bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continental chemical weathering during the Early Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE1b): a case study from the Fuxin fluvio-lacustrine basin, Liaoning Province, NE China
Authors: Xu Xiao-Tao , Shao Long-Yi , Lan Bo , Wang Shuai , Hilton Jason , Qin Jian-Yi , Hou Hai-Hai , Zhao Jie
Published: April 2020

This study focuses on Early Cretaceous mudstones from the Shahai and Fuxin formations in the Fuxin continental basin. We analyse chemical weathering, land surface temperatures and palaeoclimates based on chemical weathering indices, and emphasize the implications of continental chemical weathering on nutrient fluxes into lakes and oceans. According to Cr and Ni abundance, Al2O3-TiO2, La/Sc-Th/Co and V-Ni-Th×10 plots, as well as rare earth element (REE) analysis, mudstone samples from the Shahai and Fuxin formations were derived from the same type of provenance comprising mainly felsic igneous rocks. Chemical weathering trends reflected by the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Weathering Index of Parker (WIP) and the Mafic Index of Alteration for Oxidative weathering environments (MIA(O)) are consistent with each other and allow the geological succession to be divided into four stages. Land surface temperatures of the Shahai and Fuxin formations are estimated based on the linear relationship of CIA to temperature, and also can be divided into four stages consistent with those determined from chemical weathering trends. During Stage A (early part of the late Aptian) chemical weathering and land surface temperatures were relatively low and showed characteristic high fluctuations, while Stage B (latest Aptian) represented a transitional period where weathering rates and temperatures increased, and high amplitude fluctuations continued. Conditions changed markedly in Stage C (early Albian) with very high and stable weathering, and warm, humid climates, while in Stage D (middle and late Albian) conditions returned to low chemical weathering and land surface temperatures. These stages of chemical weathering and land surface temperature fluctuations represent responses to global climate fluctuations during the Early Cretaceous, with the early Albian high weathering intensities and warm, humid climates combining to create high nutrient levels that would have flushed through rivers into lakes and ultimately oceans. This correlates stratigraphically with the development of Early Cretaceous black shales during Ocean Anoxic Event 1b, showing the importance of continental weathering regimes as a causal mechanism for lake and ocean anoxia.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: 8-year experience of a single center
Authors: Khallaf Salah Mabrouk , Roshdy Jasmine , Ibrahim Abeer
Published: April 2020

Background

The known efficacy of doxorubicin in metastatic breast cancer is countered by its dose-limiting myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) was discovered to overcome these problems. But the data regarding its use in metastatic TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer) is still insufficient. Our study aimed to assess the factors affecting the outcome of the patients with metastatic TNBC who received PLD.

Results

During a period of 8 years (January 2011–December 2018), we analyzed 39 eligible patients. The disease control rate (DCR) was 51.3%. Among all the analyzed factors, two of them significantly affected DCR. The first factor was the chemosensitivity to prior anthracycline. As patients with chemosensitive disease had higher DCR than those with the chemoresistant disease (P = .001). The second factor was the number of prior lines of chemotherapy. As the patients who received two prior lines had a higher DCR than those who received three lines or more (P = .023). Chemosensitivity was the only significant independent factor for DCR (odds ratio = .095, P = .008).

For the studied patients, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7 months. The anthracycline-chemosensitivity was the only significant independent prognostic factor for PFS (P = .002). The median overall survival (OS) was 12 months. There was a marginally significant effect of anthracycline-chemosensitivity on OS (P = .052).

Conclusion

The anthracycline-chemosensitivity is an independent predictive and prognostic factor for the patients with metastatic TNBC receiving PLD. In developing countries, PLD should be reserved for the patients whose tumors are anthracycline-chemosensitive.
GATA2 and Progesterone Receptor Interaction in Endometrial Stromal Cells Undergoing Decidualization
Authors: Kohlmeier Amanda , Sison Christia Angela M , Yilmaz Bahar D , Coon V John S , Dyson Matthew T , Bulun Serdar E
Published: April 2020

The transcription factor GATA2 is important for endometrial stromal cell decidualization in early pregnancy. Progesterone receptor (PGR) is also critical during decidualization but its interaction with GATA2 in regulating genes and pathways necessary for decidualization in human endometrium are unclear. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to compare gene expression profiles (n = 3), and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) using an antibody against GATA2 (n = 2) was performed to examine binding to target genes in human endometrial stromal cells undergoing in vitro decidualization (IVD including estrogen, progestin, and 3′,5′-cyclic AMP analogue) or vehicle treatment. We identified 1232 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IVD vs vehicle. GATA2 cistrome in IVD-treated cells was enriched with motifs for GATA, ATF, and JUN, and gene ontology analysis of GATA2 cistrome revealed pathways that regulate cholesterol storage, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase cascades. Integration of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data revealed that the PGR motif is highly enriched at GATA2 binding regions surrounding upregulated genes in IVD-treated cells. The integration of a mined public PGR cistrome in IVD-treated human endometrial cells with our GATA2 cistrome showed that GATA2 binding was significantly enhanced at PGR-binding regions in IVD vs vehicle. Interrogating 2 separate ChIP-seq data sets together with RNA-seq revealed integration of GATA2 and PGR action to coregulate biologic processes during decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells, specifically via WNT activation and stem cell differentiation pathways. These findings reveal the key pathways that are coactivated by GATA2 and PGR that may be therapeutic targets for supporting implantation and early pregnancy.
Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Leimkühler Maleen , Hentzen Judith E. K. R. , Hemmer Patrick H. J. , Been Lukas B. , van Ginkel Robert J. , Kruijff Schelto , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: April 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that, overall, quality of life (QoL) decreases within the first 3–6 months after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC), returning to baseline levels by 6–12 months. This systematic review aims to evaluate the factors affecting QoL after CRS + HIPEC within 12 months of surgery.

Methods

Electronic databases were investigated searching for articles reporting QoL with validated questionnaires up to September 2019. Risk of bias was assessed with the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool. The primary outcomes were short-term (< 6 months after surgery) and medium-term (6–12 months after surgery) determinants of QoL after CRS + HIPEC. Secondary outcomes were QoL and reported symptoms over time.

Results

We included 14 studies that used 12 different questionnaires. The reported data were collected prospectively or retrospectively for 1556 patients (dropout < 50% in four studies). Overall, studies showed diminished QoL within 3 months after surgery and a recovery to baseline or greater by 12 months. QoL was negatively influenced by higher age, female sex, prolonged operation time, extensive disease, residual disease, adjuvant chemotherapy, complications, stoma placement, and recurrent disease. QoL results were comparable between studies, with dropout rates above and below 50%.

Conclusions

QoL returns to baseline levels within 12 months after CRS + HIPEC provided the disease does not recur, and this recovery process is influenced by several factors.
Factors of professional activity that cause a decrease in psychological resources of employees of internal affairs bodies
Authors: Tihonova Elena
Published: April 2020

The article discusses the factors of professional activity that reduce the psychological resources of the personality of employees of internal affairs bodies, which contribute to the negative manifestations of professional stress and burnout. The results of the study are presented, the influence of factors of professional activity of employees of internal affairs bodies, leading to a significant reduction in their resources and, as a result, stress and burnout. The relationship of stress and burnout with the self-report of employees of internal affairs bodies about various factors of professional activity and personal life was examined. Our goal was to better understand the factors that could potentially be targeted in order to mitigate their impact on employees by increasing psychological resources and thereby prevent police stress and burnout. To achieve research goals, we used the questionnaire of emotional burnout K. Maslach and S. Jackson, in adaptation N.E. Vodopyanova and a specially designed profile.

The study involved 38 employees of the middle and senior command staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Omsk Region, consisting of a reserve of personnel for promotion to higher managerial positions. According to the results of the study, the number of ATS employees with high intensity of occupational stress amounted to 26% of the total number of examined, with an intensity of stress above average - 37% of employees, with low and medium intensity of occupational stress - 37%.

Using the Pearson coefficient r revealed the presence of a direct positive relationship between the level of emotional exhaustion and the presence of conflict in the performance of respondents.
Distribution of some heavy and essential metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe and Zn in Mango fruit (Mangifera Indica L.) cultivated in Different Regions of Pakistan
Authors: Jalbani NUSRAT , Tuzen Mustafa , Aydin Funda , Bhutto Shahid
Published: April 2020

Â In the present study, the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe from 50 mango samples (Mangifera indica L.) were detected by electro-thermal/flame atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS/FAAS). In this study three varieties such as Dusahri, Langra and Chaunsa were collected from different regions (Multan, Sadiqabad, Rahimyar Khan and Mirpurkhas) of Pakistan.Â  The effect of different varieties and environmental conditions on metal accumulation was also investigated. The aim of this study is to compare the level of essential and toxic metal in different regions and correlate the differences observed in metal accumulation to environmental conditions. The accuracy of the conventional acid digestion (CAD) method was checked by analyzing Certified Reference Materials (CRM) i.e. fortified water (TMDA-70), apple leaves (1515) and standard addition technique. The limit of detections (LODs) of the method were found to be 0.113, 2.0, 22.7, 3.85 and 3.05 Âµg L-1 for Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn, respectively.
The study of separation of delaprilâ€™s s-cis/s-trans isomers and development and validation of an analytical method for the estimation of delapril by reversed-phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Ben Amar Afef , Abidi Mbarek , Ben Hamida Najib
Published: April 2020

Delapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which exists as a mixture of rotational s-trans and s-cis isomers due to the rotation of the amide bond. Although these stereoisomers do interconvert by rotation about the amide bond, the rate of interconversion is slow, allowing separation of the isomers on the chromatographic time scale. The effect of the flow-rate, column temperature, pH, organic modifier, and counter-ion on the peak shape and the separation of the s-cis and s-trans conformers of delapril was investigated by HPLC. It was proved that the separation selectivity was improved by either a decrease of the flow-rate or an increase of the amount of the organic modifier or the addition of a positively charged counter ion. Delapril was then estimated by a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method. This method was subsequently validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. An NMR study indicates that the molecule exists as a mixture of rotational cis and trans isomers which confirms the results obtained by HPLC. The isomer ratio integrated from the obtained 1H NMR result was 75:25 in DMSO-d6 at 298 K, where the s-trans isomer was the major form.
Coumarin derivatives: Synthesis and cation binding properties
Authors: Naouali Olfa , Frija Rached , Elgabsi Wissal , Hamdi Naceur , Baklouti Lassaad
Published: April 2020

Coumarin derivatives were easily prepared starting from 7-hydroxy 4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-oneÂ with 40% formaldehyde and suitable secondary amines in 95% ethanol in rather good yield. The structures of allÂ compounds were confirmed via spectroscopic techniques IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectra and elemental analysis. The complexing properties of the coumarin derivatives toward alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, someÂ transition metals and some heavy metal cations have been investigated in methanol by means ofÂ UV spectrophotometry absorption and conductivity methods. Thus, the stoichiometry of the complexes formedÂ and their stability constants were determined.
Feasibility of multimodal multiphoton microscopy to facilitate surgical margin assessment in pancreatic cancer: erratum
Authors: Pham Thu , Banerjee Bhaskar , Cromey Benjamin , Mehravar Soroush , Skovan Bethany , Chen Hao , Kieu Khanh
Published: April 2020

After publication of our original paper Appl. Opt.
59, G1 (2020)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.391315, it came
to the authors’ attention that there were missing labels on Fig. 5.
The labels are important for our readers to understand the figure.
Two-photon image-scanning microscopy with SPAD array and blind image reconstruction
Authors: Koho Sami V. , Slenders Eli , Tortarolo Giorgio , Castello Marco , Buttafava Mauro , Villa Federica , Tcarenkova Elena , Ameloot Marcel , Bianchini Paolo , Sheppard Colin J. R. , Diaspro Alberto , Tosi Alberto , Vicidomini Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Two-photon excitation (2PE) laser scanning microscopy is the imaging modality of choice when one desires to work with thick biological samples. However, its spatial resolution is poor, below confocal laser scanning microscopy. Here, we propose a straightforward implementation of 2PE image scanning microscopy (2PE-ISM) that, by leveraging our recently introduced single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array detector and a novel blind image reconstruction method, is shown to enhance the effective resolution, as well as the overall image quality of 2PE microscopy. With our adaptive pixel reassignment procedure ∼1.6 times resolution increase is maintained deep into thick semi-transparent samples. The integration of Fourier ring correlation based semi-blind deconvolution is shown to further enhance the effective resolution by a factor of ∼2 – and automatic background correction is shown to boost the image quality especially in noisy images. Most importantly, our 2PE-ISM implementation requires no calibration measurements or other input from the user, which is an important aspect in terms of day-to-day usability of the technique.
Joint direct estimation of hemodynamic response function and activation level in brain functional high density diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Wang Bingyuan , Zhang Yao , Liu Dongyuan , Pan Tiantian , Liu Yang , Bai Lu , Zhou Zhongxing , Jiang Jingying , Gao Feng
Published: April 2020

High density diffuse optical tomography has become increasingly important to detect underlying neuronal activities. Conventional methods first estimate the time courses of the changes in the absorption coefficients for all the voxels, and then estimate the hemodynamic response function (HRF). Activation-level maps are extracted at last based on this HRF. However, the error propagation among the successive processes degrades and even misleads the final results. Besides, the computation burden is heavy. To address the above problems, a direct method is proposed in this paper to simultaneously estimate the HRF and the activation-level maps from the boundary fluxes. It is assumed that all the voxels in the same activated brain region share the same HRF but differ in the activation levels, and no prior information is imposed on the specific shape of the HRF. The dynamic simulation and phantom experiments demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the conventional one in terms of the estimation accuracy and computation speed.
Continuous monitoring method of cerebral subdural hematoma based on MRI guided DOT
Authors: Wang Huiquan , Wu Nian , Zhao Zhe , Han Guang , Zhang Jun , Wang Jinhai
Published: April 2020

Cerebral subdural hematomas due to trauma can easily worsen suddenly due to the rupture of blood vessels in the brain after the condition is stabilized. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the size of cerebral subdural hematomas has important clinical significance. To achieve fast, real-time, noninvasive, and accurate monitoring of subdural hematomas, a cerebral subdural hematoma monitoring method combining brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image guidance, diffusion optical tomography technology, and deep learning is proposed in this manuscript. First, an MRI brain image is segmented to obtain a three-dimensional multi-layer brain model with structures and parameters matching a real brain. Then, a near-infrared light source and detectors (source-detector separations ranging from 0.5 to 6.5 cm) were placed on the model to achieve fast, real-time and noninvasive acquisition of intracranial hematoma information. Finally, a deep learning method is used to obtain accurate reconstructed images of cerebral subdural hematomas. The experimental results show that the reconstruction effect of stacked auto-encoder with the mean volume error of 0.1 ml is better than the result reconstructed by algebraic reconstruction techniques with the mean volume error of 0.9 ml. Under different signal-to-noise ratios, the curve fitting R2 between the actual blood volume of a simulated hematoma and a reconstructed hematoma is more than 0.95. We conclude that the proposed monitoring method can realize fast, noninvasive, real-time, and accurate monitoring of subdural hematomas, and can provide a technical basis for continuous wearable subdural hematoma monitoring equipment.
Spinning disk-remote focusing microscopy
Authors: Gintoli Michele , Mohanan Sharika , Salter Patrick , Williams Elizabeth , Beard James D. , Jekely Gaspar , Corbett Alexander D.
Published: April 2020

Fast confocal imaging was achieved by combining remote focusing with differential spinning disk optical sectioning to rapidly acquire images of live samples at cellular resolution. Axial and lateral full width half maxima less than 5 µm and 490 nm respectively are demonstrated over 130 µm axial range with a 256 × 128 µm field of view. A water-index calibration slide was used to achieve an alignment that minimises image volume distortion. Application to live biological samples was demonstrated by acquiring image volumes over a 24 µm axial range at 1 volume/s, allowing for the detection of calcium-based neuronal activity in Platynereis dumerilii larvae.
Twin-ZnSe nanowires as surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate with significant enhancement factor upon defect
Authors: Wang Gongtang , Wei Haonan , Tian Yuan , Wu Meimei , Sun Qianqian , Peng Zhisheng , Sun Lianfeng , Liu Mei
Published: April 2020

Semiconductor-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate design has attracted much interest due to the excellent photoelectronic and biochemical properties. The structural change caused by twin in semiconductor will have an influence on improving the Raman signals enhancement based on the chemical mechanism (CM). Here, we demonstrated the twin in semiconductor ZnSe nanowires as an ultrasensitive CM-based SERS platform. The SERS signals of the rhodamine 6G (R6G) and crystal violet (CV) molecules adsorbed on twin-ZnSe nanowires could be easily detected even with an ultralow concentration of 10−11 M and 10−8 M, respectively, and the corresponding enhancement factor (EF) were up to 6.12 × 107 and 3.02 × 105, respectively. In addition, the charge transfer (CT) between the twin-ZnSe nanowires and R6G molecule has been demonstrated theoretically with first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory (DFT). These results demonstrated the proposed ZnSe nanowires with twin as SERS substrate has a broader application in the field of biochemical sensing.
Analysis of a thermal lens in a diamond Raman laser operating at 1.1 kW output power
Authors: Antipov Sergei , Williams Robert J. , Sabella Alexander , Kitzler Ondrej , Berhane Amanuel , Spence David J. , Mildren Richard P.
Published: April 2020

We report experimental observations of thermal lens effects in a diamond Raman laser operating up to 1.1 kW output power in a quasi- steady-state regime. Measured changes in the output beam parameters as a function of output power, including beam quality factor and beam divergence after a fixed focusing lens, are compared to modelling enabling us to track the development of a thermal lens up to 16 diopters at maximum output power. Analysis shows that good agreement between model and experiment is obtained by considering the power deposition profile and the spatial overlap with the laser mode. The results clarify previous work that raised questions about thermal lens effects in the diamond gain medium and provides increased confidence in thermal models for determining the power limits for the current design.
Double clad tubular anti-resonant hollow core fiber for nonlinear microendoscopy
Authors: Kudlinski A. , Cassez A. , Vanvincq O. , Septier D. , Pastre A. , Habert R. , Baudelle K. , Douay M. , Mytskaniuk V. , Tsvirkun V. , Rigneault H. , Bouwmans G.
Published: April 2020

We report the fabrication and characterization of the first double clad tubular anti-resonant hollow core fiber. It allows to deliver ultrashort pulses without temporal nor spectral distortions in the 700-1000 nm wavelength range and to efficiently collect scattered light in a high numerical aperture double clad. The output fiber mode is shaped with a silica microsphere generating a photonic nanojet, making it well suitable for nonlinear microendoscopy application. Additionally, we provide an open access software allowing to find optimal drawing parameters for the fabrication of tubular hollow core fibers.
Anti-resonance, inhibited coupling and mode transition in depressed core fibers
Authors: Lian Xiaokang , Farrell Gerald , Wu Qiang , Han Wei , Shen Changyu , Ma Youqiao , Semenova Yuliya
Published: April 2020

The depressed core fiber (DCF), consisting of a low-index solid core, a high-index cladding and air surrounding, is in effect a bridge between the conventional step-index fiber and the tube-type hollow-core fiber from the point of view of the index profile. In this paper the dispersion diagram of a DCF is obtained by solving the full-vector eigenvalue equations and analyzed using the theory of anti-resonant and the inhibited coupling mechanisms. While light propagation in tube-type hollow-core fibers is commonly described by the symmetric planar waveguide model, here we propose an asymmetric planar waveguide for the DCFs in an anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) model. It is found that the anti-resonant core modes in the DCFs have real effective indices, compared to the anti-resonant core modes with complex effective indices in the tube-type hollow-core fibers. The anti-resonant core modes in the DCFs exhibit similar qualitative and quantitative behavior as the core modes in the conventional step-index fibers. The full-vector analytical results for the simple-structure DCFs can contribute to a better understanding of the anti-resonant and inhibited coupling guidance mechanisms in other complex inversed index fibers.
Numerical design of a high-performance polarization beam splitter assisted by composite subwavelength gratings
Authors: Huang Chia-Chih , Wu Chang-Xuan , Huang Chia-Chien
Published: April 2020

We report a compact polarization beam splitter (PBS) consisting of slotted waveguides assisted by composite subwavelength gratings (CSWGs) on a silicon-on-insulator platform. By tailoring the material anisotropy of the CSWGs, coupling strengths of transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM) polarization coupling strengths are respectively suppressed and enhanced significantly, achieving concurrent improvements in polarization extinction ratio (PER), device footprint, and working bandwidth (BW) compared with purely slotted waveguides. Differing in construction from mono-material SWGs, the CSWGs comprise silicon strips covered with a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer of the same thickness as the slot layer of the slotted waveguides, simplifying the fabrication process and further reducing device length. Numerical simulations show significant improvement in PERTM from about 15 dB for the purely slotted waveguides to 28 dB for the proposed design, with a 40% reduction in device length at a wavelength of λ = 1550 nm. Within a BW of ∼60 nm, the proposed PBS achieves PERTM ∼25 dB, PERTE >15 dB, and insertion loss (ILs) <0.1 dB for TE and TM modes. Fabrication tolerance investigations are also described and discussed. The proposed idea paves the way for simultaneous improvements in PER, footprint, and working BW for PBSs comprising a variety of coupled-waveguide systems.
Electrothermal-MEMS-induced nonlinear distortion correction in photoacoustic laparoscopy
Authors: Lu Chang , Xiong Kedi , Ma Yuanzheng , Zhang Wuyu , Cheng Zhongwen , Yang Sihua
Published: April 2020

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) scanner has significant advantages of miniature size, fast response and high stability, which is particularly applicable to photoacoustic laparoscopy (PAL). However, tilt angle-voltage curve of electrothermal MEMS shows a nonlinear character, which leads to inevitable nonlinear distortion in photoacoustic imaging. To overcome this problem, a nonlinear distortion correction was developed for the high-resolution forward-scanning electrothermal-MEMS-based PAL. The adaptive resampling method (ARM) was introduced to adaptively calibrate the projection of non-uniform scanning region to match the uniform scanning region. The correction performed low time complexity and high portability owing to the adaptive capacity of distortion decomposition in the reconstruction of physical models. Compared with the sample structure, phantom experiments demonstrated that the distortion was calibrated in all directions and the corrected image provided up to 96.82% high structural similarity in local subset. Furthermore, ARM was applied to imaging the abdominal cavity of rat and the vascular morphology was corrected in real-time display within a delay less than 2 seconds. All these results demonstrated that the nonlinear distortion correction possessed timely and effective correction in PAL, which suggested that it had the potential to employ to any other electrothermal-MEMS-based photoacoustic imaging systems for accurate and quantitative functional imaging.
Dual-band transmissive circular polarization generator with high angular stability
Authors: Liu Kaiyue , Wang Guangming , Cai Tong , Li Tengyao
Published: April 2020

Metasurfaces (MSs) offer us an efficient way to control electromagnetic wave polarization due to its capability of flexible wave manipulation and compact configurations. However, the design of dual-band polarization conversion MS with high angular stability is still a challenge, especially in transmission geometry. Here, we propose a dual-band linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion MS with high angular stability by using an array of multi-resonance meta-atoms. The meta-atom consists of two outer double split-ring layers and a central bar layer with circle-slot and can realize circular polarization at two bands with high efficiency and angular stability. The MS can transform the x-polarized wave into right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) at lower band and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) at higher band and an opposite role for the y-polarized wave. The results show that the MS operates with insertion loss less than 0.5 dB and 0.3 dB and axial ratio below 3 dB in the frequency range of 9.05-9.65 GHz and 12.55-13.1 GHz, respectively. Moreover, our MS is insensitive to the oblique incident waves and can operate at high performance with the incident angle less than 55°. The proposed MS provides a new avenue to design meta-devices with dual frequency property and also high angular stability.
Dependence on excitation polarization and crystal orientation for terahertz radiation generation in a BaGa4Se7 crystal
Authors: Carnio B. N. , Hopmann E. , Zawilski K. T. , Schunemann P. G. , Elezzabi A. Y.
Published: April 2020

Optical rectification is experimentally investigated in a biaxial BaGa4Se7 crystal by considering various combinations of near-infrared excitation polarizations and crystal orientations. The highest terahertz radiation is produced along the Z crystallo-physical direction of the BaGa4Se7 crystal. Despite the optical complexity of the BaGa4Se7 crystal in the terahertz spectral regime, this systematic experimental investigation determines the optimal excitation polarization and crystal orientation for the optical rectification process.
Coherently controllable terahertz plasmon-induced transparency using a coupled Fano–Lorentzian metasurface
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Gu Zhidong , Ako Rajour Tanyi , Zhao Hui , Sriram Sharath
Published: April 2020

Metamaterials have been engineered to achieve electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like behavior, analogous to those in quantum optical systems. These meta-devices are opening new paradigms in terahertz communication, ultra-sensitive sensing and EIT-like anti-reflection. The controlled coupling between a sub-radiant and a super-radiant particle in the unit cells of these metamaterial can enable multiple narrow plasmon induced transparency (PIT) windows over a broad band, with considerable group delay of electromagnetic field (slow light effect). Phase coherence between these PIT windows is highly desired for next-generation multichannel communication network. Herein, we numerically and experimentally validate a controllable frequency hopping mechanism between “slow light” windows in the terahertz (THz) regime. The effective media are composed of plasmonic “molecules” in which an asymmetric split-ring resonator (ASRR) or Fano resonator is displaced on the side of a cut-wire (Lorentz oscillator). Two metasurfaces where ASRR is on opposite side of the cut-wire are investigated. In these two cases, the proximity of the cut-wire to the gap on the ASRR having asymmetry is different. On one side, when the gap is nearer to the cut wire, displacing the ASRR along the cut-wire, produces only one narrow transparency window at 0.8 THz, corresponding to 20 ps group delay. When the ASRR is positioned on the opposite side, such that the gap is further, two transparency windows are observed when the ASRR is displaced along the cut-wire. That is, the transparency window hops from 0.8 THz to 1.2 THz. This corresponds to an increase from 20 to 30 ps in slow light effect. Numerical simulations suggest these single or multiple PIT windows occur if the couplings between the plasmonic modes in the different arrangements are either in-phase or out-of-phase, respectively.
Effects of using essential oil of Lavandula stoechas in quail feed on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and health status
Authors: Laghouati Ouafa , Arbouche Fodil , Arbouche Yasmine
Published: April 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of essential oil of Lavandula stoechas (Lavender) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and health status of quails. Materials and Methods: A group of 600 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix japonica), with an average weight of 6.8±0.2 g and a 1:1 sex ratio, were randomly assigned to four groups (150 chicks/group): three experimental groups which depend on the incorporation of lavender oil (LO) in the different phases of breeding and one control group. The experimental groups received a supplement of 1 g LO per kg of feed distributed sequentially throughout the entire 42-day breeding period. Results: No deaths were recorded throughout the breeding period. Highly significant differences were observed among the groups with regard to body weight measured on day 20 and day 42 (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). The addition of LO was accompanied by reductions in liver weights; furthermore, LO had a significant effect on the pH, water content, and fat content of the meat (p<0.05). Administration of LO had a measurable effect on the endogenous intestinal population of Lactobacillus, and the bacterial load (including those of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that supplementing quail feed with LO has a profound effect on their growth as well as antimicrobial effects.
Psychological Burden of Hepatic Encephalopathy on Patients and Caregivers
Authors: Fabrellas Núria , Moreira Rebeca , Carol Marta , Cervera Marta , de Prada Gloria , Perez Martina , Vazquez Elena , Sola Montse , Sancho Raul , Juanola Adrià , Pose Elisa , Solé Cristina , Graupera Isabel , Solà Elsa , Kamath Patrick S. , Ginès Pere
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is common in advanced cirrhosis and is characterized by marked neuropsychiatric abnormalities. However, despite its severity and effects on brain function, the impact of HE on psychological status of patients has not been adequately assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HE on psychological status of patients and their informal caregivers.

METHODS:

Fifteen patients with cirrhosis and episodic or persistent HE and their corresponding informal caregivers were included. Semistructured interviews were performed in patients and caregivers. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the short-form 36 in both patients and caregivers, and the Zarit burden score was measured in caregivers. The analysis of interviews was performed using qualitative methodology.

RESULTS:

HE causes a major psychological impact on patients with HE. The first episode of HE caused a very significant impact that was reported with deep feelings, mainly of fear, anger, misery, anxiety, and sorrow, which persisted with time. Symptoms causing more psychological impact on patients were impaired ability to walk and speak. All effects were associated with a marked impairment in QoL. The psychological impact was also marked in caregivers who had a major burden, as assessed by the Zarit score. Moreover, QoL, particularly the mental component score, was markedly impaired in caregivers in intensity similar to that of patients.

DISCUSSION:

HE has a profound psychological impact on patients and their informal caregivers, associated with a marked negative influence on QoL. The psychological effects of HE on patients and caregivers should be evaluated and treated.
Shaykh Mutawalli al-Sha'rawi's Views About Tafsir and I'jaz al-Qur'an: (Descriptive-Analysis Study)
Authors: Kusroni Kusroni
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses the views of Shaikh Mutawalli al-Sha'rawi about the interpretation and i'jaz al-Qur'an contained in his book titled al-Tafsir al-Sha'rawi or Khawa> tir al-Sha'rawi. al-Sha'rawi is known as one of the leading modern scholars giving great attention and defense of the Qur'an. His attention to the Qur'an evidently appears in his commentary, a collection of lectures, sermons and studies in various pulpits and scientific forums. The method of delivering ideas taken by al-Sha'rawi in this work is by asking a number of questions about the existence of the i'jaz al-Qur'an, then he gives simple but argumentative answers, both aqliyah and naqliyah. Therefore, from here we know how his views related to interpretation and i'jaz al-Qur'an. Al-Sha'rawi argues that, the prophet of Muhammad  is the person who is most worthy of interpreting the Qur'an, because to him al-Qur'an was revealed. So he knows and practices it, and from it the mu‘jizat of the Qur'an was manifested. According to him, the mu‘jizat of the Qur'an is evolutionary and evolves with the times and with the progress of modern science and civilization.[يتكلم هذا الموضوع عن موقف الشيخ متولي الشعراوي حول القرآن وما يتعلق به من تفسير وإعجاز وغيره المكتوب فى كتابه المسمى بـ "التفسير الشعراوي" أوبـ "خواطر الشعراوي".ومما لا شك فيه أن هذا الشيخ الكبير يُعَدّ من جهابذة العلماء المعاصرين الذين يهتمون بالدفاع عن القرآن دفاعا قوياً. ويظهر هذا الدفاع عندما نلاحظ هذا الكتاب الذي هو منتخبات ومقتطفات مما ألقاه الشيخ الشعراوي خلال محاضرته وخُطبه ودروسه في البرامج والمناسبات المختلفة. والجدير بالذكر أنّ المنهج الذي سلك به الشيخ هو الإتيان بالتسائلات حول القرآن ما يدل على الترييب والتشكيك فى الجانب الإعجازي للقرآن الكريم, ثم يأتي هو بالأجوبة الصارحة مع الحجج القاطعة. رغم أنه أتى بالحجة النقليةالكثيرة لكنه في نفس الوقت أورد الأدلة العقلية. ومن ثم يظهرلنا أفكاره العلمية حول القرآن الكريم تفسيرا وإعجازا. ويرى الشيخ أن أولى الناس بالتفسير هوالرسول ﷺ لأنه عليه نزل وبه علم وعمل وله ظهرت معجزاته. وأن الإعجاز القرآني عنده يتطوّر مع تطوّر الأزمان والعلوم العصرية والثقافة والحضارة.]
“Saberes em Diálogo”, um programa de formação continuada em rede: Universidade e educação básica
Authors: Silva Gilberto Ferreira , Aquino Machado Juliana
Published: April 2020

O estudo analisa as ações e os princípios emergidos no desenvolvimento de um projeto de formação continuada numa rede municipal de ensino, à luz da perspectiva descolonial, como possibilidade de se pensar os processos a partir de um lugar geoepistêmico. Este movimento pressupõe evidenciar o processamento das construções e experiências formativas a partir do olhar dos docentes, exercitando modos outros de produzir sentidos, formas de compreensão e de conhecimentos. No diálogo entre universidade, via colaboração com um programa de pós-graduação em educação e a educação básica, destacam-se princípios condutores que têm permitido desenvolver uma proposta de formação em serviço construída com a rede. A partir das sínteses produzidas, evidencia-se o papel dos educadores como intelectuais da docência, na profdução de conhecimentos pedagógicos próprios do campo de atuação profissional, na criação de um espaço privilegiado de partilha de saberes e de produção do conhecimento, assim como, reconhece-se um movimento essencialmente colaborativo entre os docentes, garantindo o pertencimento pela adesão voluntária à proposta.
Songket Fabric Weaving Training in Empowering Poor Women at Home Industry
Authors: Imaniar Mahrati , Sutarto Joko , Edy Mulyono Sungkowo
Published: April 2020

Songket fabric weaving training was conducted to empower poor women with the hope that they can overcome the family economy, acquire skills, and be able to become independent individuals. The objectives of this study were (a) to describe and analyze the program planning of songket fabric weaving training, (b) to describe and analyze the process of songket fabric weaving training, (c) to describe and analyze the success of songket fabric weaving training, (d) describe and analyze inhibiting and supporting factors in songket fabric weaving training. The approach used in this research was qualitative approach. The data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The informants consisted of two tutors and three training participants. The results of this study show that (1) the training program planning was arranged according to the needs of the participants, (2) the training process was directed in accordance with the materials by employing adult learning methods, (3) the success of the training had different achievement standards, (4) internal and external factors became obstacles and supporters of songket fabric weaving training as competence of tutors, enthusiastic participants, assistance from non-governmental, market needs and lack of available tools. Weaving cloth training will be carried out with maximum if the trainer has the ability and spirit in learning. Andragogy learning methods are tailored to the needs of learners. In addition, support from the community in training support. In addition to the training, need to think about the market needs so that the training products can be sold to the community. The benefit of this research is as a reference in conducting the training should use andragogy in learning so that the training according to the needs of students and get results more effective and efficient.
Analysis of Non-formal Education (NFE) Needs in Schools
Authors: Widodo Widodo , Nusantara Widya
Published: April 2020

The research objective is to determine the role of Non-formal Education (NFE) programs in schools and children’s interest in Non-formal Education The study uses a quantitative analysis approach. The results show there is a holistic and synergistic relationship between Non-formal Education and schools. The interest of students who take the Non-formal Education program at school is “optional”, there is no compulsion, according to students’ interests, is entertaining, gives “added value” to children. NFE program analysis that strengthens the character of children includes; sports specialities strengthen the character of sportsmanship, tenacity and courage. An additional program of subject matter reinforces the character of diligent learning. The culinary training program strengthens character not to give up and the Islamic arts program strengthens creative character. Non-formal education is really needed to support the character in extracurricular in formal education NFE program in schools is very useful to provide reinforcement of positive character and even become a “must” so that students’ character develops well.
Early Childhood Moral Intelligence raised by Grandmother, Household Assistant, and Daycare Provider
Authors: Auliya Falakhul , Sunarso Ali , Pranoto Yuli Kurniawati Sugiyo
Published: April 2020

Children do not only need intelligence in the academic field but also in interacting with others in accordance with the prevailing moral norms in society. Intelligence is influenced by parenting. In Indonesia, parenting of working parents’ families is usually carried out by grandmothers, household assistants, and daycare providers. This study aims to analyze differences in the moral intelligence of children raised by grandmothers, household assistants, and daycare providers. A total of 208 children aged 5-6 years (106 boys and 102 girls) in the city of Semarang, who were willing and approved by parents, were involved in this study. The children’s moral intelligence score in this study was obtained through storytelling test techniques presented by the researcher verbally, considering that early childhood children cannot read fluently. Data analysis techniques used descriptive analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the help of SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The results of this study differed from previous studies in that there is no difference in the moral intelligence of children aged 5-6 years in the city of Semarang that is raised by grandmothers, household assistants, and daycare providers. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the roles of grandmothers, household assistants, and daycare providers are no different in fostering moral intelligence in early childhood. The level of moral intelligence of early childhood can also be influenced by the individual, age, social interaction, education, and the context of the situation. Discusses the moral intelligence of young children who are cared for by grandmothers, household assistants, and daycare providers
The Empowerment of Labour Women Picking Coffee Through the Education of Functional Literacy Based on Local Potentials
Authors: Indrianti Deditiani Tri , Hartatik Sri , Fajarwati Linda
Published: April 2020

Women picking coffee workers have a big enough role in all lines. However, the level of education and knowledge is still relatively low. It occupies a subordinate and marginally positioned position. This research aims to find the empowerment of women’s coffee picking labourers through the process of functional literacy programs. The existence of the program is expected to improve women’s empowerment The study was designed with a qualitative approach. Researchers use two primary types of data (1) Primer, i.e. data obtained by researchers directly from speakers as informers who are directly related to the empowerment of the local potential coffee-picking labour. Primary data sources of research using interviewing techniques and observation techniques (2) secondary, are supplementary research data that will be obtained through reports in the form of learning activities, documents, and textbooks relevant to the purpose of research. Before processing, the collected primary data is checked for the validity of the data. In this case, it is used triangulation technique, to be processed and analyzed by the technique of Gender Analysis Pathway (GAP). Where the gender engineering pathway analysis is used to analyse the policy of development programs, in this case, is a functional literacy program. The results showed that there was an increase in the empowerment of female coffee picking labours through a functional literacy program based on local wisdom. Reading, writing and counting ability can realize women have an unworthy job. The re-formulation of the learning design conducted through functional literacy programmes became the main thing for working women picking coffee in recognizing local potentials designed in accordance with local characteristics. The design of attention-learning to local potentials has become a key thing in enhancing the power of women so that it can find the resources that are based in everyday life.
Implementation CIPP Evaluation of Keaksaraan Usaha Mandiri Program
Authors: Heryahya Andang , Sujanto Bedjo , Rugayah Rugayah
Published: April 2020

The number of illiterate populations in 2019 aged 15-59 years was 3,474,694 people spread throughout the Regency/City in Indonesia. Since 2005 the government has published an independent business literacy program as part of efforts to eradicate illiteracy, poverty and ignorance. This study aims to determine the implementation of the program with the CIPP evaluation model. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method in six community education institutions in five sub-districts in Bogor Regency. Data obtained through interviews, observation and documentation. The results showed that the Kekasaraan Usaha Mandiri program was carried out in a dense, illiterate environment in rural and mountainous areas. The main cause of illiteracy is the low economic income of the family which has an impact on dropping out of school and a short way of thinking of the community, with the perception that the most important thing is to be able to make money even though you have to be a manual worker. Organizers have an understanding of the literacy education development as part of efforts to educate the nation’s life. Educational literacy in the implementation of learning using product packaging and marketing materials that are not delivered optimally because the competency and entrepreneurial experience of the teacher is insufficient. Learning innovations that can integrate literacy education, business activities and religious education need to be done. Then it is necessary to improve entrepreneurship competencies for tutors, as well as collaborating with microfinance institutions or local entrepreneurs.