bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitral regurgitation quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains reproducible between software solutions
Authors: Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Thornton George , Fidock Benjamin , Archer Gareth , Hose Rod , van der Geest Rob J. , Zhong Liang , Swift Andrew J. , Wild James M. , De Gárate Estefania , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Plein Sven , Treibel Thomas A. , Flather Marcus , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Garg Pankaj
Published: October 2021

Background: The reproducibility of mitral regurgitation (MR) quantification by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging using different software solutions remains unclear. This research aimed to investigate the reproducibility of MR quantification between two software solutions: MASS (version 2019 EXP, LUMC, Netherlands) and CAAS (version 5.2, Pie Medical Imaging).

Methods: CMR data of 35 patients with MR (12 primary MR, 13 mitral valve repair/replacement, and ten secondary MR) was used. Four methods of MR volume quantification were studied, including two 4D-flow CMR methods (MRMVAV and MRJet) and two non-4D-flow techniques (MRStandard and MRLVRV). We conducted within-software and inter-software correlation and agreement analyses.

Results: All methods demonstrated significant correlation between the two software solutions: MRStandard (r=0.92, p<0.001), MRLVRV (r=0.95, p<0.001), MRJet (r=0.86, p<0.001), and MRMVAV (r=0.91, p<0.001). Between CAAS and MASS, MRJet and MRMVAV, compared to each of the four methods, were the only methods not to be associated with significant bias.

Conclusions: We conclude that 4D-flow CMR methods demonstrate equivalent reproducibility to non-4D-flow methods but greater levels of agreement between software solutions.
Distribution of Various Types of Educational Information in the School Physics Course
Authors: Mayer Robert
Published: October 2021

The modern physics course appeared as a result of a long-term evolution of the physics teaching methods. The model of the school course is textbooks; they reflect the fundamental laws of cognition of the surrounding world and methodological ideas, therefore the problem of studying the distribution of various types of training material in the physics course is relevant. The article uses previously obtained estimates of the differential complexity of various topics of the school physics course. This takes into account: 1) the differential complexity of the text, depending on the information amount in the volume unit, on which the difficulty of understanding it by the student depends; 2) the integral complexity (general informativeness), which characterizes the total amount of information in the text; the amount of time and effort required to study training material depends on it; 3) the share of educational information related to mechanics, molecular physics and thermodynamics, electrodynamics, optics and quantum physics. It also took into account the fact that physical and mathematical complexity are independent characteristics of the physics textbooks. The carried out content analysis of standard school textbooks made it possible to determine the integral complexity of each topic and build a graph with an accumulation that shows the dynamics of changes in the contribution of each physics section to the total information amount over time. In particular, it follows from the graph that: 1) the speed of transmission of educational information in the 10-11th grades is 5 times higher than in the 7-9th grades; 2) the amount of information on physics reported to a student by the end of the 11th grade is 4,4 times more than the amount of information reported in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades.
Experimental Program Implementation Results Studies of "Paternity" From Modern Parents
Authors: Serebryakova T. , Dvoryanceva S. , Shibalkina S. , Anisimova E. , Rechinskaya E.
Published: October 2021

The article reflects the results of experimental testing of the monitoring program focused on studying the specifics of the manifestation of paternity in modern parents. Having carried out a detailed analysis of works related to parenting issues (studies by V.V. Abramenkova, A.I. Antonov, V.V. Boyko, V.I. Brutman, A.I. Zakharova, S.Yu. Meshcheryakova, R.V. Ovcharova, V.A. Petrovsky, N.Yu. Sinyagina, G.G. Filippova, A.G. Kharcheva; D. Bassin, E. Galinsky, M. Honey, M. Kaplan, etc.) by parenting we mean complex complex psychological education, which includes a set of value orientations of the parent, his attitudes, expectations, feelings and attitudes towards children, parental responsibility, as well as the style of family education. Since we consider positive emotions and feelings of parents towards their children as the basis of responsible and positive parenting, we tend to say that responsible parenting presupposes, first of all, the awareness of oneself as a parent not only as a woman (mother), but also a man - a father (this conclusion is based on the analysis of the research of T.B. Belyaeva, Y.V. Evsenkova, E.V. Krichevskaya, I.S. Kon, I.V. Rybalko, etc.). Summarizing the research results (works by E.A. Abrosimova, T.V. Arkhireeva, Yu.V. Borisenko, E.P. Ilyin, B.I. Kochubei, R.V. Ovcharova, T.A. Ponomareva, A.G. Portnova, N.V. Fedorova, G.G. Filippova, etc.) we can say that in families where fathers are responsible for the role of "parent" and fully perform their social functions (take care of children, are actively involved in their life, are systematically engaged in their upbringing), - children are distinguished by more harmonious development, they adapt more easily in society, they have fewer difficulties associated with their gender identification. At the same time, according to a number of scientists (works of S. Gampert, R. Horst, W.E. Fthenakis; Yu.V. Borisenko, Yu.V. Evseenkova, Yu.A. Latysheva, L.V. Russkikh, A.S. Spivakovskaya etc.), the educational position of the father in its formation lags behind the mother's position. The monitoring program developed by us, which included the author's questionnaire “I and my child”, M. Rokeach's methodology “Value orientations”, D. Olson's test methods “Real family”, “Ideal family”, as well as the parenting style questionnaire ACB E.G. Eidemiller and V.V. Yustitskisa is aimed at a detailed study of responsible parenthood and, as a consequence, the implementation by them of their most important social role of "parent".
Doing Well by Doing Good, Uniquely: Materiality and the Market Value of Unique CSR Strategies
Authors: Nardi Leandro , Zenger Todd , Lazzarini Sérgio Giovanetti , Cabral Sandro
Published: October 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a strategic decision for organizations. The capacity to invest in several distinct CSR categories at varying levels (e.g., environmental innovation, diversity, community) leaves firms with a multitude of patterns from which to choose. However, the question of whether market returns to CSR are defined by individual-level positioning choices or by industry-level conditions––particularly the materiality of distinct categories of CSR––remains unresolved. Drawing on the literature arguing that stakeholders are crucial enablers of value creation and capture, we theorize that unique CSR strategies more effectively promote stakeholder engagement by helping firms develop differentiated and unrivaled positions with key stakeholders. Thus, we argue that CSR uniqueness is positively associated with market value. Yet we also argue that uniqueness can be constrained by materiality: in industries in which a higher number of CSR categories are considered material, firms have fewer degrees of freedom to successfully differentiate from competitors; hence, the market returns to unique CSR positioning are negatively associated with the number of CSR categories deemed material to the industry. Using a novel measure of uniqueness of CSR strategies and a database containing environmental, social, and financial information of 2,093 firms between 2002 and 2017, we find strong support for our hypotheses. To shed further light on the mechanisms driving the role of materiality, we examine the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The Competitive Pickup and Delivery Orienteering Problem for Balancing Car-Sharing Systems
Authors: Martin Layla , Minner Stefan , Poças Diogo , Schulz Andreas S.
Published: October 2021

Competition between one-way car-sharing operators is currently increasing. Fleet relocation as a means to compensate demand imbalances constitutes a major cost factor in a business with low profit margins. Existing decision support models have so far ignored the aspect of a competitor when the fleet is rebalanced for better availability. We present mixed-integer linear programming formulations for a pickup and delivery orienteering problem under different business models with multiple (competing) operators. Structural solution properties, including existence of equilibria and bounds on losses as a result of competition, of the competitive pickup and delivery problem under the restrictions of unit-demand stations, homogeneous payoffs, and indifferent customers based on results for congestion games are derived. Two algorithms to find a Nash equilibrium for real-life instances are proposed. One can find equilibria in the most general case; the other can only be applied if the game can be represented as a congestion game, that is, under the restrictions of homogeneous payoffs, unit-demand stations, and indifferent customers. In a numerical study, we compare different business models for car-sharing operations, including a merger between operators and outsourcing relocation operations to a common service provider (coopetition). Gross profit improvements achieved by explicitly incorporating competitor decisions are substantial, and the presence of competition decreases gross profits for all operators (compared with a merger). Using a Munich, Germany, case study, we quantify the gross profit gains resulting from considering competition as approximately 35% (over assuming absence of competition) and 12% (over assuming that the competitor is omnipresence) and the losses because of the presence of competition to be approximately 10%.
Listeria monocytogenes infections: presentation, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Valenti Maria , Ranganathan Nisha , Moore Luke SP , Hughes Stephen
Published: October 2021

Listeriosis is an infective complication that primarily affects pregnant women, patients at extremes of age or those with weakened immune systems. Ingestion of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes is the most common source of infection, causing self-limiting illness in immunocompetent hosts but associated with invasive infection and high mortality in high-risk patient groups. Milder illness presents as gastroenteritis with fever, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting common in the 7 days post exposure. Invasive infection, characterised by bacteraemia and encephalitis, can develop in high-risk patients. Fetal loss is a major complication of listeriosis during pregnancy. Penicillin-based therapy (high dose penicillin or amoxicillin) in combination with gentamicin is advised for invasive infection; co-trimoxazole may be considered for patients intolerant to penicillin. Vulnerable individuals, notably pregnant women, should be counseled on appropriate preventative strategies including avoiding foods commonly contaminated with L. monocytogenes, such as soft ripened cheeses, pate, cooked chilled meats, unpasteurised milk, and ready to eat poultry unless thoroughly cooked.
Research Trends in Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK): A Systematic Literature Review from 2010 to 2021
Authors: Irwanto Irwanto
Published: October 2021

In recent years, integrating technology into education continues to attract more attention along with the rapid growth of information and communication technology. In the literature, teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) plays an essential role in successfully integrating technology into teaching and learning contexts. This study aims to provide a comprehensive view of prior literature and some possible directions for researchers and educators for further TPACK studies. A total of 106 papers were chosen from the Springer database and synthesized. Frequency of annual publications, number of documents with and without TPACK in the title, research methods, number of authors, major contributed countries, most cited papers, and most productive journals in TPACK research were reviewed. The results showed that TPACK has continued to receive attention from researchers in the past decade. Among the reviewed publications, each of the 53 documents included the term TPACK in the title and abstract. To date, qualitative methods were more frequently adopted in TPACK research than quantitative, mixed, and non-empirical methods. Most papers published in TPACK research have two authors. When ranked by country, the US has the highest contribution compared to other countries in this field, followed by Turkey, Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan. The authors with the most cited papers were Min-Hsien Lee and Chin-Chung Tsai with 210 citations. Based on the number of articles published in TPACK, The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher and TechTrends seemed to be the most contributing journal in this field.
Treatment and Evaluation of Game as a Didactic Resource in the Communication of Teachers Through Social Networks
Authors: Higueras-Rodríguez Lina , Medina-García Marta , Martínez-Valdivia Estefanía
Published: October 2021

This research presents an analysis of the value given to the game as an educational resource on social networks. The purpose of this study is to analyze the discourse on Twitter of the different educational agents (teachers and other educational professionals) to know the value given to the use of this tool and how the social network is an educational form of communication and interaction. From a qualitative methodology, a descriptive-interpretative study of the information on didactic/play strategies present in social networks is approached. The analysis is performed by the Nvivo12 software through matrices and content analysis. The results show that the game is mentioned within the speech on Twitter where it is alluded to its importance, value, application, etc. From an educational perspective, working in the classroom with the use of social networks provides some significant advantages; these networks offer interactive and effective teaching and learning tools. In addition, the integration of tools and applications. It is concluded that Twitter is an educational and formative way and where the value attributed to the game as a didactic resource is significant.
Electrical crosstalk analysis in a pinned photodiode CMOS image sensor array
Authors: Khabir Mehdi , Alaibakhsh Hamzeh , Karami Mohammad Azim
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a complete investigation and 2D simulation of electrical crosstalk in a setup with three neighboring pinned photodiode complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor pixels are performed. Electrical crosstalk characterization as a function of pixel size and epitaxial layer doping concentration is presented. The simulation results in constant epitaxial layer doping concentration show that the ratio of external quantum efficiency to electrical crosstalk is linear with respect to pixel size. In the pixel size of 3.7 µm, the turning point in the correlation trend between external quantum efficiency and electrical crosstalk from a small pixel size to a large one occurs. In addition, the simulation results show the optimal values of external quantum efficiency and electrical crosstalk occurs at

1

×

1

0

14

(

c

m

−
3

) in a constant pixel size. Moreover, the ratio of external quantum efficiency to the electrical crosstalk decreases linearly with respect to the epitaxial layer doping considering above

1

×

1

0

14

(

c

m

−
3

).
Time-transformation technique for generation of optical pulse multiplets in a single mode anomalous dispersion optical fiber
Authors: Chatterjee Roshmi , Basu Mousumi
Published: October 2021

We present the generation of optical pulse multiplets in the temporal domain from a single pulse using the time-transformation technique for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The generation of a pair of compressed, well-spaced, and identical Gaussian pulses from a third-order super-Gaussian input pulse when propagated through an anomalous dispersion fiber is reported. Detailed analysis on the effect of variation of input energy, pulse parameters, and optical gain in view of doublet formation leading to the possibility of high effective repetition rate (ERR) at smaller propagating length is reported. The formation of triplets and quadruplets from different input pulse shapes is investigated.
Binarization for low-quality ESPI fringe patterns based on preprocessing and clustering
Authors: Chen Lei , Tang Chen , Xu Min , Lei Zhenkun
Published: October 2021

Massive inherent speckle noise and extremely low contrast make it difficult to binarize electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) fringe patterns. In this paper, we present a binarization based on preprocessing and fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering for low-quality ESPI fringe patterns. First, we use the multiscale retinex (MSR) algorithm to enhance the original fringe pattern to improve the contrast between the bright and dark fringes. Then, the local entropy of the enhanced fringe pattern is calculated and the second-order oriented partial differential equation algorithm is introduced to filter the local entropy map. Finally, the FCM is applied to cluster the local entropy filtering map, and the pixels of the fringe pattern are classified into two categories: bright fringes and dark fringes. To verify the reliability and universality of the proposed method, we provide a qualitative evaluation of six experimental ESPI subtraction fringe patterns and two computer-simulated ESPI addition fringe patterns. Experimental results exhibit that the proposed method can provide good binarization performances.
Optimal spin- and planar-quantum squeezing in superpositions of spin coherent states
Authors: Birrittella Richard J. , Ziskind Jason , Hach Edwin E. , Alsing Paul M. , Gerry Christopher C.
Published: October 2021

We investigate the presence of spin- and planar-squeezing in
generalized superpositions of atomic (or spin) coherent states.
Spin-squeezing has been shown to be a useful tool in determining the
presence of entanglement in multipartite systems, such as collections
of two-level atoms, as well as being an indication of reduced
projection noise and sub-shot-noise-limited phase uncertainty in
Ramsey spectroscopy, suitable for measuring phases

ϕ
∼
0

. On the other hand, planar-squeezed
states display reduced projection noise in two directions
simultaneously and have been shown to lead to enhanced metrological
precision in measuring phases without the need for explicit prior
knowledge of the phase value. In this paper, we show that the
generalized superposition state can be parametrized to display both
spin-squeezing along all orthogonal axes and planar-squeezing along
all orthogonal planes for all values of

J
>
1

/

2

. We close with an application of the
maximally spin- and planar-squeezed states to quantum metrology.
Tunneling times of single photons
Authors: Gulla Jan , Skaar Johannes
Published: October 2021

Although the group delay of classical pulses through a barrier may suggest
superluminality, the information transfer is limited by the precursor,
which propagates at the vacuum light speed. Single photons, however,
have infinite tails, and the question of causality becomes
meaningless. We solve this problem by introducing strictly localized
states close to single photons, which are examples of optical states
produced by on-demand single-photon sources. These states can be
arbitrarily close to single photons while demonstrating causality for
their leading edge.
Dispersion properties of plasmonic sub-wavelength elliptical wires wrapped with graphene
Authors: Cuevas Mauro , Depine Ricardo A.
Published: October 2021

One fundamental motivation to know the dispersive or frequency dependent characteristics of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) supported by elliptical shaped particles wrapped with a graphene sheet, as well as their scattering characteristics when these elliptical LSPs are excited, is related to the design of plasmonic structures capable of manipulating light at sub-wavelength scale. The anisotropy imposed by ellipse eccentricity can be used as a geometrical tool for controlling plasmonic resonances. Unlike the metallic case, where multipolar eigenmodes are independent of each other, we find that the induced current on a graphene boundary couples multipolar eigenmodes with the same parity. In the long wavelength limit, a recursive relation equation for LSPs in terms of the ellipse eccentricity parameter is derived, and explicit solutions at lowest order are presented. In this approximation, we obtain analytical expressions for both the anisotropic polarizability tensor elements and the scattered power when LSPs are excited by plane wave incidence.
Refractive index sensor for sensing high refractive index bioliquids at the THz frequency
Authors: Kumar Amit , Verma Pankaj , Jindal Poonam
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a highly sensitive and low loss refractive index (RI) biosensor for high RI bio-analytes detection, such as for cholesterol, nicotine, and bacillus bacteria, is proposed. A novel, to the best of our knowledge, decagonal structure with porous core photonic crystal fiber (PC-PCF) is introduced. The porous core consists of a rectangular sensing hole. The analytes to be sensed are considered in liquid form and infiltrated into the sensing holes, which makes the sensing process simpler and more straightforward. Cladding of the PC-PCF consists of multilayer circular air holes arranged in a decagonal pattern. For durability and stability of the sensor, TOPAS is used as the fiber material. A perfectly matched layer is used for boundary conditions. The correlation among optical power, material, and structural properties is analyzed by the finite element method. The sensing performance of the designed sensor is observed at THz frequency (1.4–3.8 THz). The results under high RI of the analytes (1.52–1.55) are as follows: maximum sensitivity of 98.31% for

x

polarization and 98.26% for

y

polarization, very low confinement loss of

1.5

×

10

−
14

d
B

/

m

, narrow effective mode area of

1.92

×

10

−
7

m

2

, minimum effective material loss of

0.000164

c
m

−
1

, and very low waveguide dispersion of

0.002
±
0.05

ps/THz/cm. In addition, the effect of variation of structural parameters on sensor performance is also analyzed. The proposed PC-PCF-based biosensor can be very useful for sensing higher RI biochemical analytes.
Pupil replication waveguide system for autostereoscopic imaging with a wide field of view
Authors: Yanusik Igor , Kalinina Anastasiia , Morozov Alexander , Lee Jin-Ho
Published: October 2021

Augmented reality head-up displays (HUDs) require virtual-object distance matching to the real scene along an adequate field of view (FoV). At the same time, pupil-replication-based waveguide systems provide a wide FoV while affording compact HUDs. To provide 3D imaging and enable virtual-object distance matching in such waveguide systems, we propose a time-sequential autostereoscopic imaging architecture using a synchronized multi-view picture generation and eyebox formation units. Our simulation setup to validate the system feasibility yields an FoV of 15° × 7.5° with clear crosstalk-less images with a resolution of 60 pix/deg for each eye. Our proof-of-concept prototype with reduced specs yields results that are consistent with the simulation in terms of the viewing-zone formation. Thus, viewing zones for the left and right eyes in plane of the eyebox can be clearly observed. Finally, we discuss how the initial distance of the virtual image can be set for quantified fatigue-free 3D imaging, and an FoV can be further extended in such types of waveguide systems by varying parameters of the eyebox formation unit.
Two-color super-resolution localization microscopy via joint encoding of emitter location and color
Authors: Wang Yujie , Kuang Weibing , Shang Mingtao , Huang Zhen-Li
Published: October 2021

Multi-color super-resolution localization microscopy (SRLM) provides great opportunities for studying the structural and functional details of biological samples. However, current multi-color SRLM methods either suffer from medium to high crosstalk, or require a dedicated optical system and a complicated image analysis procedure. To address these problems, here we propose a completely different method to realize multi-color SRLM. This method is built upon a customized RGBW camera with a repeated pattern of filtered (Red, Green, Blue and Near-infrared) and unfiltered (White) pixels. With a new insight that RGBW camera is advantageous for color recognition instead of color reproduction, we developed a joint encoding scheme of emitter location and color. By combing this RGBW camera with the joint encoding scheme and a simple optical set-up, we demonstrated two-color SRLM with ∼20 nm resolution and < 2% crosstalk (which is comparable to the best-reported values). This study significantly reduces the complexity of two-color SRLM (and potentially multi-color SRLM), and thus offers good opportunities for general biomedical research laboratories to use multi-color SRLM, which is currently mastered only by well-trained researchers.
4D line-scan hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Li Jiaqiong , Zheng Yi , Liu Lingling , Li Beiwen
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a 4D line-scan hyperspectral imager that combines 3D geometrical measurement and spectral detection with high spectral resolution and spatial accuracy. We investigated the geometrical optical model of a camera attaching with a spectrograph, theoretically explored the mathematical model for line-scan fringe projection profilometry, and established the 3D reconstruction and calibration methods under this proposed line-scan high-dimensional imaging system. The spectral resolution of the system is 2.8 nm, and the spatial root-mean-square-error is 0.0895 mm when measuring a standard sphere with a diameter of 40.234 mm. We measure a colored statue to showcase the intensity change along the dimension of wavelength. In addition, the quality and defect of the spinach leaves are inspected based on spectral data and depth data, which demonstrates the potential application of the system in the food industry.
Integrated reference cavity with dual-mode optical thermometry for frequency correction
Authors: Zhao Qiancheng , Harrington Mark W. , Isichenko Andrei , Liu Kaikai , Behunin Ryan O. , Papp Scott B. , Rakich Peter T. , Hoyt Chad W. , Fertig Chad , Blumenthal Daniel J.
Published: October 2021

Photonic integrated resonators have advantages over traditional benchtop cavities in terms of size, weight, and cost with the potential to enable applications that require spectrally pure light. However, integrated resonators suffer from temperature-dependent frequency variations and are sensitive to external environmental perturbations, which hinders their usage in precision frequency applications. One solution is to use interrogation of the cavity temperature through dual-mode optical thermometry (DMOT) by measuring the shift of the resonance frequency difference between two polarization or optical frequency modes. Yet this approach has only been demonstrated in bulk-optic whispering gallery mode and fiber resonators. In this paper, we implement dual-mode optical thermometry in an ultra-high

Q

integrated silicon nitride resonator. A dual-mode resonance frequency difference temperature sensitivity of

188

±

15

M
H
z

/

K

is measured. We demonstrate feedforward DMOT frequency correction that, under an applied external temperature ramp, is able to reduce the optical frequency change to 0.31 kHz/s as compared to an uncorrected 10.03 kHz/s, a factor of

30

×

reduction. These results show promise for on-chip frequency correction solutions for quantum, metrology, atomic, and coherent optical communications applications.
Photonic neural field on a silicon chip: large-scale, high-speed neuro-inspired computing and sensing
Authors: Sunada Satoshi , Uchida Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Photonic neural networks have significant potential for high-speed neural processing with low latency and ultralow energy consumption. However, the on-chip implementation of a large-scale neural network is still challenging owing to its low scalability. Herein, we propose the concept of a photonic neural field and implement it experimentally on a silicon chip to realize highly scalable neuro-inspired computing. In contrast to existing photonic neural networks, the photonic neural field is a spatially continuous field that nonlinearly responds to optical inputs, and its high spatial degrees of freedom allow for large-scale and high-density neural processing on a millimeter-scale chip. In this study, we use the on-chip photonic neural field as a reservoir of information and demonstrate a high-speed chaotic time-series prediction with low errors using a training approach similar to reservoir computing. We show that the photonic neural field is potentially capable of executing more than one peta multiply–accumulate operations per second for a single input wavelength on a footprint as small as a few square millimeters. The operation of the neural field is energy efficient due to a passive scattering process, for which the required power comes only from the optical input. We also show that in addition to processing, the photonic neural field can be used for rapidly sensing the temporal variation of an optical phase, facilitated by its high sensitivity to optical inputs. The merging of optical processing with optical sensing paves the way for an end-to-end data-driven optical sensing scheme.
Frequency-multiplexed entanglement for continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Kovalenko Olena , Ra Young-Sik , Cai Yin , Usenko Vladyslav C. , Fabre Claude , Treps Nicolas , Filip Radim
Published: October 2021

Quantum key distribution with continuous variables already uses advantageous high-speed single-mode homodyne detection with low electronic noise at room temperature. Together with continuous-variable information encoding to nonclassical states, the distance for secure key transmission through lossy channels can approach 300 km in current optical fibers. Such protocols tolerate higher channel noise and also limited data processing efficiency compared to coherent-state protocols. The secret key rate can be further increased by increasing the system clock rates, and, further, by a suitable frequency-mode-multiplexing of optical transmission channels. However, the multiplexed modes couple together in the source or any other part of the protocol. Therefore, multiplexed communication will experience cross talk and the gain can be minuscule. Advantageously, homodyne detectors allow solving this cross-talk problem by proper data processing. It is a potential advantage over protocols with single-photon detectors, which do not enable similar data processing techniques. We demonstrate the positive outcome of this methodology on the experimentally characterized frequency-multiplexed entangled source of femtosecond optical pulses with natural cross talk between eight entangled pairs of modes. As the main result, we predict the almost 15-fold higher secret key rate. This experimental test and analysis of frequency-multiplexed entanglement source open the way for the field implementation of high-capacity quantum key distribution with continuous variables.
Presence of atypical genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from cats in the state of Bahia, Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Deiró Ana Graziela de Jesus , do Prado Danielle Paschoal , Sousa Iuri Prates , Rocha Daniele de Santana , Bezerra Rodrigo Alves , Gaiotto Fernanda Amato , Albuquerque George Rego , Munhoz Alexandre Dias
Published: October 2021

In this study, 20 blood, heart, and brain samples were collected from euthanized cats at the Zoonosis Control Centers and Veterinary Clinics in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The sera were examined for anti-T. gondii antibodies using the indirect hemagglutination test. The brains and hearts of seven seropositive cats were ground, and peptide digestion was performed for bioassay in mice. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated in 5/7 (71.42%) of seropositive cats. In these isolates, the parasite was genotyped using the Polymerase chain reaction, associated with the DNA fragment polymorphism obtained by restriction enzyme PCR-RFLP technique with 11 markers (SAG1, 5’-SAG2, 3’-SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3) and 15 microsatellite markers (TUB-2, W35, TgM-A, B18, B17, M33, IV.1, XI.1, M48, M102, N60, N82, AA, N61, N83). The analysis of the isolates by PCR-RFLP revealed five distinct genotypes. Three of these genotypes have never been reported before; one corresponded to the TgDgCo13 genotype, and one incomplete genotype. In genotyping analysis using microsatellite markers, it was observed that the isolates showed atypical alleles in the typing and fingerprint markers. This revealed five atypical genotypes. The typing marker B17 showed the highest degree of atypia. This study is the first to report the genotyping of T. gondii obtained from naturally infected cats in Bahia, Northeast Brazil. The genotypes found in this study were different from those found in other studies conducted in Bahia, which included different species of animals. None of the clonal lineages I, II, or III were found. This study demonstrates the diversity of T. gondii in the study region, with the presence of unusual genotypes, reaffirming the genetic variability of the parasite in Brazil.
Observations of sharks (Elasmobranchii) at Europa Island, a remote marine protected area important for shark conservation in the southern Mozambique Channel
Authors: Guillaume Mireille M. M. , Séret Bernard
Published: October 2021

Sharks have declined worldwide and remote sanctuaries are becoming crucial for shark conservation. The southwest Indian Ocean is a hotspot of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity mostly impacted by anthropogenic damage. Sharks were observed during surveys performed from April to June 2013 in the virtually pristine coral reefs around Europa Island, a remote Marine Protected Area located in the southern Mozambique Channel. Observation events comprised 67 1-hour scientific dives between 5 – 35m depth and 7 snorkeling inspections, as well as 4 dinghy-based observations in the shallow lagoon. In a period of 24 days, 475 sharks were tallied.Carcharhinus galapagensiswas most encountered and contributed 20% of the abundance during diving, followed byC.albimarginatus(10%). Both species were more abundant between 11-14h, and on the exposed sides of the island. Numbers ofSphyrna lewiniwere highest with 370 individuals windward and leeward, mostly schooling.S.lewiniaggregations in the area are hypothesized to be attracted to the seamount archipelago offering favorable conditions for deep incursions and of which Europa Island forms part.C.amblyrhynchos,Galeocerdo cuvierandS.mokarranwere uncommon, while there was an additional observation ofRhincodon typus. The lagoon of Europa was a nursery ground forC.melanopteruswhere it was the only species present. A total of 8 species was recorded, contributing to the shark diversity of 15 species reported from Europa since 1952 in the scientific and gray literature. Overall, with the occurrence of several species of apex predators in addition to that ofR.typus, large schools ofS.lewini, fair numbers of reef sharks and a nursery ofC.melanopterus, Europa’s sharks constitute a significant reservoir of biodiversity, which contributes to preserve the functioning of the ecosystem. Our observations highlight the relevance of Europa Island for shark conservation and the need for shark-targeted management in the EEZ of both Europa and Bassas da India.
Fine tuning of the side-to-side tenorrhaphy: A biomechanical study assessing different side-to-side suture techniques in a porcine tendon model
Authors: Wilhelm Christina J. , Englbrecht Marc A. , Burgkart Rainer , Micheler Carina , Lang Jan , Hagen Christine S. , Giunta Riccardo E. , Wachtel Nikolaus
Published: October 2021

Recent studies conclude that a new technique for tendon transfers, the side-to-side tenorrhaphy by Fridén (FR) provides higher biomechanical stability than the established standard first described by Pulvertaft (PT). The aim of this study was to optimize side-to-side tenorrhaphies. We compared PT and FR tenorrhaphies as well as a potential improvement, termed Woven-Fridén tenorrhaphy (WF), with regard to biomechanical stability. Our results demonstrate superior biomechanical stability and lower bulk of FR and, in particular, WF over PT tenorrhaphies. The WF and FR technnique therefore seem to be a notable alternative to the established standard tenorrhaphy as they display lower bulk and higher stability, permitting successful immediate active mobilization after surgery.
Association between common polymorphisms in IL-1 and TNFα and risk of peri-implant disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Qiuchen , Teng Fangjun , Cheng Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Background

Pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) play important roles in host immune response and bone metabolism during dental implant osseointegration. Whether the functional polymorphisms in IL-1α, IL-1β and TNFα were associated with peri-implant disease was unclear, and we performed the present meta-analysis for this purpose.

Methods

Eligible studies investigating IL-1α C-889T, IL-1β C+3954T and C-511T, TNFα G-308A, composite genotype of IL-1α C-889T and IL-1β C+3954T for association with peri-implant disease, including peri-implantitis (PI), marginal bone loss (MBL) and implant failure/loss (IF/IL), were searched on several literature databases prior to April 30, 2021. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each polymorphism in different genetic models and for composite genotype comparing carriers to non-carriers.

Results

Twenty-seven studies (1324 cases with peri-implant disease and 1808 controls with healthy implants) were included. There was significant correlation between IL-1α C-889T and peri-implant disease in all genetic models. IL-1β C+3954T was associated with peri-implant disease risk in allelic (OR = 1.66, 95%CI 1.17–2.35, p = 0.004) and dominant model (OR = 1.74, 95%CI 1.19–2.53, p = 0.004), and in subgroups of Asians, Caucasians, non-smokers, IF/IL and PI. TT genotype of IL-1β C-511T increased the risk of peri-implant disease (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.15–2.43, p = 0.007) and MBL (OR = 4.33, 95%CI 1.72–10.9, p = 0.002) compared to CC+CT genotypes. We did not observed a significant association between TNFα G-308A and peri-implant diseases in overall or subgroups analysis. Carriers of positive composite genotype of IL-1α C-889T and IL-1β C+3954T had 1.95-fold (95%CI 1.35–2.80, p<0.001) risk of peri-implant disease and 1.76-fold (95%CI 1.05–2.95, p = 0.032) risk of IF/IL than non-carriers.

Conclusion

Functional polymorphisms of IL-1α (C-889T), IL-1β (C+3954T, C-511T) and composite genotype of IL-1 can be used as predictive markers for peri-implant disease, whereas TNFα G-308A polymorphism was not associated with peri-implant disease.
Quantum-Inspired Magnetic Hamiltonian Monte Carlo
Authors: Mongwe Wilson Tsakane , Mbuvha Rendani , Marwala Tshilidzi
Published: October 2021

Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) is a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm that is able to generate distant proposals via the use of Hamiltonian dynamics, which are able to incorporate first-order gradient information about the target posterior. This has driven its rise in popularity in the machine learning community in recent times. It has been shown that making use of the energy-time uncertainty relation from quantum mechanics, one can devise an extension to HMC by allowing the mass matrix to be random with a probability distribution instead of a fixed mass. Furthermore, Magnetic Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (MHMC) has been recently proposed as an extension to HMC and adds a magnetic field to HMC which results in non-canonical dynamics associated with the movement of a particle under a magnetic field. In this work, we utilise the non-canonical dynamics of MHMC while allowing the mass matrix to be random to create the Quantum-Inspired Magnetic Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (QIMHMC) algorithm, which is shown to converge to the correct steady state distribution. Empirical results on a broad class of target posterior distributions show that the proposed method produces better sampling performance than HMC, MHMC and HMC with a random mass matrix.
Projects Distribution Algorithms for Regional Development
Authors: Jemmali Mahdi
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to find an efficient method to assign different projects to several regions seeking an equitable distribution of the expected revenue of projects. The solutions to this problem are discussed in this paper. This problem is NP-hard. For this work, the constraint is to suppose that all regions have the same socio-economic proprieties. Given a set of regions and a set of projects. Each project is expected to elaborate a fixed revenue. The goal of this paper is to minimize the summation of the total difference between the total revenues of each region and the minimum total revenue assigned to regions. An appropriate schedule of projects is the schedule that ensures an equitable distribution of the total revenues between regions. In this paper, we give a mathematical formulation of the objective function and propose several algorithms to solve the studied problem. An experimental result is presented to discuss the comparison between all implemented algorithms.
Serologic evidence of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in camel and Eld's deer, Thailand
Authors: Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan Somjit , Ketchim Natthaphat , Surarith Wanvisa , Thongdee Metawee , Prompiram Phirom , Tonchiangsai Kanittha , Tipkantha Wanlaya , Wiriyarat Witthawat , Paungpin Weena
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim: The pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza (H1N1pdm09) virus has affected both human and animal populations worldwide. The transmission of the H1N1pdm09 virus from humans to animals is increasingly more evident. Captive animals, particularly zoo animals, are at risk of H1N1pdm09 virus infection through close contact with humans. Evidence of exposure to the H1N1pdm09 virus has been reported in several species of animals in captivity. However, there is limited information on the H1N1pdm09 virus infection and circulation in captive animals. To extend the body of knowledge on exposure to the H1N1pdm09 virus among captive animals in Thailand, our study investigated the presence of antibodies against the H1N1pdm09 virus in two captive animals: Camelids and Eld's deer.

Materials and Methods: We investigated H1N1pdm09 virus infection among four domestic camelid species and wild Eld's deer that were kept in different zoos in Thailand. In total, 72 archival serum samples from camelid species and Eld's deer collected between 2013 and 2014 in seven provinces in Thailand were analyzed for influenza antibodies using hemagglutination inhibition (HI), microneutralization, and western blotting (WB) assays.

Results: The presence of antibodies against the H1N1pdm09 virus was detected in 2.4% (1/42) of dromedary camel serum samples and 15.4% (2/13) of Eld's deer serum samples. No antibodies were detected in the rest of the serum samples derived from other investigated camelids, including Bactrian camels (0/3), alpacas (0/5), and llamas (0/9). The three positive serum samples showed HI antibody titers of 80, whereas the neutralization titers were in the range of 320-640. Antibodies specific to HA and NP proteins in the H1N1pdm09 virus were detected in positive camel serum samples using WB. Conversely, the presence of the specific antibodies in the positive Eld's deer serum samples could not be determined using WB due to the lack of commercially labeled secondary antibodies.

Conclusion: The present study provided evidence of H1N1pdm09 virus infection in the captive dromedary camel and Eld's deer in Thailand. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance for influenza A virus in the population of dromedary camels and Eld's deer. The susceptible animal populations in close contact with humans should be closely monitored. Further study is warranted to determine whether Eld's deer are indeed a competent reservoir for human influenza virus.
A nonzero solution for bounded selfadjoint operator equations and homoclinic orbits of Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Song Mingliang , Li Runzhen
Published: October 2021

We obtain an existence theorem of nonzero solution for a class of bounded selfadjoint operator equations. The main result contains as a special case the existence result of a nontrivial homoclinic orbit of a class of Hamiltonian systems by Coti Zelati, Ekeland and Séré. We also investigate the existence of nontrivial homoclinic orbit of indefinite second order systems as another application of the theorem.
Ground state sign-changing solutions and infinitely many solutions for fractional logarithmic Schrödinger equations in bounded domains
Authors: Tong Yonghui , Guo Hui , Figueiredo Giovany
Published: October 2021

We consider a class of fractional logarithmic Schrödinger equation in bounded domains. First, by means of the constraint variational method, quantitative deformation lemma and some new inequalities, the positive ground state solutions and ground state sign-changing solutions are obtained. These inequalities are derived from the special properties of fractional logarithmic equations and are critical for us to obtain our main results. Moreover, we show that the energy of any sign-changing solution is strictly larger than twice the ground state energy. Finally, we obtain that the equation has infinitely many nontrivial solutions. Our result complements the existing ones to fractional Schrödinger problems when the nonlinearity is sign-changing and satisfies neither the monotonicity condition nor Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition.
Hopf bifurcation in a reaction-diffusive-advection two-species competition model with one delay
Authors: Meng Qiong , Liu Guirong , Jin Zhen
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate a reaction-diffusive-advection two-species competition model with one delay and Dirichlet boundary conditions. The existence and multiplicity of spatially non-homogeneous steady-state solutions are obtained. The stability of spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solutions and the existence of Hopf bifurcation with the changes of the time delay are obtained by analyzing the distribution of eigenvalues of the infinitesimal generator associated with the linearized system. By the normal form theory and the center manifold reduction, the stability and bifurcation direction of Hopf bifurcating periodic orbits are derived. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
A saddle point type solution for a system of operator equations
Authors: Kowalski Piotr
Published: October 2021

Let
Ω⊂Rn n>1 and let
p,q≥2. We consider the system of nonlinear Dirichlet problems
equation* brace(Au)(x)=Nu′(x,u(x),v(x)),x∈Ω,r-(Bv)(x)=Nv′(x,u(x),v(x)),x∈Ω,ru(x)=0,x∈∂Ω,rv(x)=0,x∈∂Ω,endequation* where
N:R×R→R is
C1 and is partially convex-concave and
A:W01,p(Ω)→(W01,p(Ω))*
B:W01,p(Ω)→(W01,p(Ω))* are monotone and potential operators. The solvability of this system is reached via the Ky–Fan minimax theorem.