bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groups containing locally maximal product-free sets of size 4
Authors:   University of Pretoria, Anabanti C. S.
Published: October 2021

Every locally maximal product-free set S in a finite group G satisfies G=S∪SS∪S−1S∪SS−1∪S−−√, where SS={xy∣x,y∈S}, S−1S={x−1y∣x,y∈S}, SS−1={xy−1∣x,y∈S} and S−−√={x∈G∣x2∈S}. To better understand locally maximal product-free sets, Bertram asked whether every locally maximal product-free set S in a finite abelian group satisfy |S−−√|≤2|S|. This question was recently answered in the negation by the current author. Here, we improve some results on the structures and sizes of finite groups in terms of their locally maximal product-free sets. A consequence of our results is the classification of abelian groups that contain locally maximal product-free sets of size 4, continuing the work of Street, Whitehead, Giudici and Hart on the classification of groups containing locally maximal product-free sets of small sizes. We also obtain partial results on arbitrary groups containing locally maximal product-free sets of size 4, and conclude with a conjecture on the size 4 problem as well as an open problem on the general case.
Semisymmetric Zp-covers of the C20 graph
Authors:   University of Mazandaran, Talebi A. A. , Mehdipoor N. ,   University of Mazandaran
Published: October 2021

A graph X is said to be G-semisymmetric if it is regular and there exists a subgroup G of A:=Aut(X) acting transitively on its edge set but not on its vertex set. In the case of G=A, we call X a semisymmetric graph. Finding elementary abelian covering projections can be grasped combinatorially via a linear representation of automorphisms acting on the first homology group of the graph. The method essentially reduces to finding invariant subspaces of matrix groups over prime fields. In this study, by applying concept linear algebra, we classify the connected semisymmetric zp-covers of the C20 graph.
The in vivo location of edge-wear in hip arthroplasties
Authors: Bergiers Sean , Hothi Harry , Henckel Johann , Di Laura Anna , Belzunce Martín , Skinner John , Hart Alister
Published: October 2021

Aims

Acetabular edge-loading was a cause of increased wear rates in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties, ultimately contributing to their failure. Although such wear patterns have been regularly reported in retrieval analyses, this study aimed to determine their in vivo location and investigate their relationship with acetabular component positioning.

Methods

3D CT imaging was combined with a recently validated method of mapping bearing surface wear in retrieved hip implants. The asymmetrical stabilizing fins of Birmingham hip replacements (BHRs) allowed the co-registration of their acetabular wear maps and their computational models, segmented from CT scans. The in vivo location of edge-wear was measured within a standardized coordinate system, defined using the anterior pelvic plane.

Results

Edge-wear was found predominantly along the superior acetabular edge in all cases, while its median location was 8° (interquartile range (IQR) -59° to 25°) within the anterosuperior quadrant. The deepest point of these scars had a median location of 16° (IQR -58° to 26°), which was statistically comparable to their centres (p = 0.496). Edge-wear was in closer proximity to the superior apex of the cups with greater angles of acetabular inclination, while a greater degree of anteversion influenced a more anteriorly centred scar.

Conclusion

The anterosuperior location of edge-wear was comparable to the degradation patterns observed in acetabular cartilage, supporting previous findings that hip joint forces are directed anteriorly during a greater portion of walking gait. The further application of this novel method could improve the current definition of optimal and safe acetabular component positioning. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):639–649.
Cuidados primários em saúde na atenção à população em situação de rua
Authors: Laura Chen , Cruz Alline Dias , Salles Marcelo Medeiros , Perillo Rosângela Durso , Torres Lilian Machado , Almeida Shirley Pereira
Published: October 2021

Introdução: o fenômeno situação de rua constitui-se um desafio para sua compreensão, dimensionamento, diagnósticos diversos e para a definição de estratégias para enfrentar as condições de vulnerabilidade, entre elas as de saúde. Objetivo: descrever as ações desenvolvidas pelos profissionais de saúde e as dificuldades vivenciadas no atendimento à população em situação de rua. Métodos: pesquisa qualitativa, a partir de entrevistas com profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Belo Horizonte-MG, referência para atendimento a essa população. O conteúdo dos depoimentos foi analisado pelo referencial de Bardin. Resultados: os profissionais identificam ações realizadas, a partir do acolhimento sistematizado com vistas à criação de vínculos e abordagem dos principais problemas de saúde. Realizam ações preventivas necessárias e encaminham ou acionam outros serviços, como albergues ou centros pop. Sentem-se satisfeitos e gratificados, apesar de perceberem a necessidade de maior articulação com outros pontos da rede assistencial diante de atendimentos mais complexos ou específicos. Também enfrentam dificuldades para a redução de danos em várias dimensões como vacinação, saúde bucal e geral, saúde mental e prevenção e tratamento de doenças crônicas e infectocontagiosas. Emergiram duas categorias: Identificando ações desenvolvidas pelos profissionais da Atenção Primária e Enfrentando dificuldades e desafios no atendimento a essa população. Conclusões: é preciso ultrapassar preconceitos e conhecer a situação de rua para sua implicação nos cuidados prestados na Atenção Primária, apesar dos dificultadores. Capacitação dos profissionais e planejamento multi e interdisciplinar, em rede, concorrem para qualidade na captação dos indivíduos e sua inserção efetiva nos serviços de saúde.
Núcleo ampliado de saúde da família e atenção básica (NASF-AB): um estudo avaliativo sobre suas ações com hipertensos e diabéticos NASF-AB: um estudo avaliativo
Authors: Gomes Adenilson da Silva , Martelli Petrônio José de Lima , Cesse Eduarda Ângela Pessoa , Gomes Mariana Farias , Dos Santos Rebecca Soares de Andrade Fonseca , Chagas Maria Bernadete Ribeiro , Costa Juliana Martins Barbosa da Silva
Published: October 2021

ResumoIntrodução: a implantação das ações com hipertensos e diabéticos promovidos pelo Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica (NASF-AB) é elemento pertinente para estudos avaliativos. Objetivo: avaliar a implantação do NASF-AB em relação às suas ações de alimentação/nutrição e atividade física/práticas corporais na atenção a hipertensos e diabéticos na estratégia de saúde da família (ESF) de Petrolina – PE. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo avaliativo de análise de implantação do tipo 1b, que identificou o grau de implantação (GI) do NASF-AB e a influência de atores contextuais políticos e estruturais. Resultados: Foi verificado que o GI e suas dimensões de estrutura e processo estavam parcialmente implantados. Ao analisar o contexto, verificou-se que o mesmo foi favorável à implantação de forma que a abordagem política foi mais favorável do que a abordagem estrutural. Por sua vez, o processo do NASF-AB foi influenciado favoravelmente por fatores políticos como conhecimento acerca do NASF-AB, instituição de parcerias, ampliação de responsabilidades e inovação nas práticas, entretanto, a estrutura foi influenciada desfavoravelmente por fatores como a estrutura física das unidades de saúde, clima de equipe, vínculos profissionais e investimentos no NASF-AB. Conclusão: A implantação parcial revela a necessidade de superar fortes obstáculos para que essa política consiga induzir melhoras efetivas no cuidado com hipertensos e diabéticos na ESF.
Proposta de plano de cuidados para pessoas em situação de rua
Authors: Ximenes Aline Moreira , Sousa Albuquerque Brandão Maria Girlane , Fonteles Muniz Iara , Ponte Aragão Caroline , Áfio Caetano Joselany , Moreira Barros Lívia
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: Propor diagnósticos, resultados e intervenções de enfermagem para pessoas em situação de rua. Método: Estudo transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em Sobral, Ceará, em Centro de Referência Especializado para Pessoas em Situação de Rua. A amostra contou com 52 participantes. A coleta dos dados ocorreu por entrevista individual, norteada por questionário estruturado baseado no Modelo de Atividades de Vida Diária de Roper, Logan e Tierney. As respostas dos pacientes foram tabuladas, sendo incluídos no plano de cuidados os Diagnósticos de Enfermagem que obtiveram uma frequência maior que 40%. Resultados: Foram identificados 34 diagnósticos de enfermagem, os quais foram divididos conforme as atividades de vida diária, sendo 16 de risco e 18 reais. Conclusão: O plano de cuidados favorece a assistência de enfermagem com base nos diversos problemas que envolvem o processo saúde-doença da população em situação de rua.
Prevalência de integralidade e fatores associados na saúde da criança em municípios da 4ª região de saúde do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Carvalho Jordana Lopes , Menegazzo Gabriele Rissotto , Colomé Juliana Silveira , Gomes Bruna Cristiane Furtado , Streck Mônica Tábata Heringer , Giordani Jessye Melgarejo do Amaral , Weiller Teresinha Heck
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência do atributo integralidade e seus fatores associados à saúde da criança nos municípios da 4º Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal multinível de caráter regional. A população foi composta por familiares/cuidadores de crianças que acessam os serviços de Atenção Primária. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário de caracterização e o Instrumento de Avaliação da Atenção Primária à Saúde Brasil versão criança. A análise de dados foi realizada através do programa Stata 14.0. Resultados: Do total de 1000 entrevistados, a prevalência da integralidade foi de 45% (Intervalo de Confiança: 41,9-48,1) no cenário avaliado. Crianças com faixa etária entre 12 a 18 anos apresentaram 30% menor prevalência do atributo integralidade quando comparadas com aquelas de até 5 anos de idade. Conclusão: Os responsáveis por crianças mais velhas procuram os serviços de saúde na Atenção Primária à Saúde de forma menos integral. A prevenção de agravos e doenças em crianças necessita de um conjunto de medidas a serem tomadas, que devem articular o cuidado para que haja menores limitações e mais oportunidades para crianças e suas famílias acessarem os serviços de saúde de forma integral, principalmente tratando-se de crianças mais velhas. Espera-se que este estudo contribua para a construção de novos alicerces e práticas em saúde relacionadas à integralidade na saúde da criança.
INTERFACE ENTRE A ATENÇÃO BÁSICA E A ESPECIALIZADA NA REDE DE SAÚDE BUCAL DO SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Jahnke Maiara Mundstock , Do Amaral Giordani Jessye Melgarejo , Luvison Idiana , Figueiredo Nilcema , Do Amaral Júnior Orlando Luiz , Hugo Fernando Neves
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: Verificar a interface entre a atenção básica (AB) e especializada no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo multinível de abrangência nacional, que incluiu 927 centros de especialidades odontológicas (CEO) participantes do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade (PMAQ-AB), considerando seu 2º ciclo de coleta. Resultados: Os dados foram submetidos as análises das frequências relativas e absolutas, também foi realizado regressão de Poisson Multinível (Stata 11©). Observou-se que 52,53% (IC 95% 49,31-55,75) dos CEO apresentam interface mínima e 34,51% (IC 95% 31,45-37,58) interface abrangente. Na análise ajustada em ambos os desfechos, as regiões Sul e Sudeste apresentaram maior prevalência do desfecho, o mesmo ocorreu para regiões com IDH mais alto. Conclusão: Portanto realizar planejamento, receber matriciamento e garantir acesso agendado, aumenta a probabilidade de interface mínima em 60%, 30% e 31%, respectivamente. Ficam evidenciadas as desigualdades existentes entre os serviços de saúde e necessidade de maiores investimentos na gestão dos serviços de saúde no Brasil.
Prevalência de Longitudinalidade e Fatores Associados no Cuidado às Crianças
Authors: Gomes Bruna Cristiane Furtado , Menegazzo Gabriele Rissotto , Streck Monica Tabata Heringer , Carvalho Jordana Lopes , Giordani Jessye Melgarejo do Amaral , Weiller Teresinha Heck
Published: October 2021

Introdução: A longitudinalidade é um dos princípios da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) estabelecida quando há uma relação de vínculo e confiança entre usuários e profissionais. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência do atributo longitudinalidade na experiência do familiar e/ou cuidador de crianças associado aos fatores individuais e contextuais nos municípios que compõe a quarta Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal multinível com amostra composta por 1.059 familiares e/ou cuidadores de crianças que acessaram os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Para coleta de dados utilizou-se questionário de caracterização e o Instrumento de Avaliação da Atenção Primária à Saúde Brasil versão criança. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o programa estatístico STATA 14.0, onde realizou-se uma análise de regressão de Poisson multinível. Resultados: O estudo revelou que municípios de menor porte apresentaram menor prevalência do atributo, e que, quanto maior a cobertura vacinal maior a prevalência. Ainda, familiares/cuidadores que possuem plano de saúde reconhecem os serviços de APS como fonte regular de cuidado. O modelo final não mostrou associação estatisticamente significante com o atributo avaliado. Conclusão: Não houve distinção na prevalência de longitudinalidade entre os diferentes modelos de atenção e isso demostra que há necessidade de aprimorar o processo de trabalho das equipes de Saúde da Família, visto que este modelo deveria estar mais orientado para a longitudinalidade de que o modelo tradicional e misto.
CUIDADOS FAMILIARES PARA PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE DA CRIANÇA NUM MUNICÍPIO DO INTERIOR DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Regis da Silva Fernando Antônio , Gomes Maria Fernanda Pereira , Souza Santos Mariana , Dos Santos Carvalho Valéria Cristina , Bravo Daiane Suele , Ramos Lopes Valverde Vanessa , Fracolli Lislaine Aparecida
Published: October 2021

Introdução: A Saúde da Criança brasileira ampara-se em políticas e programas que tentam garantir o direito do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente de que a criança tem direito a proteção integral, incluindo o que se refere ao desenvolvimento físico, mental, espiritual e social. Objetivo: Identificar os cuidados de promoção da saúde prestados pelos familiares de crianças com idade entre 0 a 6 anos matriculados na rede pública de ensino de Assis-SP. Método: Pesquisa exploratória, de delineamento transversal e abordagem quantitativa, realizada por meio de questionário autoaplicado e elaborado com base no “Projeto Nossas Crianças: Janelas de Oportunidades” que aborda questões referentes à alimentação, saúde, higiene, brincadeiras, amor e segurança e foi aplicado aos pais. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 81 pais e responsáveis com média de idade de 32,52 anos, a maioria do sexo feminino e com o ensino médio completo. Sobre os cuidados de Higiene e Saúde observou-se que 5 (6,17%) dos familiares referem que as vezes higienizam as mãos para preparar os alimentos e para cuidar da criança. Foi possível observar também que muitos pais não aderiram ao aleitamento materno exclusivo até os 06 meses de vida e que as relações familiares de vínculo e afeto com as crianças são satisfatórias. Conclusão: Conclui-se, portanto que as ações de saúde voltadas para a promoção da saúde da criança precisam melhorar em alguns aspectos como intensificar a educação em saúde sobre o aleitamento materno, cuidados de higiene, importância da imunização e das relações familiares para o desenvolvimento e crescimento infantil.
Do surgimento à extinção: a trajetória de um serviço ambulatorial de genética médica no Brasil
Authors: Abreu Tatiane , Liberato Érica , Marsiglio Heloisa , Santos Thamires , Ortensi Natália , Barbosa Calógeras , Melo Débora
Published: October 2021

Introdução: O número de profissionais de saúde envolvidos na assistência especializada em genética é considerado insuficiente no Brasil, e supõe-se que a maior parte dos pacientes e famílias não recebe cuidado adequado. Além disso, a disponibilidade de recursos humano e material para atendimento em genética é muito desigual nas várias regiões do país. Objetivos: Descrever a trajetória de um serviço ambulatorial de genética médica no Brasil e ressaltar a importância de organizar a rede de atenção em genética médica no país. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo, no qual foram revisados os mapas de atendimento de todos os 792 pacientes avaliados no Ambulatório de Genética Médica de São Carlos, São Paulo, entre junho de 2006 e dezembro de 2018. Resultados: Houve grande diversidade de doenças, genéticas, que acometeram pessoas de diferentes faixas etárias. Diagnóstico genético foi definido em 290 pacientes (36,6%) e afastado em 153 pacientes (19,3%); 23 pacientes (2,9%) receberam aconselhamento genético para futura descendência e em 326 pacientes (41,2%) um diagnóstico genético não foi definido nem afastado. A frequência de casos não resolvidos explicita dificuldades inerentes ao diagnóstico clínico genético e barreiras para acesso aos testes genéticos moleculares. Conclusão: Experiências como a do Ambulatório de Genética Médica de São Carlos mostram os obstáculos de se prestar um serviço de saúde adequado à população, reforçando a necessidade de organizar a rede de atenção em genética no Sistema Único de Saúde, com base na Política Nacional de Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Doenças Raras.
A influência do diabetes na qualidade de vida e na imagem corporal de idosos que frequentam núcleo de convivência
Authors: Batista Raquel Fernandes , Nali Luiz Henrique da Silva , Rosa Eloi Francisco
Published: October 2021

Introdução: O diabetes é uma doença prevalente na população brasileira e é um fator complicante na qualidade de vida de idosos. Além disso, a obesidade é um dos fatores que predispõem ao diabetes e são fatores apontados na percepção corporal idosos. Interessantemente a percepção negativa da imagem corpora pode influenciar no desenvolvimento da obesidade. Objetivos: Identificar a influência do diabetes na qualidade de vida e na percepção da imagem corporal de idosos. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Os participantes responderam a três questionários sobre caracterização do perfil da amostra para avaliar a qualidade de vida e a percepção da imagem corporal. Os diabéticos responderam a um quarto questionário que avaliou a perspectiva dos pacientes sobre o impacto do diabetes e do tratamento em suas vidas. Resultados: Foram incluídos 85 idosos, 52 não diabéticos, 33 diabéticos, 29 controlados com insulina. Os resultados mostraram a qualidade de vida entre regular e boa, considerando os aspectos físicos, psíquicos, sociais e ambientais. No grupo de diabéticos destacou-se a satisfação com a capacidade de trabalhar e desempenho nas atividades de vida diária. E para a percepção da imagem corporal, o paciente não diabético relatou satisfação com sua própria imagem, enquanto os diabéticos apresentaram uma distância percebida e esperada da imagem corporal. Conclusão: A doença pode ter uma influência limitante nos aspectos físicos, emocionais e sociais, além de modificar a percepção da imagem corporal. No entanto, os idosos diabéticos mostraram-se mais satisfeitos a realizar as atividades básicas diárias
Synthesis of Environment Friendly Manganese Doped Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for the Bio sensor Applications
Authors: Priyadharshini Muthukumaravel  , Rajesh Pattulingam  , Syed Illiyas Syed Maqbool  , Hariharan Venkatesan  , Ezhil Inban Manimaran
Published: October 2021

The present work focuses the synthesis of Manganese(Mn) doped Fe2O3 nanoparticles via an environmental friendly method which find their suitability for biosensors applications using the extraction of Nyctanthes arbor tristis seed for the first time. The synthesized Mn (~2, 3 & 5 wt. %) doped Fe2O3 were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Cyclic voltammeter, Infrared and UV visible spectroscopic studies. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis exposed the phase formation and α - Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the case of annealed sample. Also, interesting secondary phase formation observed in the case of Mn 5wt. % doped samples. The optical properties of Mn (~2, 3 & 5 wt. %) doped Fe2O3 samples was determined by utilizing UV – Visible spectroscopic technique and the corresponding band gap energy was found to be 5.83 eV. The chemical bonds as well as functional groups in the compound were confirmed by the analysis of FT-IR spectrum. The morphology of the prepared samples were observed at micro level using FE-SEM analysis.Cyclic voltammeter was used to find the suitability of the prepared samples for proposed bio sensor applications.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using the Leaves Extract of Filicium decipiens and its Anti- Microbial Activity
Authors: Sherin Monichan  , P. Mosae Selvakumar  , Christine Thevamithra  , M. S. A. Muthukumar Nadar  , Jesse Joel
Published: October 2021

Silver nanoparticles has been used since ages, even till now it is exploited in almost all areas like medicine, textiles, industries, cosmetics, purification, dying and many more. There are many approaches which are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. However, these approaches are either harmful to the environment or very costly. Therefore, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaves of Filicium decipiens eco-friendly and a very reliable method to procure AgNPs. Characterization of synthesized AgNPs were then done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence which confirmed the formation of AgNPs, scanning electron microscope (SEM)confirmed its shape to be round and X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined its crystalline nature as face centered cubic structure. Furthermore, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was also done in order to know the average diameter and zeta potential of AgNPs. However, it did not show potential results due to the aggregates formed during the green synthesis of AgNPs. In addition to this, anti-microbial test against bacteria such as gram negative (Escherichia. Coli) and gram positive (Bacillus.spc) were done using well-diffusion method and also its application of antimicrobial activity was tested over fabric to understand its application in textile industries. In both the cases, AgNPs showed more efficiency in gram negative bacteria than gram- positive.
Synthesis of Ag Decorated TiO2 Nanoparticles for Ammonia Gas Sensor Application
Authors: P. Anil Kumar  , T. Kalaivani  , Samridhi  , K. Balachandran
Published: October 2021

In this research, nanometer size clusters of TiO2 have been successfully synthesized through sol-gel method. Further, at different concentration of Ag were further deposited on TiO2. After successful deposition of TiO2: Ag the gas sensing performance of the sample has been studied at different exposure of NH3(ammonia) gas. Analysis has been done via XRD to evaluate the grain sizes of the nanoparticles and calculated 18 nm for TiO2 and 12 nm for 5% Ag doped TiO2. EDS has been conducted, ensured that Ag has been successfully decorated on the superficial of TiO2. The formation of nano size particles has been confirmed by TEM analysis. FTlR analysis confirmed the existence of TiO2 and Ag. The surface state emission of TiO2: Ag nanoparticles can be seen in the PL spectrum at 383 nm, 450 nm, and 465 nm. As the exposure of NH3 gas increases from 50 to 250 ppm, the impedance range displayed a decrease in semicircle radius, which was then marginally increased. The variance in resistance also contributed to the gas sensing properties due to grain boundaries, in accordance to impedance spectroscopy review.
Physical-chemical principles of clay modifying into filler, pozzolanization through rehydro-liming, for cement concrete resistance to the natural disasters
Authors: Skhvitaridze Rajden
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to increase the stability of buildings and structures to natural disasters by modifying the Georgian clays into cement concrete filler by creation-using of rehydro-liming pozzolanization technology. The risk of damage-destruction of buildings and structures caused by earthquakes, sea storms, floods, mudflows, has increased in the world. Risks can be prevented by increasing of building and structure stability by reducing the anisotropy of cement concrete strength. To do this: Aqueous aluminosilicate minerals of clays, while dehydrating preserving habitus, are modified into a void containing (...mAl2O3∙nSiO2..) base minerals in which, after mixing in cement concrete while rehydro-liming, Ca(OH)2 is sorbed. The tobermorite, stratlingite, generated in filler, together with cement ettringite form fiber-needle-flaky habit clusters by modifying the structure of cement concrete with 3D self-nano-reinforcement, by reducing the anisotropy of strength – by increasing of stability to loads with variable direction-magnitude. It has been proven that in order to prevent risks of catastrophe, it is possible to use modification of Georgian clays by thermal dehydration in cement concrete technologies, which will create the preconditions for cement concrete pozzolanization by rehydro-liming, so the study of the basics of this process is actual.
Optical spin sorting chain
Authors: Hinamoto Tatsuki , Fujii Minoru , Sannomiya Takumi
Published: October 2021

Transverse spin angular momentum of light is a key concept in recent nanophotonics to realize unidirectional light transport in waveguides by spin-momentum locking. Herein we theoretically propose subwavelength nanoparticle chain waveguides that efficiently sort optical spins with engineerable spin density distributions. By arranging high-refractive-index nanospheres or nanodisks of different sizes in a zigzag manner, directional optical spin propagation is realized. The origin of efficient spin transport is revealed by analyzing the dispersion relation and spin angular momentum density distributions, being attributed to guided modes that possess transverse spin angular momenta. In contrast to conventional waveguides, the proposed asymmetric waveguide can spatially separate up- and down-spins and locate one parity inside and the other outside the structure. Moreover, robustness against bending the waveguide and its application as an optical spin sorter are presented. Compared to previous reports on spatial engineering of local spins in photonic crystal waveguides, we achieved miniaturization of the entire footprint down to the subwavelength scale.
Microscopic imaging along tapered optical fibers by right-angle Rayleigh light scattering in linear and nonlinear regime
Authors: Haddad Yosri , Chrétien Jacques , Beugnot Jean-Charles , Godet Adrien , Phan-Huy Kien , Margueron Samuel , Fanjoux Gil
Published: October 2021

The evolution of the light intensity along an optical waveguide is evaluated by analysing far-field right-angle Rayleigh light scattering. The method is based on point by point spectral mapping distributed along the optical waveguide with a micrometric spatial resolution given by a confocal microscope, a high spectral resolution given by a spectrometer, and a high signal-to-noise ratio given by a highly cooled detector. This non-destructive and non-invasive experimental method allows the observation of the general Rayleigh scattering profile of the optical waveguide in a nominal operation, i.e., whatever the power or the wavelength of the light source, and can be applied to micrometer-scale waveguides of several centimeters in length, for which the longitudinal characterization is challenging. Applied to a tapered optical fiber, called nanofiber, with submicrometer final diameter and several centimeters long, the method has proved its capacity to collect different optical characteristics such as optical losses, mode beatings, transition from core-cladding to cladding–air guidance for different modes, localization of punctual defects, leaking of high order modes no longer guided by the fiber. Furthermore, the experimental results are successfully compared to measurements provided by the state-of-the-art Optical Backscatter Reflectometer system, and to numerical simulations. Moreover, coupled to the spectral resolution of the spectrometer, the method have allowed the distributed measurements of the Raman cascading process along the nanofiber, for the first time to our knowledge. The experimental technique developed in this work is complementary to other characterization methods generally focused on the optical parameters of the waveguide input or output. This technique can also be extended to others waveguides whatever its geometry which represents a strong interest for deepen optical characterization of photonics waveguides, or for other optical regimes characterized by spectral evolution of the field propagating along the waveguide.
Extraordinary transmission of gold-capped sphere arrays in mid-infrared range
Authors: Thanh Tam Hoang Thi , Kajikawa Kotaro
Published: October 2021

We report an extraordinary transmission (EOT) of gold-capped silica microsphere monolayers in the mid-infrared range of 5–25 μm. The observed transmittance is significantly greater than that of a flat gold film with the same thickness, although the surface of the microsphere monolayer appeared to be completely covered with gold when observing from above. The calculations based on the finite difference time domain method indicate that light passes through the openings between the gold coating on the substrate and that on the microspheres. The EOT-type studied here occurs over the mid-infrared wavelength range, thus indicating that it is not attributable to the resonance of the surface plasmons. This type of EOT is absent in the visible and near infrared wavelength range, where gold does not function as an ideal metal. In addition, spectral modification originating from localized phonon polariton resonance (LPhPR) in silica microsphere is observed. LPhPR can be interpreted based on the analogy of the localized surface plasmon resonance in metallic nanospheres, in the visible or ultraviolet wavelength range.
Method of space object detection by wide field of view telescope based on its following error
Authors: Yang Wenbo , Zhao Yan , Liu Ming , Liu Delong
Published: October 2021

Space objects and stars appear similar in images acquired by the wide field of view (FOV) survey telescope. This work investigates a unique property of the telescope observing a space object in satellite tracking mode, namely that the azimuth and altitude angles of the object and those of the optical axis of the telescope vary, in theory, in the same way. Based on this property we derive that the movement distance of the object between the two adjacent frames is minimal compared to the distance of the star. With this conclusion, it is possible to detect the object from a large number of background stars. To improve the robustness of the detection, the set of candidate objects is created. Finally, a clustering algorithm is employed to successfully extract the motion trajectory of the object. Unlike traditional detection methods or techniques based on image processing and analysis, our proposed detection is closely related to the parameters of the trajectory-following performance, which provides a more reliable basis for improving the detection rate. The feasibility and accuracy of the algorithm was verified by the 1.2-meter wide FOV survey telescope at the Jilin base of the Changchun observatory, with a detection rate of over 98%. The test results indicate that the method can satisfy the demand for detecting the object in an open-loop tracking. If the detection method is implemented in hardware, it can detect the object in a closed-loop tracking. As a result, it will have a wider scope for applications.
Gas-plasma-based generation of broadband terahertz radiation with 640  mW average power
Authors: Buldt Joachim , Stark Henning , Müller Michael , Grebing Christian , Jauregui César , Limpert Jens
Published: October 2021

We present a high-power source of broadband terahertz (THz) radiation covering the whole THz spectral region (0.1–30 THz). The two-color gas plasma generation process is driven by a state-of-the-art ytterbium fiber chirped pulse amplification system based on coherent combination of 16 rod-type amplifiers. Prior to the THz generation, the pulses are spectrally broadened in a multipass cell and compressed to 37 fs with a pulse energy of 1.3 mJ at a repetition rate of 500 kHz. A gas-jet scheme has been employed for the THz generation, increasing the efficiency of the process to 0.1%. The air-biased coherent detection scheme is implemented to characterize the full bandwidth of the generated radiation. A THz average power of 640 mW is generated, which is the highest THz average power achieved to date. This makes this source suitable for a variety of applications, e.g., spectroscopy of strongly absorbing samples or driving nonlinear effects for the studies of material properties.
The importance of urgency in decision making based on dynamic information
Authors: Ferrucci Lorenzo , Genovesio Aldo , Marcos Encarni
Published: October 2021

A standard view in the literature is that decisions are the result of a process that accumulates evidence in favor of each alternative until such accumulation reaches a threshold and a decision is made. However, this view has been recently questioned by an alternative proposal that suggests that, instead of accumulated, evidence is combined with an urgency signal. Both theories have been mathematically formalized and supported by a variety of decision-making tasks with constant information. However, recently, tasks with changing information have shown to be more effective to study the dynamics of decision making. Recent research using one of such tasks, the tokens task, has shown that decisions are better described by an urgency mechanism than by an accumulation one. However, the results of that study could depend on a task where all fundamental information was noiseless and always present, favoring a mechanism of non-integration, such as the urgency one. Here, we wanted to address whether the same conclusions were also supported by an experimental paradigm in which sensory evidence was removed shortly after it was provided, making working memory necessary to properly perform the task. Here, we show that, under such condition, participants’ behavior could be explained by an urgency-gating mechanism that low-pass filters the mnemonic information and combines it with an urgency signal that grows with time but not by an accumulation process that integrates the same mnemonic information. Thus, our study supports the idea that, under certain situations with dynamic sensory information, decisions are better explained by an urgency-gating mechanism than by an accumulation one.
The extent of protective footwear use among school-age rural children at high risk for podoconiosis and socio-economic correlates: A household cross-sectional survey in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tora Abebayehu , Tadele Getnet , Davey Gail , McBride Colleen M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Podoconiosis is preventable if genetically susceptible people wear shoes starting from an early age and do so consistently. However, lack of routine use of footwear is one of the major risk factors for podoconiosis and several other foot-related Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This study is aimed at describing the extent of footwear use among school-age rural children susceptible to the disease and investigating associated socioeconomic factors.

Methods

Cross sectional surveys were conducted in 330 randomly selected households in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. A household head and a child aged between 9 and 15 years were recruited from each household. Household heads provided socioeconomic data while children were asked about their footwear ownership and footwear use.

Results

Nearly half (49.5%) of the children reported either walking barefoot or wearing under-protective footwear in a range of situations. Girls, older children, those in higher school grades, who belonged to families with higher socio-economic status, and those who owned a larger number of pairs of footwear reported more protective use of footwear. The linear regression model constituting the adequacy of footwear ownership and interaction term (i.e. family socioeconomic status by adequacy of footwear ownership) variables explained 30% of variance in the protective use of footwear (AR2 = 0.307). The interaction effect of adequate ownership of footwear and family socioeconomic status consistently predicted the protective use of footwear among children (β = -0.175, p<0.01) though the main effect of adequacy of footwear ownership was stronger (β = 0.507, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Increased adoption of protective footwear is needed to effectively prevent school-age children living in endemic areas from developing podoconiosis and other neglected tropical diseases. Interventions aimed to improve the protective footwear use should consider approaches that also increase the socio-economic capacity of families in podoconiosis endemic communities.
Serological response to nifurtimox in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease: An observational comparative study in Argentina
Authors: Vizcaya David , Grossmann Ulrike , Kleinjung Frank , Zhang Ruiping , Suzart-Woischnik Kiliana , Seu Sandra , Ramirez Teresa , Colmegna Leylen , Ledesma Oscar
Published: October 2021

Nifurtimox is indicated in Chagas disease but determining its effectiveness in chronic disease is hindered by the length of time needed to demonstrate negative serological conversion. We manually reviewed long-term follow-up data from hospital records of patients with chronic Chagas disease (N = 1,497) in Argentina diagnosed during 1967–1980. All patients were aged ≥18 years at diagnosis and were either treated with nifurtimox (n = 968) or received no antitrypanosomal treatment (n = 529). The primary endpoint was negative seroconversion (the “event”), defined as a change from positive to negative in the serological or parasitological laboratory test used at diagnosis. Time to event was from baseline visit to date of endpoint event or censoring. The effectiveness of nifurtimox versus no treatment was estimated with Cox proportional hazard regression using propensity scores with overlap weights to calculate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. The nifurtimox group was younger than the untreated group (mean, 32.4 vs. 40.3 years), with proportionally fewer females (47.9% vs. 60.1%), and proportionally more of the nifurtimox group than the untreated group had clinical signs and symptoms of Chagas disease at diagnosis (28.9% vs. 14.0%). Median maximum daily dose of nifurtimox was 8.0 mg/kg/day (interquartile range [IQR]: 8.0–9.0) and median treatment duration was 44 days (IQR: 1–90). Median time to event was 2.1 years (IQR: 1.0–4.5) for nifurtimox-treated and 2.4 years (IQR: 1.0–4.2) for untreated patients. Accounting for potential confounders, the estimated hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for negative seroconversion was 2.22 (1.61–3.07) favoring nifurtimox. Variable treatment regimens and follow-up duration, and an uncommonly high rate of spontaneous negative seroconversion, complicate interpretation of this epidemiological study, but with the longest follow-up and largest cohort analyzed to date it lends weight to the benefit of nifurtimox in adults with chronic Chagas disease.

Trial registration: The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03784391.
Species diversity and distribution of schistosome intermediate snail hosts in The Gambia
Authors: Joof Ebrima , Sanneh Bakary , Sambou Sana M. , Wade Christopher M.
Published: October 2021

There is a need for recent information on intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia; the previous studies were conducted over three decades ago. This study assessed the incidence, species diversity, distribution and infection status of schistosome intermediate snail hosts in the country. Malacological surveys were conducted in all 5 regions of The Gambia: Central River Region (CRR), Upper River Region (URR), Western Region (WR), Lower River Region (LRR) and North Bank Region (NBR). Sampling of snails was undertaken at 114 sites that included permanent water bodies such as streams (bolongs), rice fields, irrigation canals and swamps; and temporal (seasonal) laterite pools. Ecological and physicochemical factors of sites were recorded. Snails were identified morphologically and screened for schistosome infections using molecular techniques. Freshwater snails were found at more than 50% (60/114) of sites sampled. While three species of Bulinus were collected, no Biomphalaria snails were found in any of the sites sampled. Of the total 2877 Bulinus snails collected, 75.9% were identified as Bulinus senegalensis, 20.9% as Bulinus forskalii and 3.2% as Bulinus truncatus. Seasonal pools produced the largest number of snails, and CRR was the region with the largest number of snails. Bulinus senegalensis was found more in seasonal pools as opposed to permanent sites, where B. forskalii and B. truncatus were observed to thrive. Bulinus snails were more common in seasonal sites where aquatic vegetation was present. In permanent sites, the abundance of snails increased with increase in water temperature and decrease in water pH. Bulinus senegalensis was found infected with both S. haematobium and S. bovis, while B. forskalii and B. truncatus had only S. bovis infection. While the human parasite S. haematobium was restricted to just four sites, the livestock parasite S. bovis had a much more widespread geographical distribution across both CRR and URR. This new information on the distribution of intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia will be vital for the national schistosomiasis control initiative.
A hybrid approach to forecast the COVID-19 epidemic trend
Authors: Nawaz Saqib Ali , Li Jingbing , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Bazai Sibghat Ullah , Zafar Asmat , Bhatti Mughair Aslam , Mehmood Anum , Ain Qurat ul , Shoukat Muhammad Usman
Published: October 2021

Studying the progress and trend of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) transmission mode will help effectively curb its spread. Some commonly used infectious disease prediction models are introduced. The hybrid model is proposed, which overcomes the disadvantages of the logistic model’s inability to predict the number of confirmed diagnoses and the drawbacks of too many tuning parameters of the SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Recovered) model. The realization and superiority of the prediction of the proposed model are proven through experiments. At the same time, the influence of different initial values of the parameters that need to be debugged on the hybrid model is further studied, and the mean error is used to quantify the prediction effect. By forecasting epidemic size and peak time and simulating the effects of public health interventions, this paper aims to clarify the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and recommend operation suggestions to slow down the epidemic. It is suggested that the quick detection of cases, sufficient implementation of quarantine and public self-protection behaviours are critical to slow down the epidemic.
Better health-related quality of life in kidney transplant patients compared to chronic kidney disease patients with similar renal function
Authors: Ryu Jung-Hwa , Koo Tai Yeon , Ro Han , Cho Jang-Hee , Kim Myung-Gyu , Huh Kyu Ha , Park Jae Berm , Lee Sik , Han Seungyeup , Kim Jayoun , Oh Kook-Hwan , Yang Jaeseok ,   KNOW-KT Study group
Published: October 2021

Renal functional deterioration is associated with physical and mental burdens for kidney transplant (KT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over time in KT patients compared to that of native CKD patients has not been evaluated. We addressed this issue using KT patients registered in the KNOW-KT cohort study and patients at CKD stage 1–3 registered in the KNOW-CKD cohort study. HRQOL scores were assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form at baseline, 2-, and 4-years follow-up in 842 KT patients and at baseline and 5-year follow-up in 1,355 CKD patients. SF-36 scores declined at the 4-year follow-up, whereas CKD-targeted scores showed no change in the KT group. In contrast, CKD-targeted scores as well as SF-36 scores were decreased at the 5-year follow-up in CKD patients. When prognostic factors were analyzed for longitudinal HRQOL data over time, renal functions, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hemoglobin level, marital status, income, employment, and health care were significant prognostic factors. Furthermore, KT was an independent prognostic factor for better HRQOL. These results highlight that KT can offer a better HRQOL than that of CKD patients, even when renal function is similar.
Analysis and correction of meteorological disturbance observed by ground radars in complex environment
Authors: Wang Jijun , Zhou Xiao , Yu Songlin , Li Bingzhen , Li Yan
Published: October 2021

Ground radar interferometry technology, as a new tool for active remote sensing, has been widely used in the detection of a variety of targets, including landslides, bridges, mines, and dams. This technique usually employs a continuous observation mode with no space baseline. The detection accuracy is mainly affected by meteorological disturbances and noise in the observation environment. In a complex observation environment, meteorological disturbances can lead to phase errors of 10 mm or more, and the effects are different in the range and azimuth directions; this can seriously affect the accuracy of the measurement. In this paper, we analyze the spatial distribution of the phase of meteorological disturbances based on radar monitoring experiments in a complex environment, and propose a correction method that reduces the atmospheric disturbance phase to less than 0.6 mm and effectively improves radar observation accuracy.
Statistics and the Quest for Quality Journalism: A Study in Quantitative Reporting, A. Martinisi and J. A. Lugo-Ocando (2020)
Authors: Van Witsen Anthony
Published: October 2021

Review of: Statistics and the Quest for Quality Journalism: A Study in Quantitative Reporting, A. Martinisi and J. A. Lugo-Ocando (2020)

London: Anthem Press, 206 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78527-533-3, h/bk, $125.00
Roll on two: Ambiguous energies in Stephen King’s The Shining, The Green Mile and Revival
Authors: Bacon Helena
Published: October 2021

This article positions King as both heir to the literary romantics and arbiter of contemporary issues as located specifically within his representation of energy, and electricity in particular. Writing both within and beyond horror, King both characterizes and creates energic structures that reflect both romantic aesthetic conceptualizations of electricity and modern concerns regarding its generation and fuel consumption more generally. By examining how The Shining (1977), The Green Mile (1996) and Revival (2014) present energy and also formally generate it, I will explore a little attended to element of King’s work and identify how energy functions ambiguously within these texts, materializing both horror and hope, bringing about both the conclusion and continuation of human life. I will also explore how the particular spaces this power is located within both channel and amplify it, King’s work here a surprising textual conduit for our fascination with, reliance on and fear of energy and the ongoing problems and potentialities alive within it.