bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary and alternative interventions for stroke recovery – a narrative overview of the published evidence
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Stroke survivors dissatisfied with their progress often seek complementary and alternative interventions (CAI). This paper reviews the evidence for CAIs in stroke recovery.

Methods

A literature search was performed for publications until December 2019 of CAI for stroke in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED. Evidence was assessed according to Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine criteria.

Results

In a meta-analysis, acupuncture reduced death or dependency compared to control at the end of follow-up and over the long term (≥3 months), OR 0.61(95%CI 0.46–0.79) and OR 0.67(95%CI 0.53–0.85) respectively, but was neutral against sham acupuncture. A Cochrane review of acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture in subacute or chronic stroke vs. showed no differences in motor function and quality of life. Three trials found favourable effects of moxibustion on motor function (SMD=0.72, 95%CI 0.37–1.08, p<0.0001). Two trials showed cupping compared to acupuncture reduced hemiplegic shoulder pain and upper-limb ‘myodynamia’. A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicines for ischaemic stroke showed marked improvement in neurological deficit on stroke scales. There was no evidence for Ayurveda, homoeopathy or reiki. Tui-na reduced the Modified Ashworth Scale in some muscle groups. Marma massage improved Motricity Index and trunk control. Thai massage and herbal treatments improved the Barthel Index. On meta-analysis, Yoga improved memory and anxiety, while tai-chi improved activities of daily living, balance and walking ability. Studies were generally of poor quality.

Conclusions

The evidence for benefit of CAIs for stroke recovery is weak. More research is needed to justify these treatments for stroke, by well-conducted, adequately-sized, double-blinded, randomized controlled trials.
Efficacy of prayer in inducing immediate physiological changes: a systematic analysis of objective experiments
Authors: Chin Felix , Chou Ryan , Waqas Muhammad , Vakharia Kunal , Rai Hamid , Levy Elad , Holmes David
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess the immediate impact of prayer on physiological state by systematically reviewing objective, controlled experimental studies in the literature.

Content

Experimental studies measuring objective physiological changes induced by prayer. Studies containing the keyword, “Prayer” anywhere in the title or abstract were curated from the following databases: Public/Publisher Medline (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) in May 2019. Titles and abstracts were screened with the remaining 30 articles analyzed for inclusion. Only experimental studies were included.

Eight experimental studies were identified of which five investigated neurocognitive changes and three investigated systemic physiological changes during prayer. The five studies focusing on neuroactivity used functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography or SPECT imaging to obtain measurements. The remaining three studies analyzed an array of systemic physiological metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral resistance, baroreceptor sensitivity and/or cardiovascular rhythm variability during prayer. All studies aside from one saw objective changes during prayer. Neurocognitive changes were mainly associated with improved mental functioning, control and pain tolerance. Prayer was found to slow down physiological functions in two of the three vital-based studies, with the third reporting no change in physiological status. None of the studies measured blood marker changes.

Outlook

Experimental studies show prayer to induce healthy neurocognitive and physiological changes. Additional studies exploring objective measures from prayer are encouraged to provide practitioners with a more nuanced, scientific perspective when it comes to prescribing prayer as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy.
Understanding Humma-e-Wabai (epidemic fever) and Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic disease) in the light of Unani medicine
Authors: Alam Md Anzar , Quamri Mohd Aleemuddin , Ayman Umme , Sofi Ghulamuddin , Renuka Bangalore Nagaraj
Published: February 2021

The pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of Humma-e-Wabai were described several years ago in the Unani System of Medicine close to the clinical manifestation associated with epidemic or pandemic situations. In the Unani System of Medicine, Humma-e-Wabai described under the legend of epidemic disease (Amraz-e-Wabai). Amraz-e-Wabai is an umbrella term which is applied for all types of epidemic or pandemic situation. Renowned Unani Scientists like; Zakariya Rhazi (865–925 AD), Ali Ibn Abbas Majusi (930–994 AD), Ibn Sina (980–1037 AD), Ismail Jorjani (1,042–1,137 AD), Ibn Rushd etc., explained that Humma-e-Waba is an extremely rigorous, lethal fever, that is caused due to morbid air (fasid hawa) and it frequently spreads among the larger population in the society. There are four etiological factors responsible for Amraz-e-Wabai viz; change in the quality of air, water, earth, and celestial bodies, which was described by Ibn Sina in Canon of Medicine. He also advised that movements should be limited during epidemic situations. Shelters should be fumigated with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Oodkham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Hing (Ferula foetida L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and sandalwood (Santalum album L.), etc. The use of vinegar (sirka) and rose water (arque gulab) has been advocated to prevent the infection by spray. Avoid consumption of flesh, oil, milk, sweets, alcohol. Food prepared with vinegar. Specific antidotes (e.g. Tiryaq-e-Wabai, Tiryaq-e-Farooque), should be used as prophylaxis. This review attempts to explain the concept, prevention, and management of epidemic or pandemic situations.
The effects of Tx./Rx. pointing errors on the performance efficiency of local area optical wireless communication networks
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih , Ahammad Mohd. Sultan , Paul Bikash Kumar , Ahmed Kawsar
Published: February 2021

This study presents the effects of Tx./Rx. pointing errors on the performance efficiency of local area optical wireless communication networks. The received signal power and max Q factor are measured in the presence of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) bias current and modulation current at maximum propagation distance for the wireless network. The signal is enhanced with increasing of bias and modulation peak currents of the VCSEL device. The optimum received power and max. Q factor is also examined at Tx./Rx. the pointing error of 0.1 mrad and propagation reach of 5 km at available bit rates transmission of 10 Gb/s.
BER performance analysis of FSO using hybrid-SIM technique with APD receiver over weak and strong turbulence channels
Authors: Giri Rajat Kumar
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a hybrid-subcarrier-intensity-modulation (hybrid-SIM) technique for the performance improvement of free-space-optical (FSO) communication system has been proposed. Subsequently, for further error performance improvement, avalanche photodiode (APD) based receiver is used in the proposed system. The system performance is analyzed at various atmospheric turbulence levels over weak and strong turbulence channels. The bit error rate (BER) is theoretically derived using Gauss–Hermite approximation and Meijer-G function and it is simulated in the MATLAB environment. The simulation result shows that the BER performance of hybrid-SIM is better than BPSK-SIM technique irrespective of the channel types and also the significant BER performance improvement is observed by APD receiver.
A simple but accurate method for prediction of splice loss in mono-mode dispersion shifted and dispersion flattened fibers in presence of Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Rakshit Ramkrishna , Majumdar Angshuman , Gangopadhyay Sankar
Published: February 2021

This paper estimates transmission coefficient at the splice of single-mode dispersion shifted trapezoidal and dispersion flattened graded and step W fibers in presence as well as in absence of Kerr nonlinearity. We restrict our analysis for both angular and transverse offsets only since splices are highly tolerant in respect of longitudinal mismatch. Here, we apply method of iteration involving Chebyshev formalism in order to take care of Kerr nonlinearity. The concerned investigation requires very little computation. It has been shown that our results match excellently with the exact results both in absence as well as in presence of Kerr nonlinearity. Considering that prediction of exact results in presence of Kerr nonlinearity requires application of rigorous finite element technique, our formalism in this context can be treated as a simple alternative to the existing method. Thus, this user friendly method generates ample scope for many useful applications in the field of nonlinear photonics involving such kinds of fiber.
Characterization of terrestrial FSO link performance for 850 and 1310 nm transmission wavelengths
Authors: Anuranjana  , Kaur Sanmukh , Goyal Rakesh
Published: February 2021

Over past few years, optical wireless communication has gained increased interest due to high achievable data rates, unlicensed bandwidth, inherited secure links and ease of deployment. In this paper, we analyse the performance of terrestrial free space optical (FSO) communication link considering internal parameters of the system. The performance of the system has been investigated and optimized by examining quality factor of the received signal considering different input powers, type of detectors, link ranges, beam divergence, data rates and modulation schemes employing 850 and 1310 nm transmission wavelength. Better quality of received signal has been achieved in case of different modulation schemes at a wavelength of 1310 as compared to 850 nm.
Analysis of nonlinear behavior of multimode spatial laser beams with high stability and coherence for medical applications
Authors: Rani Monika , Sharma Natasha
Published: February 2021

The laser light is characterized by high degree of directionality, monochromaticity, coherence and spectral brightness. In this manuscript, we have designed and analyzed multimode spatial laser beam. A multimode generator is used to produce four individual polarization modes (LG00, LG22, LG30 and LG31) of laser beam which further converted into thin profiles of individuals and weighted sum of modes. The circular and square aperture effect also make them more stable and coherence as compare to conventional laser beam. Various mode profiles of the beam including single mode and multimode have been shown in results. The combined design of multimode spatial laser beam is simple in construction, cost effective and precise.
Cascaded stages of parametric optical fiber amplifiers with Raman fiber amplifiers for upgrading of telecommunication networks through optical wireless communication channel
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M.A. , Shehata Eslam , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: February 2021

This paper contains a main model which concludes a two optical fiber cable along 70 km and with Parametric/Raman amplifiers with a result of total power 0.781 dBm that computed by the optical power meter which is located before the receiver part and the second optical fiber channel, a total power −44.186 dBm at the end of model which is computed by the electrical power meter visualizer, and a max. Q factor 2.548 computed by the BER analyzer. The suggested model has outlined some updates on the previous model to improve the results so that the results are increased at the same length as the following: total power of optical signal becomes 10.039 dBm, total power of electrical signal becomes 0.624 dBm, and the max. Q factor becomes 9.60787.
Simulative study on the cascaded stages of traveling wave semiconductor optical amplifiers based multiplexing schemes for fiber optic systems improvement
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Mohammed Abd El-Naser A. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: February 2021

This study has outlined the performance analysis of the cascade traveling-wave optical amplifier (Semiconductor optical amplifier [SOA]) with multiplexing techniques based on fiber communication transceiver systems. The maximum Quality factor is measured against signal power. Signal input power level is enhanced by using the suggested model with previous model. The low pass Bessel filter removes the unwanted ripples from the original signal. The suggested model has clarified better performance efficiency than the previous model.
An ultra-dense spacing-based PON by incorporating dual drive Mach–Zehnder modulator for comb generation
Authors: Singh Navjot , Naresh Bansal Bharat
Published: February 2021

Wavelength division multiplexed passive optical is promising technique to achieve a high data rate and large number of user. The notable advantages of WDM PON is the combination of reliability, cheap in cost, accessible bandwidth, high security, large optical reach and it can support large number of ONU. There are multiple approaches to achieve high-speed WDN PON using different transmission techniques. In WDM, multiple lasers are required which increase the cost of the system. To reduce cost, an optical multicarrier generation system is proposed. An economical multiple carrier generation with the incorporation of sine generator and Mach–Zehndar modulator is demonstrated. Utmost work of sine generator and dual drive modulator was to attain low cost functioning of passive optical networks. Multicarrier generation was done and replacement of laser carriers with optical multicarrier generator. Carriers were generated with the frequency spacing of 20 GHz and these carriers were used in the passive optical networks with the tone-to-noise ratio of 40 dB, amplitude difference of 1.4 dB. For the transmission of downstream in the PON, differential phase shift keying was employed at 10 Gbps data speed. Transmission distance achieved was 30 km using single-mode fiber and this was a part of optical distribution network. Optical network unit was next part after ODN and signals were received with balanced receiver. Moreover, half signal was given to intensity modulator for the signal re-modulation. Bit error rate of 10–9 was achieved at all channels in the downstream. An upstream of 10 Gbps was accomplished in the passive optical network.
The use of 3D printing for osteopathic medical education of rib disorders
Authors: Moriles Kevin , Ramnot Amanda , Lai Michael , Jacobs Robin J. , Qureshi Yasmin
Published: February 2021

Context

With the advent of increasingly accessible three-dimensional (3D) printing, the possibility to efficiently design and generate prototype innovations is also increasing. This type of manufacturing can potentially enhance medical education by allowing design of models specific to osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

Objectives

To determine the viability of a 3D-printed mechanically moveable rib cage in enhancing the teaching of rib osteopathic principles.

Methods

A single-blind, qualitative study was conducted to evaluate the use of educating students with this novel 3D-printed, movable rib model vs. a traditional static rib model. A total of 237 first-year medical students participated in the study and received the same standardized lecture on the rib dysfunction. Students were also assigned at random to either a comparison group, which would utilize the 3D printed rib model, or the control group, which would utilize the traditional static model. Students would also complete an entrance and exit surveys assessing subjective scores of overall student satisfaction and objective scores for knowledge of OMM rib dysfunction and treatment. An independent samples t-test was applied to assess potential differences between select student evaluation scores (those with continuous variables) of the rib model in the comparison and experiment groups. Chi-square goodness of fit test was conducted to determine if there were any significant differences in entry and exit survey responses between the two groups. Descriptive statistics of the mean and standard deviation were also reported.

Results

For both comparison and control groups, the mean score on an 11-point scale for the evaluation question, “Please rank on a scale of 0–10 how helpful you thought the rib models were to your education,” was 9.08 (SD, 1.397). Independent t-test results showed that the comparison group had higher scores than the control group when queried about whether they felt the model accurately depicted the material presented (comparison group mean, 9.55 [SD, 978] vs. control group mean, 9.06 [SD, 1.33; t(235) = 3.253; p=0.01). Chi-square test of goodness-of-fit showed that the differences between the number of correct answers chosen by participants for Item 3 (a case-based question asking students which rib they would treat for a patient presenting to an OMT clinic) was statistically significantly higher for the comparison group (51.9% correct in comparison group vs. 48.1% in control group), even though both groups scored similarly on this item during the entry survey.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that utilizing 3D printing to demonstrate somatic dysfunctions of the rib cage may improve understanding and student satisfaction for diagnosis and treatment.
A seal in the British Museum with a Cretan Hieroglyphic inscription (CR (?) S (1/1) 07)
Authors: Perna Massimo
Published: February 2021

In this article we will discuss a new document in Cretan Hieroglyphics not considered by the editors of the Corpus of this script. The presence in this document of the two signs sequence a-sa, which also appears in the so-called “Archanes Formula” has provided the opportunity to discuss the relationship between Cretan Hieroglyphics and Linear A as well as the origin of the two Minoan scripts.
Die Identität des lydischen Qλdãns und seine kulturgeschichtlichen Folgen
Authors: Euler Katrin , Sasseville David
Published: February 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die Identitat des lydischen Qλdans, der oft mit Apollon oder dem Mondgott gleichgesetzt wurde. Nachdem jedoch jungst bekannt geworden ist, dass auch eine lydische Munze den Namen Qλdans in ihrer Legende nennt, sind die fruheren Deutungen als Gottheit zu revidieren. Eine phonetische Untersuchung von Qλdans ergibt zunachst eine Gleichsetzung mit dem Namen des beruhmten lydischen Konigs Kroisos, dem letzten Herrscher der machtigen Dynastie der Mermnaden. Die Inschriften, die Qλdans nennen, enthullen daruber hinaus die Existenz eines Herrscherkultes fur den verstorbenen Konig in Lydien in der zweiten Halfte des 6. Jh. v. Chr. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden ferner sowohl die Bedeutung der oben genannten Munze als auch die eines perserzeitlichen lydischen Siegels mit dem Namen Qλdans darauf herausgearbeitet. Schlieslich wird dafur argumentiert, dass sich Kroisos nach der verlorenen Schlacht gegen die Perser selbst totete und im Pyramidengrab in Sardis bestattet wurde.
Influence of short-term ovarian stimulation on bone metabolism in women undergoing fertility treatment
Authors: Ritzinger Anna , Schmidmayr Monika , Lesoine Bernd , Seifert-Klauss Vanadin
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Hormonal disturbances during menopause are an established influencing factor on bone health, but the role of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for fertility treatment remains unclear. To evaluate the influence of ovarian stimulation on bone metabolism with particular regard to serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels this prospective observational study was conducted.

Methods

A total of 71 women underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with recombinant FSH (rFSH) or human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) (FSH + LH) administered in individual doses, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist down-regulation initiated in the luteal phase of the previous cycle. At four time points (start of down-regulation [T1], start of ovarian stimulation [T2], oocyte retrieval [T3] and luteal phase of the stimulation cycle [T4]), luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), as well as the bone resorption markers β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) were measured.

Results

The cyclic variations in FSH levels had a positive effect on the concentration profile of the bone resorption marker β-CTX (p=0.0001). Supraphysiologic estradiol levels showed a negative association with osteocalcin concentrations (p=0.017), and significantly lower OC and TRACP levels were observed at T4 compared to T1. By group comparison, women treated with rFSH presented with a higher bone turnover than the HMG group at the end of a stimulation cycle (T4).

Conclusions

Our results show that FSH is a significant influencing factor of bone metabolism. Overall, there was no evidence of enhanced bone resorption under short-term ovarian stimulation therapy. Further studies with bigger sample sizes are warranted to validate these results.
An ultrabroadband 3D achromatic metalens
Authors: Balli Fatih , Sultan Mansoor A. , Ozdemir Aytekin , Hastings Jeffrey Todd
Published: February 2021

We design and fabricate ultra-broadband achromatic metalenses operating from the visible into the short-wave infrared, 450–1700 nm, with diffraction-limited performance. A hybrid 3D architecture, which combines nanoholes with a phase plate, allows realization in low refractive index materials. As a result, two-photon lithography can be used for prototyping while molding can be used for mass production. Experimentally, a 0.27 numerical aperture (NA) metalens exhibits 60% average focusing efficiency and 6% maximum focal length error over the entire bandwidth. In addition, a 200 μm diameter, 0.04 NA metalens was used to demonstrate achromatic imaging over the same broad spectral range. These results show that 3D metalens architectures yield excellent performance even using low-refractive index materials, and that two-photon lithography can produce metalenses operating at visible wavelengths.
Plasmon extinguishment by bandedge shift identified as a second-order spectroscopic differentiation
Authors: Zhang Xinping
Published: February 2021

Optical excitation of metallic nanostructures induces strong intraband transitions, leaving transient depletion below the Fermi level, which allows transient interband transition to this depletion band. This is equivalent to the lowering of the threshold for interband transitions and pushes the plasmonic band to the red. As a result, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is “extinguished” or “quenched” around the bandedge, in contrast, the interband optical absorption becomes enhanced and redshifted. The corresponding transient absorption (TA) signals have equal lifetimes and opposite signs. Moreover, the TA spectrum is found to be a second-order differential of the steady-state optical extinction spectrum over the studied band. This is a commonly existing mechanism for metallic nanostructures and verified with gold in this work. Such a discovery is completely different from the optical-excitation-induced redshift of LSPR through enhanced electronic scattering and is important for understanding the ultrafast spectroscopic response of plasmonic nanostructures with clear photophysical insights, supplying solid basis for exploring optical logic device and optical data processing techniques.
Dual functionality metamaterial enables ultra-compact, highly sensitive uncooled infrared sensor
Authors: Tao Jin , Liang Zhongzhu , Zeng Guang , Meng Dejia , Smith David R. , Liu Qing Huo , Yang Qingrui , Zhang Menglun , Pang Wei , Liang Jingqiu , Bourouina Tarik
Published: February 2021

Cointegration and coupling a perfect metamaterial absorber (PMA) together with a film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR) in a monolithic fashion is introduced for the purpose of producing ultracompact uncooled infrared sensors of high sensitivity. An optimized ultrathin multilayer stack was implemented to realize the proposed device. It is experimentally demonstrated that the resonance frequency of the FBAR can be used efficiently as a sensor output as it downshifts linearly with the intensity of the incident infrared irradiation. The resulting sensor also achieves a high absorption of 88% for an infrared spectrum centered at a wavelength of 8.2 μm. The structure is compact and can be easily integrated on a CMOS-compatible chip since both the FBAR and PMA utilize and share the same stack of metal and dielectric layers.
Spectral imaging and spectral LIDAR systems: moving toward compact nanophotonics-based sensing
Authors: Li Nanxi , Ho Chong Pei , Wang I-Ting , Pitchappa Prakash , Fu Yuan Hsing , Zhu Yao , Lee Lennon Yao Ting
Published: February 2021

With the emerging trend of big data and internet-of-things, sensors with compact size, low cost and robust performance are highly desirable. Spectral imaging and spectral LIDAR systems enable measurement of spectral and 3D information of the ambient environment. These systems have been widely applied in different areas including environmental monitoring, autonomous driving, biomedical imaging, biometric identification, archaeology and art conservation. In this review, modern applications of state-of-the-art spectral imaging and spectral LIDAR systems in the past decade have been summarized and presented. Furthermore, the progress in the development of compact spectral imaging and LIDAR sensing systems has also been reviewed. These systems are based on the nanophotonics technology. The most updated research works on subwavelength scale nanostructure-based functional devices for spectral imaging and optical frequency comb-based LIDAR sensing works have been reviewed. These compact systems will drive the translation of spectral imaging and LIDAR sensing from table-top toward portable solutions for consumer electronics applications. In addition, the future perspectives on nanophotonics-based spectral imaging and LIDAR sensing are also presented.
Nanoscale structural characterization of plasmon-driven reactions
Authors: Li Zhandong , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: February 2021

Illumination of noble metal nanostructures by electromagnetic radiation induces coherent oscillations of conductive electrons on their surfaces. These coherent oscillations of electrons, also known as localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR), are the underlying physical cause of the electromagnetic enhancement of Raman scattering from analytes located in a close proximity to the metal surface. This physical phenomenon is broadly known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). LSPR can decay via direct interband, phonon-assisted intraband, and geometry-assisted transitions forming hot carriers, highly energetic species that are responsible for a large variety of chemical transformations. This review critically discusses the most recent progress in mechanistic elucidation of hot carrier-driven chemistry and catalytic processes at the nanoscale. The review provides a brief description of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), modern analytical technique that possesses single-molecule sensitivity and angstrom spatial resolution, showing the advantage of this technique for spatiotemporal characterization of plasmon-driven reactions. The review also discusses experimental and theoretical findings that reported novel plasmon-driven reactivity which can be used to catalyze redox, coupling, elimination and scissoring reactions. Lastly, the review discusses the impact of the most recently reported findings on both plasmonic catalysis and TERS imaging.
The crystal structure of methyl 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate, C7H6F3NO2
Authors: Yang De-Zheng , Gao Ting , Zhao Chun-Shen , Chai Hui-Fang
Published: February 2021

C7H6F3NO2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.3688(4) Å, b = 10.6836(3) Å, c = 14.4518(5) Å, β = 112.5320(10)°, V = 1621.32(9) Å3, Z = 8, R

gt
(F) = 0.0554, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1647, T = 170 K.
Crystal structure of (OC‐6‐13)‐aqua‐tris (3‐bromopyridine‐κ1
N)‐bis(trifluoroacetato‐κ1
O)cadmium(II) C19H14Br3CdF6N3O5
Authors: Zhang Lan , Wang Lu , Ding Wu-Xiu , Wang Qiang , Chen Meng-Juan
Published: February 2021

C19H14Br3CdF6N3O5, triclinic, P

1
‾

$‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 9.2591(4) Å, b = 9.6573(5) Å, c = 16.9256(9) Å, α = 102.707(2) Å, β = 96.854(2) Å, γ = 112.550(2) Å, V = 1328.20(12) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F
2) = 0.0291, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0625, T = 150.15 K.
The crystal structure of bis(ethanol-kO)- bis(6-aminopicolinato-k2
N,O)manganese(II), C16H22O6N4Mn
Authors: Xi-Shi Tai , Li-Li Zhang , Li-Li Liu , Shu-Hua Cao , Li-Hua Wang
Published: February 2021

C16H22O6N4Mn, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.4412(6) Å, b = 8.2273(7) Å, c = 8.6693(7) Å, α = 72.516(7)°, β = 76.827(7)°, γ = 63.444(9)°, V = 450.08(7) Å3, Z = 1, R

gt
(F) = 0.0378, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0755, T = 150(1) K.
The crystal structure of 3,3′-((carbonylbis(azanediyl))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)) bis(1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium) tetrafluoroborate monohydrate, C21H28N6O3B2F8
Authors: Dong Zhi-Yun , Xi Fu-Gui , Xu Xing-Yu
Published: February 2021

C21H28N6O3B2F8, orthorhombic, Pccn (no. 56), a = 17.7949(19) Å, b = 9.3979(10) Å, c = 15.3455(16) Å, V = 2566.3(5) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0567, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1846, T = 296(2) K.
Figure–Ground Spatial Relationships in Finnish Sign Language Discourse
Authors: De Weerdt Danny
Published: February 2021

This study is about expressing spatial relationships between Figure and Ground in Finnish Sign Language discourse and shows that the variation in this expression is primarily discourse dependent. The main findings are, first, that Ground mainly precedes Figure whether the Figure is new or a known referent within the discourse; the reverse order is possible only when the Figure is known. Second, the lexical signolla(‘have’) appears more frequently in expressing spatial relationships with a new Figure and less frequently with a known Figure but never in a construction with Figure preceding Ground; the formoli(‘had’), referring to the past, appears only in Figure preceding Ground constructions when Figure is known. Finally, the main way to express the spatial relationship between Ground and Figure is either the simultaneous production of the units, or Ground and an adposition sign. A sequential strategy is another way of expressing spatial relationships but this can be used only when the Figure is new within the discourse. The choice of strategy can be attributed to the emphasis put on the Figure’s presence when it is new while with a known Figure, the emphasis is on the location of that Figure.
Human vs computer: What effect does the source of information have on cognitive performance and achievement goal orientation?
Authors: Spatola Nicolas , Chevalère Johann , Lazarides Rebecca
Published: February 2021

The increasing presence of computers in society calls for the need to better understand how differently the sociocognitive mechanisms involved in natural human relationships operate in human–robot interactions. In the present study, we investigated one fundamental aspect often neglected in the literatures on psychology and educational sciences: how the source of information, either human or computer, influences its perceived reliability and modulates cognitive and motivational processes. In Experiment 1, participants performed a reasoning task that presented cues following participants’ errors, helping them to succeed in the task. Using two levels of task difficulty, we manipulated the source of the cues as either a human or a computer. In addition to task accuracy, Experiment 2 assessed the impact of the information source on socially and nonsocially related dimensions of achievement goals. In Experiment 1, participants who believed that they received cues from a human teacher performed better on difficult trials compared to those who believed that they received cues from a computer. In Experiment 2, we replicated these findings by additionally showing that the nature of the source only had an impact on the socially related dimension of achievement goals, which in turn mediated the source’s effect on reasoning performance. For the first time, the present study showed modulations of cognitive and motivational processes resulting from the manipulation of the type of information source aimed at providing assistance with a reasoning task. The findings highlight the importance of considering the social and motivational aspects involved in human–computer interactions.
Multiphysics modeling of porous ferrogels at finite strains
Authors: Gebhart Philipp , Attaran Abdolhamid , Wallmersperger Thomas
Published: February 2021

Porous ferrogels are a new class of magnetoactive composite materials that consist of a polymeric hydrogel matrix with embedded magnetizable particles. The mutual particle interaction within the soft elastic matrix enables ferrogels to deform and alter their material characteristics upon magnetic stimulation. Due to these unique properties, ferrogels have attracted significant attention for potential uses in a variety of engineering applications, especially in biomedical engineering and microfluidics. Therefore, it is crucial to develop precise mathematical models capturing the complex material behavior of ferrogels, which spans over multiple length scales. The aim of this work is to present suitable modeling approaches for porous ferrogels. Following the hierarchical structure of scales, we present modeling frameworks for two different scenarios: (i) the modeling of ferrogels at the macroscale level and (ii) the modeling of ferrogels at the microscale level. Regarding the constitutive modeling of ferrogels, we limit our attention to locally nondissipative isotropic material response. For both modeling approaches, we provide comprehensive variational principles and briefly discuss relevant ingredients of a stable finite element implementation. In each section, numerical simulations are outlined in order to demonstrate the capabilities and relevant features of each modeling approach. Main emphasis of the numerical studies lies on the investigation of the macroscopic shape effect as well as on the characterization of the magnetomechanical material response of ferrogels with random monodisperse microstructures.
Shaping the future energy markets with hybrid multimicrogrids by sequential least squares programming
Authors: Fracas Paolo , Camarda Kyle V. , Zondervan Edwin
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a techno-economic model of two interconnected hybrid microgrids (MGs) whose electricity and thermal dispatch strategy are managed with Sequential Least Squares Programming (SLSQP) optimization technique. MGs combine multiple thermal and electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems as a whole, to gain a tight integration of weather-dependent distributed renewable generators with multiple stochastic load profiles. Moreover MGs allow to achieve an improvement in the return of investment and better cost of energy. The first part of the work deals with a method to obtain an accurate prediction of climate variables. This method makes use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and polynomial regression to manipulate climate datasets issued by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The second part of the work is focused on the optimization of interconnected MGs operations through the SLSQP algorithm. The objective is to obtain the best financial performance (IRR) when clean distributed energy resources (DERs) are exchanging both thermal and electric energy. SLSQP optimizes the energy flows by balancing their contribution with their nominal Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). The proposed algorithm is used to simulate innovative business scenarios where revenue streams are generated via sales of energy to end users, sell backs and deliveries of demand response services to the other grids. A business case dealing with two MGs providing clean thermal and electric energies to household communities nearby the city of Bremen (Germany) is examined in the last part of the work. This business case with a payback in two years, an internal rate of return (IRR) at 65% and a LCOE at 0.14 €/kWh, demonstrates how the interconnection of multiple hybrid MGs with SLSQP optimization techniques, makes renewable and DERs outcompeting and could strand investments in fossil fuel generation, shaping the future of clean energy markets.
Certainty through uncertainty: stochastic optimization of grid-integrated large-scale energy storage in Germany
Authors: Maia Leonardo K. K. , Ochoa Bique Anton , Zondervan Edwin
Published: February 2021

This work presents an approach to optimize the scheduling and determine the requirements for power systems in the future electricity grid, taking into account the goals of the energy transition in Germany and neighboring countries under uncertain conditions. The value of stochastic solution (VSS) is used as a performance index to compare the deterministic and stochastic approaches. A VSS of up to €800 million of annual grid gross profit is calculated, clearly demonstrating the benefits a stochastic approach brings when determining the required infrastructure investments for the future electricity grid. Energy storage requirements are estimated while considering grid. For high load loss penalties, additional storage capacities of up to 42 GWh are calculated. The uncertainty in the electricity demand has the most expressive impact on grid operation costs, and is for this reason used to generate the scenario array for the stochastic simulations.
Microanalysis and signature of rare earth elements in geochemical samples using neutron activation analysis
Authors: Attallah Mohamed F. , Abdou Fatma S. , Aly Hisham F.
Published: February 2021

Nuclear techniques are applied for exploration and efficient tapping of natural resources in finding promising resources of mining and mineral processing industries. The rare earth elements (REEs) in four fluorite samples, collected from Nuba Mountains are determined using neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique. The concentration of 11 REEs (Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Tb, Yb, Lu) was measured and found within ranges between 685 and 1747 ppm. The Ca is a major element in the four samples. The Fe, Al, Na, Ba and Sr are found as minor elements in the investigated samples. In addition, tracer levels of U, Th, Cs, V and Sc are also detected. The signature of Ce, La and Nd as light REEs is characterized in all samples under this study. The enrichment types of light-REEs (L-type), medium-REEs (M-type) and several distinct features of some REEs e.g., Ce and Eu anomalies are identified and described as the signature of REEs in the geochemical samples. These results have demonstrated promising materials that could be used for hydrometallurgy processing to get significant amounts of REEs.
Exploring the interstitial system in the brain: the last mile of drug delivery
Authors: Sun Yi , Sun Xinping
Published: February 2021

Brain interstitial system (ISS) is a nanoscale network of continuously connected tubes and sheets surrounding each neural cell in the central nervous system. ISS usually accounts for ∼20% of the brain volume, far more than the cerebral blood vessels, which account for 3%. The neuronal function, signaling pathways, and drug delivery are all closely related to the microenvironment provided by ISS. The objective of this paper is to give the readers a clear outline of detection, anatomy, function, and applications of ISS. This review describes the techniques propelling the exploration for ISS in chronological order, physiological function and pathological dysfunction of ISS, and strategies for drug delivery based on ISS. Biophysical features are the focus of ISS research, in which the diffusion characteristics have dominated. The various techniques that explore ISS take advantage of this feature. ISS provides an essential microenvironment for the health of cells and brain homeostasis, which plays an important functional role in brain health and disease. Direct intracranial administration allows the diffusion of drugs directly through ISS to successfully bypass the blood–brain barrier that prevents most drugs from reaching the brain. With the deepening of understanding of the brain ISS, the new research model that takes into account brain cells, cerebral vessels, and ISS will provide a new perspective and direction for understanding, utilizing, and protecting the brain.
To Each Incel According to His Needs?
Authors: Beran Ondřej
Published: February 2021

This text presents an analysis of some aspects of the phenomenon of so-called incels. It focuses on the sexist and male supremacist ideology inherent to the incels’ narrative. It also follows a link between this ideology and the assumptions made by some commentators on the incels’ problem, who have been relying on a mixture of conservative views on society and reductionist naturalism. I present a critique of these background assumptions, relating to concepts that feature centrally in them. First, I criticise the characterisation of a particular (simplistic and anachronistic) concept of ‘monogamy’ as natural and its possible construal as normative. Then I explore the rhetoric of sex as a ‘basic need’, pointing out the tendency to mistake what one wants for a ‘need’. I conclude by criticising the particular kind of idea of the science of human nature that underpin the reductionist accounts of sex-related violence.
Operationalizing Peirce’s Syllabus in terms of icons and stereotypes
Authors: Clemmer Richard
Published: February 2021

Peirce’s Syllabus is examined and used to interpret metaphoric iconic stereotypes applied to Indigenous people: “noble savage,” “bloodthirsty savage,” “domestic dependent nation,” “vanishing race,” “Indian tribe,” and “ecological Indian.” Efforts on the part of the Indigenous to replace the these stereotypes with different icons such as “Native American,” “First Nations,” and, most recently, “water protectors,” are also examined. The usefulness of representamen categories from Peirce’s Syllabus, “rhematic,” “Argument,” “dicent,” “indexical,” “qualisign,” “legisign,” and “sinsign,” is demonstrated. Greimas’ observations about the functions of modalities are brought in to explain how graphic images and portraiture, fictional and memoir narratives, legal discourses, and popular media representations implement various sections of the Syllabus. Putting Peirce’s Syllabus into action confirms its ability to perform dynamic, diachronic, and diagrammatic functions.
I’m thinkingandyou’re saying: Speaker stance and the progressive of mental verbs in courtroom interaction
Authors: Szczyrbak Magdalena
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the use of progressives with mental verbs in courtroom talk and shows a range of subjective meanings which are not delivered by the simple form. Looking at the data from a British libel trial, it explores patterned co-occurrences with first-person subjects vs. second- and third-person subjects, revealing both emphatic, polite and interpretative uses of the analyzed items. In addition, context-sensitivity and speaker status (judge vs. other participants) are shown to be significant factors affecting both the choice of verbs and their interactional configurations. The findings reveal not only well-established uses of “progressive statives” (wonderandthink) but also less conventional ones which convey intensity and expressivity (e.g.,understand,rememberandwant). It is also revealed that the use of progressives with mental verbs differs from the deployment of progressives with communication verbs. In both groups of verbs, however, the interpretative meaning is common. In sum, the study situates progressives with mental verbs among stancetaking resources which speakers employ to share their thoughts, wishes and desires, and to position themselves against other interactants and their propositions.
Using written task answer sheets as notes while speaking: changing task-report practices in a second language book club
Authors: Ro Eunseok
Published: February 2021

The current study extends upon recent Conversation Analysis research on literacy events in second language (L2) educational settings. The study investigates the use of task answers as notes in an L2 book club member’s task report practices, including how he looks for things to say, how he chooses to read aloud, and how his task-report practices change over time with explicit instruction. Specifically, this case study shows how a facilitator’s specific instruction to not use task answers as notes during second orientation works as a catalyst for the L2 student to move from heavy to less reliance on his written answers to complete his task report. The findings offer insights into the way the student uses his task answer sheets as an affordance for managing an L2 task and how his changing task-report practices with the textual resource better meet the institutional agenda, one of which is to provide a venue for members to practice English as a second language.
The rhetorical structure of analytical writing: a developmental approach
Authors: Vilar Hugo , Tolchinsky Liliana
Published: February 2021

Analytical writing is an academic genre that combines features of expository and argumentative discourse. Although the ability to write analytically is crucial to succeed at school and beyond, the pathway to master this type of writing mode has rarely been explored. We analyzed the writings of 226 native-speakers of Iberian Spanish from elementary school, high school and university levels, each of whom wrote two texts in Spanish. Three types of rhetorical moves were identified based on the communicative goals of analytical writing: expository, argumentative, and assertive. The findings show a developmental improvement in rhetorical structure and a transition from assertion-based texts, where writers focus on their own standpoint as the pivot of the text, to exposition-based texts, where presentation and discussion of data and of evidence become more dominant.
Investigation on the Effect of Different Lands on Trailing Edge Slot Film Cooling
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhu Hui-ren , Xu Wei-jiang , Wei Jian-sheng
Published: February 2021

Trailing edge slot film cooling is a widely used method for protecting the trailing edge of turbine blades from hot gas impingement. The structures that separate the slots, known as “lands,” come in a variety of configurations. This paper presents the effects of the trailing edge with different lands on the film cooling performance. Experimental studies are conducted on the film cooling effectiveness and Nusselt number with different lands. Four trailing edge configurations, including the straight lands, the beveling lands, the fillet lands and the tapered lands are considered under four blowing ratios (0.5, 0.7, 1.0 and 1.5). The Reynolds numbers of mainstream is fixed as 375,000. Film cooling effectiveness and Nusselt number performances are measured by transient liquid crystal measurement technique. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation with realizable k-ε turbulence model and enhanced wall functions are performed using a commercial code Fluent. In each case, the slot height is kept constant. It is shown that the beveling lands, the fillet lands and the tapered lands have higher cooling effectiveness and lower Nusselt number compared with the straight lands. Under higher blowing ratios, the trailing edges of all four lands have higher cooling effectiveness and higher Nusselt number.
El emprendimiento y crecimiento de las Pymes
Authors: Molina Sánchez Rubén , López Salazar Alejandra , Contreras Soto Ricardo
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo pretende sentar las bases para aproximarnos a la postura teórica del emprendimiento regional que explica los diferentes factores de arranque-emprendimiento y el crecimiento de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (Pymes) en las regiones dinámicas. En este trabajo se explica más a detalle las perspectivas que sustentan la teoría, y mostrar a nuestros colegas otra perspectiva de las experiencias acumuladas de nuestras investigaciones en una región de la República mexicana1, donde se probaron las premisas de la teoría del emprendimiento.