bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fathers' Involvement in the Family, Fertility, and Maternal Employment: Evidence From Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Fanelli Ester , Profeta Paola
Published: August 2021

For a sample of Central and Eastern European countries, characterized by historically high female labor force participation and currently low fertility rates, we analyze whether fathers' increased involvement in the family (housework and childcare) has the potential of increasing both fertility and maternal employment. Using two waves of the Generations and Gender Survey, we show that more paternal involvement in the family increases the likelihood that the mother will have a second child and work full-time. Men's fertility and work decisions are instead unrelated to mothers' housework and childcare. We also show that fathers' involvement in housework plays a more important role than involvement in childcare. The role of fathers' involvement in housework is confirmed when we consider women who initially wanted or intended to have a child, whose partner also wanted a child, or who intended to continue working.
Phosphorylation of the AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 regulates clathrin-mediated receptor internalization
Authors: Sathler Matheus F. , Khatri Latika , Roberts Jessica P. , Schmidt Isabella G. , Zaytseva Anastasiya , Kubrusly Regina C. C. , Ziff Edward B. , Kim Seonil
Published: August 2021

Synaptic strength is altered during synaptic plasticity by controlling the number of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) at excitatory synapses. During long-term potentiation and synaptic upscaling, AMPARs are accumulated at synapses to increase synaptic strength. Neuronal activity leads to phosphorylation of AMPAR subunit GluA1 (also known as GRIA1) and subsequent elevation of GluA1 surface expression, either by an increase in receptor forward trafficking to the synaptic membrane or a decrease in receptor internalization. However, the molecular pathways underlying GluA1 phosphorylation-induced elevation of surface AMPAR expression are not completely understood. Here, we employ fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to reveal that phosphorylation of GluA1 serine 845 (S845) predominantly plays a role in receptor internalization, rather than forward trafficking, during synaptic plasticity. Notably, internalization of AMPARs depends upon the clathrin adaptor AP2, which recruits cargo proteins into endocytic clathrin-coated pits. In fact, we further reveal that an increase in GluA1 S845 phosphorylation upon two distinct forms of synaptic plasticity diminishes the binding of the AP2 adaptor, reducing internalization and resulting in elevation of GluA1 surface expression. We thus demonstrate a mechanism of GluA1 phosphorylation-regulated clathrin-mediated internalization of AMPARs.
The Correlation between Enjoying Fictional Narratives and Empathy in Japanese Hikikomori
Authors: Panto Francesco , Saito Tamaki , Morita Nobuaki , Ogai Yasukazu
Published: August 2021

Background: Hikikomori is a Japanese social withdrawal phenomenon which, in recent years, is spreading in western developed countries as well. Spending a lot of time secluded indoors, watching and playing with fictional narratives may be relatively common for Hikikomori people and may represent a protective factor for their psychological well-being. 

 Method: We evaluated the role of enjoying fictional narratives on empathy, relaxation, depression, and anxiety in people with Hikikomori experience, in relation to their daily consumption of fictional narratives and their emotional transportation toward fictional narratives. Hikikomori from one psychiatric clinic and three different support facilities were enrolled in this study. Multidimensional empathy scale, CES-D, STAI questionnaire, and relaxation inventory self-report scale were used as outcome measures.      

 Results: We found a significant correlation between empathy and emotional transportation toward fictional narratives and between relaxation during watching and reading fictional narratives and consumption frequency of fictional narratives.  We failed, however, to find any significant correlation with depression and anxiety.  

Conclusions: These findings suggest a possible correlation between fiction and empathy/relaxation response; however, any causal relationship is not proven, consequently we deem that further investigations with a larger sample size are required for a better understanding.
Design Thinking and Creative Technologies in Project Management: Multi-Stage Approach
Authors: Vishnevskaya Natal'ya , Afonina A.
Published: August 2021

The present article is devoted to the issues of applying design thinking and other creative technologies destined at the development of innovational solutions of the existing tasks and restrictions in project management processes. The authors are developing a conceptual framework by defining the focus of application of creative technologies in the project management practice as well as are proposing a custom approach to the application of the relevant instruments based on the project type and its lifecycle phases. The findings are made on the basis of fundamentals of project management, strategic management and design thinking methodology, as well as the authors’ own applied studies and experience in project and program management. The proposed approach allows broadening theoretical learnings on the project lifecycle stages from the perspective of creating and developing business innovations, as well as on the project manager role and skills, which in turn helps to resolve complex issues and controversies connected to the application of the existing project management methods in the organizational development and innovation product creation processes.
O CASO SIMULADO CTS NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES DE QUÍMICA: UM ESTUDO DO ROMPIMENTO DA BARRAGEM EM BRUMADINHO-MG
Authors: Cabral Wallace Alves
Published: August 2021

Esse artigo objetiva investigar algumas dificuldades e desafios encontrados por licenciandos em Química ao vivenciarem a construção e execução de um caso simulado. Tendo como lentes a perspectiva Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade e a Análise de Discurso de Linha Francesa, foi discutido o rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de minério em Brumadinho - MG. A atividade foi organizada em três etapas: construção, execução e avaliação. A partir da personificação dos atores em cada grupo envolvido na problemática (Mineradora, Ambientalistas, ONG e Governo), os acadêmicos vivenciaram o caso simulado. A partir da transcrição da discussão ocorrida na etapa de avaliação, o corpusde análise foi construído. As análises mostraram que a vivência no caso simulado fomentou processos argumentativos, contribuindo para uma posição mais coerente ao levar em conta outros pontos de vista. Apesar da limitação do tempo de execução do caso simulado, essa atividade propiciou discussões para além da sala de aula.
FORMAS ESPACIAIS SIMBÓLICAS QUE REMEMORAM HISTÓRIAS APAGADAS – MARCAS DA TERRITORIALIDADE JUDAICA EM NILÓPOLIS (RJ)
Authors: Albuquerque Enderson , Ribeiro Miguel Angelo
Published: August 2021

A partir de 1928, judeus de origem polonesa e russa migraram para o município de Nilópolis, localizado na Baixada Fluminense, Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. Em razão de sua cultura, esses imigrantes construíram espaços sociais e religiosos para manter suas tradições. Desse modo, nosso objetivo consiste em analisar a construção desses espaços, considerando sua relação com os moradores. Posto isso, o artigo apontou que esses espaços, embora tenham sido marcas territoriais de relevância social e econômica da presença dessa colônia no passado, atualmente encerram apenas manifestações de natureza memorísticas no espaço nilopolitano.
POLÍTICAS DE CONSERVAÇÃO AMBIENTAL E DE IDENTIDADE ÉTNICA NO SÉCULO XXI: PERSPECTIVAS DA ECOLOGIA POLÍTICA, DA HISTÓRIA AMBIENTAL E DA ONTOLOGIA RELACIONAL
Authors: Hoefle Scott William
Published: August 2021

Num contexto global de polarização populista sobre questões ambientais e culturais, uma combinação das abordagens da Ecologia Política, da História Ambiental e da Ontologia Relacional é utilizada para explorar uma terceira via de transformação socioambiental situada entre os extremos da conservação biocêntrica e do desenvolvimento predatório: a conservação socioecológica. A Ecologia Política e a História Ambiental do século XXI mostram como a conservação biocêntica somente zela pela preservação natural e o desenvolvimento predatório favorece apenas alguns interesses econômicos específicos, de forma que ambos promovem ampla exclusão social. Em reação à injustiça ambiental e social, populações rurais históricas buscam formas de resistir ao cerceamento ambiental resultante da conservação biocêntrica global. A perspectiva relacional, por sua vez, permite entender melhor a complexidade e as contradições das estratégias de permanência no lugar que no país são baseadas em reservas de desenvolvimento sustentável e de territórios étnicos. A visão híbrida mesclando as três abordagens é ilustrada em dois casos empíricos, um na Amazônia no qual existe conflito por território entre indígenas e ribeirinhos e outro no Pantanal envolvendo cooperação entre os dois grupos étnicos.
FINANCIAMENTO DA MÍDIA ALTERNATIVA NO BRASIL
Authors: De Magalhães Carvalho Eleonora
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho discute o financiamento da mídia alternativa no Brasil, tendo como objeto a chamada Blogosfera Progressista. O artigo propõe duas amplas categorias principais de financiamento: estratégias de autofinanciamento, que incluem vaquinhas coletivas (crowdfunding) e venda de assinaturas, entre outras; e financiamento via fontes externas ao blog, site ou outro tipo de iniciativa midiática, por meio de recursos provenientes de verbas públicas ou da iniciativa privada, seja ela empresarial ou fruto de subvenção concedida por instituições de fomento, em geral, internacionais. O trabalho conclui que a questão do financiamento se faz importante porque, além de nutrir um ecossistema midiático plural, impacta efetivamente no alcance que cada uma das iniciativas midiáticas alternativas pode ter no sistema midiático do qual faz parte, estimulando o debate público e favorecendo, potencialmente, a qualidade das democracias.
A vestal e o imane: desdobramentos literários do feminino narcísico e confessional na obra e na biografia de Florbela Espanca, escritora modernista portuguesa.
Authors: Freitas Zilda De Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma análise crítica e reflexiva sobre a produção literária e a biografia da escritora portuguesa Florbela Espanca, a partir da representação do feminino como uma vestal e da heroicização do masculino como um imane, no contexto modernista europeu, considerando as reminiscências do espectro mítico narcísico. Fundamenta-se teoricamente o presente texto em ponderações sobre o modernismo lusitano, publicadas por estudiosos como A. Amora e D. Vila Maior, os mitólogos M. Eliade e T. Bulfinch, além de pesquisadores e biógrafos, como A. Bessa Luís, Maria L. Dal Farra, N. Correia e outros leitores da obra florbeliana.
QUAL O LUGAR DE CECÍLIA MEIRELES NA POESIA BRASILEIRA?
Authors: Rückert Gustavo Henrique
Published: August 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar qual o lugar de Cecília Meireles na história da poesia brasileira. Nesse intuito, algumas das principais historiografias literárias do país são abordadas a fim de analisar que imagem de nação elas constroem. Alguns poemas paradigmáticos para essas historiografias são comparados com poemas de Cecília Meireles com o objetivo de compreender quais aspectos de sua lírica divergem da imagem hegemônica veiculada pelas historiografias. Os resultados apontam para a importância do mar como elemento poético de sua obra, configurando uma poesia do deslocamento e da viagem. Desse modo, conclui-se que o lugar de Cecília não é necessariamente o lugar de uma poesia nacional, mas o lugar de uma poesia transnacional, marcada pelo fluxo e pelo contato com diferentes tradições literárias.
The importance of person-centred care and how to achieve it
Authors: Stonehouse David
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the important concept of person-centred care and how this can be achieved. Following an introduction defining what is meant by this term and contrasting it with the term patient-centred care, the relevant and pertinent parts of the Nursing and Midwifery Council code will then be identified and discussed.

The four principles of person-centred care will then be presented. The role of the support worker and nursing associate will be made clear in how the wishes and needs of patients can be gained. Self-awareness, emotional intelligence and communication will be discussed in relation to this.

Finally, two potential barriers to the successful achievement of person-centred care will be identified.
Measuring the Cap Diameter of White Button Mushrooms (
Agaricus bisporus
) by Using Depth Image Processing
Authors: Ji Jiangtao , Sun Jingwei , Jin Xin , Ma Hao , Zhu Xuefeng
Published: August 2021

Highlights

A new background segmentation algorithm for depth image was developed.

Cap diameter of white button mushroom was measured automatically.

The average of diameter measurement error was 4.94%.

This work can provide online decision support for selectively harvesting of
Agaricus bisporus
.

Abstract.
With the increase in the production and yield of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), efficient harvesting has become a challenge. Automatic selective harvesting has gradually become a solution. The diameter of the mushroom cap is an essential indicator of the harvesting standard. To provide guidance for selective harvesting, this article presents a method for target detection and measuring the diameter of mushroom caps by using depth image processing. According to the three-dimensional structure characteristics of the mushroom, a novel method is proposed to segment it from the compost it grows on. In this method, compost is regarded as the floor of the sea and mushrooms as standing islands. With the rise of sea level, the compost is gradually submerged, and the target of Agaricus bisporus is stable. These features were used to realize the background segmentation. After background segmentation, the pixel coordinates of the contour points of the mushroom caps are transformed into world coordinates, and the cap diameter is measured by Hough transform. In total, 380 mushrooms depicted in 25 depth images were used to test the developed algorithms. The results showed that 92.37% of the mushrooms were correctly detected. The missed detection rate was less than 8%, and the false detection rate was 1.96%. The average diameter measurement error was 4.94%, and the average process time to measure a single mushroom was approximately 0.50 s. The method proposed in this article can provide online decision support for automatic selective harvesting of Agaricus bisporus, which can improve the quality and efficiency of its production. Keywords: Background segmentation, Computer vision, Diameter measurement, Edible fungus, Hough transform.
Simulation Analysis and Experimental Research on Silage Corn Crushing and Throwing Device
Authors: Niu Kang , Yang Qizhi , Bai Shenghe , Zhou Liming , Chen Kaikang , Wang Fengzhu , Xiong Shi , Zhao Bo
Published: August 2021

HIGHLIGHTS

The mechanism of straw smashing was analyzed. Factors such as the speed of the cutter shaft, the number of blades, the thickness, and the inclination angle had a greater impact on the theoretical length of the straw section after crushing.

Based on the straw crushing mechanism, the structure of the crushing chamber was designed.

The corn stalk crushing and sending device was trial-produced and field experiments were carried out.

ABSTRACT
. In order to further improve the crushing quality of corn stalks, this research designs a corn stalk crushing and throwing device. First, it introduced the overall structure and working principle, and analyzed the crushing mechanism of corn stalks to obtain the main factors affecting its crushing performance. Then, the crushing blade in the crushing chamber was designed to determine that the number of crushing blades was 10. Kinematics and dynamic balance analysis, and the establishment of a mathematical model, the speed range of the crushing cutter shaft was 530~900 r/min. On this basis, the ADAMS motion simulation software was used to measure the change curves of the restraint force, runout, and acceleration of the shaft end with different speeds of the crushing cutter shaft. The simulation analysis finally determined that when the speed of the crushing knife shaft was 700 r/min, and the working performance of the device was better and meets the requirements of dynamic balance. Finally, the verification test was carried out, and the result shows: when the speed of the crushing knife shaft was 700 r/min, the qualified rate of corn stalk crushing length was 93.65%. Compared with the original silage corn crushing and throwing device, the performance had increased by 4.78%. It meets the standard of corn stalk crushing operation, which can provide a theoretical basis and scientific basis for the design and optimization of corn stalk crushing and returning equipment. Keywords: Crushing mechanism, Dynamic balance, Motion simulation, Silage corn.
Band contour-extraction method based on conformal geometrical algebra for space tumbling targets
Authors: Li Jie , Zhuang Yiqi , Peng Qi , Zhao Liang
Published: August 2021

To remove space debris actively, the key step is choosing a suitable capturing method. The size characteristics of space debris are an important factor that affects the capturing method. This paper presents a contour-extracting algorithm for rolling targets, such as space debris. The representation of the point in Euclidean space is converted to a conformal space to obtain candidate contour points through the computational geometric and topological relationships among the points, lines, and surfaces in a high-dimensional space. By combining this conversion with the multiview stitching algorithm, the complete candidate contour point model is obtained. The final contour points are extracted by determining the concave and convex points in conformal space. Simulation results prove that the unified expression of the geometric features in conformal space not only reduces the computational complexity but also increases the speed of the contour point extraction. The method proposed in this paper is superior to other methods in terms of measurement accuracy, speed, and robustness; in particular, the accuracy increased by 60%.
Floquet–Bloch eigenwaves and bandgaps in a di-periodic potential
Authors: Ruz-Cuen Juan P. , Gutiérrez-Vega Julio C.
Published: August 2021

We present general solutions to the Schrödinger equation for a di-periodic potential composed of two frequencies, thus generalizing the standard sinusoidal potential. The Schrödinger equation with a di-periodic potential becomes a three-term Whittaker–Hill equation that is solved by two different approaches. The first is applying the central equation formalism, which allows determining the Floquet–Bloch eigenwaves and band structure as a function of the potential parameters. In the second approach, we transform the Whittaker–Hill equation into an Ince equation with a suitable change of variable. In this case, we get a complete set of orthogonal solutions described by Ince functions. The well-known Mathieu functions obtained with purely sinusoidal potentials are a special case of Ince functions.
Ultra-dense perfect optical orbital angular momentum multiplexed holography
Authors: Zhu Guoxuan , Bai Zhiyong , Chen Jiayan , Huang Churou , Wu Luping , Fu Cailing , Wang Yiping
Published: August 2021

Optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been recently implemented in holography technologies as an independent degree of freedom for boosting information capacity. However, the holography capacity and fidelity suffer from the limited space-bandwidth product (SBP) and the channel crosstalk, albeit the OAM mode set exploited as multiplexing channels is theoretically unbounded. Here, we propose the ultra-dense perfect OAM holography, in which the OAM modes are discriminated both radially and angularly. As such, the perfect OAM mode set constructs the two-dimensional spatial division multiplexed holography (conventional OAM holography is 1D). The extending degree of freedom enhances the holography capacity and fidelity. We have demonstrated an ultra-fine fractional OAM holography with the topological charge resolution of 0.01. A 20-digit OAM-encoded holography encryption has also been exhibited. It harnesses only five angular OAM topological charges ranging from -16 to +16. The SBP efficiency is about 20 times larger than the conventional phase-only OAM holography. This work paves the way to compact, high-security and high-capacity holography.
On-chip optical interconnection using integrated germanium light emitters and photodetectors
Authors: Tani Kazuki , Okumura Tadashi , Oda Katsuya , Deura Momoko , Ido Tatemi
Published: August 2021

Germanium (Ge) is an attractive material for monolithic light sources and photodetectors, but it is not easy to integrate Ge light sources and photodetectors because their optimum device structures differ. In this study, we developed a monolithically integrated Ge light emitting diode (LED) that enables current injection at high density and a Ge photodiode (PD) having low dark current, and we fabricated an on-chip optical interconnection system consisting of the Ge LED, Ge PD, and Si waveguide. We investigated the properties of the fabricated Ge LED and PD and demonstrated on-chip optical interconnection.
Null screens to evaluate the shape of freeform surfaces: progressive addition lenses
Authors: Huerta-Carranza Oliver , Avendaño-Alejo Maximino , Díaz-Uribe Rufino
Published: August 2021

We propose a method for measuring the shape of freeform surfaces such as Progressive Addition Lenses (PAL). It is based on optical deflectometry by considering a non-uniform pattern of spots computed by using the null-screen method. This pattern is displayed on a flat LCD monitor being reflected on the freeform under test and whose image is recorded on a CCD camera placed at a predefined off-axis position. We use one image to calibrate the experimental setup and another to measure the freeform surface. We develop an iterative algorithm to retrieve the surface under test and calculate the spherical and cylindrical dioptric powers of the frontal freeform of a commercial PAL under test.
Ultra-broadband and ultra-compact polarization beam splitter based on a tapered subwavelength-grating waveguide and slot waveguide
Authors: Mao Simei , Cheng Lirong , Zhao Caiyue , Fu H. Y.
Published: August 2021

In this work, we propose an ultra-broadband and ultra-compact polarization beam splitter (PBS) on a standard silicon-on-isolator platform. Assisted by a tapered subwavelength-grating waveguide and a slot waveguide, the working bandwidth of the directional-coupler-based PBS covers the entire O-, E-, S-, C-, L- and U-bands and the coupling length is only 4.6 µm. The insertion losses (ILs) of the device are simulated to be less than 0.8 dB and the extinction ratios (ERs) are larger than 10.9 dB at the wavelength range of 1260-1680 nm for both TE and TM polarizations. The experimental results show the average ILs are less than 1 dB for both polarizations at our measured wavelength ranges, which are consistent with the simulation results. It has the largest 1-dB bandwidth among all the reported broadband PBSs to the best of our knowledge.
Nanofocusing of a metallized double periodic arranged nanocone array for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Lu , Meng Chao , Zhang Guanghong , Bai Donghui , Gao Feng , Xu Lei , Zhang Wending , Mei Ting , Zhao Jianlin
Published: August 2021

A plasmonic double periodic arranged nanocone array (DPANA) integrated by nanotips and nanogaps exhibit strong capability of light compression, and thus lead to extremely enhanced electric near-field intensity. The DPANA is fabricated by the self-assembled mask integrated with the inductively couple plasma (ICP) etching technology. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations suggest that the metallized DPANA can generate a strong hotspot at the sharp tip apex and the nanogap between adjacent sharp tips. The electric-field enhancement characteristic is firstly verified with the help of the second-order surface nonlinear optical response of the metallized DPANA. The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) examination of the metallized DPANA exhibits high sensitivity due to clearly presenting the Raman spectra of Rhodamine-6G (R6G) with concentrations down to 10 pM and has excellent uniformity, time stability, and recyclability, simultaneously. Furthermore, the principle demonstration of SERS practical application is also performed for thiram. This as-prepared SERS substrate has great potential application for trace amount detection.
Fast dynamic correction algorithm for model-based wavefront sensorless adaptive optics in extended objects imaging
Authors: Ren Hongxi , Dong Bing
Published: August 2021

A major concern for wavefront sensorless adaptive optics (WFSless AO) is how to improve the algorithm’s efficiency which is critical for dynamic aberration correction. For extended objects and dynamic aberration, a typical model-based WFSless AO algorithm is called “3N” which uses three image measurements to estimate each aberration mode and then corrects it immediately. The three images include an initial aberrated image and two biased images with deliberately introduced predetermined positive or negative modal aberrations. In this paper, an improved algorithm called “2N” that requires only one biased image is proposed. The reduction of one biased image is achieved by the estimation of a parameter that is considered unknown in the 3N algorithm. It is demonstrated that the 2N algorithm can achieve convergence with less image measurements and have better performance in dynamic correction.
Conversion of LP11 modes to vortex modes in a gradually twisted highly birefringent optical fiber
Authors: Bernas Marta , Zolnacz Kinga , Napiorkowski Maciej , Statkiewicz-Barabach Gabriela , Urbanczyk Waclaw
Published: August 2021

We experimentally demonstrate the possibility of quasi-adiabatic conversion of

L
P

11

modes to vortex modes in a twisted highly birefringent fiber with a gradually increasing twist rate. Based on the value of the effective indices, the

L
P

11

modes are selectively converted to right- and left-handed circularly polarized vortex modes

H
E

21

with a total angular momentum of

±

2

and to quasi-

T
E

01

/

T
M

01

modes with a total angular momentum of 0. Since the proposed conversion method has a purely topological origin, it is broadband in nature, in contrast to the methods based on resonant effects.
Experimental demonstration of remotely powered, controlled, and monitored optical switching based on laser-delivered signals
Authors: Fallahpour Ahmad , Minoofar Amir , Alishahi Fatemeh , Zou Kaiheng , Idres Samer , Hashemi Hossein , Habif Jonathan , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: August 2021

We experimentally demonstrate remotely powered, controlled, and monitored optical switching. The control signal of the switch is modulated on an optical wave and sent from a transmitter. At the switch location, the control signal is converted from an optical to an electrical signal to drive the switch. In addition, to provide electrical power at the switch location, optical power is sent from a distance and converted to electrical power using a series of photodiodes. We experimentally demonstrate (a) 1 Gb/s on-off keying data channel transmission and switching with a 1 MHz optically delivered control signal, and (b) 40 Gb/s quadrature phase-shift keying data channel transmission and remotely monitoring switch state and bias drift. The switching function is demonstrated without using any local electrical power supply. Moreover, the monitoring tones are transmitted to the remote switch and fed back to the transmitter to realize a switch state and detect the bias drift.
Free carrier induced dark pulse generation in microresonators
Authors: Liu Mulong , Shi Wenmi , Sun Qiyuan , Huang Huimin , Lu Zhizhou , Wang Yuanyuan , Cai Yanan , Wang Chang , Li Yao , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2021

We theoretically demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, mechanism for dark pulse excitation in normal dispersion microresonators exploiting free carrier dispersion and free carrier absorption effects due to multi-photon absorption. Dark pulses can be generated in the three- and four-photon absorption regimes in the presence or absence of external reverse bias to control the lifetime of free carriers, respectively. Direct generation of dark pulses is proven to be feasible in both regimes with a frequency fixed laser. The dynamics of their temporal and spectral evolution have also been investigated. Our findings establish a reliable path for dark pulse and Kerr microcomb generation in related platforms with simplified controlling and tuning techniques.
Event based coherence scanning interferometry
Authors: Schober Christian , Pruss Christof , Faulhaber Andreas , Herkommer Alois
Published: August 2021

Coherence scanning interferometry enables high precision measurements in manifold research and industry applications. In most modern systems, a digital camera (CCD/CMOS) is used to record the interference signals for each pixel. When measuring steep surfaces or using light sources with a broad wavelength spectrum, only a small area of the sensor captures useable interference signals in one frame, so a large fraction of pixels is unused. To overcome this problem and enable measurements with high dynamic range and high scan speeds, we propose the use of an event based image sensor. In these sensors, each pixel independently registers only changes in the signal, which leads to a continuous asynchronous pixel stream of information not based on fixed frame capturing. In this Letter, we show the signal generation, an implementation in a coherence scanning microscope in combination with the nanopositioning and nanometrology machine NPMM-200, and first measurements as promising results for event based interferometry.
Label-free imaging and classification of live P. falciparum enables high performance parasitemia quantification without fixation or staining
Authors: Lebel Paul , Dial Rebekah , Vemuri Venkata N. P. , Garcia Valentina , DeRisi Joseph , Gómez-Sjöberg Rafael
Published: August 2021

Manual microscopic inspection of fixed and stained blood smears has remained the gold standard for Plasmodium parasitemia analysis for over a century. Unfortunately, smear preparation consumes time and reagents, while manual microscopy is skill-dependent and labor-intensive. Here, we demonstrate that deep learning enables both life stage classification and accurate parasitemia quantification of ordinary brightfield microscopy images of live, unstained red blood cells. We tested our method using both a standard light microscope equipped with visible and near-ultraviolet (UV) illumination, and a custom-built microscope employing deep-UV illumination. While using deep-UV light achieved an overall four-category classification of Plasmodium falciparum blood stages of greater than 99% and a recall of 89.8% for ring-stage parasites, imaging with near-UV light on a standard microscope resulted in 96.8% overall accuracy and over 90% recall for ring-stage parasites. Both imaging systems were tested extrinsically by parasitemia titration, revealing superior performance over manually-scored Giemsa-stained smears, and a limit of detection below 0.1%. Our results establish that label-free parasitemia analysis of live cells is possible in a biomedical laboratory setting without the need for complex optical instrumentation. We anticipate future extensions of this work could enable label-free clinical diagnostic measurements, one day eliminating the need for conventional blood smear analysis.
Relationships between patterns of cannabis use, abuse and dependence and recent stimulant use: Evidence from two national surveys in Ireland
Authors: Millar Seán R. , Mongan Deirdre , O’Dwyer Claire , Smyth Bobby P. , Perry Ivan J. , Galvin Brian
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives

Epidemiological studies show that the use of cannabis is related to the use of other illicit drugs, including stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy. However, few studies have examined how patterns of cannabis use relate to the use of stimulants. In this research we determined relationships between patterns of cannabis use and recent stimulant use, drawing on data from two large nationally representative surveys. We also explored how frequency of cannabis use relates to stimulant use and whether subjects with a cannabis use disorder (CUD)–defined as cannabis abuse or dependence–are more likely to be recent users of cocaine or ecstasy.

Materials and methods

We analysed data from Ireland’s 2010/11 and 2014/15 National Drug Prevalence Surveys,which recruited 5,134 and 7,005 individuals respectively, aged 15 years and over, living in private households. We included only those people who reported some past cannabis use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between patterns of cannabis use and recent stimulant use.

Results

Among survey participants who had used cannabis in the last month, 17.9% reported recent cocaine use, while almost one-quarter (23.6%) reported recent ecstasy use. There was a significant linear relationship between patterns of cannabis use and recent use of cocaine, ecstasy or any stimulant, with last month cannabis users displaying greater odds (OR = 12.03, 95% CI: 8.15–17.78) of having recent stimulant use compared to last year (OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 2.91–6.91) and former (reference) cannabis users. Greater frequency of cannabis use in the last 30 days was also significantly related to the use of stimulants. In addition, results demonstrated an association between CUD and recent use of cocaine or ecstasy (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.55–3.35).

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest a relationship between patterns and frequency of cannabis use and recent use of stimulants and an association between CUD and stimulant use. As the use of cannabis with stimulants may increase the risk of negative health consequences, education in community and medical settings about polydrug use and its increased risks may be warranted.
Treatment pathways traversed by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients: A mixed-method study
Authors: Kaur Ishwarpreet , Suri Vanita , Rana Satya Vati , Singh Amarjeet
Published: August 2021

Background

This study was undertaken to explore the treatment-seeking pathways traversed by women with PCOS and elicit their behavior, experiences and perspectives regarding it.

Methods

This concurrent mixed-method study was conducted on 18–40 years old women diagnosed with PCOS at the Gynecology outpatient department, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Of the 275 women, who were administered a questionnaire to elicit their treatment-seeking behavior, 62 willing participants were subjected to in-depth interviews. Quantitative responses were descriptively analyzed and presented as count, proportion, mean or median. Framework analysis was performed for the qualitative data. The findings of both types of data were triangulated to construct the pathways to treatment traversed by PCOS patients.

Findings

Many (~45%) respondents had no information regarding PCOS. Only 9.1% received some information from their doctors. Though the internet was the primary source of information for 37.5% of respondents, they expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of information. Multiple health care agencies were consulted by most (85.8%) of the respondents. Allopathy was the preferred choice of treatment. The average delay in initiating the treatment was 3 months. The major reasons for this were ignorance, the concept of ‘normality’ and ‘endurance’. Deviations from the normal self (like irregular-menstruation, obesity, hirsutism, infertility) were the concern that led them to consult a doctor. They were also dissatisfied with the treatment due to a late diagnosis, lack of relief, taboo, side-effects, expenses involved and the need for repeated laboratory tests. Participants’ course of treatment was influenced by the interplay of individual, distress, health-system, and social-economic factors.

Conclusions

Women with PCOS were dissatisfied with the quality of the information and treatment received. There were treatment delays. The patients consulted multiple health agencies, including indigenous therapies, in the hope of relief. The findings provide an empirical basis on points to focus on for building better coping strategies for managing the condition.
Level of non-adherence and its associated factors among adults on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Tadesse Abay Woday , Urmale Mare Kusse , Melaku Mequannent Sharew , Ibrahim Ibrahim Mohammed , Ahmed Osman , Ebrahim Oumer Abdulkadir , Wagris Mohammed , Menber Yonatan , Kassa Ayesheshim Muluneh
Published: August 2021

Background

In Ethiopia, nearly one-third of people living with human immunodeficiency viruses do not adhere to antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, information regarding non-adherence and its associated factors among adults on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of non-adherence and its associated factors among adults on first-line antiretroviral therapy in North Shewa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 326 participants selected by systematic random sampling technique from the five randomly selected public health facilities. Data were collected using the questionnaire adapted from the studies conducted previously and the collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14 for further analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done and an adjusted odds ratio with its corresponding 95% confidence interval was used to declare a statistical significance.

Results

The overall prevalence of non-adherence was 17.4% [95% CI: (12.8%, 21.2%)]. Patients with no formal education [AOR (95% CI) = 5.57 (1.97, 15.88)], those who did not use memory aids to take their medications [AOR (95% CI) = 3.01 (1.27, 7.11)], travel more than 10 kilometers to visit the nearby antiretroviral therapy clinics [AOR (95% CI) = 2.42 (1.22, 25.86)], those who used substance [AOR (95% CI) = 3.57 (1.86, 28.69)], and patients whose medication time interfered with their daily routine activities [AOR (95% CI) = 15.46 (4.41, 54.28) had higher odds of having non-adherence to first-line antiretroviral therapy compared to their counter groups.

Conclusion

The level of non-adherence to first-line antiretroviral therapy was 17.4%, higher compared to WHO’s recommendation. Hence, patients counseling focused on avoiding substance use, use memory aids, and adjusting working time with medication schedule are very crucial. Furthermore, the ministry of health and the regional health bureau with other stakeholders should expand antiretroviral therapy service delivery at health facilities that are close to the community to address distance barriers.
The ability of continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound to detect fetal growth restriction
Authors: Feucht Ute , Mulol Helen , Vannevel Valerie , Pattinson Robert
Published: August 2021

Background

Fetal growth restriction (FGR), defined as a fetus failing to reach its genetic growth potential, remains poorly diagnosed antenatally. This study aimed to assess the ability of continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery (CWD-UmA) to detect FGR in healthy women with low-risk pregnancies.

Methods and findings

This prospective longitudinal descriptive cohort study enrolled infants born to low-risk mothers who were screened with CWD-UmA between 28–34 weeks’ gestation; the resistance index (RI) was classified as normal or abnormal. Infants were assessed at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and 6 months postnatally for anthropometric indicators and body composition using the deuterium dilution method to assess fat-free mass (FFM). Neonates in the abnormal RI group were compared with those in the normal RI group, and neonates classified as small-for-gestational age (SGA) were compared with appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates.

Eighty-one term infants were included. Only 6 of 26 infants (23.1%) with an abnormal RI value would have been classified as SGA. The abnormal RI group had significantly reduced mean FFM and FFM-for-age Z-scores at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and 6 months compared with the normal RI group (P<0.015). The SGA group’s FFM did not show this consistent trend when compared to AGA FFM, being significantly different only at 6 months (P = 0.039).

The main limitation of the study was the small sample size of the infant follow-up.

Conclusions

Abnormal RI obtained from CWD-UmA is able to detect FGR and is considered a useful addition to classifying the neonate only by SGA or AGA at birth.
Experiments in cinematic biography: Ken Gampu’s early life in the cinema
Authors: Modisane Litheko
Published: August 2021

Contemporary scholarship on South African film is yet to address the participation of Black actors in film production, exhibition and publicity. The actors’ interpretive roles in the films, their memories and experiences, and the contradictions of their participation in colonial films and beyond, form part of an unexplored and hidden archive in South African film scholarship. This article focuses on Ken Gampu’s early life in the cinema by reflecting on his participation in two films: a western The Hellions and the drama Dingaka. Gampu was a well-known South African actor and also the first Black actor from that country to succeed in Hollywood. This article proposes an experimental methodology of life-writing called ‘cinematic biography’. It shows that the cinematic lives of the marginalized and colonized actors harbour critical potential in enriching the critical perspectives on the cinema and cinematic cultures in South Africa and beyond.
A School Perspective on School-Embedded Initial Teacher Education
Authors:   NSW Department of Education, Galvin Anne , Ryan Pamela ,   University of Technology Sydney, McKenna Kylie ,   University of Technology Sydney, Pollard Megan ,   NSW Department of Education
Published: August 2021

School-university partnerships have been developed to invigorate initial teacher education (ITE). Such partnerships potentially offer rich educational opportunities to pre-service teachers. This paper examines integrated and school-embedded approaches to ITE in the Australian context, drawing on a case study analysis of a three-year, ITE school-university-system partnership named inSITE. inSITE is explored from the perspective of the school educators directly involved in its design and delivery. Complexity science provided the theoretical framework for inSITE and signalled its principles of holism, integration and reflective practice. The factors that contributed to and inhibited school-based initial teacher education from a school’s perspective are identified. The paper concludes that, given conducive conditions, an integrated, embedded and reflective approach can address the prevailing theory-practice dualism of ITE and may offer an important third way to prepare new teachers. The challenges and opportunities for school-embedded ITE in Australia are highlighted.
The Mediating Role of Self-Directed Learning Readiness in the Relationship Between Teaching-Learning Conceptions and Lifelong Learning Tendencies
Authors:   Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Turkey, Karataş Kasım , Şentürk Cihad ,   Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Turkey, Teke Aziz ,   Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Turkey
Published: August 2021

In this study, the mediating role of readiness for self-directed learning in the relationship between pre-service teachers’ teaching-learning approach and lifelong learning skills was examined. The study group consisted of 800 pre-service teachers studying in different universities in Turkey. Data were collected with three different scales. The analysis of the data was carried out using structural equation modelling. According to the findings obtained and the results of the mediation analysis, it is clear that the readiness of self-directed learning in the relationship between constructivist teaching-learning, which is one of the learning teaching approaches, and lifelong learning tendencies has a full mediating role. However, there was no significant relationship between traditional teaching-learning approach and lifelong learning tendencies and readiness for self-directed learning. As a result, the type of learning-teaching approach affects readiness for self-directed learning and therefore lifelong learning tendencies.
Do Preservice Teachers Believe They Use the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to Inform Their Professional Learning?
Authors:   University of the Sunshine Coast, Call Kairen , Christie Michael ,   University of the Sunshine Coast, Simon Sue ,   University of the Sunshine Coast
Published: August 2021

Professional standards for teachers are being used around the globe to educate, certify, promote and regulate the ongoing professional practice and learning of teachers. In Australia, the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), in part, aim to support the professional learning of teachers from the Graduate to Lead Teacher career stages. Preservice teachers have been identified as being positive about the APST, and their uptake with the standards at the Graduate level appears to be increasing over time. However, our research shows that preservice teachers are not making the connection between the APST and their professional learning. This paper will present seminal research detailing trends in preservice teacher use of the APST aligned to their professional learning within the theoretical and practical components of their study.
A Study on the Efficacy of Saline Nasal Irrigation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ramachandran Rachana , Pillai Santhi Thankappan
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to test as to whether daily saline nasal irrigation improved sinus symptoms in adult subjects with chronic rhino sinusitis, and also study the safety of saline irrigation, incidence of any complication and improvement in quality of life in these patients. METHODS This was a prospective observational study conducted between two groups of patients at Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha. Patients who satisfied the criteria for diagnosing chronic rhino sinusitis were included in the study. The first group was given saline nasal irrigation with oral drug therapy while the second group was put on oral drugs alone. Each subject was given a pretested, structured questionnaire. Along with socio-demographic information, the questionnaire also contained queries of quality of life measure, compliance of nasal irrigation and adverse effects following its use. RESULTS The pre-treatment scores and post treatment scores were analysed and the results were statistically significant with P values of < 0.001 in all. 77 % of the patients in the saline irrigation group were strictly using saline nasal irrigation which meant a satisfactory compliance and the improvement in post treatment scores was statistically highly significant with a P value of < 0.001. Also there was a statistically significant difference between the mean pre-test and post test scores of the two groups with P value of < 0.001 and t value of 51.942 using the paired t test. CONCLUSIONS Chronic rhinosinusitis has a major negative impact on the healthcare and economy of not only the patients but also of the society. Saline nasal irrigation is an effective yet easy method of therapy in alleviating the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis and improving the quality of life in these chronic sufferers. KEY WORDS Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Saline Nasal Irrigation, Quality of Life, Economic Burden