bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New trapezium type inequalities of coordinated distance-disturbed convex type functions of higher orders via extended Katugampola fractional integrals
Authors: Kashuri Artion , Iqbal Sajid , Liko Rozana , Samraiz Muhammad , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: February 2021

In this paper we establish some new results on trapezium type inequalities of coordinated distance-disturbed$(\ell _{1},h_{1})$(ℓ1,h1)–$(\ell _{2},h_{2})$(ℓ2,h2)-convex functions of higher orders$(\sigma _{1},\sigma _{2})$(σ1,σ2)by using the Katugampola$(k_{1},k_{2})$(k1,k2)-fractional integrals. As special cases of our general results, we recapture some earlier proved results.
New discrete inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type for convex functions
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Abdeljawad Thabet , Alqudah Manar A. , Jarad Fahd
Published: February 2021

We introduce new time scales on$\mathbb{Z}$Z. Based on this, we investigate the discrete inequality of Hermite–Hadamard type for discrete convex functions. Finally, we improve our result to investigate the discrete fractional inequality of Hermite–Hadamard type for the discrete convex functions involving the left nabla and right delta fractional sums.
Using Kano diagrams to display the most cited article types, affiliated countries, authors and MeSH terms on spinal surgery in recent 12 years
Authors: Chou Po-Hsin , Yeh Yu-Tsen , Kan Wei-Chih , Chien Tsair-Wei , Kuo Shu-Chun
Published: February 2021

Background

Citation analysis has been increasingly applied to assess the quantity and quality of scientific research in various fields worldwide. However, these analyses on spinal surgery do not provide visualization of results. This study aims (1) to evaluate the worldwide research citations and publications on spinal surgery and (2) to provide visual representations using Kano diagrams onto the research analysis for spinal surgeons and researchers.

Methods

Article abstracts published between 2007 and 2018 were downloaded from PubMed Central (PMC) in 5 journals, includingSpine, European Spine Journal, The Spine Journal, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, and Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques. The article types, affiliated countries, authors, and Medical subject headings (MeSH terms) were analyzed by the number of article citations using x-index. Choropleth maps and Kano diagrams were applied to present these results. The trends of MeSH terms over the years were plotted and analyzed.

Results

A total of 18,808 publications were extracted from the PMC database, and 17,245 were affiliated to countries/areas. The 12-year impact factor for the five spine journals is 5.758. We observed that (1) the largest number of articles on spinal surgery was from North America (6417, 37.21%).Spineearns the highest x-index (= 82.96). Comparative Study has the highest x-index (= 66.74) among all article types. (2) The United States performed exceptionally in x-indexes (= 56.86 and 44.5) on both analyses done on the total 18,808 and the top 100 most cited articles, respectively. The most influential author whose x-index reaches 15.11 was Simon Dagenais from the US. (3) The most cited MeSH term with an x-index of 23.05 was surgery based on the top 100 most cited articles. The most cited article (PMID = 18164449) was written by Dagenais and his colleagues in 2008. The most productive author was Michael G. Fehlings, whose x-index and the author's impact factor are 13.57(= √(13.16*14)) and 9.86(= 331.57/33.64), respectively.

Conclusions

There was a rapidly increasing scientific productivity in the field of spinal surgery in the past 12 years. The US has extraordinary contributions to the publications. Furthermore, China and Japan have increasing numbers of publications on spinal surgery. This study with Kano diagrams provides an insight into the research for spinal surgeons and researchers.
Highly sensitive terahertz non‐destructive testing technology for stone relics deterioration prediction using SVM-based machine learning models
Authors: Meng Tianhua , Huang Rong , Lu Yuhe , Liu Hongmei , Ren Jianguang , Zhao Guozhong , Hu Weidong
Published: February 2021

The hollowing deterioration of stone relics required effective non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for their timely restoration and maintenance. To this end, a new NDT method based on terahertz (THz) technology by using support vector machine (SVM)-based machine learning models was developed to assess and diagnose the hollowing deterioration of the Yungang Grottoes. According to experiment design, a series of hollowing deterioration samples with various thicknesses of hollowing deterioration were prepared and then measured by using THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Based on the THz-TDS results of 30 randomly selected samples, a SVM-based hollowing deterioration prediction model (SVM-HDPM) was established by analyzing the relationship between the hollowing samples and the THz spectral information. The reliability and accuracy of the model was further proved by verified and compared with using the THz spectral data of the remaining 10 samples. The experimental results with the linear kernel function greatly demonstrated that the SVM-HDPM can have superior prediction accuracy, implying that the model is feasible for the prediction the hollowing deterioration of the stone relics. Moreover, one data preprocess was introduced into SVM-HDPM to meet the needs of field-based test. The predicted results of five different hollowing deterioration with different flaked stone thickness revealed good performance with very low mean square error (MSE) value. Therefore, it is believed that the proposed method can be regarded as an effective NDT technique with practical applications in analyzing cultural relics and have promising future prospects in inspection stone relics-like ancient heritage for hidden flaws.
Detecting cybersecurity attacks across different network features and learners
Authors: Leevy Joffrey L. , Hancock John , Zuech Richard , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M.
Published: February 2021

Machine learning algorithms efficiently trained on intrusion detection datasets can detect network traffic capable of jeopardizing an information system. In this study, we use the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 dataset to investigate ensemble feature selection on the performance of seven classifiers. CSE-CIC-IDS2018 is big data (about 16,000,000 instances), publicly available, modern, and covers a wide range of realistic attack types. Our contribution is centered around answers to three research questions. The first question is, “Does feature selection impact performance of classifiers in terms of Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) and F1-score?” The second question is, “Does including the Destination_Port categorical feature significantly impact performance of LightGBM and Catboost in terms of AUC and F1-score?” The third question is, “Does the choice of classifier: Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Naive Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR), Catboost, LightGBM, or XGBoost, significantly impact performance in terms of AUC and F1-score?” These research questions are all answered in the affirmative and provide valuable, practical information for the development of an efficient intrusion detection model. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to use an ensemble feature selection technique with the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 dataset.
Association between gastric content fluidity and pars oesophageal ulcers in nursery pigs: a cross-sectional study of high-risk Danish herds using commercial feed
Authors: Peralvo-Vidal Juan Miguel , Weber Nicolai Rosager , Nielsen Jens Peter , Denwood Matthew , Haugegaard Svend , Pedersen Anni Øyan
Published: February 2021

Background

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the within-herd prevalence of pars oesophageal ulcers (POU) in high-risk Danish herds using commercial diets. Furthermore, we aimed to estimate the association between gastric content fluidity and POU using a generalised additive model (GAM). The study included 200 clinically healthy nursery pigs randomly selected from ten farms (20 pigs from each farm). The 10 farms were selected based on a suspected high prevalence of gastric ulcers. Post-mortem gastric ulcer assessment was based on macroscopic lesions, and gastric content fluidity was assessed based on the solid particle sedimentation percentage (solid phase).

Results

We observed an overall prevalence of 35.5% for POU in nursery pigs. Within-herd prevalence varied considerably among farms, with values ranging from 0% in Farm 1 to 84% in Farm 4. Our model showed strong associations between POU and gastric content fluidity (P < 0.001), as well as between POU and farm of origin (P < 0.001). In addition, we observed that the risk of POU decreased non-linearly as the gastric content solid phase percentage increased, i.e. as the gastric content became more solid.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that pars oesophageal ulcers are present in Danish herds with nursery pigs fed commercial diets. Furthermore, we have established that gastric content fluidity is strongly associated with POU in nursery pigs. Even so, we cannot conclude that gastric content fluidity is solely responsible for POU. Future research should look into the association between pars oesophageal ulcers and both farm management activities and individual pig factors.
A critical review of the integration of renewable energy sources with various technologies
Authors: Erdiwansyah  , Mahidin  , Husin H. , Nasaruddin  , Zaki M. , Muhibbuddin
Published: February 2021

Wind power, solar power and water power are technologies that can be used as the main sources of renewable energy so that the target of decarbonisation in the energy sector can be achieved. However, when compared with conventional power plants, they have a significant difference. The share of renewable energy has made a difference and posed various challenges, especially in the power generation system. The reliability of the power system can achieve the decarbonization target but this objective often collides with several challenges and failures, such that they make achievement of the target very vulnerable, Even so, the challenges and technological solutions are still very rarely discussed in the literature. This study carried out specific investigations on various technological solutions and challenges, especially in the power system domain. The results of the review of the solution matrix and the interrelated technological challenges are the most important parts to be developed in the future. Developing a matrix with various renewable technology solutions can help solve RE challenges. The potential of the developed technological solutions is expected to be able to help and prioritize them especially cost-effective energy. In addition, technology solutions that are identified in groups can help reduce certain challenges. The categories developed in this study are used to assist in determining the specific needs and increasing transparency of the renewable energy integration process in the future.
An integrated multi-energy flow calculation method for electricity-gas-thermal integrated energy systems
Authors: Zhu Mengting , Xu Chengsi , Dong Shufeng , Tang Kunjie , Gu Chenghong
Published: February 2021

The modeling and multi-energy flow calculation of an integrated energy system (IES) are the bases of its operation and planning. This paper establishes the models of various energy sub-systems and the coupling equipment for an electricity-gas-thermal IES, and an integrated multi-energy flow calculation model of the IES is constructed. A simplified calculation method for the compressor model in a natural gas network, one which is not included in a loop and works in constant compression ratio mode, is also proposed based on the concept of model reduction. In addition, a numerical conversion method for dealing with the conflict between nominal value and per unit value in the multi-energy flow calculation of IES is described. A case study is given to verify the correctness and speed of the proposed method, and the electricity-gas-thermal coupling interaction characteristics among sub-systems are studied.
Implementation of the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Program in Spain: First Results and Implications
Authors: Camps Carlos , López Rafael , Antón Antonio , Aranda Enrique , Carrato Alfredo , Cruz Juan Jesús , Cunquero-Tomás Alberto Jacobo , Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Feyjóo Margarita , García-Foncillas Jesús , Gascón Pere , Lugo Ilse , Rogado Álvaro , Guillem Vicente
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE:

Measuring and tracking quality of care is highly relevant in today's health care. The Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) program is a referral for evaluating oncology practices worldwide. Excellence and Quality in Oncology Foundation, a collaboration of oncology experts from major Spanish hospitals involved in cancer treatment, reached an agreement with QOPI to include Spanish hospitals in this program.

METHODS:

We analyzed the results of the QOPI Core module measures from 19 Spanish hospitals over nine rounds (from fall 2015 to fall 2019).

RESULTS:

Of the 19 hospitals, 15 completed more than one round; none participated in all nine (two hospitals participated in eight rounds). The highest scores were for pathology report confirming malignancy, documenting a plan of care for moderate or severe pain and chemotherapy dose, and chemotherapy administered to patients with metastatic solid tumor with performance status undocumented. Measures regarding a summary of chemotherapy treatment, tobacco use cessation counseling, and assessment of patient emotional well-being were among the lowest scored measures. Six of the 15 practices that participated repeatedly achieved a better score in their last round compared with their first. Overall, scores of Spanish hospitals improved from 67.79% in fall 2015 to 68.91% in fall 2019.

CONCLUSION:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate QOPI scores in Spain. There was high variability in scores, with quality of care improving with repeated participation in some hospitals, but worsening in others. Excellence and Quality in Oncology Foundation will support practices to increase their participation to improve oncology care and implement strategies that address the areas for improvement.
Rhythm of Fetoplacental 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 — Fetal Protection From Morning Maternal Glucocorticoids
Authors: Lamadé Eva Kathrin , Hendlmeier Ferdinand , Wudy Stefan A , Witt Stephanie H , Rietschel Marcella , Coenen Michaela , Gilles Maria , Deuschle Michael
Published: February 2021

Context

Excess glucocorticoids impact fetal health. Maternal glucocorticoids peak in early morning. Fetoplacental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) inactivates cortisol to cortisone, protecting the fetus from high glucocorticoids. However, time-specific alterations of human fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 have not been studied.

Objective

We hypothesized that fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity shows time-specific alteration and acute affective or anxiety disorders impact fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity.

Methods

In this observational study we investigated 78 pregnant European women undergoing amniocentesis (15.9 ± 0.9 weeks of gestation). Amniotic fluid was collected (8:00 to 16:30 hours) for analysis of fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity, using cortisol (F):cortisone (E) ratio in amniotic fluid, E/(E + F). Fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 rhythm and association with “acute affective or anxiety disorder” (patients with at least one of: a major depressive episode, specific phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder) and “acute anxiety disorder” (one of: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mixed anxiety, depressive disorder), assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, were investigated.

Results

Activity of 11β-HSD2 correlated with time of amniocentesis, peaking in the morning (r = −0.398; P < 0.001) and increased with acute affective or anxiety disorder (mean [M] = 0.70 vs M = 0.74; P = 0.037) and acute anxiety disorder (M = 0.70 vs M = 0.75; P = 0.016). These associations remained significant when controlling for confounders. 11β-HSD2 activity correlated negatively with pre-pregnancy body mass index (r = −0.225; P = 0.047).

Conclusion

Our study indicates a time-specific alteration of fetoplacental 11β-HSD2 activity with peaking levels in the morning, demonstrating a mechanism of fetal protection from the morning maternal glucocorticoid surge.
In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Analysis Identifies Endometrial Circadian Clock Genes in Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Zhai Junyu , Li Shang , Hu Jingwen , Gao Minzhi , Sun Yun , Chen Zi-Jiang , Giudice Linda C , Du Yanzhi
Published: February 2021

Context

Previous work has demonstrated the role of the circadian clock in ovarian steroid hormone synthesis and attributed embryo implantation failure associated with arrhythmic circadian clock genes to insufficient ovarian-derived progesterone synthesis. Research on expression of core circadian clock genes in the endometrium itself and possible roles in compromised endometrial receptivity and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) are limited.

Objective

We aimed to assess the core circadian clock gene profiling in human endometrium across the menstrual cycle and the possible gene interaction networks in the endometrial receptivity of window of implantation (WOI) as well as RIF.

Methods

The study was initially an in silico study, with confirmatory lab-based data from primary human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) as well as endometrial biopsies obtained from 60 women undergoing gynecological surgery in a clinical research center. The study included 30 RIF women and 30 age-matched and body mass index–matched controls.

Results

Initial data mining and bioinformatics analysis of human endometrial microarray datasets across the menstrual cycle and between RIF women versus controls demonstrated the varied expression of core circadian clock genes across menstrual cycle, including the key role of PER2 in WOI and RIF. A PER2-centered network was investigated in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. We also confirmed the evidently increased mRNA expression of SHTN1, RXFP1, KLF5, and STEAP4 in the endometrium of RIF women, displaying the same trend as PER2 did, without any changes in MT1E and FKBP5. Treatment of PER2 siRNA in hESCs verified the positive regulation of PER2 to SHTN1, KLF5, and STEAP4.

Conclusion

Aberrant expression of endometrial PER2 might contribute to impaired endometrial receptivity and development of RIF via regulating SHTN1, KLF5, and STEAP4.
Proximal Gradient Methods with Adaptive Subspace Sampling
Authors: Grishchenko Dmitry , Iutzeler Franck , Malick Jérôme
Published: February 2021

Many applications in machine learning or signal processing involve nonsmooth optimization problems. This nonsmoothness brings a low-dimensional structure to the optimal solutions. In this paper, we propose a randomized proximal gradient method harnessing this underlying structure. We introduce two key components: (i) a random subspace proximal gradient algorithm; and (ii) an identification-based sampling of the subspaces. Their interplay brings a significant performance improvement on typical learning problems in terms of dimensions explored.
Varvara Platonivna Kandyba (Frederix) – head of the Odessa institute of emperor Nicholas I
Authors:   Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, Korobcuk Anna
Published: February 2021

One of the most prominent figures among the staff of the Odessa Institute of Emperor Nicholas I (Odessa Institute of Noble Ladies) was Varvara Platonovna Kandyba. The purpose of the article is to disclose the professional activities of V. P. Kandyba as the head of the Odessa Institute of Emperor Nicholas I, and through the prism of a biography to trace some aspects of the functioning of the educational institution. The scientific novelty is that for the first time the biography of V. P. Kandyba. The research methods are based on the main principles of historicist tradition, scientific objective, comprehensive approach. Author in the article use the biographical interpretive method, comparative, narrative analysis. Conclusions. For 29 years, almost a third of the entire existence of the educational institution, the leadership was headed by Varvara Kandyba. Despite difficult years in the history of the empire, the teacher brought up a whole galaxy of girls who in the future realized themselves in various spheres of life. She took a high and responsible position as a graduate of one of the Institutes of Noble Ladies, which gave the opportunity to know the specifics of education and the educational process in a closed institution.
The first raid of N. Makhno`s Peasant Army to Starobilsk region and its consequences in September 1920
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Lebedev Denys
Published: February 2021

The article considers the course and results of N. Makhno`s Peasant Insurgent Army raid to Starobilsk region in 1920. The author states, that the military activities of N. Makhno, in the then Starobilsk district of Kharkiv province in 1920, are the least covered in the works of Ukrainian and foreign historians among the aspects of the research the Makhnovist movement in 1917–1921. The importance of studying is that exactly in this region N. Makhno had made a number of significant strategic decisions that influenced the future fate of the peasant guerrilla movement. Additionally, in Starobilsk, on October 2 1920, N. Makhno signed an agreement with the Bolsheviks on a joint campaign in the Crimea, where were units of the White Army at the same time that led by General P. Wrangel. Prehistory review of these events is the object of studying in this article. The research presented in the article founded largely on the analysis of published documentary materials and historical works of Ukrainian representatives and foreign historiography. As a result of the research, the author concludes, that N. Makhno`s acceptance of Starobilsk in September 1920 was not related to the solution of core strategic problems. That was apparently due to necessity of the rest and reformed the army after the battles in the Izium region. The seizure of the locality was also owing to the desire to clear the rear of the Insurgent Army from the Bolshevik forces before the decisive attack on Luhansk, where the ataman hoped to replenish ammunition. Concomitantly, there were spontaneous requisitions of Soviet institutions property, warehouses and enterprises located here carried out in the city. The important factor similarly was considered the seizure of Starobilsk contributed to the consolidation of previously disparate local pro-Makhnovist detachments.
Historical origins of legends about G. Skovoroda's and K. Ryleyev's staying in Osynivska church (Osynove village, Novopskovsky district, Luhansk region)
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Naboka Oleksandr
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the historical authenticity of the legends about the philosopher Hryhoriy Skovoroda's and Decembrist Kindrat Ryleyev's stay in the Holy Dormition Church (Osinove village, Novopskovsky district, Luhansk region) in the XVIII – XIX centuries. The author notes that this issue is practically not reflected in Ukrainian historical science. Among the few studies, there are local lore articles by Novopskov local historian V. Yaroshenko, collected on the site „History of our region on the river Aidar and beyond!”. The author considers it necessary to fill this scientific gap, especially since its study, among other things, allows us to consider the historical preconditions for the formation of the Ukrainian national movement in the first half of the nineteenth century. The pedigree of the Ostrogozhsky colonels Tevyashev, whose efforts brought to the settlement of Osinovo and surrounding lands, as well as the construction of the Holy Dormition Church are considered in the article. It is noted that the Tevyashevs had permanent ties with G. Skovoroda (who visited their estates) and with K. Ryleyev, who was the son-in-law of a representative of the family – Mikhail Tevyashev. The process of formation of Tevyashev's political views is shown, which significantly influenced the process of formation of the Ukrainian national movement of the first half of the XIX century As a result of the study, the author concludes that the legends about the visit of G. Skovoroda and K. Ryleyev Osinivska Church are reflecting the real history of communication of these prominent figures of Ukrainian / Russian culture with representatives of the Slobozhansky Cossack family Tevyashev, who took a direct part in the process of creating both Osinovka and the Church of the Assumption on its territory. Note that this communication gave impetus and socio-political context to the further development of the national movement in Ukraine in the first half of the nineteenth century. The article notes that this topic will be systematically and comprehensively studied in future scientific publications.
Political persecution and repression of teachers in the Ukraine SSR in the 1920–1930s
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Bryvko Mykola
Published: February 2021

The current state and development of society is increasingly telling us about certain trends in the spread of political persecution and harassment, especially by public and political figures, including in the education system. And yes, the proposed research topic is equally important and relevant today. The study covers not only publications of socio-political or specialized educational or children's media, but also specific historical examples of political persecution and harassment of representatives of the education system of the 1920–1930s, which gives a deeper understanding and possibility of studying the mechanisms and manifestations of this negative phenomenon in during the so-called „fight against the enemies of the people”. The methodology of the study is based on the principles of objectivity, systematically, historicism, dialectics and interdisciplinary. And the research is based on historical and historical-pedagogical methods. Examples of political persecution and harassment of education at various levels in media of social and political importance, such as „Izvestia”, „Communist”, „Proletarian Truth”, or specialized and specialized educational publications, such as „The Path of Education”, „The Path note”, „Kyiv Pioneer”, „People's Teacher” vividly reveal the essence of the Bolshevik regime and present the efforts of the Soviet authorities to use the consciousness of citizens in the fight against the so-called „enemies of the people”, supremacy over the public rights of their own citizens. Additions to the publications are various historical sources that demonstrate the political persecution of the educators (Skrypnyk M., Krupsky O., Efremov S., Durdukivsky V. and others) in the speeches of party Soviet figures at various meetings and rallies. In addition, we can see how the Soviet authorities use political propaganda and agitation against their own citizens to retain power. This makes it possible not only to see what methods of psychological pressure, manipulations and changes of consciousness, especially of young people and children, are inherent in the Soviet power, but also to analyze their present manifestations to develop a methodology for combating these negative phenomena in a democratic society, which needs further efforts of scientists.
Assisted feeding techniques in hospitalised felines
Authors: Crouch Kirsty
Published: February 2021

Both dogs and cats continue to be important family and household members. However, because felines are obligate carnivores, they have complicated, and unique nutritional requirements compared with their canine counterparts. These nutritional demands can become even more of a challenge when they are placed in a stressful or hospital environment.
A Case Study of a Patient with Diplopia and Bilateral Facial Palsy Due to Atypical Miller Fisher Syndrome: Treatment with Complex Korean Medicine
Authors: Park Chae Hyun , Kang Jae Hui , Ryu Hwa Yeon , Jung Ga Hyeon , Ku Yong Ho , Lee Hyun
Published: February 2021

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain?Barr? syndrome characterized by ocular paralysis, ataxia, and insensitivity. This report describes the effect of Complex Korean Medicine Treatment (CKMT) on a patient previously diagnosed with MFS presenting with diplopia and facial palsy. The distance at which diplopia occurs, the diplopia questionnaire, the range of diplopia, the degree of facial paralysis, and the degree of ptosis were evaluated at the time of admission and weekly for 1 month. After receiving CKMT for 4 weeks the 62-year-old female had improved symptoms of diplopia, bilateral facial palsy and ptosis caused by MFS. These results show the significant association of MFS with facial paralysis and the improvement achieved with CKMT.
Clinical Research Using Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix-Pharmacopuncture for Lumbar Herniated Intervertebral Disc: Analysis of Trends
Authors: Kim Seon Woo , Park Cheol Woo , Jo Myeong Jae , Kim Min Wook , Yu Jae Hee , Hee Jeon Seok , Jang Seung Won , Kang Do Young , Jeong Hyun Jin
Published: February 2021

This review of national and international randomized controlled trials of Salviae miltiorrhizae radix pharmacopuncture for lumbar herniated intervertebral discs was performed to assess its clinical efficacy. There were 5 online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, NDSL, OASIS, and RISS) searched on June 1st, 2020. Studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were reviewed by risk of bias assessment. This review included 14 Chinese studies. The sample sizes ranged from 50 to 100. The numbers of treatments ranged from 20 to 30, with most patients receiving 20 treatments. The longest treatment periods were 10-15 and 15-20 days, of which each accounted for 29% of the studies. The most frequently used evaluation indices were the Japanese Orthopedic Association and the Visual Analog Scale scoring method. The most frequently used acupoints were EX18 and BL25, which accounted for 31% of the total number of acupoints. In 50% of the studies, the pharmacopuncture injection volume was 2 mL. Acupuncture treatment was the most common control group. Eleven studies reported that the intervention group had significantly improved symptoms. However, most of the included studies were of low quality.
QEPAS sensor in a butterfly package and its application
Authors: Milde Tobias , Hoppe Morten , Tatenguem Herve , Rohling Hanna , Schmidtmann Sebastian , Honsberg Martin , Schade Wolfgang , Sacher Joachim
Published: February 2021

Molecular gases are highly relevant in healthcare, production control, safety, and environmental monitoring. They often appear in small concentrations. The measurement of trace gases has increasingly become a key technique in those domains. Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is a suitable method that can provide the required low detection limits in such applications at comparatively low cost and small size. For mobile implementation, the size of an entire sensor unit matters. In this paper, we present a QEPAS sensor that fits into a standard butterfly package, its characterization, and its application on

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Error analysis and optimization for Risley-prism imaging distortion correction
Authors: Huang Feng , Ren He , Shen Ying , Wang Pengfei
Published: February 2021

The reverse ray-tracing method has become a well-known technique to correct the dynamic imaging distortion caused by the Risley-prism imaging system due to its precision and computational efficiency. However, the reverse ray-tracing method is sensitive to equipment error, which seriously degrades the quality of distortion correction when using a prism with a large wedge angle or a camera with a large field of view. We optimize the distortion correction method utilizing reverse ray tracing. In addition, we propose a distortion correction model with error parameters to investigate the influence of prism orientation error, prism tilt error, prism parameter error, and model simplification errors on the correction accuracy. The work on the optimized model clearly indicates the obvious image distortion introduced by different kinds of errors, including model error and systematic error. Furthermore, we propose an error parameter identification method to eliminate the negative results of error on the image correction. The simulation results show that the boresight pointing error and distortion correction error are reduced to about 1% of the initial value after 10 iterations, thus achieving high-precision imaging distortion correction and providing better data support for other subsequent applications.
Non-Markovianity as a resource for quantum correlation teleportation
Authors: Motavallibashi Anahita , Mohammadi Hamidreza , Akhound Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Quantum teleportation of the quantum correlated states via noisy channels is investigated. The noisy channels are realized by a couple of two-level atoms (qubits) embedded in a zero-temperature bosonic bath. The entanglement of the channels is provided by the interqubit interaction and/or through the memory of the environment. Especially for the case of noninteracting qubits, the resource of the teleportation can be supplied by the entangled state of the channel, which is provided by information backflow in the non-Markovian regime of the evolution. More non-Markovianity of the dynamics generates a higher amount of induced entanglement and hence enhances the quality of the quantum correlation teleportation process. When the degree of non-Markovianity of dynamics is sufficiently high, quantum teleportation, which is superior to classical communication, is achievable.
Exceptional points in Fabry–Perot cavities with spatially distributed gain and loss
Authors: Yang Yue-De , Meng Xiang-Hui , Hao You-Zeng , Ma Chun-Guang , Xiao Jin-Long , Huang Yong-Zhen
Published: February 2021

We have studied the optical modes in Fabry–Perot (FP) cavities with spatially distributed gain and loss. Exceptional points (EPs) are observed not only in the parity-time (PT) symmetric FP cavity but also in these cavities with specially designed gain-loss distributions. Such phenomena result from the interference between the reflected and transmitted waves at the interface of the gain-loss regions, which cannot be explained by the dual-mode coupling theory that is widely used in the description of PT-symmetric coupled-cavity systems. The optical waves in the FP cavity traveling in the forward and backward directions have extremely different intensities at the gain-loss interface, and hence the interference will greatly affect the transmission of the weaker one and lead to unique mode properties such as EPs in the FP cavity. The mode properties are sensitive to the gain-loss distribution, but the split of modal loss is a universal phenomenon and can be used for lasing mode control.
Correction of resonant optical scanner dynamic aberrations using nodal aberration theory
Authors: Huang Xiaojing , Dubra Alfredo
Published: February 2021

The rapid oscillation of galvanometric resonant optical scanners introduces linear astigmatism that degrades transverse resolution, and in confocal systems, also reduces signal [V. Akondi et al., Optica 7, 1506, 2020]. Here, we demonstrate correction of this aberration by tilting reflective or refractive optical elements for a single vergence or a vergence range, with and without the use of an adaptive wavefront corrector such as a deformable mirror. The approach, based on nodal aberration theory, can generate any desired third order aberration that results from tilting or decentering optical surfaces.
Angular velocimetry for fluid flows: an optical sensor using structured light and machine learning
Authors: Strong E. F. , Anderson A. Q. , Brenner M. P. , Heffernan B. M. , Hoghooghi N. , Gopinath J. T. , Rieker G. B.
Published: February 2021

Most velocimetry approaches for fluid flows measure linear components of the velocity vector; yet, the angular velocity components, particularly at small scales in turbulent flows, also need to be resolved to study energy transfer and other important flow characteristics. Here, we detail an optical sensor approach to determine a component of the angular velocity vector. This approach uses beams of structured light and a machine learning-based analysis. We discuss the methodology to train the machine learning model and test it in experimentally validated simulations. This approach represents an interesting new direction for fluid flow velocimetry which may be extended to sense other flow parameters by selecting different light structures.
Experimental underwater quantum key distribution
Authors: Feng Zhao , Li Shangbin , Xu Zhengyuan
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the feasibility of quantum key distribution (QKD) in a water channel has been verified by theory and experiment. Here, we present an experimental investigation of QKD and decoy-state QKD based on the BB84 protocol. The experiment was carried out in a 10 m water tank. The attenuation coefficient of tap water is 0.08/m, which is close to Jerlov Type II seawater. We measured the probability-of-detection matrix of polarization states, and the average fidelity of the four polarization states is up to 98.39%. For the 10 m underwater QKD experiment, 20 MHz optical pulses are generated by modulating the laser diode (LD) and attenuated to an average of 0.1 photons per pulse. The security key rate can reach 563.41 kbits/s and the quantum bit error rate (QBER) is 0.36%. Two decoy states (one of which is the vacuum state) was used in the 10 m underwater decoy-state QKD experiment, and the average QBER of signal state is 0.95%, the security key rate reaches 711.29 kbits/s. According to the parameters of the decoy-state experiment, the maximum secure transmission distance of the underwater decoy-state QKD is predicted to be 19.2 m, while it can be increased to 237.1 m in Jerlov Type I seawater with a lower dark count single photon detector (SPD).
Pure quartic solitons in dispersion-engineered aluminum nitride micro-cavities
Authors: Yao Shunyu , Liu Kewei , Yang Changxi
Published: February 2021

Pure quartic soliton (PQS) is a new class of solitons demonstrated in recent years and provides innovations in nonlinear optics and its applications. Generating PQSs in micro-cavities offers a novel way to achieve coherent microcombs, presenting a promising application potential. Here we numerically investigate the PQS generation in a dispersion-engineered aluminum nitride (AlN) micro-cavity. To support PQS, a well-designed shallow-trench waveguide structure is adopted, which is feasible to be fabricated. The structure exhibits a dominant fourth-order dispersion reaching up to -5.35×10−3 ps4/km. PQSs can be generated in this AlN micro-cavity in the presence of all-order-dispersion and stimulated Raman scattering. Spectral recoil and soliton self-frequency shift are observed in the PQS spectrum. Furthermore, we find that due to the narrow Raman gain spectrum of crystalline AlN, the PQS evolves directly to chaos rather than turning into a breather. The threshold pump power with which the PQS turns into chaos is also theoretically calculated, which squares with the simulation results.
Incoherent coded aperture correlation holographic imaging with fast adaptive and noise-suppressed reconstruction
Authors: Wan Yuhong , Liu Chao , Ma Teng , Qin Yi , lv Sheng
Published: February 2021

Fast and noise-suppressed incoherent coded aperture correlation holographic imaging is proposed, which is utilized by employing an annular sparse coded phase mask together with adaptive phase-filter cross-correlation reconstruction method. Thus the proposed technique here is coined as adaptive interferenceless coded aperture correlation holography (AI-COACH). In AI-COACH, an annular sparse coded phase mask is first designed and generated by the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm for suppressing background noise during reconstruction. In order to demonstrate the three-dimensional and sectional imaging capabilities of the AI-COACH system, the imaging experiments of 3D objects are designed and implemented by dual-channel optical configuration. One resolution target is placed in the focal plane of the system as input plane and ensured Fourier transform configuration, which is employed as reference imaging plane, and moved the other resolution target to simulate different planes of a three-dimensional object. One point spread hologram (PSH) and multiple object-holograms without phase-shift at different axial positions are captured by single-exposure sequentially with the annular sparse CPMs. A complex-reconstruction method is developed to obtain adaptively high-quality reconstructed images by employing the cross-correlation of PSH and OH with optimized phase filter. The imaging performance of AI-COACH is investigated by imaging various type of objects. The research results show that AI-COACH is adaptive to different experimental conditions in the sense of autonomously finding optimal parameters during reconstruction procedure and possesses the advantages of fast and adaptive imaging with high-quality reconstructions.
Stokes light induced modulation instability in high power continuous wave fiber amplifiers
Authors: Yan Mingjian , Zheng Yunhan , Liang Huisheng , Li Fangxin , Han Zhigang , Zhu Rihong
Published: February 2021

In this paper, Stokes light induced modulation instability (MI) in high power continuous wave (CW) fiber amplifiers is observed. The investigation shows that the Stokes light generated by inter-modal four wave mixing (IMFWM) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in high power fiber amplifiers can be modulated by the signal light through XPM and cause MI. Then, a sideband will be generated around the second-order Raman frequency shift, which is amplified by SRS and shown as a train of pulses in time domain. It is shown that the frequency shift of the sideband will be influenced by IMFWM and SRS. In addition, the sideband was found to be blue-shifted with the increase of the power, which indicates that the frequency shift of the sideband is mainly depended on MI, while SRS plays the role of amplification.
Experimental observation of self-imaging in SMF-28 optical fibers
Authors: Mangini F. , Ferraro M. , Zitelli M. , Niang A. , Tonello A. , Couderc V. , Sidelnikov O. , Frezza F. , Wabnitz S.
Published: February 2021

Spatial self-imaging, consisting of the periodic replication of the optical transverse beam profile along the propagation direction, can be achieved in guided wave systems when all excited modes interfere in phase. We exploited material defects photoluminescence for directly visualizing self-imaging in a few-mode, nominal singlemode SMF-28 optical fiber. Visible luminescence was excited by intense femtosecond infrared pulses via multiphoton absorption processes. Our method permits us to determine the mode propagation constants and the cutoff wavelength of transverse fiber modes.
Efficient type II second harmonic generation in an indium gallium phosphide on insulator wire waveguide aligned with a crystallographic axis
Authors: Poulvellarie Nicolas , Mas Arabi Carlos , Ciret Charles , Combrié Sylvain , De Rossi Alfredo , Haelterman Marc , Raineri Fabrice , Kuyken Bart , Gorza Simon-Pierre , Leo François
Published: February 2021

We theoretically and experimentally investigate type II second harmonic generation in III-V-on-insulator wire waveguides. We show that the propagation direction plays a crucial role and that longitudinal field components can be leveraged for robust and efficient conversion. We predict that the maximum theoretical conversion is larger than that of type I second harmonic generation for similar waveguide dimensions and reach an experimental conversion efficiency of 12%/W, limited by the propagation loss.
Evolution of heterogeneous perceptual limits and indifference in competitive foraging
Authors: Mann Richard P.
Published: February 2021

The collective behaviour of animal and human groups emerges from the individual decisions and actions of their constituent members. Recent research has revealed many ways in which the behaviour of groups can be influenced by differences amongst their constituent individuals. The existence of individual differences that have implications for collective behaviour raises important questions. How are these differences generated and maintained? Are individual differences driven by exogenous factors, or are they a response to the social dilemmas these groups face? Here I consider the classic case of patch selection by foraging agents under conditions of social competition. I introduce a multilevel model wherein the perceptual sensitivities of agents evolve in response to their foraging success or failure over repeated patch selections. This model reveals a bifurcation in the population, creating a class of agents with no perceptual sensitivity. These agents exploit the social environment to avoid the costs of accurate perception, relying on other agents to make fitness rewards insensitive to the choice of foraging patch. This provides a individual-based evolutionary basis for models incorporating perceptual limits that have been proposed to explain observed deviations from the Ideal Free Distribution (IFD) in empirical studies, while showing that the common assumption in such models that agents share identical sensory limits is likely false. Further analysis of the model shows how agents develop perceptual strategic niches in response to environmental variability. The emergence of agents insensitive to reward differences also has implications for societal resource allocation problems, including the use of financial and prediction markets as mechanisms for aggregating collective wisdom.
In pursuit of a cure: The plural therapeutic landscape of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in Cameroon – A mixed methods study
Authors: Ronse Maya , Irani Julia , Gryseels Charlotte , Smekens Tom , Ekukole Serge , Teh Monteh Caroline , Tatah Ntaimah Peter , Dierickx Susan , Verdonck Kristien , Colebunders Robert , Njamnshi Alfred K. , O’Neill Sarah , Peeters Grietens Koen
Published: February 2021

Background

A high prevalence of epilepsy has been observed in several onchocerciasis-endemic villages in the Sanaga River basin, Cameroon. Recent studies suggest that ivermectin, a drug that is distributed annually with the aim of eliminating onchocerciasis, may have a protective effect against acquiring onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE). This study, therefore, provides an in-depth understanding of both the complex therapeutic landscape for epilepsy as well as the experiences related to the ‘community-directed treatment with ivermectin’ (CDTI) campaign in order to identify a more trenchant path forward in the fight against epilepsy.

Methodology/Principal findings

Based on a mixed methods study combining a qualitative strand with a quantitative survey, we found that epilepsy was perceived to have had an epidemic emergence in the past and was still considered an important health issue in the study area. Socio-economic status, availability and accessibility of drugs and practitioners, as well as perceived aetiology shaped therapeutic itineraries for epilepsy, which included frequenting (in)formal biomedical health care providers, indigenous and/or faith healing practitioners. Ivermectin uptake for onchocerciasis was generally well known and well regarded. The CDTI faced structural and logistical bottlenecks undermining equal access and optimal adherence to the drug.

Conclusions/Significance

Locally accessible, uninterrupted, sustainable and comprehensive health-service delivery is essential to help alleviate the epilepsy burden on afflicted households. Addressing structural challenges of CDTI and communicating the potential link with epilepsy to local populations at risk could optimize the uptake of this potentially significant tool in OAE prevention.