bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
АДАПТАЦИОННЫЙ ПРОЦЕСС НОВЫХ СОТРУДНИКОВ В ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНЫХ УЧРЕЖДЕНИЯХ
Authors: Kozlova Maria A. , Kozlov Aleksey V.
Published: September 2021

В статье затрагивается вопрос об адаптационном процессе новых сотрудников в образовательных учреждениях. Акцентируется внимание на необходимости в представлении коллективу нового сотрудника, его правильном курировании (наставничестве) в первые месяцы работы и проведении совместных мероприятий, направленных на увеличение командного духа, сплоченность и психологическую разгрузку. Выявляется взаимосвязь между длительностью адаптационного процесса от построения грамотного внедрения нового сотрудника в уже сложившийся коллектив. При помощи опросника проведено исследование по вопросу адаптационного процесса новых сотрудников. В исследовании принимали участие 25 респондентов- сотрудники государственных образовательных учреждений. Результаты исследования показали, что современным менеджерам необходимо уделять должное внимание адаптационным процессам новых сотрудников, т. к. бесконтрольное внедрение зачастую приводит к постоянной смене кадров, что негативно отражается на результативности работы любого коллектива.
Цель – выявить недостатки в адаптационном процессе образовательных учреждений и определить способы их минимизации.
Метод или методология проведения работы: в соответствии с намеченной целью и изученной научной литературой нами был определен и использован метод опроса и анкетирования.
Результаты: в результате исследования сформированы конкретные рекомендации по улучшению адаптационного процесса новых сотрудников в образовательных учреждениях.
Область применения результатов: полученные результаты могут быть применены в образовательных учреждениях любого уровня для улучшения адаптационного процесса.
Spatio-temporal distribution of preimaginal black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in streams of a sub-basin of the Uruguay river basin, southern Brazil
Authors: Limberger Patricia Maria , Tataje David Augusto Reynalte , Novicki Darlan , Marmilicz Junior Luiz Carlos , Strieder Milton Norberto
Published: September 2021

Adult females of most black flies species (Diptera, Simuliidae) exhibit a blood-sucking habit. Immature stages develop in water courses and are important in the ecology of lotic environments. We aim to understand the distribution of immature simuliids in the hydrographic sub-basin of the Comandaí river, in Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For that purpose, simuliids were sampled in three stretches (source, intermediate and mouth) of nine streams, distributed along the three main regions of the sub-basin. Evaluations of the influence of abiotic factors in different spatial and temporal scales were made. Sampling was carried out in two seasons: between September and November 2016 (spring), and between April and July 2017 (autumn). In total, 17,146 individuals were sampled (larvae of last instars and pupae), which resulted in the identification of eleven Simuliidae species. The most abundant species were Simulium pertinax Kollar (77.55%), followed by Simulium incrustatum Lutz (14.56%) and Simulium subpallidum Lutz (2.35%). Regarding the identification of indicator species, S. pertinax, Simulium jujuyense Paterson & Shannon, S. subpallidum and Simulium orbitale Lutz stood out in mouth stretches, and Simulium rubrithorax Lutz in source stretches. Environmental variables such as conductivity, altitude, canopy cover and stream width were interpreted as important conditioning factors for the distribution of simuliid immature stages. In general, we concluded that Simuliidae are more abundant during spring in the study area, mainly downstream. This information may contribute to the implementation of efficient measures to control species of health importance in southern Brazil.
Schools, Seismicity and Retrofitting. PERSISTAH Project (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva)
Authors: Zapico Blanco Beatriz
Published: September 2021

The present book aims to present the work developed in the European research project PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese), which has been developed cooperatively by the University of Seville (Spain) and the University of the Algarve (Portugal). This research project focuses on the study and assessment of the seismic risk of primary education buildings in the territory of the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain). To this end, the objectives established by the National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction (PNRRC) of the National Civil Protection Commissions of Portugal and Spain have been taken into account.
Multi-item inventory policy with time-dependent pricing and rework cost
Authors: Nafisah Laila , Maharani Nabilla Clara Devi , Astanti Yuli Dwi , Khannan Muhammad Shodiq Abdul
Published: September 2021

The price of broiler chickens at the consumer level varies daily. The price can be very low or otherwise. The price has resulted from the imbalance between the availability of chicken from suppliers and the market demand. As a result, demand will also fluctuate because it is influenced by consumer purchasing power. When the price of live chickens is low, the carcass company will usually buy in large quantities and expect to sell them at a higher price. The problem arises when the chicken overstock company will risk product damage due to product buildup in the refrigerated warehouse, so rework is necessary. In this paper, we will be developed a multi-item inventory model that considers material prices that vary to time, probabilistic demand, and rework costs. The aim is to determine the right policy for controlling frozen chicken products' inventory to minimize losses and total inventory costs.  This model can evaluate the best time to order broiler chickens, how much to order, how long the interval between orders, and the optimal number of orders, resulting in minimum total inventory cost per period.  The model solution is carried out with an optimization approach based on the parameters that affect the model. A numerical example is given at the end of this paper for model validation and illustrates the model solving algorithm.
Assessment of Clinical Outcome in Children with Severe Thinness on Medical Nutrition Therapy at 8 Weeks and 6 Months
Authors: Sawant Dr Vishal D. , Viswanathan Dr Varun , Jadhav Dr Alka , Jadhav Dr Madhubala , Krishna Dr Swathi , Sawardekar Dr Bhagyashree
Published: September 2021

The term malnutrition involves both over nutrition, accompanying with overweight, obesity, and under-nutrition including acute and chronic malnutrition as well as micronutrient deficiencies. The present study was undertaken to assess clinical outcome at 8 weeks and 6 months in children with Severe Thinness on Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). A total of 52 severe thinness (ST) children were enrolled and given MNT. The anthropometry was recorded at every visit and analyzed at two time points viz.8 weeks and 6 months. The body mass index has been measured using formula: weight (kg)/height(metre)2. Mean weight on enrolment was 15.85±4.08 kg. At 8 weeks, mean weight was 17.35±4.55 kg and at 6 months it was 19.33±5.12 kg. Mean height on enrolment was 114.33±14.06 cm while at 8 weeks was 115.27±14.06 cm and at 6 months was 120.21±15.29 cm. Mean BMI on enrolment was 11.92±0.44kg/m2 while at 8 weeks it improved to 12.89±0.67kg/m2; at 6 months, it continued improved to 13.26±0.96kg/m2. Rate of weight gain from enrolment to 8 weeks was 1.67 grams/kg/day and from 8 weeks to 6 months was 0.36 gm/kg/day (P<0.001). At end of 8 weeks, in 73.33% subjects BMI improved to thin and 17.8% became normal while 8.9 % continued to remain ST. At 6 months, 22.22% remained ST, 33.33% subjects remained thin and 44.44% became normal. Improvement in mean weight and mean BMI as well as rate of weight gain was significant indicating the role of indigenously prepared MNT in improving acute malnutrition.
Characteristics of Inoculated Multi-Stage Apple Fermentation Over Spontaneous Fermentation for the Production of Traditional Functional Beverage Jiaosu: Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities and Metabolic Changes
Authors: Han Shanshan , Zhang Hongyan , Yin Hong , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2021

The characteristics of fermented apple juice ‘Jiaosu’ as a traditional folk beverage were determined. Sequential alcoholic, acetic and malolactic fermentation was mediated either by intrinsic or inoculated microbiota over six months at room temperature under static conditions. The fermentation mixture was composed of fruits of Malus pumila Mill., var. Fuji (Rosaceae) and fruit of Citrus limon Burm. f., var. Eureka (Rutaceae), acacia honey of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae) and spring water at a weight ratio of 3:1:10. Product anti-oxidative features, antimicrobial capacities and the metabolic byproducts were determined at the end of fermentation. Our results showed an elevation of antioxidant activity, good antimicrobial ability and enrichment of bioactive compounds in the directed fermentation inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Acetobacter pasteurianus and a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei compared to the spontaneous fermentation. Prebiotic fermentation tended to preserve and even improve the antioxidant capacity throughout the fermentation process and generated valuable substances. Though it may reduce the amounts of some other bioactive compounds, the final product quality of directed fermentation was reliable. This study provides valuable information for understanding tradition functional beverages based on fermented fruits.
Assessment of the Microbial Quality of Industrial Ready-to-Eat Salads Containing Meat Products
Authors: Koushki Mohammadreza , Koohy-Kamaly Paliz , Sohrabvandi Sara
Published: September 2021

Ready-to-eat foods are not usually treated sufficiently to eliminate the existing pathogenic bacteria in them before consumption; therefore, bacterial contamination in these foods requires due consideration. This study aims to detect Salmonella and Escherichia coli contamination and total microbial count in ready-to-eat salad samples containing meat products in Tehran in 2018. The microbial analysis of 136 samples including Olivier salad, Macaroni salad, and Sausage salad, collected by simple randomized sampling method from chain-stores, grocery and cooperative stores, was done according to the ISO international standards. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples, and only 0.7% of the samples were contaminated with E. coli. The total number of microorganisms in 89.6% of the Olivier salad samples, 61.4% of the Macaroni salad samples and 97.7% of the Sausage salad samples was within the permitted limits of the Iranian National Standard. The average total number of microbes in the Olivier salad, Macaroni salad, and Sausage salad samples was obtained as 4.84, 4.23, and 5.34 log CFU/g, respectively. This study confirms the relatively satisfactory microbiological quality of ready-to-eat salads containing meat products in Tehran,Iran.
Excelling in endodontics
Authors: Sultan Michael
Published: September 2021

Michael Sultan considers what makes a good endodontic dental nurse
The ability to kneel before and after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Scott Chloe E. H. , Holland George , Gillespie Matthew , Keenan Oisin J. , Gherman Anda , MacDonald Deborah J. , Simpson A. Hamish R. W. , Clement Nicholas D.
Published: September 2021

Aims

The aims of this study were to investigate the ability to kneel after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing, and its effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Secondary aims included identifying which kneeling positions were most important to patients, and the influence of radiological parameters on the ability to kneel before and after TKA.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study involved 209 patients who underwent single radius cruciate-retaining TKA without patellar resurfacing. Preoperative EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the ability to achieve four kneeling positions were assessed including a single leg kneel, a double leg kneel, a high-flexion kneel, and a praying position. The severity of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was graded and the pattern of OA was recorded intraoperatively. The flexion of the femoral component, posterior condylar offset, and anterior femoral offset were measured radiologically. At two to four years postoperatively, 151 patients with a mean age of 70.0 years (SD 9.44) were included. Their mean BMI was 30.4 kg/m2 (SD 5.36) and 60 were male (40%). They completed EQ-5D, OKS, and Kujala scores, assessments of the ability to kneel, and a visual analogue scale for anterior knee pain and satisfaction.

Results

The ability to kneel in the four positions improved in between 29 (19%) and 53 patients (35%) after TKA, but declined in between 35 (23%) and 46 patients (30%). Single-leg kneeling was most important to patients. After TKA, 62 patients (41%) were unable to achieve a single-leg kneel, 76 (50%) were unable to achieve a double-leg kneel, 102 (68%) were unable to achieve a high-flexion kneel and 61 (40%) were unable to achieve a praying position. Posterolateral cartilage loss significantly affected preoperative deep flexion kneeling (p = 0.019). A postoperative inability to kneel was significantly associated with worse OKS, Kujala scores, and satisfaction (p < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis identified significant independent associations with the ability to kneel after TKA (p < 0.05): better preoperative EQ-5D and flexion of the femoral component for single-leg kneeling; the ability to achieve it preoperatively and flexion of the femoral component for double-leg kneeling; male sex for high-flexion kneeling; and the ability to achieve it preoperatively, anterior femoral offset, and patellar cartilage loss for the praying position.

Conclusion

The ability to kneel was important to patients and significantly influenced knee-specific PROMs, but was poorly restored by TKA with equal chances of improvement or decline. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1514–1525.
Is there increased value in robotic arm-assisted total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Emara Ahmed K. , Zhou Guangjin , Klika Alison K. , Koroukian Siran M. , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Higuera-Rueda Carlos A. , Molloy Robert M. , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: September 2021

Aims

The current study aimed to compare robotic arm-assisted (RA-THA), computer-assisted (CA-THA), and manual (M-THA) total hip arthroplasty regarding in-hospital metrics including length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, in-hospital complications, and cost of RA-THA versus M-THA and CA-THA versus M-THA, as well as trends in use and uptake over a ten-year period, and future projections of uptake and use of RA-THA and CA-THA.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was queried for primary THAs (2008 to 2017) which were categorized into RA-THA, CA-THA, and M-THA. Past and projected use, demographic characteristics distribution, income, type of insurance, location, and healthcare setting were compared among the three cohorts. In-hospital complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and in-hospital costs were compared between propensity score-matched cohorts of M-THA versus RA-THA and M-THA versus CA-THA to adjust for baseline characteristics and comorbidities.

Results

RA-THA and CA-THA did not exhibit any clinically meaningful reduction in mean LOS (RA-THA 2.2 days (SD 1.4) vs 2.3 days (SD 1.8); p < 0.001, and CA-THA 2.5 days (SD 1.9) vs 2.7 days (SD 2.3); p < 0.001, respectively) compared to their respective propensity score-matched M-THA cohorts. RA-THA, but not CA-THA, had similar non-home discharge rates to M-THA (RA-THA 17.4% vs 18.5%; p = 0.205, and 18.7% vs 24.9%; p < 0.001, respectively). Implant-related mechanical complications were lower in RA-THA (RA-THA 0.5% vs M-THA 3.1%; p < 0.001, and CA-THA 1.2% vs M-THA 2.2%; p < 0.001), which was associated with a significantly lower in-hospital dislocation (RA-THA 0.1% vs M-THA 0.8%; p < 0.001). Both RA-THA and CA-THA demonstrated higher mean higher index in-hospital costs (RA-THA $18,416 (SD $8,048) vs M-THA $17,266 (SD $8,396); p < 0.001, and CA-THA $20,295 (SD $8,975) vs M-THA $18,624 (SD $9,226); p < 0.001, respectively). Projections indicate that 23.9% and 3.2% of all THAs conducted in 2025 will be robotic arm- and computer-assisted, respectively. Projections indicated that RA-THA use may overtake M-THA by 2028 (48.3%) and reach 65.8% of all THAs by 2030.

Conclusion

Technology-assisted THA, particularly RA-THA, may provide value by lowering in-hospital early dislocation rates and and other in-hospital metrics compared to M-THA. Higher index-procedure and hospital costs warrant further comprehensive cost analyses to determine the true added value of RA-THA in the episode of care, particularly since we project that one in four THAs in 2025 and two in three THA by 2030 will use RA-THA technology. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1488–1496.
Regional variation in the survival of patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremity and trunk wall under a centralized care system
Authors: Fujiwara Tomohiro , Evans Scott , Stevenson Jonathan , Tsuda Yusuke , Gregory Jonathan , Grimer Robert J. , Abudu Seggy
Published: September 2021

Aims

While a centralized system for the care of patients with a sarcoma has been advocated for decades, regional variations in survival remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate regional variations in survival and the impact of national policies in patients with a soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) in the UK.

Methods

The study included 1,775 patients with a STS who were referred to a tertiary sarcoma centre. The geographical variations in survival were evaluated according to the periods before and after the issue of guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2006 and the relevant evolution of regional management.

Results

There had been a significant difference in survival between patients referred from the North East, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, South West, and Wales in the pre-NICE era (five-year disease-specific survival (DSS); South West, 74% vs North East, 47% (p = 0.045) or West Midlands, 54% (p = 0.049)), which was most evident for patients with a high-grade STS. However, this variation disappeared in the post-NICE era, in which the overall DSS for high-grade STS improved from 47% to 68% at five years (p < 0.001). Variation in the size of the tumour closely correlated with the variation in DSS, and the overall size of the tumour and incidence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis also decreased after the national policies were issued.

Conclusion

The survival of patients with a STS improved and regional variation corrected after the introduction of national policies, as a result of a decreasing size of tumour and incidence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis, particularly in patients with a high-grade STS. This highlights the positive impact of national guidelines on regional variation in the presentation, management, and outcome in patients with a STS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1541–1549.
The modified Dunn procedure can be performed safely in stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis but does not alter avascular necrosis rates in unstable cases: A large single-centre cohort study
Authors: Birke Oliver , George Justine St. , Gibbons Paul J. , Little David G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The modified Dunn procedure for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains controversial. We reviewed our series over ten years to report our learning curve, experience with intraoperative monitoring of femoral head perfusion and its correlation with postoperative Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) bone scan and femoral head collapse in stable and unstable SCFE.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 217 consecutive modified Dunn procedures performed between 2008 and 2018. In all, 178 had a minimum of one-year follow-up (mean 2.7 years (1 to 9.2)) including 107 stable and 71 unstable SCFE. Postoperative viability was assessed with a three-phase Tc99 bone scan and SPECT-CT. From 2011, femoral head perfusion monitoring was performed intraoperatively using a Codman Intracranial Pressure transducer and the capsulotomy was modified.

Results

With intraoperative monitoring, the rate of non-viable femoral heads in stable SCFE decreased from 21.1% to 0% (p < 0.001). In unstable SCFE, the rate remained unchanged from 35.7% to 29.8% (p = 0.669). The positive predictive value (PPV) of pulsatile monitoring for no collapse was 100% in stable and 89.1% in unstable SCFE. Pulsatile monitoring and viable SPECT-CT bone scan gave a 100% PPV for all cases. A non-viable scan defines those hips at risk of collapse since 100% of stable and 68.2% of unstable hips with non-viable bone scans went on to collapse.

Conclusion

Our protocol enables safe performance of this complex procedure in stable SCFE with intraoperative monitoring being a reliable asset. The avascular necrosis rate for unstable SCFE remained unchanged and further research into its best management is required.

Level of evidence

Level III
Service Orchestration for Object Detection on Edge and Cloud in Dependable Industrial Vehicles
Authors: Pettinen Henri , Hästbacka David
Published: September 2021

Industrial applications, including autonomous systems and vehicles, rely on processing data on multiple physical devices. The composition of functionality across heterogeneous computing infrastructure is challenging, and will likely get even more challenging in the future as software in vehicles is updated to introduce new features and ensure the safety. New soft real-time use cases emerge and in such cases the model of offloading processing from a limited or malfunctioning device is a viable solution. This study examines orchestration of services across edge and cloud for an industrial vehicle application use case involving image based object detection using machine learning (ML) based models. First, service orchestration requirements are defined taking into account the dependable nature of industrial vehicle applications. Second, an implementation based on Arrowhead framework is presented and evaluated. The open Arrowhead framework offers means for dynamic service discovery, authorization and late binding of computational units. The feasibility of object detection as a service and the suitability of Arrowhead framework to support such orchestrations across edge and cloud is assessed.
Predicting Vasovagal Syncope for Paraplegia Patients Using Average Weighted Ensemble Technique
Authors: Vinodhini V. , Vishalakshi Akula , Chandrika G. Naga , Sankar S. , Ramasubbareddy Somula
Published: September 2021

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) refers to fainting of people with a drop in blood flow to the brain more serious disease in paraplegia patients. Precognitive diagnoses are characterized by lightheadedness, nausea, severe fatigue, and an elevated heart rate. As a result, it’s important to seek care as soon as possible after experiencing syncope. Since receiving a correct diagnosis and appropriate care, the majority of patients may avoid complications with syncope. Syncope appears to be a sign of COVID 19 in people with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, a sudden heart attack might result in acute syncope. In a few circumstances, machine learning classification techniques may not be precise. For paraplegia patients, prediction vasovagal syncope needs more precise results in order to save their lives. The aim of this paper is to use the ensemble technique to improve the accuracy of conventional machine learning algorithms. EEG (ElectroEncephaloGram) brainwave dataset from kaggle is used to implement it. The accuracy of the proposed AWET algorithm is 82%. It improves the accuracy by 17% compare to Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, and MultiLayer Perceptron classifiers.
Heterodyne Brillouin microscopy for biomechanical imaging
Authors: Taylor Michael A. , Kijas Amanda W. , Wang Zhao , Lauko Jan , Rowan Alan E.
Published: September 2021

Microscopic variations in material stiffness play a vital role in cellular scale biomechanics, but are difficult to measure in a natural 3D environment. Brillouin microscopy is a promising technology for such applications, providing non-contact label-free measurement of longitudinal modulus at microscopic resolution. Here we develop heterodyne detection to measure Brillouin scattering signals in a confocal microscope setup, providing sensitive detection with excellent frequency resolution and robust operation in the presence of stray light. The functionality of the microscope is characterized and validated, and the imaging capability demonstrated by imaging structure within both a fibrin fiber network and live cells.
Silk fibroin fibers decorated with urchin-like Au/Ag nanoalloys: a flexible hygroscopic SERS sensor for monitoring of folic acid in human sweat
Authors: Ma Hui , Cui Qingqiang , Xu Linlin , Tian Yue , Jiao Anxin , Wang Chang , Zhang Mengya , Li Shuang , Chen Ming
Published: September 2021

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has become a powerful and sensitive analytical tool for the detection and assessment of chemical/biological molecules in special scenarios. Herein we propose a flexible hygroscopic SERS biocompatible sensor based on the silk fibroin fibers (SFF) decorated with urchin-like Au/Ag nanoalloys (NAs). The hybrid SFF-Au/Ag NAs with a stronger absorbance capacity (500∼1100 nm) and excellent hygroscopicity provide a remarkable higher near-infrared (NIR)-SERS activity than that of bare urchin-like Au/Ag NAs. The interesting NIR-SERS sensor enables the limit of detection (LOD) of folic acid (FA) to be achieved at nanomolar (nM, 10−9 M) level, facilitating the ultrasensitive monitoring of FA in human sweat and offering reliable real-time personal health management in the near future.
Machine learning-based leaky momentum prediction of plasmonic random nanosubstrate
Authors: Kim Jooyoung , Lee Hongki , Im Seongmin , Lee Seung Ah , Kim Donghyun , Toh Kar-Ann
Published: September 2021

In this work, we explore the use of machine learning for constructing the leakage radiation characteristics of the bright-field images of nanoislands from surface plasmon polariton based on the plasmonic random nanosubstrate. The leakage radiation refers to a leaky wave of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes through a dielectric substrate which has drawn interest due to its possibility of direct visualization and analysis of SPP propagation. A fast-learning two-layer neural network has been deployed to learn and predict the relationship between the leakage radiation characteristics and the bright-field images of nanoislands utilizing a limited number of training samples. The proposed learning framework is expected to significantly simplify the process of leaky radiation image construction without the need of sophisticated equipment. Moreover, a wide range of application extensions can be anticipated for the proposed image-to-image prediction.
Simultaneous measurement of orbital angular momentum spectra in a turbulent atmosphere without probe beam compensation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zheng Wenjie , Zheng Guochen , Fu Peng , Qu Jun , Hoenders Bernhard J , Cai Yangjian , Yuan Yangsheng
Published: September 2021

In free-space optical (FSO) communications, the orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing/demultiplexing of Bessel beams perturbed by atmospheric turbulence is of great significance. We used the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm without a beacon beam to compensate for the aberrant helical phase of the Bessel beam distorted by the turbulent atmosphere. The optical vortex Dammann axicon grating was applied for the simultaneous measurement of the intensities of the demodulated spectra of the OAM modes of the Bessel beams disturbed by atmospheric turbulence. The experimental results demonstrate that the distorted phase of the Bessel beam can be compensated and the mode purity of the target OAM mode is enhanced from 0.85 to 0.92 in case of weak turbulence. Our results will improve the quality of the OAM modes of Bessel beam (de)multiplexing in FSO communication systems.
Lock-in detector for accelerated nonlinear imaging
Authors: Purz Torben L. , Cundiff Steven T. , Martin Eric W.
Published: September 2021

We show that accelerated nonlinear imaging, such as stimulated Raman scattering and pump–probe imaging, is enabled by an order of magnitude reduction of data acquisition time when replacing the exponentially-weighted-moving-average low-pass filter in a lock-in amplifier with a simple-moving-average filter. We show that this simple-moving-average (box) lock-in yields a superior signal-to-noise ratio and suppression of extraneous modulations with short pixel dwell times, if one condition for the relation between the lock-in time constant and modulation frequencies is met. Our results, both theoretical and experimental, indicate that for nonlinear imaging applications, the box lock-in significantly outperforms conventional lock-in detection. These results facilitate the application of ultrafast and nonlinear imaging as a new standard for material characterization.
Fast random number generator based on optical physical unclonable functions
Authors: Chen Kun , Huang Feng , Wang Pidong , Wan Yongbiao , Li Dong , Yao Yao
Published: September 2021

We propose an approach for fast random number generation based on homemade optical physical unclonable functions (PUFs). The optical PUF is illuminated with input laser wavefront of continuous modulation to obtain different speckle patterns. Random numbers are fully extracted from speckle patterns through a simple post-processing algorithm. Our proof-of-principle experiment achieves total random number generation rate of 0.96 Gbit/s with verified randomness, which is far faster than previous optical-PUF-based schemes. Our results demonstrate that the presented random number generator (RNG) proposal has great potential to achieve ultrafast random number generation rate up to several hundreds of Gbit/s.
kHz-speed optically induced phase gratings with liquid crystal light valves in transient dynamic mode
Authors: Bortolozzo Umberto , Residori Stefania , Huignard Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2021

Liquid crystal light valves (LCLV) are optically addressable spatial light modulators that allow controlling the phase and amplitude properties of optical beams. We show that sub-milliseconds phase and amplitude modulations can be obtained when operating the LCLV in the transient dynamic mode by setting the working point close to the saturation of the response. Thanks to the large birefringence of the liquid crystals, this condition provides enough phase shifts to respond to the needs of several methods for optical measurement, dynamic holography, interferometry, and imaging through phase disturbing media, while providing kilohertz (kHz) speed. These values of response times also allow foreseeing applications, for example, in biophotonics, and for monitoring the environment.
Omnidirectional light absorption enhancement of perovskite solar cells by an antireflection film with holographic lithography microstructures
Authors: Wang Yi-Fan , Liu Yue-Feng , Jiang Nai-Rong , Zhang Han-Wen , Wang Shi-Rong , Zhang Xu-Lin , Feng Jing , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: September 2021

We report an omnidirectional light absorption enhancement of a perovskite solar cell (PSC) using antireflection (AR) film with soft imprinted microstructures from master molds via holographic lithography technology, which has high throughput and repeatability. The PSC’s omnidirectional power conversion efficiency (PCE) enhancement is achieved by reducing Fresnel surface reflections and enhancing the optical path length. The maximum PCE of PSCs with AR film is up to 20.27%, corresponding to an absolute increase of 0.93% compared to 19.34% of control devices. Significantly, the enhancements of PCE increase with incident angle enlargement, which attributes to more effective Fresnel surface reflection suppression. Moreover, AR films exhibit water and dust repellent properties due to hydrophobicity, which is beneficial for PSC’s long-term stability and light harvesting.
Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic study on the electronic structures of graphene oxides, graphene oxide nanoribbons and graphene quantum dots
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Zheng-Shun , Wang Hai-Yu , Wang Lei , Yue Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Yan-Xia , Du Jiang-Lin , Wang Yan , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: September 2021

Transient features of graphene oxide (GO), graphene oxide nanoribbon (GOR) and graphene quantum dot (GQD) have been investigated by femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. It is found that for pristine GO and HNO3-/NaOH-treated GO, a hybrid sp2/sp3 state at about 430 nm (∼2.88 eV) always appears. However, this hybrid state becomes less apparent in GOR, and completely disappears in GQD. It indicates that there are absolutely different electronic structures in GO, GOR and GQD. Furthermore, compared with pristine GO and GQD, GOR presents a faster decay for carrier dynamics. This could be attributed to the relatively weak interaction between the sp2 domains and sp3 matrix in GOR, which facilitates the carrier recombination.
Reconfigurable plasmonic nanoslits and tuneable Pancharatnam-Berry geometric phase based on electromechanical nano-kirigami [Invited]
Authors: Liu Xing , Han Yu , Ji Changyin , Chen Shanshan , Liu Juan , Feng Shuai , Li Jiafang
Published: September 2021

Reconfigurable three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures possess additional spatial freedom and rich physical characteristics compared with their two-dimensional (2D) counterparts. Here we demonstrate a facile and automated nano-kirigami method to create the 3D deformed spiral metasurfaces, which can flexibly manipulate optical waves by simply applying external voltages. Through etching Archimedean spirals into Au/SiO2/Si layer, multi-order localized surface plasmon resonances are excited within the spiral nanoslits and are dynamically tuned by floating the nanopatterns and employing the electrostatic forces, which induces a reflection modulation contrast as high as 189%. The 2D-to-3D transformation induces a strong modification of the optical chirality in both aspects of spatial distributions and strength. Importantly, the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) geometric phase can be carefully designed and dynamically broken in the 2π range by rotating the direction of the spiral units, which results in the dynamic construction and erasing of metasurface holograms. The proposed scheme of tuning plasmonic nanoslits and breaking PB geometric phase by employing the electromechanical deformation provides a new degree of freedom for reconfigurable photonic systems, as well as dynamic applications in quasi-flat optical platforms.
Inter-metropolitan land price characteristics and pattern in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, China
Authors: An Pengfei , Li Can , Duan Yajing , Ge Jingfeng , Feng Xiaomiao
Published: September 2021

Land prices are the key problem of urban land management, with prices of residential land being the most sensitive and the strongest social reflection among the different land types. Exploring spatial and temporal variation of residential land prices and the effect of land market factors on residential land prices can help the government formulate targeted regulations and policies. This study analyzes the spatial and temporal evolution of residential land prices and the factors influencing the land market in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region based on land transaction data from 2014–2017 using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The results show the following: ① Residential land prices in Beijing and Tianjin are significantly higher than those in other regions, while Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and western mountainous areas have the lowest residential land prices. Over time, a development trend of residential land price polycentricity gradually emerged, and the locational correlation has gradually increased. ② Under the influence of the land finance model of local governments in China, three factors, namely, the land stock utilization rate, revenue from residential land transfers, and the growth of residential land transaction areas, have significantly contributed to the increase in residential land prices. ③ Under the land market supply and demand mechanism and government management, four indicators, namely, the land supply rate, the per capita residential land supply area, the degree of marketization of the residential land supply, and the frequency of residential land transactions, have suppressed the rise in residential land prices. ④ The overall effect of land market factors on residential land prices in the central and northern regions of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei is stronger than that in the southern regions, which may be related to the more active land market and stricter macromanagement policies in Beijing, Tianjin and surrounding areas.
Identification of pollen taxa by different microscopy techniques
Authors: Pospiech Matej , Javůrková Zdeňka , Hrabec Pavel , Štarha Pavel , Ljasovská Simona , Bednář Josef , Tremlová Bohuslava
Published: September 2021

Melissopalynology is an important analytical method to identify botanical origin of honey. Pollen grain recognition is commonly performed by visual inspection by a trained person. An alternative method for visual inspection is automated pollen analysis based on the image analysis technique. Image analysis transfers visual information to mathematical descriptions. In this work, the suitability of three microscopic techniques for automatic analysis of pollen grains was studied. 2D and 3D morphological characteristics, textural and colour features, and extended depth of focus characteristics were used for the pollen discrimination. In this study, 7 botanical taxa and a total of 2482 pollen grains were evaluated. The highest correct classification rate of 93.05% was achieved using the phase contrast microscopy, followed by the dark field microscopy reaching 91.02%, and finally by the light field microscopy reaching 88.88%. The most significant discriminant characteristics were morphological (2D and 3D) and colour characteristics. Our results confirm the potential of using automatic pollen analysis to discriminate pollen taxa in honey. This work provides the basis for further research where the taxa dataset will be increased, and new descriptors will be studied.
Impact of COVID-19 on excess mortality, life expectancy, and years of life lost in the United States
Authors: Chan Eunice Y. S. , Cheng Davy , Martin Janet
Published: September 2021

This paper quantifies the net impact (direct and indirect effects) of the pandemic on the United States population in 2020 using three metrics: excess deaths, life expectancy, and total years of life lost. The findings indicate there were 375,235 excess deaths, with 83% attributable to direct, and 17% attributable to indirect effects of COVID-19. The decrease in life expectancy was 1.67 years, translating to a reversion of 14 years in historical life expectancy gains. Total years of life lost in 2020 was 7,362,555 across the USA (73% directly attributable, 27% indirectly attributable to COVID-19), with considerable heterogeneity at the individual state level.
Hepatic Encephalopathy is Associated With Slow Speech on Objective Assessment
Authors: Bloom Patricia P. , Robin Jessica , Xu Mengdan , Arvind Ashwini , Daidone Michael , Gupta Anoopum S. , Chung Raymond T.
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

There are no available low-burden, point-of-care tests to diagnose, grade, and predict hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

Methods:

We evaluated speech as a biomarker of HE in 76 English-speaking adults with cirrhosis.

Results:

Three speech features significantly correlated with the following neuropsychiatric scores: speech rate, word duration, and use of particles. Patients with low neuropsychiatric scores had slower speech (22 words/min, P = 0.01), longer word duration (0.09 seconds/word, P = 0.01), and used fewer particles (0.85% fewer, P = 0.01). Patients with a history of overt HE had slower speech (23 words/min, P = 0.005) and longer word duration (0.09 seconds/word, P = 0.005).

Discussion:

HE is associated with slower speech.
Animalismo, bestiários, taxidermia e a construção de um vocabulário na arte contemporânea
Authors: Alencar Marco Túlio
Published: September 2021

A presença do animal na arte confunde-se com a própria História, embora, diferentemente de outras temáticas consagradas, ainda não haja o reconhecimento imediato do termo animalismo para abranger o conjunto da produção com essa peculiaridade, que inclui os bestiários e suas atualizações com o uso de espécimes taxidermizados. Obras contendo animais apropriados pelos artistas como as coisas em geral permitem acompanhar as renovações do uso poético desses seres. E a persistência dos artistas fazendo-os frequentar o repertório da arte de forma irreversível molda um vocabulário na arte contemporânea.
Cidades imaginárias ou exercícios para desenhar metrópoles
Authors: Loyola Geraldo
Published: September 2021

Este texto apresenta experiência de desenho de observação e de criação desenvolvida em projeto com alunos de EJA (Educação de Jovens e Adultos) em uma escola da rede municipal de Belo Horizonte e traz reflexões o sobre conceito de materiais didáticos para Arte como proposições estéticas, como ‘faícas’ de provocação para criar e aprender sobre arte, independente de estruturas, condições e materialidades de cada lugar (escola), ainda que sejam imprescindíveis. Discorre sobre a importância da metodologia na condução das proposições e sobre o lugar da percepção e da imaginação no processo do fazer artístico na perspectiva do ensino-aprendizagem contemporâneo de Arte. O projeto, com o título de cidades imaginárias, abordou a criação de cidades, cidades grandes, metrópoles, buscando estabelecer relações com a cidade grande na qual todos viviam.
Exploring Academic Library Managers Communication Skills and the Effect on Librarians Job Motivation and Satisfaction
Authors: Aghaei Somayeh , Habibi Shafi , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim , Iraji Zeynab
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the effect of academic library managers’ communication skills on the librarians’ motivation and job satisfaction. By determining the status and impact of library managers’ communication skills on the librarians’ level of motivation and job satisfaction, it is possible to design the necessary plans to promote librarians’ motivation and job satisfaction. The study population comprised 90 librarians from 20 universities and their branches. Data were collected via a questionnaire, and the relationships between variables were assessed via multiple regression. The average communication skills of library managers in academic libraries were 63.90 per cent and the average communication skills of librarians were 73.06 per cent, higher than the identified average. The library managers’ communication skills did not have a significant effect on librarians’ motivation, but had a significant effect on their job satisfaction. Moreover, effective communication between managers and employees leads to the provision of high-quality services and a better understanding of the tasks assigned to the employees. The results of this study are useful for administrators, librarians, and other university staff.
Crystal structure of (3E,5E)-3,5-bis(4-fluorobenzylidene)-1-((4-trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl)piperidin-4-one, C26H18F5NO3S
Authors: Gao Zhong-Fei , Wang Lei , Hou Gui-Ge , Zhang Xiao-Fan
Published: September 2021

C26H18F5NO3S, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.8831(4) Å, b = 11.9591(7) Å, c = 13.3258(7) Å, α = 69.072(5)°, β = 88.556(4)°, γ = 73.730(5)°, V = 1122.48(11) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0507, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1216, T = 100.0(1) K.
Strategic Planning and Program Management of Strength and Conditioning Support Within Elite Sport: A Technical Systems-Driven Perspective
Authors: Rawlley-Singh Ishan
Published: September 2021

Successful performance in sport is a multifactorial process that includes a blend of technical, tactical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychological features interacting together to result in the desired performance outcome. The strength and conditioning (S&C) program, depending on the sport, can support performance by influencing the physiological and biomechanical components through direct and indirect avenues of impact. Performance planning to achieve identified objectives is typically a long-term process, ranging from a year in seasonal professional team sports to a four-year Olympic cycle. It is critical to develop and implement key strategic processes to ensure that the S&C program effectively supports performance at major competitions. Furthermore, it is essential to have clarity for the role of S&C within the overall sports training program. Having a clear approach to deconstructing and understanding performance from a human performance perspective, showing how and where the impact on performance can be made, and objectively demonstrating the contribution to performance variables is vital. The current article uses the author's experience of working across a range of Olympic and professional sports to articulate a process for strategic planning and managing S&C support from a technical perspective. Examples from various sports have been used to illustrate critical strategic processes.
Aerobic and Resistance Training for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Miller Joshua M.
Published: September 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a result of disease or injury that results in the loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic function, or a combination of these functions below the level of injury. Research suggests that, along with medical treatment, exercise may aid in the maintaining of cardiovascular, muscular, and osteogenic health in individuals with an SCI. Practices, contraindications, special considerations, and general recommendations for whole-body cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise programming and progression for individuals with an SCI are discussed throughout.
Weight-related psychological inflexibility as a mediator between weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes
Authors: Petersen Julie M. , Durward Carrie , Levin Michael
Published: September 2021

Weight self-stigma, the internalization of negative societal stereotypes, is a problem among populations with high weight. Weight self-stigma is associated with psychological inflexibility and maladaptive health-related behaviors. In this study, the authors explore how weight-related psychological inflexibility may influence weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes in 79 adults with high weight. Participants were primarily White (92.4%) and female (82.3%), with an average age of 39.56 years and average body mass index of 33.78. The study uses baseline, self-report data from a larger trial. Results indicate that weight self-stigma was negatively correlated with maladaptive eating behaviors, weight, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility was found as a significant mediator for the relationship between weight self-stigma and emotional eating, sedentary behavior, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility did not mediate the relationships between weight self-stigma and other eating measures and physical activity. These results support targeting weight-related psychological inflexibility and weight self-stigma in interventions.