bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the use of autogenous bone particles to close the access window after maxillary sinus floor augmentation: an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Favero Giacomo , Viña-Almunia Jose , Carda Carmen , Martín de Llano José Javier , García-Mira Berta , Soto-Peñaloza David , Peñarrocha-Diago Miguel , Botticelli Daniele
Published: March 2020

Aim

To study the influence on the healing of the placement of particulate autogenous bone in the antrostomy and in the subjacent region after maxillary sinus elevation.

Material and methods

Sixteen New Zealand rabbits were undergone to bilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation with 4 × 4 mm antrostomy dimension. The sinus mucosa was elevated, and the space obtained was filled with xenograft. In the test site (treated sites), autogenous bone was harvested from the tibia and was placed either in the antrostomy and the subjacent region while the control site was left untreated. Antrostomy was covered bilaterally with collagen membranes. Animals were euthanized after 1 and 8 weeks of healing, with 8 rabbits in each group. Histomorphometric evaluations were done. The Wilcoxon test is used for statistical analysis, for a 5% statistical significance.

Results

After 1 week of healing, the new bone proportion in the antrostomy was 7.7 ± 11.2% and 6.1 ± 6.4% in the treated and untreated sites, respectively. In the subjacent region (close-to-window region), hardly any new bone was assessed. In the elevated region, 2.7–2.8% of total new bone was found in both sites. In the antrostomy region, after 8 weeks of healing, 35.5 ± 20.9% of new bone in the treated sites, and 28.6 ± 24.1% in the untreated sites was observed (p = 0.499). In the close-to-window region, the respective proportions were 25.8 ± 16.1% and 17.6 ± 16.3% (p = 0.018). In the elevated region, the total new bone reached fractions of 27.9 ± 12.9% and 23.6 ± 15.2% in the treated and untreated sites, respectively (p = 0.128).

Conclusions

The placement of autogenous bone in the antrostomy and the subjacent region after maxillary sinus elevation, slightly enhanced bone formation compared with sites only grafted with xenograft. Though, only the subjacent close-to-window region showed a statistical significance at 8 weeks of healing. Despite the limitations of the present study, due to its preclinical nature, findings should be extrapolated to humans with caution.
Topical application of mupirocin to exit sites in patients on peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Obata Yoko , Murashima Miho , Toda Naohiro , Yamamoto Shuto , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Tsujimoto Hiraku , Yuasa Hidemichi , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Ito Yasuhiko , Tomo Tadashi , Nakamoto Hidetomo
Published: March 2020

Background

The International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines recommends the topical application of antibiotics on the exit site for the prevention of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections. However, the recommendation is based on meta-analyses on applying nasal mupirocin ointment or observational or retrospective studies. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of topical application of mupirocin on the exit site for the prevention of PD-related infections.

Methods

We searched the databases, MEDLINE and CENTRAL, documenting the topical application of antibiotics on the exit site in PD patients in April 2017. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adult patients wherein the effects of mupirocin were examined. Exit site infection (ESI), peritonitis, and technical failure were assessed as the main outcomes.

Results

Overall, six RCTs were included in this study. It was uncertain whether the application of mupirocin ointment prevents ESI (rate ratio (RR), 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13–1.05), peritonitis (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.50–1.21), and technical failure (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.25–7.21). Moreover, a comparison between mupirocin and gentamicin showed no difference in the incidence of ESI (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.27–4.81), peritonitis (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.32–2.26), and technical failure (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.28–1.20).

Conclusions

It remains unclear whether topical application of mupirocin on the exit site has any significant effects on PD-related infection or technical failure. Large-scale RCTs with high methodological quality are required to confirm the efficacy of topical application of antibiotics on the exit site.

Trial registration

UMINR000039267
Ethnic fertility behavior and internal migration in Nigeria: revisiting the migrant fertility hypotheses
Authors: Odimegwu Clifford O. , Adewoyin Yemi
Published: March 2020

Fertility patterns in Nigeria are high and widely skewed away from the targets of the country’s population policy. As population growth is fueled by natural increase and migration, and with spatial disparities in fertility preferences among the different ethnic groups in Nigeria, this study investigates the fertility behavior of ethnic migrants in their destinations, the place-effects on such behavior, and the convergence or otherwise of the behavior with fertility behaviors in the migrants’ places of origin and destination. Explanations for the behavioral pattern are provided in the hypotheses of migrant fertility and in the sociodemographic confounders of the behavior. Study data was extracted for the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. Median numbers of children ever born (CEB) were 7, 6, and 4 for the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba ethnic groups respectively. Relative to the destination fertility patterns, Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba migrants had lower CEB in Igboland while Igbo and Yoruba migrants recorded lower CEB in the North-West home of the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. Whereas the Igbo migrants maintained an equal CEB with their Yoruba hosts, the Hausa-Fulani group replicated their home fertility behavior in Yorubaland. Overall, the adaptation, socialization, and selectivity hypotheses were found valid for some of the disparities in migrant fertility behavior and the influence of the sociodemographic predictors of fertility behavior varied among the different ethnic groups.
Simulation-based education involving online and on-campus models in different European universities
Authors: Campos Neila , Nogal Maria , Caliz Cristina , Juan Angel A.
Published: March 2020

Simulation-based education (SE) refers to the use of simulation software, tools, and serious games to enrich the teaching and learning processes. Advances in both computer hardware and software allow for employing innovative methodologies that make use of SE tools to enhance the learning experience. Moreover, thanks to the globalisation of e-learning practices, these educational experiences can be made available to students from different geographical regions and universities, which promotes the development of international and inter-university cooperation in education. This paper provides a review of recent works in the SE subject, with a focus on the areas of engineering, science, and management. It also discusses some experiences in SE involving different European universities and learning models. Finally, it also points out open challenges as well as noticeable trends.
Verum versus sham tDCS in the treatment of stroke-induced apraxia: study protocol of the randomized controlled trial RAdiCS -“Rehabilitating (stroke-induced) Apraxia with direct Current Stimulation”
Authors: Kleineberg Nina N. , Richter Monika K. , Becker Ingrid , Weiss Peter H. , Fink Gereon R.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in western societies. (Motor) cognitive deficits like apraxia significantly contribute to disability after stroke, harming activities of daily living and rehabilitation outcome. To date, efficient therapeutic options for apraxia remain sparse. Thus, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted.

Methods

Based on promising results of a pilot study, the on-going RAdiCS (Rehabilitating stroke-induced Apraxia with direct Current Stimulation) study is a randomized controlled trial, which follows a double-blinded (investigator and patient), two-arm parallel interventional model. It is designed to include 110 apraxic patients (as diagnosed by the Cologne Apraxia Screening, KAS) in the subacute phase after a left hemisphere (LH) stroke. The University of Cologne initiated the trial, which is conducted in two German Neurorehabilitation Centers.

The study aims to evaluate the effect of anodal (versus sham) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) with an intensity of 2 mA for 10 min on five consecutive days on apraxic deficits. In addition to anodal or sham tDCS, all LH stroke patients undergo a motor (cognitive) training that is performed before and after the stimulation (off-line stimulation).

The primary outcome measure is the (differential) change in the overall KAS score after five daily sessions of anodal versus sham tDCS when compared to the baseline assessment before tDCS. Secondary study outcomes include further apraxia scores, aphasia severity, and measures of motor performance and disability after stroke. All outcome measures are obtained in the post-stimulation assessment as well as during follow-up (3–4 months after tDCS).

Perspective

The RCT RAdiCS shall evaluate in a large number of LH stroke patients whether anodal tDCS (compared to sham tDCS) expedites the rehabilitation of apraxia – over and above additional motor (cognitive) training and standard care. A positive study outcome would provide a new strategy for the treatment of apraxia, which hopefully ameliorates the negative impact of apraxia on daily living and long-term outcome.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Gov: NCT03185234, registered 14 June 2017 ; Deutsches Register für Klinische Studien: DRKS00012292, registered 01 June 2017.

Trial status

Participant enrollment began on 22 June 2017. The trial is expected to be completed on 30 June 2022.
Dynamic modeling of heat exchanger tube rupture
Authors: Harhara Ahmed , Hasan M.M. Faruque
Published: March 2020

One fault that occurs with heat exchangers is a tube rupture, an overpressure scenario in which high pressure fluid flows into the low pressure region. It is a serious safety concern that may lead to significant damage. Accurate prediction of the pressure build-up after a rupture is critical to determine the appropriate size of a relief device and avoid exceeding allowable pressure limits. This paper describes a model-based step-by-step methodology to predict dynamic pressure profiles during tube rupture for liquid-liquid, vapor-liquid, and flashing liquid-liquid systems. The transient effects of the relief valve are considered. The effects of choked flow must also be considered for accurate maximum pressure predictions. Using a dimensionless analysis, the pressure ratio and density ratio are shown to significantly impact the severity of this incident. Results show that vapor-liquid systems result in the highest pressure surges.
On the calculation of the electron temperature flowfield in the DSMC studies of ionized re-entry flows
Authors: Shevyrin Alexander , Bondar Yevgeniy
Published: March 2020

Currently available procedures of electron temperature calculations in studying ionized flows around reentry spacecraft by the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method are analyzed. It is shown that the heat conduction of electrons is not taken into account in these procedures. The contributions of various effects to the electron energy balance are calculated by an example of the RAM-C II capsule, and a numerical solution of the electron energy conservation equation is obtained, which refines the electron temperature distribution used in the DSMC computations. A method of coupled calculation of the electron temperature within the framework of the continuum approach and modelling of ionized gas flow by the DSMC method is proposed.
Project Khanya: a randomized, hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of a peer-delivered behavioral intervention for ART adherence and substance use in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Magidson Jessica F. , Joska John A. , Myers Bronwyn , Belus Jennifer M. , Regenauer Kristen S. , Andersen Lena S. , Majokweni Sybil , O’Cleirigh Conall , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Substance use is prevalent in South Africa and associated with poor HIV treatment outcomes, yet, it is largely unaddressed in HIV care. Implementing an evidence-based, task-shared intervention for antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and substance use integrated into HIV care may be a feasible and effective way to improve HIV treatment outcomes and reduce substance use in this population.

Methods

Guided by the RE-AIM framework, a randomized, hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial (n = 60) is being used to evaluate a peer-delivered intervention that integrates evidence-based intervention components, including Life-Steps (problem solving and motivational skills for HIV medication adherence), behavioral activation to increase alternative, substance-free rewarding activities in one’s environment, and relapse prevention skills, including mindfulness. The comparison condition is enhanced standard of care, which includes facilitating a referral to a local substance use treatment clinic (Matrix). Participants are followed for a period of 6 months. Implementation outcomes are defined by Proctor’s model for implementation and include mixed methods evaluations of feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Primary patient-level effectiveness outcomes are ART adherence (Wisepill) and substance use (WHO-ASSIST and urinalysis); viral load is an exploratory outcome.

Discussion

Results of this trial will provide important evidence as to whether peer delivery of an integrated intervention for ART adherence and substance use is feasible, acceptable, and effective. Implementation outcomes will provide important insight into using peers as an implementation strategy to extend task sharing models for behavioral health in resource-limited settings globally.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govidentifier:NCT03529409. Trial registered on May 18, 2018.
Evaluation of a shared decision-making intervention for pediatric patients with asthma in the emergency department
Authors: Reeves Kelly , O’Hare Katherine , Shade Lindsay , Ludden Thomas , McWilliams Andrew , Manning Melinda , Hogg Melanie , Reynolds Stacy , Shea Christopher M. , Burton Elizabeth C. , Calvert Melissa , Derkowski Diane M. , Tapp Hazel
Published: March 2020

Background

Asthma is a difficult-to-manage chronic disease marked with associated outcome disparities including an increase rate of emergency department (ED) visits for uncontrolled asthma among patients who are most at-risk. Shared decision making (SDM) is a process by which the patient and provider jointly make a healthcare choice. SDM improves patient outcomes; however, implementation barriers of time constraints and staff availability are limitations. The use of health IT solutions may increase the adoption of SDM, but best practices for implementation are not well understood. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) is a flexible comprehensive model used to identify barriers and facilitators influencing implementation. The goal of this study is to implement an innovative web-based pediatric SDM tool in the real-world setting of two large healthcare system EDs through the following aims: (1) convene a patient, research, and ED stakeholder advisory board to oversee review of protocol and study materials prior to implementation, (2) implement the SDM intervention where providers and staff will be trained to incorporate use of this SDM intervention, (3) conduct on-going evaluation of barriers, facilitators, and implementation outcomes to tailor implementation in the EDs, (4) evaluate patient-centered outcomes of primary care utilization and changes in ED visits and hospitalizations before and after the SDM intervention, and (5) understand and document best practices for ED implementation.

Methods

The CFIR model will guide the implementation evaluation. Researchers will administer surveys to the clinical team and patients at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months to inform implementation design, determine barriers and facilitators, and resource-needs to allow for real-time process adjustments within the EDs. Focus group or key-informant interviews and analysis will provide additional feedback to the stakeholder team to iterate the implementation process. Researchers will track patient-centered outcomes including increased primary care, ED, and inpatient utilization over the duration of the study.

Discussion

To advance asthma care and the field of implementation science, further research is needed to assess best practices for incorporating SDM into high-need healthcare settings such as the ED. This knowledge will facilitate improved outcomes and appropriate policy changes towards further use of SDM interventions in local and national acute care settings.
Imaging based on metalenses
Authors: Zou Xiujuan , Zheng Gaige , Yuan Quan , Zang Wenbo , Chen Run , Li Tianyue , Li Lin , Wang Shuming , Wang Zhenlin , Zhu Shining
Published: March 2020

Metalens, a prominent application of two-dimensional metasurfaces, has demonstrated powerful abilities even beyond traditional optical lenses. By manipulating the phase distribution of metalens composed of appropriately arranged nanoscale building blocks, the wavefront of incident wave can be controlled based on Huygens principle, thus achieving the desired reflected and transmitted wave for many different purposes. Metalenses will lead a revolution in optical imaging due to its flat nature and compact size, multispectral acquisition and even off-axis focusing. Here, we review the recent progress of metalenses presenting excellent properties, with a focus on the imaging application using these metalenses. We firstly discuss the mechanism for achieving metalenses with high efficiency, large numerical aperture, controlling the chromatic dispersion or monochromatic aberrations and large area fabrication. Then, we review several important imaging applications including wide-band focusing imaging, polarization dependent imaging, light field imaging and some other significant imaging systems in different areas. Finally, we make a conclusion with an outlook on the future development and challenges of this developing research field.
Underwater transmission of high-dimensional twisted photons over 55 meters
Authors: Chen Yuan , Shen Wei-Guan , Li Zhan-Ming , Hu Cheng-Qiu , Yan Zeng-Quan , Jiao Zhi-Qiang , Gao Jun , Cao Ming-Ming , Sun Ke , Jin Xian-Min
Published: March 2020

As an emerging channel resource for modern optics, big data, internet traffic and quantum technologies, twisted photons carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been extended their applicable boundary in different media, such as optical fiber and atmosphere. Due to the extreme condition of loss and pressure, underwater transmission of twisted photons has not been well investigated yet. Especially, single-photon tests were all limited at a level of a few meters, and it is in practice unclear what will happen for longer transmission distances. Here we experimentally demonstrate the transmission of single-photon twisted light over an underwater channel up to 55 m, which reach a distance allowing potential real applications. For different order OAM states and their superposition, a good preservation of modal structure and topological charge are observed. Our results for the first time reveal the real transmission performance of twisted photons in a long-distance regime, representing a step further towards OAM-based underwater quantum communication.
Holographic capture and projection system of real object based on tunable zoom lens
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Chao , Shen Chuan , Xing Yan , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose a holographic capture and projection system of real objects based on tunable zoom lenses. Different from the traditional holographic system, a liquid lens-based zoom camera and a digital conical lens are used as key parts to reach the functions of holographic capture and projection, respectively. The zoom camera is produced by combing liquid lenses and solid lenses, which has the advantages of fast response and light weight. By electrically controlling the curvature of the liquid-liquid surface, the focal length of the zoom camera can be changed easily. As another tunable zoom lens, the digital conical lens has a large focal depth and the optical property is perfectly used in the holographic system for adaptive projection, especially for multilayer imaging. By loading the phase of the conical lens on the spatial light modulator, the reconstructed image can be projected with large depths. With the proposed system, holographic zoom capture and color reproduction of real objects can be achieved based on a simple structure. Experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed system. The proposed system is expected to be applied to micro-projection and three-dimensional display technology.
Potential for Improving Intrauterine Device (IUD) Service Delivery Quality: Results from a Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Gehani Manish , Pal Manoj , Arya Anupama , Singh Shobhana , S. Kaushik , O’Connell Kathryn A. , Cagatay Levent , Sengupta Sumon , Singal Sunita
Published: March 2020

Background: To accelerate progress toward Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) goals, the government of India focused on improving the quality of intrauterine device (IUD) services. EngenderHealth, an international sexual and reproductive health and rights organization, has been supporting the governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan since 2014 through the Expanding Access to IUD Services in India (EAISI) project by building the capacity of service providers, monitoring compliance with standard practices, and strengthening health systems. This study sought to assess whether EAISI-trained providers offer higher quality IUD services than non-EAISI-trained providers, as indicated by a reduction in confirmed IUD complications.

Methods: The study team conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of secondary data collected from follow-up registers at 176 intervention facilities (38 in Gujarat and 138 in Rajasthan) during Phase I of the EAISI project. The analysis included follow-up clients who returned to the same facility between April 2018 and March 2019. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with IUD complications.

Results: During the period of assessment, 56,733 clients received IUD insertions, and 10,747 (18.9%) clients returned for follow-up services. Of the returning clients, 49.4% (N=5,305) had received IUDs from EAISI-trained providers, while 50.6% (N=5,442) had received IUDs from non-EAISI-trained providers. A total of 4.0% (N=432) of all returning clients experienced complications (expulsion: 1.3%, missing strings: 1.7%, infection: 1.1%). Clients who received IUDs from non-EAISI-trained providers were 55.5% more likely (95% CI [26.2%, 91.5%], p<0.0005) to have experienced complications than clients who received insertions from EAISI-trained providers. The type of IUD, the timing of the insertion, and the timing of the follow-up visit also affected complication prevalence.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that intensive, practical clinical skills training for IUD insertion can reduce the prevalence of complications.
Semantic Integration in Big Data: State-of-the-Art
Authors: Sayah Zaoui , Kazar Okba , Ghenabzia Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, web users and systems continually overload the web with an exponential generation of a massive amount of data. This leads to making big data more important in several domains such as social networks, internet of things, health care, E-commerce, aviation safety, etc. The use of big data has become increasingly crucial for companies due to the significant evolution of information providers and users on the web. However, big data remain meaningless without semantics. In order to get a good comprehension of big data, we raise questions about how big data and semantic are related to each other and how semantic may help. To overcome this problem, researchers devote considerable time to the integration of ontology in big data to ensure reliable interoperability between systems in order to make big data more useful, readable and exploitable. This technology can hide the heterogeneity of different data resources. Moreover, in given domains, users can exchange knowledge without caring to choose the suitable semantic that makes their content more expressive. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview for readers about big data and the appropriate tools to manipulate and analyse them such as Hadoop. Afterwards, we talk about ontology and how it can be used to improve big data management and analyses for decision makers. Finally, different semantic integration approaches are seen in a comparative study. This survey is concluded with a discussion and some perspectives.
Clinical Potential of miRNAs in Human and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Haidar Malak , Langlsey Gordon
Published: March 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play critical roles in human disease. Several miRnome profiling studies have identified miRNAs deregulated in cancer and infectious diseases and miRNAs are also involved in regulation of the host response to infection. Thereby, the usage of miRNAs as biomarkers and potential treatments for both human and infectious diseases is under development. This review will provide insights into the contribution of miRNAs to pathogenesis and disease development and will present a general outline of the potential use of miRNAs as therapeutic tools.
Geometrical optimization for silver nanowire mesh as a flexible transparent conductive electrode
Authors: Nikzad Mohammad Javad , Mahdavi Seyed Mohammad , Sadrnezhaad Seyed Khatiboleslam
Published: March 2020

We report the effect of the geometric parameters on transparency and conductivity in a metallic nanowire mesh as a transparent electrode. Today, indium tin oxide and fluorine-doped tin oxide are used as the transparent electrode for displays and solar cells. Still, there is a definite need for their replacement due to drawbacks such as brittleness, scarcity, and adverse environmental effects. Metallic nanowire mesh is likely the best replacement option, but the main issue is how to find the optimal structure and how to get the best performance. Since the interaction of light with nanowire mesh is complicated, there is no straightforward rule with a simple analytical solution. We developed a kit based on wave optics for calculating the optical transmission of metallic nanowire mesh, which, unlike previous works, includes the interaction of light with the nanowire mesh, such as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), surface plasmon polariton (SPP), and Rayleigh anomaly (RA). So, it is possible to accurately predict the effect of these phenomena and the transmission of mesh. Using the mentioned kit, we will be able to investigate the different geometrical structures of meshes to achieve optimal geometry. This kit is based on the classical Maxwell theory and empirical data and uses finite-difference time-domain for solving equations and experiential results for validation. Comparing the results by a redefined figure of merit shows that LSPR has the most significant reduction on transparency, whereas increasing the thickness (

t

) to width (

w

) ratio of the nanowire in the metallic mesh can reduce the LSPR effect and/or shifts it to the invisible region. The wire pitch (

p

) has no tangible impact on LSPR, but

p

can be chosen higher than 700 or lower than 350 nm to remove the extinction effects of the first-order RA. If

p

was larger than 150 nm, SPP could appear in the visible region of the spectrum. In small

p

, lower modes of SPP with higher intensities occur; therefore, there is an optimum value for

p

around 300 nm. The reduction of

t

and

w

reduces the intensity of SPP and causes it to red shift. By comparing the 900 different structures, the highest figure of merit is obtained in a

p

of 300 nm with a minimum

w

(10 nm) and maximum

t

(100 nm).
Elemental mercury sensing by synchronously sweeping two multimode diode lasers
Authors: Zhang Tie , Lou Xiutao , Xu Lianjie , He Sailing
Published: March 2020

We propose a sum-frequency-generation (SFG) laser-based elemental mercury sensing method by mixing two low-cost multimode diode lasers (MDLs). The wavelengths of the two MDLs are synchronously scanned, which enlarges the whole coverage range of wavelength and improves the measurement stability. Correlation spectroscopy was used to eliminate the impact of environmental change and enhance and trace the absorption signal of the sample accurately. A novel data processing method was employed to extract the weak absorption signals from the background efficiently. A sensitivity of

0.1

µ

g

/

m

3

(11 ppt) was achieved for 1-m path length and 10-s integration time. The sensing range was efficiently increased up to

200

µ

g

/

m

3

using a calibration curve based on a new mathematical analytical formula. Real-time monitoring of the mercury volatilization and diffusion process was experimentally demonstrated with a time resolution of 10 s. The performance of the system shows great practical value for the detection of elemental mercury in industrial applications.
CO2 laser annealed SiGe core optical fibers with radial Ge concentration gradients
Authors: Wu Wei , Balci Mustafa , Song Seunghan , Liu Chunxin , Fokine Michael , Laurell Fredrik , Hawkins Thomas , Ballato John , Gibson Ursula J.
Published: March 2020

CO2 laser annealing of SiGe core, glass-clad optical fibers is a powerful technique for the production of single-crystal cores with spatially varying Ge concentrations. Laser power, laser scan speed and cooling air flow alter the Ge distribution during annealing. In this work, near-single crystal fibers exhibiting a central axial feature with peak Ge concentration ∼15 at% higher than the exterior of the semiconductor core have been prepared. Preferential transmission of near infrared radiation through the Ge-rich region, and spectral data confirm its role as a waveguide within the semiconductor core. This proof-of-concept step toward crystalline double-clad structures is an important advancement in semiconductor core optical fibers made using the scalable molten core method.
Gap-surface plasmon metasurfaces for linear-polarization conversion, focusing, and beam splitting
Authors: Ding Fei , Chen Yiting , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: March 2020

Gap-surface plasmon (GSP) metasurfaces have attracted progressively increasing attention due to their planar configurations, ease of fabrication, and unprecedented capabilities in manipulating the reflected fields that enable integrating diverse bulk-optic-based optical components into a single ultrathin flat element. In this work, we design and experimentally demonstrate multifunctional metalenses that perform simultaneous linear-polarization conversion, focusing, and beam splitting, thereby reproducing the combined functionalities of conventional half-wave plates, parabolic reflectors, and beam splitters. The fabricated single-focal metalens incorporates properly configured distinct half-wave-plate-like GSP meta-atoms and exhibits good performance under linearly polarized incidence in terms of orthogonal linear-polarization conversion (

>
75
%

) and focusing (overall

efficiency
>
22
%

) in the wavelength spectrum ranging from 800 to 950 nm. To further extend the combined functionalities, we demonstrate a dual-focal metalens that splits and focuses a linearly polarized incident beam into two focal spots while maintaining the capability of orthogonal linear-polarization conversion. Furthermore, the power distribution between two split beams can readily be controlled by judiciously positioning the incident beam. The demonstrated multifunctional GSP-based metalenses mimic the combined functionalities of a sequence of discrete bulk optical components, thereby eliminating the need for their mutual alignment and opening new perspectives in the development of ultracompact and integrated photonic devices.
Deep-learning-assisted, two-stage phase control method for high-power mode-programmable orbital angular momentum beam generation
Authors: Hou Tianyue , An Yi , Chang Qi , Ma Pengfei , Li Jun , Huang Liangjin , Zhi Dong , Wu Jian , Su Rongtao , Ma Yanxing , Zhou Pu
Published: March 2020

High-power mode-programmable orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams have received substantial attention in recent years. They are widely used in optical communication, nonlinear frequency conversion, and laser processing. To overcome the power limitation of a single beam, coherent beam combining (CBC) of laser arrays is used. However, in specific CBC systems used to generate structured light with a complex wavefront, eliminating phase noise and realizing flexible phase modulation proved to be difficult challenges. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a two-stage phase control method that can generate OAM beams with different topological charges from a CBC system. During the phase control process, the phase errors are preliminarily compensated by a deep-learning (DL) network, and further eliminated by an optimization algorithm. Moreover, by modulating the expected relative phase vector and cost function, all-electronic flexible programmable switching of the OAM mode is realized. Results indicate that the proposed method combines the characteristics of DL for undesired convergent phase avoidance and the advantages of the optimization algorithm for accuracy improvement, thereby ensuring the high mode purity of the generated OAM beams. This work could provide a valuable reference for future implementation of high-power, fast switchable structured light generation and manipulation.
Interview with Professor Donald C. Kiraly
Authors: Esqueda Marileide Dias
Published: March 2020

This interview was carried out in September 2019, via e-mail, with Donald C. Kiraly, Professor at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität School of Translation, Linguistics and Cultural Studies, located in Mainz, Germany. Donald C. Kiraly studied Political Science at Cleveland State University in Ohio, obtained his M.A. in International Relations at Florida State University, and a Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, in the United States. He was a visiting professor at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, and from September 2008 to August 2012, he held a visiting professor's position at the Ecole Supérieure d'Interprètes et Traducteurs of the University of Paris III, in France, where he taught French-English, Spanish-English and German-English translation. Among his main works dedicated to translator education are Pathways to translation (1995), Social Constructivist Approach to Translator Education (2000) and Towards Authentic Experiential Learning in Translator Education (2016). Professor Don Kiraly provides several important contributions in the following interview on the topic "evaluation of translations".
Bases teóricas para um projeto de revisão de traduções, buscando o aprimoramento das produções de tradutores e tradutoras em formação
Authors: Alves Daniel
Published: March 2020

O artigo discute a revisão de textos traduzidos, sob uma perspectiva teórica, buscando promover a atividade como um processo comunicativo cujo objetivo principal é o aprimoramento da produção textual de tradutores e tradutoras em formação. Ao levantar a discussão sobre como promover a revisão em contextos de formação de tradutoras e tradutores, busca-se aqui estabelecer as bases teóricas para um projeto de intervenção pedagógica que busca se constituir como uma intervenção de efeito positivo para aprendizes, com foco na negociação de sentidos, buscando a compreensão de textos traduzidos dentro dos seus contextos de produção em um sentido amplo. A discussão se fundamenta em trabalhos como Leipnitz (2016), Ferreira (2018), e Mossop (2007) — que discutem a revisão de textos traduzidos — e de Ruiz (1998) e de Morais e Ferreira (2006) — que discutem processos pedagógicos voltados para o aprimoramento das produções textuais de discentes.
LOOKING FOR PROJECT SUCCESS IN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE IT?
Authors: Spang Konrad , Ehrbar Heinz , Elbaz Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Even though the main aim of project management (PM) is to assure successful projects, the PM literature still lacks a clear definition of project success (PS), since it highly depends on the stakeholders' expectations and the point in time in which the project was evaluated. In this context and due to their specialties e.g. long duration or a large number of stakeholders, the infrastructure projects are subjected to time delays and cost overruns and therefore, criticized in the society and described as failed or unsuccessful projects. This paper hypothesizes the need to adapt our PM approach to follow more systemic methods and presents the main principles of systematic project management (SPM) as a success factor (SF) for infrastructure projects. In addition, a case study about the Gotthard Base Tunnel is presented to verify the literature findings.
MAGNETIC FIELD TREATED WATER INFLUENCE ON STRUCTURAL CONCRETE ELEMENTS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF CONCERN
Authors: Ngene Ben , Bamigboye Gideon , Agomo Chidiebere , Eneh Kenechukwu , Olajide Olayinka
Published: March 2020

The impact of magnetized water on the strength properties of concrete calls for a holistic appraisal of its effect on the environment of production and use. In this study, the influence of the Magnetic Field Treated Water (MFTW) on the strength of concrete produced under various environments is considered. The work considered three environments of use of magnetized water in concrete with respect to partial replacement of fine aggregate with waste glass; quality of curing medium on mechanical properties of concrete and effect on the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. The three scenarios presented involved preparing and testing concrete cubes made with magnetized water, cement, fine (sand and glass) and coarse (granite) aggregates at various levels of combination and environment of curing. The concrete cubes were cured for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days and the strength and other parameters, such as slump and workability, were compared with conventional concrete in normal environment. It was observed that concrete under self-compacting concrete made with MFTW had a 9.1% increase in compressive strength than normal; for concrete made with clay brick powder and MFTW, both the workability and compressive strength was higher than normal. The magnetized water in concrete with waste glass as partial replacement had higher slump value and 24% increase in compressive strength than conventional concrete. MFTW therefore improves strength development of concrete.
ADOPTION OF CLOUD BASED LEARNING IN INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING
Authors: Kukoyi Olawale , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: March 2020

Every developing nation is moving away from the typical classroom teaching to the evolution of the 21st century. Most developed countries and nations have progressed beyond traditional learning methods in classrooms to virtual environment means of learning, which includes cloud-based learning. However, the same cannot be said of the academic system in institutes of higher learning in Nigeria. Based on this knowledge, this study would aim to look at the challenges faced in the adoption of cloud-based learning and teaching service delivery in institutes of higher learning in Nigeria. It will also consider the benefits and drivers for cloud-based learning in the country. This study shall be conducted using systematic reviews from relevant literature published on cloud-based learning and indexed on top rated databases like Springer, Emerald insight and Scopus. Findings from this study would show the benefits and drivers for adopting cloud-based learning and its impact on those promoting academic productivity in the country, which includes the learners in institutes of higher learning in Nigeria. Further findings from this study will highlight ways to deal with challenges observed from the adoption of cloud-based learning in institutes of higher learning in the country and how governmental support can aid in using cloud-based learning to improve the quality of education delivered in institutes of higher learning in Nigeria as benefited by developed nations across the world.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF RC BEAM-COLUMN JOINT REINFORCED WITH DIFFERENT SUPER ELASTIC SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY TYPES
Authors: Nahar Mumtasirun , Billah A.H.M.M. , Kamal Habibur Rahman , Islam Kamrul
Published: March 2020

Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys (SE SMAs) are smart materials that have the ability to undergo large inelastic deformation upon stress removal (superelasticity) or heating (shape-memory alloy effect). If such smart materials can be used in the plastic hinge regions of reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints as reinforcement, they can undergo large deformations during an earthquake and can return to their undeformed/ original shape after the earthquake. This paper represents the seismic performance of beam-column joint reinforced with three different types of SMA (e.g Ni-Ti, Cu-Al-Mn, Fe based) and compared the result with regular steel-RC beam-column joint. An analytical investigation has been considered to evaluate the seismic performance of smart RC beam-column joint and regular steel-RC joint under reversed cyclic loading. The performance of the beam-column joint is compared in terms of load-story drift ratio and energy dissipation capacity. All SMA-RC beam-column joints show nearly 40-60% higher displacement than steel-RC joint before yielding. Among three types of SMA Ni-Ti dissipate 24% higher energy than any other types of SMA.
POTENTIAL UTILIZATION OF GRANITE WASTE WITH METAKAOLIN IN SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE
Authors: Sharma Ravi K. , Gupta Trilok , Chouhan Digvijay S.
Published: March 2020

Cement production is a crucial factor responsible for climate change and recognized as major environmental challenge for humankind. It causes around 5% of global CO2 emissions resulting in lowering of air quality and human health. Production of cement is highly energy intensive process requiring consumption of depleting limited natural resources. Granite stone is famous for strength, elegance and durability. Enormous quantity of granite slurry waste is generated during processing of granite stone blocks, which adversely affect the fertility of land, environment and society. Metakaolin is an ultrafine pozzolonic and economical alternative to silica fume. It has positive influence on concrete properties because of filling effect and additional pozzolanic reaction. In this experimental investigation replacement level of both granite slurry waste and metakaolin are taken up to 10% as partial replacement of cement. Mechanical and durability properties of modified concrete have been evaluated. It has been shown that optimum replacement level of both materials enhances the compressive and flexural strength. Also, improvement in water permeability and resistance to acid attack has been observed. This study demonstrates that utilization of granite slurry waste and metakaolin as partial replacement of cement will reduce the consumption of cement, which will conserve the natural resource, reduces CO2 emission, energy demand and waste accumulation. Hence, the production of new composite concrete will be sustainable and advantageous to the environment and society.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY RATING SYSTEMS AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Authors: Andrade-Rhor Diana , Montalbán-Domingo Laura , Garcia-Segura Tatiana , Pellicer Eugenio
Published: March 2020

The term sustainability has multidisciplinary use and meaning. Sustainability is typically described by many sources as development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable construction projects are those that ensure the consideration of economic, environmental and social impacts that are created by their activities. It includes all the construction related tasks and the company's management. This research focuses mainly on the criteria of social and environmental sustainability. Social sustainability, whose criteria is based on the classification of company's stakeholders and the project's, and environmental sustainability, also called physical dimensions of sustainability, whose criteria are those related to resources and the environment. This paper aims to recognize the most known sustainability certification systems, how they classify their criteria and rate their metrics. After the research, we can conclude that the certification systems incorporate more metrics for criteria of environmental sustainability than for social sustainability.
STRENGTH, SHRINKAGE, AND PERMEABILITY PERFORMANCE OF SEAWATER CONCRETE
Authors: Younis Adel , Ebead Usama , Suraneni Prannoy , Nanni Antonio
Published: March 2020

Given the increasing global concern of freshwater scarcity, the use of seawater in concrete mixtures appears to be a way forward towards achieving sustainable concrete, especially in the case of non-reinforced concrete applications or with the use of non-corrosive reinforcement. This paper reports on the results of an experimental study to compare the freshwater-and seawater-mixed concretes in terms of their strength, shrinkage and permeability performance. The experimental program included the following: (i) compressive strength test (at 3, 7, 28, and 56-day ages); (ii) concrete shrinkage test (at Days 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 following mixing); and (iii) permeability tests (rapid chloride permeability and water absorption at Days 28 and 56 following mixing). As for the study results, seawater concrete showed a slightly higher early-age (i.e., till Day 7) strength performance than that of freshwater-mixed counterpart, followed by a strength performance that is 7–10% inferior to the freshwater concrete after 28 days or later. Also, the shrinkage of seawater concrete was slightly higher than that of freshwater concrete, with a difference of 5% reported after 56 days following mixing. Finally, the permeability performance of hardened concrete in seawater and freshwater mixtures was similar.
STRESS STATE OF STEEL TUBE OF SQUARE CFT COLUMNS WHICH REACHED SHORT-TERM ALLOWABLE STRENGTH
Authors: Liu Mao , Handa Ryo , Kido Masae , Tsuda Keigo
Published: March 2020

The allowable strength was compared with the yield strength of CFT short columns subjected to constant axial force and horizontal force in previous studies. The yield strength of CFT columns is determined by 2/3 of compressive force of concrete in most cases. And the yield strength of CFT columns is smaller than the allowable strength. However, as an important index representing the damage state of CFT column, the stress state of steel tube when the CFT column reaches the short-term allowable strength is not clarified. The objective of this study is to make clear whether the steel tube yielded when the short-term allowable strength of square CFT column is reached by an analytical method. The analytical parameters are the effective length to depth ratio, axial force ratio and width to thickness ratio. The range of parameters in the cases which the steel tubes yield before the CFT columns reaches the allowable strength are shown and the decrease of stiffness in these cases are discussed.