis. The systematic database search yielded 20 eligible studies. Random effect showed a significant reduction of left ventricular (LV) GLS (MD:-1.43;95%; 95%CI,-2.79 to -0.07; p = 0.04; I2 = 95% p<0.00001) and right ventricular (RV) GLS (MD:-1.95; 95%CI,-3.86 to -0.05, p = 0.04; I2 = 90%, p<0.00001) in the group with cirrhosis. A sensitivity test on subgroup analysis based on the study design showed a -1.78% lower LV-GLS in the group with cirrhosis (I2 = 70%, p = 0.0003). Meta-regression analysis showed that the severity of cirrhosis was significantly related to GLS reduction. This research received no specific grants from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020201630). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement guidelines.
O que é Compaixão?
Authors: Matos Marcela , Gilbert Paul , Gonçalves Elsa , Melo Inês , Baumann Tahlia , Xin Qi Yiu Rebecca , R. Steindl Stanley
Published: June 2022

Estudos empíricos têm documentado os benefícios da compaixão para a saúde mental, bem-estar psicossocial e fisiológico. No entanto, as definições de compaixão variam entre abordagens teóricas, investigadores, clínicos e leigos. O significado e a natureza da compaixão podem ser mal compreendidos e ligados a medos, bloqueios e resistências à compaixão. O presente artigo define a compaixão a partir da perspetiva da terapia focada na compaixão (TFC) e distingue-a de outros conceitos comumente associados, usando uma abordagem metodológica qualitativa. A compreensão dos participantes sobre o que é a compaixão foi explorada através da seleção das palavras que eles associavam com compaixão e auto-compaixão, e das suas descrições de experiências passadas de dar e receber compaixão, com diferenças culturais sendo também examinadas. Uma amostra de 584 participantes adultos foi recrutada da comunidade geral na Austrália (n = 296), Portugal (n = 183) e Singapura (n = 105), e completou um questionário de auto-resposta que avaliava o significado e as experiências subjetivas de compaixão. Empatia, Bondade e Compreensão foram as três palavras que os participantes mais frequentemente associaram a ‘Compaixão’. As três palavras mais frequentemente selecionadas pelos participantes associadas à ‘Auto-compaixão’ foram Aceitação, Força e Compreensão. Várias diferenças culturais entre os países foram identificadas e discutidas. As descobertas também esclareceram as experiências dos participantes de compaixão pelos outros, receber compaixão de outros e auto-compaixão, identificaram semelhanças e diferenças entre países e revelaram que uma proporção significativa de pessoas não conseguiu lembrar/descrever experiências de compaixão. Os resultados são discutidos à luz da abordagem de TFC e são derivadas implicações clínicas para psicoterapeutas de TFC.
Resumos da 4ª Exposição do Programa de Doutoramento em Psicologia
Authors: Psychologica Revista
Published: June 2022

Realizou-se a 7 de junho de 2021 a 4ª Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia da Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra (FPCE-UC). Devido à pandemia de COVID-19, esta edição da Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia teve características diferentes das edições anteriores. Foi realizada exclusivamente onlinee não se inseriu num PsihDay com uma conferência e uma tertúlia. Todas/os doutorandas/os em Psicologia na FPCE-UC foram convidadas/os a participar, independentemente da fase em que se encontrava o desenvolvimento das suas teses. Procurando alinhar a Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia com o formato dos 3MT (“3 Minute-Thesis” da Universidade de Coimbra), foi usado esse modelo: as/os participantes tiveram 3 minutos para fazerem uma apresentação oral do seu trabalho em tempo real, sem nenhum material de apoio ou suporte audiovisual. Uma outra diferença foi a criação de duas categorias nas apresentações dos trabalhos: projeto de investigação e estudos empíricos. Esta divisão resultou da avaliação que tem vindo a ser feita ao longo das edições anteriores e que, consistentemente, tem apontando as dificuldades e desvantagens de avaliar (e atribuir um só prémio) a todos os trabalhos, independentemente de ainda se encontrarem apenas na fase de desenvolvimento do projeto (geralmente estudantes no 1º ano) ou em fases já adiantadas (e, por vezes, já perto da conclusão da tese). Houve, assim, dois prémios atribuídos pela Direção da FPCE-UC: um na categoria projetos de investigação e outro na categoria estudos empíricos. Para além disso, as/os três primeiras/os classificadas/os em cada uma das categorias foram convidadas/os a fazerem uma apresentação mais longa inserida num Simpósio (com discussão), a ter lugar na semana de comemorações da FPCE-UC. Esses simpósios (um com três comunicações da categoria projetos de investigação e outro com três comunicações da categoria estudos empíricos) tiveram lugar no dia 3 de novembro de 2021.
The inflation-unemployment trade-off: empirical considerations and a simple US-Euro Area comparison
Authors: Gabriel Vasco J. , Kim Young Bae , Martins Luis , Middleditch Paul
Published: June 2022

This paper uses recently developed robust estimation methods to empirically reassess the long-standing inflation-unemployment trade-off debate. Indeed, we study to what extent unemployment-based New Keynesian Phillips Curves are informative about the relationship between inflation dynamics and labour market conditions. In particular, we attempt to quantify the ‘elasticities’ of inflation with respect to unemployment of two economies, the US and the Euro Area, which are known to have markedly distinct labour market characteristics. We find that the relevance of the inflation-unemployment trade-off and its empirical adequacy is greatly enhanced once the informational content of key labour market variables is explored in our estimations.
Sustentabilidade Fiscal nas Economias PALOP
Authors: Afonso António , Leão Emanuel Reis , Tiny Dilson , Bhimjee Diptes C. P.
Published: June 2022

A Crise Financeira Global conduziu a um aumento significativo das posições fiscais (isto é, défices orçamentais e dívida pública mais elevados), dando origem a inúmeras pesquisas académicas relativas à sustentabilidade fiscal. Muito embora existam bastantes estudos sobre a sustentabilidade fiscal nas economias mais avançadas, a nossa contribuição académica amplia este esforço de investigação ao continente Africano. Mais especificamente, analisamos a sustentabilidade das finanças públicas nos Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa (PALOP’s), através da aplicação de testes de estacionaridade aos rácios de dívida externa em percentagem do PIB, bem como a aplicação de testes de cointegração às receitas e despesas públicas (em percentagem do PIB) destes Países. Os nossos resultados empíricos para o período 1975-2019 sugerem que alguns PALOP apresentam uma posição fiscal comprometida do ponto de vista da sustentabilidade fiscal. Com efeito, a condição de solvência apenas é observada para o caso Angolano. Tendo em consideração o impacto económico-financeiro da presente situação pandémica, a questão da sustentabilidade fiscal irá constituir um relevante desafio futuro.
Um Modelo de Ciclos Económicos Reais com Taxa de Desconto Endógena e Estado
Authors: Vasilev Aleksandar
Published: June 2022

Introduzimos um factor de desconto endógeno como em Uzawa (1968) e Schmitt-Grohe e Uribe (2003) numa configuração de ciclo de negócios reais com preferências do sector governamental e Greenwood et al. (1988). Calibra-se a economia artificial aos dados búlgaros para o período após a introdução do sistema de currency board (1999-2018). Em particular, analisamos a importância quantitativa do desconto endógeno para a propagação das flutuações cíclicas na Bulgária. Concluímos que a presença de um factor de desconto endógeno melhora o modelo, e que a configuração alargada funciona melhor do que a estrutura padrão do modelo RBC com um factor de desconto constante (por exemplo, Vasilev, 2009).
La nebulosa contrarrevolucionaria durante la Dictadura
Authors: Pubill Joan
Published: June 2022

En este estudio se destaca la génesis de la contrarrevolución como la confluencia de diferentes tradiciones derechistas que, tras el colapso de la Restauración, legitimaron la dictadura primorriverista. A través del análisis de La Traza y Plus Ultra, este trabajo tiene por objetivo examinar los grandes ejes ideológicos de la nueva cultura política antiliberal, cuyos leitmotivs antimodernos conectan las diatribas tradicionalistas finiseculares con los discursos fascistas de los años 30.