bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSTRUÇÃO DA FORMA MATRICIAL DE SEQUÊNCIAS LINEARES E RECORRENTES: UM ESTUDO DA MATRIZ GERADORA
Authors: Vieira Renata Passos Machado , Alves Francisco Regis Vieira , Catarino Paula Maria Machado Cruz , Rodrigues Anabela M. F. Borges Varela
Published: January 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo, apresentar um caminho para o ensino da construção da forma matricial de sequências lineares e recorrentes, bem como determinar a quantidade de matrizes válidas para cada sequência e, como essas são obtidas. Utilizando a sequência de Padovan como referência para esse estudo, e a metodologia de ensino baseada na Teoria das Situações Didáticas, apresentamos uma proposta de atividade, com o viés de atingir o objetivo dessa pesquisa. Em muitos trabalhos encontrados na literatura, essas matrizes são apenas introduzidas, não sendo mostrado o seu processo de construção. Com isso, faz-se necessário, que esse estudo seja realizado, facilitando a obtenção de outras sequências, visto que nessa área, estão sendo introduzidas, cada vez mais, novas sequências em artigos de matemática pura e na área de ensino.
ENSINO DE LÍNGUA INGLESA E CULTURA DIGITAL EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA: O DESAFIO DE SUPERAR O CURTO ESPAÇO DE TEMPO ENTRE O DITO E O VIVIDO
Authors: Sousa Carlos Henrique Andrade de , Oliveira Francisco Thiago Chaves de , Martins Elcimar Simão
Published: January 2021

Considerando o contexto da Pandemia do Covid-19 e os desafios para a implantação do ensino remoto de modo emergencial, o presente texto objetiva compreender o ensino e a aprendizagem de língua inglesa mediados pelas tecnologias digitais no contexto da pandemia do Covid-19. De abordagem qualitativa, metodologicamente o estudo se utilizou das tecnologias digitais de informação e da comunicação para coletar os dados. Assim, foram analisadas as respostas de quarenta e quatro estudantes de língua inglesa do Centro Cearense de Idiomas – CCI. Para tanto, foi utilizado um questionário online disponibilizado no Google Formulários. O estudo contou ainda com a participação do professor dos referidos discentes, que registrou suas impressões por meio de um diário de formação digital. O conjunto de dados revela que, inicialmente, as aulas foram paralisadas e os estudantes ficaram na ansiedade da retomada. Com o ensino remoto implantado de modo emergencial surgiram desafios como: o estudo e o trabalho nas limitações do ambiente familiar, desconsiderando aspectos e situações pessoais, profissionais e contextuais que influenciam discentes e docentes; a baixa qualidade de equipamentos tecnológicos de boa parte dos discentes para a efetivação das atividades; a constatação de que a formação tecnológica dos docentes não seria suficiente para as exigências do ensino remoto no CCI, desencadeando um movimento de solidariedade entre os pares. Conclui-se que, a despeito das dificuldades enfrentadas, do desgaste físico e mental, os discentes apresentam esperança, satisfação e tranquilidade em relação à vida pessoal e estudantil e os docentes conseguiram motivar e acompanhar os estudantes nesse processo.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA EDUCAÇÃO PARA FORMAÇÃO DE SOCIEDADES RESILIENTES
Authors: Da Silva Filho André Luiz , Aires Marina , Dos Santos Junior Wilson Messias
Published: January 2021

Desastres de origens naturais são causados por fenômenos da natureza que atuam independentemente da ação humana e, atingem áreas ou regiões habitadas pelo homem, causando-lhe danos. O atual modelo de desenvolvimento da sociedade, que ao longo dos últimos séculos, baseia-se em um planejamento urbano desordenado, que acarreta em um processo de degradação ambiental, resultando em uma sociedade susceptível a eventos naturais extremos. A redução dos riscos para eventos extremos ainda não se encontra presente como parte do cotidiano da população, em especial a brasileira, desse modo surge a importância da mudança desse panorama através da educação. O artigo dedica-se ao estudo da educação resiliente no ensino básico como uma importante medida para a prevenção das consequências de desastres naturais. Utiliza-se como materiais e métodos pesquisa bibliográfica em entidades internacionais como Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) e Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância (UNICEF), estudo sobre a base curricular do Estado do Rio de Janeiro e a atuação de órgãos públicos como a Defesa Civil do Município do Rio de Janeiro e o Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alertas de Desastres Naturais (CEMADEN).
DA MILITARIZAÇÃO AO ENCARCERAMENTO: UMA VISÃO SOBRE O PROCESSO DE SEGREGAÇÃO URBANA NO MUNICÍPIO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Nesimi Mariana Dos Santos
Published: January 2021

Neste artigo, buscamos discutir a tese de que determinados locais da cidade, em virtude de um longo processo de marginalização, passam a ser estigmatizados como territórios do crime, lar de potenciais criminosos. Além das políticas de controle e distanciamento social que são promovidas no espaço a partir dessa perspectiva, hoje, podemos destacar um aprofundamento dessa lógica através do movimento de confinamento espacial, que tem como objetivo “garantir” o ordenamento urbano. Destacamos como exemplos de confinamento a militarização do espaço urbano e as medidas de encarceramento, que embora sejam movimentos distintos, compartilham alvos e práticas.
Optimal birth interval and empowerment: a closer look at women's agency in Kenya
Authors: Kudeva Rumyana , Halaas Beth , Kagotho Njeri , Lee Guijin , Biswas Bipasha
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims

Birth interval is measured by the number of months between two consecutive births, and is an important factor related to maternal and child health, family planning, and empowerment. A woman's ability to regulate time between pregnancies remains a human rights issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the impact of autonomous decision making and attitudes about intimate partner violence on birth interval among married/partnered women in Kenya.

Methods

This study analysed data from fecund women (15 − 49 years old) included in the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Autonomy and intimate partner violence perceptions were explored and analysed. The survey included married and partnered women. Structural equation modelling was used to determine the association between individual characteristics and optimal birth intervals.

Results

Women with higher permissive attitudes regarding intimate partner violence were more likely to report shorter birth intervals. Specifically, the results demonstrated that each unit increase in permissive attitudes towards domestic violence was associated with a 0.033 increase in the relative log odds of having birth intervals that were shorter than optimal. More than half of surveyed women (56%) reported using modern contraceptive methods, but 55% of them had non-optimal birth intervals.

Conclusions

Despite the majority of women using contraception, over half of surveyed women had non-optimal birth intervals. This calls for the expansion of education regarding contraceptive use for spacing of births. Equally, a shorter birth interval was associated with more permissive attitudes towards intimate partner violence. As perceptions of intimate partner violence may be socially constructed, targeting structural inequalities to address women's health may help this issue. Investigating data specific to Kenya will benefit the development of women's health and empowerment education strategies and interventions.
Women's adherence to iron supplementation during pregnancy in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Boampong Owusu Lydia , Omowumi Emikpe Abigael
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Anaemia in pregnancy is caused by factors such as malaria, poor diet and hook worm infestation. Adherence to iron supplementation in pregnancy has been found to correct anaemia and improve fetal outcomes. In Ghana, though iron is given to pregnant women at no cost under the free maternal healthcare policy, anaemia prevalence is high. This calls for investigation into adherence to iron supplementation. This study investigated adherence of pregnant women to prescribed iron supplements in Kumasi, Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among postnatal women in Kumasi in November and December 2017. Women were selected through systematic random sampling and given a structured questionnaire to elicit information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and iron supplementation intake during pregnancy. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, with P≤0.05 considered to be significant.

Results

Overall, most of the women were between 22 and 35 years old (69.5%) and had some form of formal education (86.7%). The majority (96.6%) took iron supplements during pregnancy. Most (82.2%) had their supplements prescribed by a midwife or nurse. The majority of women (61.9%) adhered to their prescription. There was a significant relationship between education level and adherence to iron prescription.

Conclusions

Strategies to improve education regarding adherence to the use of iron supplements by midwives are required.
Paramedic prescribing: implementation in practice
Authors: Best Pete , Taylor Vanessa
Published: January 2021

Background:

In April 2018, legislation was changed to allow paramedics to prescribe independently. There is limited research regarding how paramedics are implementing their prescribing qualification. Policy papers and other literature were largely written before April 2018 and therefore document expectations regarding prescribing paramedics within the healthcare system.

Aim:

To explore if paramedic prescribing is being practised as expected. This article reports part of a larger study that explored how paramedics are implementing their prescribing qualification in practice more broadly.

Methods:

A web-based survey was conducted using convenience sampling. The sample represents 14.65% of the total number of prescribing paramedics.

Findings:

Paramedics are working in a variety of areas of healthcare. Some paramedics do not have the required amount of experience or the educational background recommended to become a prescribing paramedic. It is unlikely that new pathways to care are being created by prescribing paramedics. It is unclear whether prescribing increases patient access to medications.
Probabilistic Assessment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Network System Consists of Four Subsystems in Series Configuration Using Copula Linguistic Approach
Authors: Singh Vijay Vir , Ismail Abdul Kareem Lado , Yusuf Ibrahim , Abdullahi Ameer Hassan
Published: January 2021

A complex repairable computer-based test (CBT) network system studied in this paper consists of three client computers, a load balancer, two database servers, with the centralized server structured in a series configuration. Subsystem 1 consists of three homogeneous clients arranged in parallel configuration, subsystem 2 comprises a load balancer, subsystem 3 is comprised of two distributed homogeneous database servers in parallel arrangement and subsystem 4 consists of a centralized database server. Through the transition diagram, the first-order differential equations are derived. The model has solved using supplementary variables, with implications of Laplace transforms. Reliability metrics of system effects such as availability, reliability, MTTF, MTTF sensitivity, and the cost function is estimated to see the impact of failure and repair patterns on reliability evaluations. The results of this study indicated that system performance could be improved when the copula repair is employed.
Enhancing the sensitivity of a transmissive graphene-based plasmonic biosensor
Authors: Esfandiari Meisam , Jarchi Saughar , Nasiri-Shehni Paria , Ghaffari-Miab Mohsen
Published: January 2021

A biosensor platform based on the plasmonic resonance of graphene in the terahertz (THz) range (0.1 to 10 THz) is designed and investigated. The initial design is to create a nanofluidic channel as a sensing layer in the substrate of a biosensor grounded by metal. The sensor consists of a rectangular graphene patch over the substrate, which can be fed by either an external near-field source or an antenna. The presence of molecules in the nanosensing layer causes small changes in the channel’s properties, detectable through the scattering parameters of the designed biosensor. Since biomolecules are poorly absorbed in the initial biosensor, it can be grounded by a graphene sheet that is the same size as the graphene sheet over the substrate, which results in a performance improvement of the biosensor. It is shown that, by increasing the number of graphene sheets between the ground and the patch, high absorption occurs that enhances the sensitivity of the initial surface plasmon resonance THz biosensor. With varying refractive index of the sensing layer (Ns) in the range of 1.3–1.6, the proposed biosensors are investigated and compared with the initial biosensor. It is shown that by applying a graphene sheet between the two graphene sheets in the substrate, a maximum sensitivity of 8470 nm/RIU is achieved, which is a significant improvement, and also a sensitivity improvement of 4130 nm/RIU is achieved at

N
s

=

1.3

. In the final section, it is shown that changing the substrate material from silicon (Si) to silica (

S
i
O

2

) brings a significant sensitivity enhancement in the proposed biosensor with three graphene sheets, which accounts for 15410 nm/RIU in the best scenario.
Spectral bandwidth correction with optimal parameters based on deep learning
Authors: Cui Hao , Xia Guo , Huang Chan , Wang Jiangtao , Bai Lihao
Published: January 2021

Spectral bandwidth correction is an effective way to obtain the original spectrum. However, the correct selection of optimal parameters used to recover the distortion spectrum in bandwidth correction algorithms has always been an important problem. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional parameter selection methods and obtain the optimal parameter, we propose a new optimal parameter selection method based on deep learning (DL). First, the database and neural network were constructed, and then the optimal parameters of corresponding algorithms were obtained through the training of the neural network. In order to verify the superiority of the optimal parameter selection method based on DL, the Levenberg–Marquardt (L-M) and Richardson–Lucy (R-L) algorithms with corresponding optimal parameters were compared with the traditional L-M and R-L algorithms to recover the distortion white light-emitting diode, Raman spectrum, and compact fluorescent lamp spectrum. The type A uncertainty and root mean square error values of the different cases were calculated. The results proved that, compared with the traditional methods for obtaining the optimal parameters, the neural network was capable of obtaining parameters that can make the bandwidth correction algorithm more efficient at recovering the distorted spectrum.
Correction of the air refractive index using a two-color method for absolute distance measurement without a dead zone
Authors: Gao Haoran , Yu Liandong , Xu Xin , Jin Xueying , Lu Yang , Bian Dian , Zheng Renhao
Published: January 2021

In the fields of satellite formation, large-scale manufacturing, and ultra-precision machining, high-precision ranging based on the femtosecond laser is one of the necessary technologies. However, the fluctuations of the air refractive index and the limited tuning range of repetition rate restrict the measurement precision and range. Using only one femtosecond comb that corrects the air refractive index simultaneously, a method for ranging without the dead zone of measurement is described. A delay optical path is established in the ranging system to eliminate the dead zone of measurement by a comb. Meanwhile, in order to ensure the consistency of the pulse sequence between the fundamental frequency beam and the second-harmonic beam after the delay optical path, the second-harmonic beam generates on the delay optical path after the fundamental harmonic passes the long fiber. A two-color method is used to correct the effect of the air refractive index. The experimental result demonstrates the measurement precision of 7.2 µm at

∼

0.8

m

with correction of the air refractive index, and the precision of measurement is 8.4 µm at

∼

2.2

m

. Finally, the maximum deviation between our system and the reference standard is 5.0 µm.
Strong second-harmonic response from semiconductor–dielectric interfaces
Authors: Zdanowicz Mariusz , Mroczyński Robert , Szczepański Paweł
Published: January 2021

In this study, an analysis of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) response from surfaces containing dielectric–semiconductor interfaces with sub-wavelength features is presented. The investigated medium is a metamaterial where the SHG response is governed by the symmetry breaking between consecutive layers. The examined material is composed of a periodic structure based on 50 nm silicon nitride and 10 nm indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) fabricated on a quartz glass substrate. The elementary cell consists of a pair of materials in an exchangeable order. The preliminary results show a promising application of the amorphous IGZO as a nonlinear optical material, whose optical characteristics can be controlled by the fabrication process itself. Prepared structures give a remarkably high SHG response. For an effective thickness of the structure equal to 240 nm, a more than 250-fold increase in SHG compared to the reference substrate is observed.
All-fiber rotary velocity measurement based on Doppler frequency differences obtained by two homodyne interferometers
Authors: Wang Xiufang , Gao Biao , Jiang Chunlei , Dong Taiji , Chen Peng
Published: January 2021

A laser Doppler rotary velocity measurement method based on an all-fiber homodyne interferometer is proposed in this paper. In this method, the target rotary velocity is measured by the difference of two Doppler frequencies, detected by two homodyne interferometers with a single photodetector (PD), which can be located anywhere on the side of the turntable, and then the rotary velocity can be measured very flexibly without measuring the incident angle. This method can miniaturize the dual-beam rotary speed measurement device. The experimental results show that the relative errors are below 0.5%.
Dual-channel fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor based on a metallized
core
Authors: Wei Yong , Li Lingling , Liu Chunlan , Su Yudong , Zhao Xiaoling , Wu Ping , Hu Jiangxi , Wang Rui , Ran Ze , Zhu Dong
Published: January 2021

We propose a novel dual-channel fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
sensor based on a metalized core. Using a polymer, the cladding and
coating layer of the sensor coated with a metal sensing film are
restored. The parameters of the sensor are determined after studying
the influence of different polymers and sensing films on the dynamic
range and sensing sensitivity. A silver film coated with UV-curable
adhesive and a gold film coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with
respective sensing sensitivities of up to 1.39 and 1.48 nm/°C are
selected after optimization to construct the dual-channel sensor. A
dual-channel fiber SPR temperature compensation refractive index
sensor with improved accuracy is then constructed with a 20-nm gold
film for the refractive index sensing unit and a 50-nm gold film
coated with PDMS for the temperature sensing unit. Owing to its
complete fiber structure, the SPR sensor has good mechanical
properties and high practical value, and it can be easily applied to
real-time temperature measurements and temperature compensation in
various fields.
Gold fineness measurement using single-shot spark assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Habibpour Mahdi , Parvin Parviz , Amrollahi Reza
Published: January 2021

Here, a homemade gold fineness analyzer is fabricated based on calibration-free spark assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF SA-LIBS). The experimental arrangement consists of a

Q

-switched Nd:YAG laser combined with a spark generator and a single-channel CCD spectrometer. The well-arranged optical system, coupled with an electrical setup, allows us to successfully run SA-LIBS even at low energy single shots. The electric discharge contributes LIBS to reheat and promote more energetic plasma. Subsequently, plasma temperature elevates up to

∼

20

%

,

and its lifetime is elongated as much as 6 times. As a consequence, the relative signal intensity is enhanced up to 1 order of magnitude against that of LIBS at the same pulsed energy. Furthermore, the electron density is also measured based on the broadened spectral width of the intensified

H

α

line. The latter is used to obtain the ionic species concentrations more accurately according to the Saha–Eggert equation. As a result, we have assessed the gold karat with an analytical error less than 0.5% using CF SA-LIBS. In addition, the surface patterns recorded by the stylus profilometer reveal that the single-shot SA-LIBS benefits a smaller ablative mass against standard LIBS.
Machine learning techniques for quality of transmission estimation in optical networks
Authors: Pointurier Yvan
Published: January 2021

The estimation of the quality of transmission (QoT) in optical systems with machine learning (ML) has recently been the focus of a large body of research. We discuss the sources of inaccuracy in QoT estimation in general; we propose a taxonomy for ML-aided QoT estimation; we briefly review ML-aided optical performance monitoring, a tightly related topic; and we review and compare all recently published ML-aided QoT articles.
Single-shot wavefront sensing with deep neural networks for free-space optical communications
Authors: Wang Minghao , Guo Wen , Yuan Xiuhua
Published: January 2021

Applying deep neural networks in image-based wavefront sensing allows for the non-iterative regression of the aberrated phase in real time. In view of the nonlinear mapping from phase to intensity, it is common to utilize two focal plane images in the manner of phase diversity, while algorithms based on only one focal plane image generally yield less accurate estimations. In this paper, we demonstrate that by exploiting a single image of the pupil plane intensity pattern, it is possible to retrieve the wavefront with high accuracy. In the context of free-space optical communications (FSOC), a compact dataset, in which considerable low-order aberrations exist, is generated to train the EfficientNet which learns to regress the Zernike polynomial coefficients from the intensity frame. The performance of ResNet-50 and Inception-V3 are also tested in the same task, which ended up outperformed by EfficientNet by a large margin. To validate the proposed method, the models are fine-tuned and tested with experimental data collected in an adaptive optics platform.
Distributed optical fiber hydrophone based on Φ-OTDR and its field test
Authors: Lu Bin , Wu Bingyan , Gu Jinfeng , Yang Junqi , Gao Kan , Wang Zhaoyong , Ye Lei , Ye Qing , Qu Ronghui , Chen Xiaobao , Cai Haiwen
Published: January 2021

In this letter, a distributed optical fiber hydrophone (DOFH) based on Φ-OTDR is demonstrated and tested in the field. The specially designed sensitized optical cable with sensitivity up to −146 dB rad/µPa/m is introduced, and an array signal processing model for DOFH is constructed to analyze the equivalence and specificity of the distributed array of acoustic sensors. In the field test, a 104-meter-long optical cable and a Φ-OTDR system based on heterodyne coherent detection (Het Φ-OTDR) is utilized, and underwater acoustic signal spatial spectrum estimation, beamforming and motion trajectory tracking with high accuracy can be realized. As far as we know, this is the first report on the field trial of DOFH based on Φ-OTDR. The DOFH has the potential to achieve an array range of tens of kilometers, with elements spaced up to the meter level and flexible configuration, which has a broad application prospect for marine acoustic detection.
Compressive sensing chaotic encryption algorithms for OFDM-PON data transmission
Authors: Wu Tingwei , Zhang Chongfu , Chen Yuhang , Cui Mengwei , Huang Huan , Zhang Zhi , Wen Heping , Zhao Xiong , Qiu Kun
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we propose chaotic compressive sensing (CS) encryption algorithms for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing passive optical network (OFDM-PON), aiming at compressing the transmitted data and enhancing the security of data transmission. Bitstream transmission using CS directly is restricted due to its inability to satisfy the sparsity in neither time nor frequency domain. While the sparsity of the transmitted data can be constructed when transmitting the multimedia. A sensor can be then used to identify whether the data is multimedia. If it is, the CS technique is used, and the sensor’s result is set as side information inserted into the pilot and transmitted to the terminal simultaneously. For encryption processing, a 2-dimensional logistic-sine-coupling map (2D-LSCM) is used to generate pseudo-random numbers to construct the first row of a measurement matrix to encrypt the system. Four transform formats are then applied to generate the sparsity of the transmitted data. Due to the restriction of data transmission in the physical layer, the discrete cosine transform (DCT) is chosen to conduct the CS technique. Four approximation algorithms are also proposed to optimize the performance of compressing the length of bits. We find that ‘Round + Set negative to 0’ shows the best performance. The combination of this chaotic CS encryption technique with the OFDM-PON systems saves the bandwidth and improves the security.
Continuous-wave pumped frequency upconversions in an InSe-integrated microfiber
Authors: Hao Zhen , Jiang Biqiang , Hou Yueguo , Li Chenyang , Yi Ruixuan , Ji Yafei , Li Jiajie , Li Ailun , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin
Published: January 2021

We report the achievement of continuous-wave (CW)-pumped second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum frequency generation (SFG) in a layered indium selenide (InSe)-integrated microfiber. As a result of the strong interaction between the InSe nanosheets and the evanescent field, the second-order nonlinear processes are greatly enhanced in the InSe-integrated microfiber pumped by a few milliwatt CW lasers. The experimental results reveal that the intensities of SHG and SFG are quadratic and linear dependencies with the incident pump power, respectively, which is consistent with theoretical predictions. Additionally, the SHG intensity is strongly polarization-dependent on the nonaxisymmetrical distribution of the InSe nanosheets around the microfiber, providing the possibility of the SHG-polarized manipulation. The proposed device has the potential to be integrable into all-fiber systems for nonlinear applications.
Highly efficient solid-state Raman yellow-orange lasers created by enhancing the cavity reflectivity
Authors: Chen Y. F. , Li D. , Lee Y. M. , Lee C. C. , Huang H. Y. , Tsou C. H. , Liang H. C.
Published: January 2021

A new, to the best of our knowledge, output coupler (OC) with enhancement of the cavity reflectivity is proposed to remarkably elevate the output powers and efficiencies of diode-pumped

N
d

:

G
d
V
O

4

/

K
G
W

Raman yellow-orange lasers. The cavity reflectivity is effectively increased by using the double-sided dichroic coating on the OC. In comparison with the conventional single-sided coating, the conversion efficiency can be boosted from 15% to 26.3% in the experiment of a yellow laser at 578.8 nm, and the maximum output power can be increased from 5.7 to 10.5 W in the quasi-continuous-wave mode with 50% duty cycle and frequency of 500 Hz. Furthermore, in the operation of an orange laser at 588 nm, the maximum output power can be improved from 5.6 to 7.0 W by replacing the conventional OC with the new one.
Large shift of resonance wavelengths of silver nanoslit arrays using electrowetting-on-dielectric cells
Authors: Silalahi Harry Miyosi , Tsai Yu-Hsuan , Lee Kuang-Li , Wei Pei-Kuen , Huang Chia-Yi
Published: January 2021

A simple design for shifting the resonance wavelength of silver nanoslits using an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) cell is proposed. The EWOD cell comprises a polycarbonate (PC) substrate with Teflon-coated silver nanoslits and a glass substrate with Teflon-coated electrodes. A glycerol droplet is placed between the two substrates, and out of the path of a probe beam at zero electric field. Application of an electric field smaller than 0.3 V/µm on the electrodes moves the glycerol droplet into the path of the probe beam, shifting the resonance wavelength of the silver nanoslits by 135 nm. A change (0.33) in the refractive index of the effective medium that is adjacent to the silver nanoslits causes a large shift in the resonance wavelength. The spectral shift of the silver nanoslits is repeatable by the electric field. This simple design is a great achievement for high-performance electro-optical devices with large wavelength shift ranges such as optical switches, variable optical attenuators, and sensor applications.
Large few-layer hexagonal boron nitride flakes for nonlinear optics
Authors: Bernhardt Nils , Kim Sejeong , Fröch Johannes E. , White Simon J. U. , Duong Ngoc My Hanh , He Zhe , Chen Bo , Liu Jin , Aharonovich Igor , Solntsev Alexander S.
Published: January 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is a layered dielectric material with a wide range of applications in optics and photonics. In this work, we demonstrate a fabrication method for few-layer hBN flakes with areas up to

5000

µ

m

2

. We show that hBN in this form can be integrated with photonic microstructures: as an example, we use a circular Bragg grating (CBG). The layer quality of the exfoliated hBN flake on and off a CBG is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. We show that the SHG signal is uniform across the hBN sample outside the CBG and is amplified in the center of the CBG.
Structured environments foster competitor coexistence by manipulating interspecies interfaces
Authors: Ursell Tristan
Published: January 2021

Natural environments, like soils or the mammalian gut, frequently contain microbial consortia competing within a niche, wherein many species contain genetically encoded mechanisms of interspecies competition. Recent computational work suggests that physical structures in the environment can stabilize local competition between species that would otherwise be subject to competitive exclusion under isotropic conditions. Here we employ Lotka-Volterra models to show that interfacial competition localizes to physical structures, stabilizing competitive ecological networks of many species, even with significant differences in the strength of competitive interactions between species. Within a limited range of parameter space, we show that for stable communities the length-scale of physical structure inversely correlates with the width of the distribution of competitive fitness, such that physical environments with finer structure can sustain a broader spectrum of interspecific competition. These results highlight the potentially stabilizing effects of physical structure on microbial communities and lay groundwork for engineering structures that stabilize and/or select for diverse communities of ecological, medical, or industrial utility.
Dissecting the links between reward and loss, decision-making, and self-reported affect using a computational approach
Authors: Neville Vikki , Dayan Peter , Gilchrist Iain D. , Paul Elizabeth S. , Mendl Michael
Published: January 2021

Links between affective states and risk-taking are often characterised using summary statistics from serial decision-making tasks. However, our understanding of these links, and the utility of decision-making as a marker of affect, needs to accommodate the fact that ongoing (e.g., within-task) experience of rewarding and punishing decision outcomes may alter future decisions and affective states. To date, the interplay between affect, ongoing reward and punisher experience, and decision-making has received little detailed investigation. Here, we examined the relationships between reward and loss experience, affect, and decision-making in humans using a novel judgement bias task analysed with a novel computational model. We demonstrated the influence of within-task favourability on decision-making, with more risk-averse/‘pessimistic’ decisions following more positive previous outcomes and a greater current average earning rate. Additionally, individuals reporting more negative affect tended to exhibit greater risk-seeking decision-making, and, based on our model, estimated time more poorly. We also found that individuals reported more positive affective valence during periods of the task when prediction errors and offered decision outcomes were more positive. Our results thus provide new evidence that (short-term) within-task rewarding and punishing experiences determine both future decision-making and subjectively experienced affective states.
Machine learning based CRISPR gRNA design for therapeutic exon skipping
Authors: Louie Wilson , Shen Max W. , Tahiry Zakir , Zhang Sophia , Worstell Daniel , Cassa Christopher A. , Sherwood Richard I. , Gifford David K.
Published: January 2021

Restoring gene function by the induced skipping of deleterious exons has been shown to be effective for treating genetic disorders. However, many of the clinically successful therapies for exon skipping are transient oligonucleotide-based treatments that require frequent dosing. CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing that causes exon skipping is a promising therapeutic modality that may offer permanent alleviation of genetic disease. We show that machine learning can select Cas9 guide RNAs that disrupt splice acceptors and cause the skipping of targeted exons. We experimentally measured the exon skipping frequencies of a diverse genome-integrated library of 791 splice sequences targeted by 1,063 guide RNAs in mouse embryonic stem cells. We found that our method, SkipGuide, is able to identify effective guide RNAs with a precision of 0.68 (50% threshold predicted exon skipping frequency) and 0.93 (70% threshold predicted exon skipping frequency). We anticipate that SkipGuide will be useful for selecting guide RNA candidates for evaluation of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated exon skipping therapy.
Identifying drug targets for neurological and psychiatric disease via genetics and the brain transcriptome
Authors: Baird Denis A. , Liu Jimmy Z. , Zheng Jie , Sieberts Solveig K. , Perumal Thanneer , Elsworth Benjamin , Richardson Tom G. , Chen Chia-Yen , Carrasquillo Minerva M. , Allen Mariet , Reddy Joseph S. , De Jager Philip L. , Ertekin-Taner Nilufer , Mangravite Lara M. , Logsdon Ben , Estrada Karol , Haycock Philip C. , Hemani Gibran , Runz Heiko , Smith George Davey , Gaunt Tom R. ,   AMP-AD eQTL working group
Published: January 2021

Discovering drugs that efficiently treat brain diseases has been challenging. Genetic variants that modulate the expression of potential drug targets can be utilized to assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. We therefore employed Mendelian Randomization (MR) on gene expression measured in brain tissue to identify drug targets involved in neurological and psychiatric diseases. We conducted a two-sample MR using cis-acting brain-derived expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership for Alzheimer’s Disease consortium (AMP-AD) and the CommonMind Consortium (CMC) meta-analysis study (n = 1,286) as genetic instruments to predict the effects of 7,137 genes on 12 neurological and psychiatric disorders. We conducted Bayesian colocalization analysis on the top MR findings (using P<6x10-7 as evidence threshold, Bonferroni-corrected for 80,557 MR tests) to confirm sharing of the same causal variants between gene expression and trait in each genomic region. We then intersected the colocalized genes with known monogenic disease genes recorded in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and with genes annotated as drug targets in the Open Targets platform to identify promising drug targets. 80 eQTLs showed MR evidence of a causal effect, from which we prioritised 47 genes based on colocalization with the trait. We causally linked the expression of 23 genes with schizophrenia and a single gene each with anorexia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder within the psychiatric diseases and 9 genes with Alzheimer’s disease, 6 genes with Parkinson’s disease, 4 genes with multiple sclerosis and two genes with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis within the neurological diseases we tested. From these we identified five genes (ACE, GPNMB, KCNQ5, RERE and SUOX) as attractive drug targets that may warrant follow-up in functional studies and clinical trials, demonstrating the value of this study design for discovering drug targets in neuropsychiatric diseases.
Modulation of Early Mitotic Inhibitor 1 (EMI1) depletion on the sensitivity of PARP inhibitors in BRCA1 mutated triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Moustafa Dina , Elwahed Maha R. Abd , Elsaid Hanaa H. , Parvin Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2021

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents approximately 10–15% of all breast cancers and has a poor outcome as it lacks a receptor target for therapy, and TNBC is frequently associated with a germline mutation of BRCA1. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) drugs have demonstrated some effectiveness in treating BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutated breast and ovarian cancers but resistance to PARPi is common. Published results found that resistance to Olaparib, a PARPi, can be due to downregulation of EMI1 and the consequent upregulation of the RAD51 recombinase. Using a tissue culture-based cell viability assay, we extended those observations to another PARPi and to other chemotherapy drugs that affect DNA repair or the cell cycle. As we expected, EMI1 downregulation resulted in resistance to another PARPi drug, Talazoparib. EMI1 downregulation also led to resistance to other cytotoxic drugs, Cisplatin and CHK1 inhibitor. Notably, increasing the RAD51 protein expression only recapitulated some, but not all, of the effects of EMI1 depletion in conferring to the cell resistance to different PARPi and the other cytotoxic drugs. These results suggest that the downstream effects of EMI1 downregulation that contribute to PARPi resistance are increasing the concentration of RAD51 protein in the cell and blocking mitotic entry. We found that combining CHK1 inhibitor with olaparib results in restoration of sensitivity even when EMI1 expression is downregulated. This combination therapy may be a means to overcome the PARPi resistance in BRCA1-deficient TNBC cells.
Randomized trials of housing interventions to prevent malaria and Aedes-transmitted diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kua Kok Pim , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: January 2021

Background

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions. Housing improvements such as screening of doors and windows may be effective in reducing disease transmission, but the impact remains unclear.

Objectives

To examine whether housing interventions were effective in reducing mosquito densities in homes and the impact on the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 16 online databases, including NIH PubMed, CINAHL Complete, LILACS, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized trials published from database inception to June 30, 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of any mosquito-borne diseases. Secondary outcomes encompassed entomological indicators of the disease transmission. I2 values were used to explore heterogeneity between studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess the primary and secondary outcomes, with sub-group analyses for type of interventions on home environment, study settings (rural, urban, or mixed), and overall house type (traditional or modern housing),

Results

The literature search yielded 4,869 articles. After screening, 18 studies were included in the qualitative review, of which nine were included in the meta-analysis. The studies enrolled 7,200 households in Africa and South America, reporting on malaria or dengue only. The type of home environmental interventions included modification to ceilings and ribbons to close eaves, screening doors and windows with nets, insecticide-treated wall linings in homes, nettings over gables and eaves openings, mosquito trapping systems, metal-roofed houses with mosquito screening, gable windows and closed eaves, and prototype houses using southeast Asian designs. Pooled analysis depicted a lower risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the housing intervention group (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.95; P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis depicted housing intervention reduced the risk of malaria in all settings (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.39 to 1.01; P = 0.05). In urban environment, housing intervention was found to decrease the risk of both malaria and dengue infections (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.99; P = 0.05).Meta-analysis of pooled odds ratio showed a significant benefit of improved housing in reducing indoor vector densities of both Aedes and Anopheles (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.54; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Housing intervention could reduce transmission of malaria and dengue among people living in the homes. Future research should evaluate the protective effect of specific house features and housing improvements associated with urban development.
Workplace bullying, psychological hardiness, and accidents and injuries in nursing: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Teo Stephen T. T. , Nguyen Diep , Trevelyan Fiona , Lamm Felicity , Boocock Mark
Published: January 2021

Workplace bullying are prevalent among the nursing workforce. Consequences of workplace bullying include psychological stress and workplace accidents and injuries. Psychological hardiness is proposed as a buffer for workplace bullying and psychological stress on workplace accidents and injuries. This study adopted the Affective Events Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory to develop and test a moderated mediated model in two field studies. Study 1 (N = 286, Australian nurses) found support for the direct negative effect of workplace bullying on workplace accidents and injuries with psychological stress acting as the mediator. The mediation findings from Study 1 were replicated in Study 2 (N = 201, New Zealand nurses). In addition, Study 2 supplemented Study 1 by providing empirical support for using psychological hardiness as the buffer for the association between psychological stress and workplace accidents and injuries. This study offers theoretical and empirical insights into the research and practice on psychological hardiness for improving the psychological well-being of employees who faced workplace mistreatments.
Personalized treatments for depressive symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: IsHak Waguih William , Korouri Samuel , Darwish Tarneem , Vanle Brigitte , Dang Jonathan , Edwards Gabriel , Black Jeanne T. , Aronow Harriet , Kimchi Asher , Spiegel Brennan , Hedrick Rebecca , Chernoff Robert , Diniz Marcio A. , Mirocha James , Manoukian Vicki , Harold John , Ong Michael K. , Wells Kenneth , Hamilton Michele , Danovitch Itai
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Heart Failure is a chronic syndrome affecting over 5.7 million in the US and 26 million adults worldwide with nearly 50% experiencing depressive symptoms. The objective of the study is to compare the effects of two evidence-based treatment options for adult patients with depression and advanced heart failure, on depressive symptom severity, physical and mental health related quality of life (HRQoL), heart-failure specific quality of life, caregiver burden, morbidity, and mortality at 3, 6 and 12-months.

Methods

Trial design. Pragmatic, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial.

Interventions. The treatment interventions are: (1) Behavioral Activation (BA), a patient-centered psychotherapy which emphasizes engagement in enjoyable and valued personalized activities as selected by the patient; or (2) Antidepressant Medication Management administered using the collaborative care model (MEDS).

Participants. Adults aged 18 and over with advanced heart failure (defined as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II, III, and IV) and depression (defined as a score of 10 or above on the PHQ-9 and confirmed by the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview for the DSM-5) selected from all patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who are admitted with heart failure and all patients presenting to the outpatient programs of the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. We plan to randomize 416 patients to BA or MEDS, with an estimated 28% loss to follow-up/inability to collect follow-up data. Thus, we plan to include 150 in each group for a total of 300 participants from which data after randomization will be collected and analyzed.

Conclusions

The current trial is the first to compare the impact of BA and MEDS on depressive symptoms, quality of life, caregiver burden, morbidity, and mortality in patients with depression and advanced heart failure. The trial will provide novel results that will be disseminated and implemented into a wide range of current practice settings.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT03688100.
Evaluating the effect of an educational intervention on the adherence rate to sleep study: A multi-centered stratified randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aalaei Shokoufeh , Amini Mahnaz , Rezaeitalab Fariborz , Asadpour Hadi , Tabesh Hamed , Khoshrounejad Farnaz , Eslami Saeid , Afshari Saleh Lahya
Published: January 2021

An appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment of sleep apnea can improve the associated quality of care and reduce morbidities. The study aims to develop and evaluate an educational intervention tailored to patients’ needs in order to increase the rate of patients’ adherence to physician's prescription for a sleep test. A multi-center, stratified, 2 parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted. The patients in the intervention group received the educational booklets on sleep apnea and sleep test which was designed based on the extracted factors through an in-depth interview with patients. All participants were contacted after two months to ask whether they completed an assessment for OSA. A total number of 1,650 individuals were screened. Finally, 104 participants were randomized to the control group (n = 50) or intervention group (n = 45) that did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics. The results of the intention to treat analysis indicate that patients in the intervention group were significantly more adherent to attend a sleep assessment for their OSA risk (30%; n = 15/50) than the patients in the control group (11.1%; n = 5/45, P <0.05). Age, history of diabetes, and the educational intervention were effective in performing the sleep test. Time limitations, Condition improvement, and high cost of diagnostic test were the most barriers, respectively. The intervention was successful in improving the adherence rate of patients to prescribed sleep test. However, the adherence rate to sleep study testing is still far from desirable and requires more complex interventions.