bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Decriminalization? New Battlegrounds in Abortion Politics
Authors: Amery Fran
Published: September 2020

This chapter focuses on the newest battlegrounds in the UK abortion debate. This includes growing calls for decriminalisation, involving the repeal of sections of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and the increasing purchase these are finding inside Parliament and among the medical profession. It also includes new debates about sex-selective abortion and abortion in the cases of severe disability, and the need for the pro-choice movement to organise horizontally to address the needs of all women. It ends with an assessment of the future prospects of both the movement for decriminalisation, and the movement for more restrictive abortion law.
The Contracting State: Austerity and Public Services
Authors: Griffiths Simon
Published: September 2020

This chapter focuses on the ‘contracting state’ under Cameron, and reviews developments in three major public services since 2010: health, education and welfare, paying attention to the way in which these reforms affect the agency of the people who rely on these services. The Conservative-led coalition that was elected in 2010 made deep cuts to public spending in an effort to bring down the deficit, which they argued would restore economic growth. In practice, sluggish growth over the next few years meant that the cuts to public spending and services were less harsh than planned. However, the distributional effect of the cuts was uneven, with lower income, working-age households suffering disproportionally. In England and Wales, in organisational terms, austerity meant an extension of quasi-market reforms – particularly in health and education – that had been a feature of UK public administration since the 1980s. Pressure to cut public spending was also passed down to local government, ‘hollowing out’ a significant area of public provision and constraining their agency.
Culture Matters: Cuts and Resistance
Authors: Rosenberg Ingrid von
Published: September 2020

The chapter focuses on the cuts administered since 2010 in the fields of literature, music, visual arts, film and performing arts, and their teaching to the young. Budget constraints have led to the closure of numerous essential institutions, such as theatres, libraries and youth centres, museums and art galleries. The chapter looks at significant sectors and examines the social consequences of their financial losses, starting with the relatively modest cuts for prestigious national institutions and the ‘creative industries’ and moving on to the disastrously major ones for the local councils and the Arts Council England. Forms of resistance are analysed as a means to reclaim cultural agency, ranging from grass-root activities to Labour Party opposition. In several cases volunteers and philanthropists have stepped in to keep institutions running, while individual celebrities and political groups have publicly voiced protest, sometimes with spectacular actions.
Scotland, Brexit and the Broken Promise of Democracy
Authors: Stolz Klaus
Published: September 2020

In the last fifty years, the UK has seen considerable political divergence between its constituent nations, especially between Scotland and England. This observation applies both to the constitutional debate, including the question of EU membership, as well as to many policy issues, such as the orientation of successive British governments towards austerity. In the Scottish Brexit debate both these aspects have come together potentially providing the trigger for the final break-up of an increasingly disunited Kingdom. The first part of this chapter traces diverging Scottish attitudes towards EC/EU membership and towards fiscal austerity since the early 1970s. The second part concentrates on the Scottish debate during the Brexit referendum campaign in 2016. The third and last part deals with Scotland’s ability to exert agency during the Brexit negotiations and the potential implications of Brexit for Scotland.
Conclusion: Accountability and Review in the Counter-Terrorist State
Authors: Blackbourn Jessie , de Londras Fiona , Morgan Lydia
Published: September 2020

This concluding chapter argues that, notwithstanding the successes of counter-terrorism review, the counter-terrorist state is not characterised by a commitment to meaningful accountability through evaluative counter-terrorism review. It argues that meaningful accountability requires a commitment to evaluation, to the diversification of evidence, to hearing and recognising the importance of communities’ experiences of the unintended social and security impacts of counter-terrorism, and to the possibility of change. These commitments are not yet in evidence, and without them the chapter argues the counter-terrorist state struggles to establish liberal democratic legitimacy. Such a shift would require the state to recognise that counter-terrorism is now an ordinary state of affairs and that, as a result, the state can no longer appeal to ‘the exception’ in the attempt to exempt itself from our ordinary constitutional expectations when taking steps to combat terrorism. Instead, the conclusion argues, it must inculcate a culture of justification in counter-terrorism that is based not only on bare claims of necessity, but on arguments of legitimacy, legality, long- and short-term effectiveness, rights-respectfulness, and openness to challenge.
Generational Expectations and Experiences of Higher Education
Authors: Bristow Jennie , Cant Sarah , Chatterjee Anwesa
Published: September 2020

This chapter draws on qualitative data from the Mass Observation Study and interviews with students to explore how members of the general public, and prospective and current students, frame the meaning of Higher Education, both in policy terms and according to their own experience. This analysis highlights a central contradiction within the position held by the 21st century University in the public imagination. On one hand, expansion is regarded as a progressive development, and there is a striking generosity and optimism in the ways that the provision of this experience for more young people is discussed. On the other, there are widespread concerns about the motivations and effects of massification, including the normalisation of student debt, the diminishing value of degrees, and the quality of education provided.
Conclusion: The Generational Responsibility of the University
Authors: Bristow Jennie , Cant Sarah , Chatterjee Anwesa
Published: September 2020

The concluding chapter draws together the themes of the book, establishing that the University continues to offer students the opportunity to realise their academic potential and is characterised by academic commitment to this project. Yet, the elevation of the student and the disappearance of the academic is linked to the emergence of uneasy academic identities for both. The chapter summarises the wider factors that shape expectations and experiences within the academy and contextualises and explains the current mental health ‘crisis’ and the impact that this has on academic workload and responsibility. The chapter highlights the impact of the rise of accountability, governance and surveillance and shows how these processes, driven by the imperative to standardise, stymie creativity and reconfigure the generational transaction at the heart of the University, with implications for the academic– student relationship.
Inside Out: Fourteen Antitheses Authenticating Cities
Authors: Taylor Peter J. , O’Brien Geoff , O’Keefe Phil
Published: September 2020

This is the first chapter on unthinking, specifically unthinking modernity. It takes the form of 14 statements that are presented as basic modern theses, and which are countered by antitheses, alternative positions wherein urban demand is central to the argument. This thesis/antithesis device is used to broach three broad areas. First, the relationship between cities and states are considered with the former identified as constituting social development. Second, the role of cities in that social development is used to undermine modern time and spatial framings of change. Third, these contrarian ideas are brought to bear on the study of anthropogenic climate change, inserting cities as mass demand mechanisms. All this unthinking is intended to foster a fundamental mindscape break pointing towards transmodern sensibilities..
Action: Can We Stop Terminal Consumption?
Authors: Taylor Peter J. , O’Brien Geoff , O’Keefe Phil
Published: September 2020

This chapter asks the question, what does this unthinking mean for current anthropogenic climate change policies? This is answered in two ways. First, the concept of urban demand is discussed in its current manifestation as the product of a global Advertising-Big Data-Social Media complex. Second, the mechanisms behind the immensity of Chinese urban growth in recent decades are described. In their different, but intertwined, ways these two expressions of today’s modernity are pointing irrevocably towards terminal consumption. The only means to stop this happening appears to a reinvention of the city, creating an urban demand for stewarding nature for future generations, a posterity city
Circuit level implementation of photonic crystal devices
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad Hasan , Yavari Mohammad Hasan
Published: September 2020

Different types of photonic crystal components have been modeled by approximate RLC circuits. The proposed lumped circuits exploit the analogy of photonic crystal elements and RLC circuits. They are either coupled to each other or inserted like lumped circuits to imitate wave propagation within the photonic devices. Different examples such as side-coupled waveguide–cavity systems, side-coupled cavity–cavity systems, and improved structures are investigated for evaluating the theory. It is shown that the proposed circuits are exact enough to be substituted into the complicated calculations of numerical methods. In addition, the presented practical and straightforward procedure can be employed for flexible and efficient design. The results are verified using the finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations and coupled-mode theory for various devices.
Quantitative two-photon microscopy imaging analysis of human skin to evaluate enhanced transdermal delivery by hybrid-type multi-lamellar nanostructure: retraction
Authors: Ahn Jinhyo , Kim Kyeong Hu , Choe Kibaek , Lim Joo Hyuck , Lee Seung Ki , Kim Yeon Sook , Kim Pilhan
Published: September 2020

The referenced article [Biomed. Opt. Express 9, 3974 (2018)10.1364/BOE.9.003974] has been retracted by the authors.
Chiral condensates in a polariton hexagonal ring
Authors: Ma Xuekai , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Kavokin Alexey , Schumacher Stefan
Published: September 2020

We model the generation of vortex modes in exciton-polariton condensates in semiconductor micropillars, arranged into a hexagonal ring molecule, in the presence of TE–TM splitting. This splitting lifts the degeneracy of azimuthally modulated vortex modes with opposite topological charges supported by this structure, so that a number of non-degenerate vortex states characterized by different combinations of topological charges in two polarization components appears. We present a full bifurcation picture for such vortex modes and show that because they have different energies they can be selectively excited by coherent pump beams with specific frequencies and spatial configurations. At high pumping intensity, polariton-polariton interactions give rise to the coupling of different vortex resonances and a bistable regime is achieved.
Optical properties of niobium nitride plasmonic nanoantennas for the near- and mid-infrared spectral range
Authors: Karl Philipp , Ubl Monika , Hentschel Mario , Flad Philipp , Chiao Zong-Yi , Yang Jing-Wei , Lu Yu-Jung , Giessen Harald
Published: September 2020

Investigating new materials plays a very important role for advancing the field of nanofabrication and nanoplasmonics. Even though niobium nitride (NbN) is mainly known for its superconducting properties when fabricating superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, we demonstrate that it is also a material for plasmonic nanoantenna applications. In this work we measure physical properties of thin NbN films, such as permittivity and superconductivity, and demonstrate the feasibility and tuning of the plasmonic nanoantenna resonance throughout the near- and mid-infrared spectral range. Therefore, we fabricate NbN structures, using electron beam lithography in combination with Ar ion-beam etching. Additionally, we determine the refractory properties of the NbN nanoantennas, namely their high temperature stability. We find that they are stable up to 500°C under ambient conditions. These aspects make them attractive for a multitude of plasmonic applications ranging from refractory emitters/absorbers to candidates for plasmonically improved superconducting single-photon detectors.
Titanium nitride random lasing induced by the plasmon resonance effect
Authors: Shang Zhenzhen , Deng Luogen , Dai Guang
Published: September 2020

Titanium nitride (TiN) is a promising plasmonic material with hard and abrasion-resistant specialities. In this study, a gain regime, namely, plasmon-enhanced random laser emission, is demonstrated in the Pyrromethene-597 (PM597) assisted by titanium nitride (TiN) film. For this, photoluminescence and random lasing are measured at different pumping energies from PM597/Silicon and PM597/TiN/Silicon samples. Enhanced lasing efficiency is observed in the PM597/TiN/silicon sample where a plasmon resonance is formed, which increases the energy transfer between TiN and PM597. Furthermore, the multiple scattering mediated by the TiN film also plays an important role for the lasing efficiency. It is worth mentioning that the random laser emission has a strong dependence on pump position. The study of the random laser from PM597/TiN/Silicon sample with film structure is aimed to obtain a good alternative (TiN) to replace noble metals at a lowest cost.
Photoacoustic fluctuation imaging: theory and application to blood flow imaging
Authors: Vilov Sergey , Godefroy Guillaume , Arnal Bastien , Bossy Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

Photoacoustic fluctuation imaging, which exploits randomness in photoacoustic generation, provides enhanced images in terms of resolution and visibility, as compared to conventional photoacoustic images. While a few experimental demonstrations of photoacoustic fluctuation imaging have been reported, it has to date not been described theoretically. In the first part of this work, we propose a theory relevant to fluctuations induced either by random illumination patterns or by random distributions of absorbing particles. The theoretical predictions are validated by Monte Carlo finite-difference time-domain simulations of photoacoustic generation in random particle media. We provide a physical insight into why visibility artefacts are absent from second-order fluctuation images. In the second part, we demonstrate experimentally that harnessing randomness induced by the flow of red blood cells produce photoacoustic fluctuation images free of visibility artefacts. As a first proof of concept, we obtain two-dimensional images of blood vessel phantoms. Photoacoustic fluctuation imaging is finally applied in vivo to obtain 3D images of the vascularization in a chicken embryo.
Fenomena Urbanisasi: Transformasi spasial di Kawasan Pinggiran Kabupaten Sidoarjo
Authors: Rukmana Siti Nuurlaily , Shofwan Moch
Published: September 2020

The phenomenon of urban transformation also occurs in Sidoarjo Regency which is located around the city of Surabaya. Its evidence is the expansion of built up  area in several districts like Krian district. The aims of this resech are analyzing the spatial transformation in term of land use change and evaluating the percentage of land use that it is accordance with spatial document policy. The analysis technique use Geogrphical Information System and Remote Sensing then proceed with descriptive evaluative. The result of this research can be seen that the transformation of built up area since 1995-2018 is 5,23% while those that are not accordance with spatial documen are 7,63%.
Zmiana sposobu postrzegania bezpieczeństwa państwa i jego obywateli w świecie społeczeństwa sieciowego
Authors: Pietrzak Agnieszka , Abgarowicz Grzegorz , Matczak Piotr
Published: September 2020

In the paper, the possibilities and conditions of restriction imposed on the free speech principle, in crisis situations, are discussed. Particularly, the impact of the new social media is presented, on possibilities to manage and control information. Firstly, the tension is discussed between civil liberties-, and free speech, and the rights to suspend the liberties on the basis of ensuring national or public security. The contradiction between the freedom and security principles is emphasized. Secondly, the issue of mass behavioural control is presented and the role of crisis management agencies, in the panic situations, when informational uncertainties lead to unstable, contagious behaviour. Thirdly, the role of the media is analyzed and the emergence of the new social media, which has influenced significantly informing during crisis situations. Fourthly, case studies are examined: the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, Japan, when the media played a major role, and the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and Wrocław smallpox epidemic. In the latter cases the information flowwas highly controlled and the public was not openly instructed. Finally, conclusions are proposed.
Zdrowie i choroba w Sieci – o przejawach i konsekwencjach popularyzacji wiedzy medycznej w Internecie
Authors: Wieczorkowska Magdalena
Published: September 2020

The article describes the process of the medicalization of cyberspace. The first part of the article depicts the process of medicalization itself and within its frames cybermedicalization is presented. The second part characterizes the medicalization of cyberspace through its aspects and main dimensions: medical portals, virtual health communities, health promotion in cyberspace, illegal medicines and organs trafficking, and the advertising of drugs and medical products in the net and cyberchondria. The last part shows the main consequences of this phenomena.
Language identity and cultural memory in borderland areas. A survey-based research with aged respondents (seniors)
Authors: Bonacchi Silvia , Wicherkiewicz Tomasz , Mela Mariusz
Published: September 2020

The article presents methodological and practical experiences of an inter-university research project “Language of boundaries – Boundaries of language. Paralinguistic aspects of intercultural communication”, one of project tasks being conducting interviews with Polish and German senior respondents. The project aims were, among others, to investigate linguistic and cultural awareness, the sense of proximity/alienness with the culture and the others in the transborder area and the processes of mutual accommodation. In this context, senior respondents are a particularly precious target group in language contact studies as they are witnesses of linguistic identity and cultural memory. The interviews took place in the Polish-German border region of Frankfurt/Oder and Słubice. The respondents were asked questions included in a questionnaire that was especially prepared for the purpose. The questions included among other things questions about the respondents’ origins, professional life, education, daily habits, languages spoken by them, attitudes towards the other cultural group. The authors have not only presented theoretical basics of transborder studies, accommodation processes and age studies, but they have also given practical tips on what should be considered when doing interviews with the elderly. The article includes a summary of the answers given by the two groups of the respondents. With the article, the authors intend to contribute methodologically to future socio- and gerontolinguistic studies.

The research was carried out as part of the project Język pogranicza – pogranicze języka. Parajęzykowe aspekty komunikacji międzykulturowej (UMO: No. 0106 / NPRH3 / H12 / 82/2014) financed by the National Program for the Development of Humanities.
A convolutional neural network with a two-stage LSTM model for tool presence detection in laparoscopic videos
Authors: Tamer Abdulbaki Alshirbaji  , Jalal Nour Aldeen , Möller Knut
Published: September 2020

Surgical tool presence detection in laparoscopic videos is a challenging problem that plays a critical role in developing context-aware systems in operating rooms (ORs). In this work, we propose a deep learning-based approach for detecting surgical tools in laparoscopic images using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in combination with two long short-term memory (LSTM) models. A pre-trained CNN model was trained to learn visual features from images. Then, LSTM was employed to include temporal information through a video clip of neighbour frames. Finally, the second LSTM was utilized to model temporal dependencies across the whole surgical video. Experimental evaluation has been conducted with the Cholec80 dataset to validate our approach. Results show that the most notable improvement is achieved after employing the two-stage LSTM model, and the proposed approach achieved better or similar performance compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Automatic stent and catheter marker detection in X-ray fluoroscopy using adaptive thresholding and classification
Authors: Chabi Negar , Beuing Oliver , Preim Bernhard , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: September 2020

In this study, we propose a method for marker detection in X-ray fluoroscopy sequences based on adaptive thresholding and classification. Adaptive thresholding yields multiple marker candidates. To remove non-marker areas, 24 specific features are extracted from each extracted patch and four supervised classifiers are trained to differentiate non-marker areas from marker areas. Quantitative evaluation was carried out to assess different classifier performance by calculating accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and precision. SVM outperforms other classifiers based on the mean value for accuracy, specificity and precision with 81.56, 91.94 and 84.21%, respectively.
Endoscopic filter fluorometer for detection of accumulation of Protoporphyrin IX to improve photodynamic diagnostic (PDD)
Authors: Boese Axel , Wagner Alexander , Illanes Alfredo , Liehr Uwe Bernd , Wendler Johann Jakob , Friebe Michael
Published: September 2020

Photodynamic diagnostic (PDD) is an optical enhancement option for the endoscope to support the detection of cancer, for example in the bladder. In real application PDD efficiency suffers due to the complex accumulation of the photosensitizing drug inside the tumor and the associated processes of heme syntheses to create the fluorescent components needed. To optimize the diagnostic outcome of PDD it would be helpful to predict the optimal time for diagnosis based on measurable precursors. In a previous cell study, we proposed a new filter fluorometer to image the accumulation of the precursors Coproporphyrin III (CP-III) and Uroporphyrin III (UP-III) that metabolize to Protoporphyrin IX (PP-IX) later. This accumulation process can be used to predict the optimal time slot for diagnostic imaging. Therefore, a new filter system was designed to distinguish between CP-III and PP-IX. In this work we tested this filter system in combination with a standard PDD endoscopic imaging system. Goal of this study was to prove the technical feasibility in a non-patient setup to prepare a later clinical study.
Guided capture of 3-D Ultrasound data and semiautomatic navigation using a mechatronic support arm system
Authors: Francis Amalanesan Antony , Ostler Daniel , Frielinghaus Nils , Heiliger Thomas , Wilhelm Dirk
Published: September 2020

A common treatment for malignant hepatic tumors is radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA); however this procedure is often exhausting and error-prone, when performed only with hand held devices. In this work, we present a new concept for a computer- and mechatronic-arm-assisted treatment of hepatic tumor with RFA. Challenging factors of state-of-the-art RFA procedures are tackled by utilizing a prototype, which combines state-of-the-art ultrasound image guidance with a mechatronic support arm system. Physicians can image and examine the human abdomen using an ultrasound capturing device which is guided by the mechatronic support arm. The mechatronic arm allows to track the ultrasound transducer via joint position encoders, so that the recorded images’ exact positions are acquired and the patient is automatically registered during imaging. Consequently, physicians can use the acquired ultrasound images to navigate in the imaged abdomen area. The established prototype enables preplanning and semi-automatic alignment of trajectories with sufficient accuracy. In addition, the arm system supports the usually lengthy, exhausting and error-prone holding of the needle during the ablation process. Based on the results of accuracy examination and expert assessments by surgeons, the established concept could be proven to be advantageous for the considered use case.
Intraventricular flow features and cardiac mechano-energetics after mitral valve interventions – feasibility of an isolated heart model
Authors: Vellguth Katharina , Sündermann Simon , Escher Andreas , Bierewirtz Tim , Schmidt Tanja , Alogna Alessio , Kertzscher Ulrich , Goubergrits Leonid , Fraser Katharine H. , Granegger Marcus
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work was the development of an isolated heart setup to delineate the interactions between intraventricular flow features, hemodynamic parameters and mechano-energetics after certain mitral valve therapies. Five porcine hearts were explanted and prepared for (i) edge-to-edge mitral valve repair, (ii) implantation of a rotatable biscupid mechanical valve prosthesis. Flow structures were visualized using echocardiography while hemodynamics was recorded in terms of pressures, flow rates and ventricular volume. Hemodynamic and cardiac mechano-energetics implied a marginal effect (<5%) of alternating leaflet orientation on ventricular pre-load and stroke work. After edge-to-edge repair, substantial variations in flow structures were observed. Beside promoting profound insights into fundamental physiologic mechanisms, the setup may be used for validation of computer aided therapy planning tools.
Multicriterial CNN based beam generation for robotic radiosurgery of the prostate
Authors: Gerlach Stefan , Fürweger Christoph , Hofmann Theresa , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: September 2020

Although robotic radiosurgery offers a flexible arrangement of treatment beams, generating treatment plans is computationally challenging and a time consuming process for the planner. Furthermore, different clinical goals have to be considered during planning and generally different sets of beams correspond to different clinical goals. Typically, candidate beams sampled from a randomized heuristic form the basis for treatment planning. We propose a new approach to generate candidate beams based on deep learning using radiological features as well as the desired constraints. We demonstrate that candidate beams generated for specific clinical goals can improve treatment plan quality. Furthermore, we compare two approaches to include information about constraints in the prediction. Our results show that CNN generated beams can improve treatment plan quality for different clinical goals, increasing coverage from 91.2 to 96.8% for 3,000 candidate beams on average. When including the clinical goal in the training, coverage is improved by 1.1% points.
Needle placement accuracy in CT-guided robotic post mortem biopsy
Authors: Gromniak Martin , Neidhardt Maximilian , Heinemann Axel , Püschel Klaus , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: September 2020

Forensic autopsies include a thorough examination of the corpse to detect the source or alleged manner of death as well as to estimate the time since death. However, a full autopsy may be not feasible due to limited time, cost or ethical objections by relatives. Hence, we propose an automated minimal invasive needle biopsy system with a robotic arm, which does not require any online calibrations during a procedure. The proposed system can be easily integrated into the workflow of a forensic biopsy since the robot can be flexibly positioned relative to the corpse. With our proposed system, we performed needle insertions into wax phantoms and livers of two corpses and achieved an accuracy of 4.34 ± 1.27 mm and 10.81 ± 4.44 mm respectively.
Segmentation of the distal femur in ultrasound images
Authors: Hohlmann Benjamin , Glanz Jakob , Radermacher Klaus
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Ultrasound is a widely used imaging technology that allows for fast diagnosis of a broad range of illnesses and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. However, interpreting ultrasound images remains a challenging task that requires expert knowledge and years of training for each exam. One crucial step for the long-term goal of automatic diagnosis is pixel wise semantic segmentation.

Methods

In this work, several state-of-the-art semantic segmentation networks were trained on a new dataset of manually annotated ultrasound images depicting the distal femur.

Results

PSP-Net achieved the best overall performance with an average surface distance error (SDE) of 0.64 mm.

Conclusions

We recommend the PSP-Net architecture for semantic segmentation of bone surfaces.
Shrinking tube mesh: combined mesh generation and smoothing for pathologic vessels
Authors: Niemann Annika , Preim Bernhard , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: September 2020

We present a mesh generation algorithm which is able to produce smooth meshes from point clouds derived from histological slices. In this work, the shrinking tube mesh generation is used on histologic images depicting pathologic vessels. Our mesh generation is modeled after the behaviour of a shrinking tube. A start shape is fitted iteratively to the point cloud. The presented algorithm was successfully used to generate meshes of the inner and outer contour from vessels in histologic images. While histologic slices have a high in-plane resolution, the large slice distance and deformations during tissue deformations are challenging for 3D model generation.
Target tracking accuracy and latency with different 4D ultrasound systems – a robotic phantom study
Authors: Ipsen Svenja , Böttger Sven , Schwegmann Holger , Ernst Floris
Published: September 2020

Ultrasound (US) imaging, in contrast to other image guidance techniques, offers the distinct advantage of providing volumetric image data in real-time (4D) without using ionizing radiation. The goal of this study was to perform the first quantitative comparison of three different 4D US systems with fast matrix array probes and real-time data streaming regarding their target tracking accuracy and system latency. Sinusoidal motion of varying amplitudes and frequencies was used to simulate breathing motion with a robotic arm and a static US phantom. US volumes and robot positions were acquired online and stored for retrospective analysis. A template matching approach was used for target localization in the US data. Target motion measured in US was compared to the reference trajectory performed by the robot to determine localization accuracy and system latency. Using the robotic setup, all investigated 4D US systems could detect a moving target with sub-millimeter accuracy. However, especially high system latency increased tracking errors substantially and should be compensated with prediction algorithms for respiratory motion compensation.
Using position-based dynamics to simulate deformation in aortic valve replacement procedure
Authors: Walczak Lars , Goubergrits Leonid , Hüllebrand Markus , Georgii Joachim , Falk Volkmar , Hennemuth Anja
Published: September 2020

We present a novel approach to simulate deformation in aortic valve replacement scenarios with applications in operation planning and batch domain creation for large computational fluid dynamics studies of the aortic arch.
Comprehensive performance test and analysis of graphene-enhanced chromium-free Dacromet coating
Authors: Cai Jiabin , Shi Xiaojie , Song Jian , Song Junjun , Jing Fuqi , Xiao Qihong
Published: September 2020

The proposed work aims to improve the comprehensive properties of the composite coating by adding different content of graphene into the coating solution. Firstly, the formulation of the coating solution was determined by the L16(45) orthogonal test. Secondly, the conventional properties of the coating were tested using the optical microscope and micro-vickers hardness tester. Thirdly, the corrosion resistance of the coating was tested by the rapid ammonium nitrate corrosion test, immersion test, and neutral salt spray test. The changes of the microstructure and composition of the coating before and after corrosion were observed and analyzed using the scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, and Raman spectrometer, and the Tafel polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the composite coatings with different graphene contents were tested by electrochemical experiments. The results show that the hardness of the coating increases with the increase in the content of graphene. Graphene intercalates between zinc and aluminum powders in a flaky structure, which reduces the appearance of voids and enhances the protection of chromium-free Dacromet coatings, slows down the penetration of electrolyte solutions and effectively slows down the penetration of corrosive media. The addition of a small amount of graphene can increase the corrosion potential and decrease the corrosion current density of the chromium-free Dacromet coating, the Nyquist low frequency of the coating is higher in the same period and the salt spray resistance of the coating is the best.
Random effects tumour growth models for identifying image markers of mammography screening sensitivity
Authors: Abrahamsson Linda , Alsheh Ali Maya , Czene Kamila , Isheden Gabriel , Hall Per , Humphreys Keith
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Percentage mammographic density has long been recognised as a marker of breast cancer risk and of mammography sensitivity. There may be other image markers of screening sensitivity and efficient statistical approaches would be helpful for establishing them from large scale epidemiological and screening data.

Methods

We compare a novel random effects continuous tumour growth model (which includes a screening sensitivity submodel) to logistic regression (with interval vs. screen-detected cancer as the dependent variable) in terms of statistical power to detect image markers of screening sensitivity. We do this by carrying out a simulation study. We also use continuous tumour growth modelling to quantify the roles of dense tissue scatter (measured as skewness of the intensity gradient) and percentage mammographic density in screening sensitivity. This is done by using mammograms and information on tumour size, mode of detection and screening history from 1,845 postmenopausal women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, in Sweden between 1993 and 1995.

Results

The statistical power to detect a marker of screening sensitivity was larger for our continuous tumour growth model than it was for logistic regression. For the settings considered in this paper, the percentage increase in power ranged from 34 to 56%. In our analysis of data from Swedish breast cancer patients, using our continuous growth model, when including both percentage mammographic density and dense tissue scatter in the screening sensitivity submodel, only the latter variable was significantly associated with sensitivity. When included one at a time, both markers were significantly associated (p-values of 5.7 × 10−3 and 1.0 × 10−5 for percentage mammographic density and dense tissue scatter, respectively).

Conclusions

Our continuous tumour growth model is useful for finding image markers of screening sensitivity and for quantifying their role, using large scale epidemiological and screening data. Clustered dense tissue is associated with low mammography screening sensitivity.
Mathematical modeling the epicenters of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Jamshidi Babak , Rezaei Mansour , Jamshidi Zargaran Shahriar , Najafi Farid
Published: September 2020

In epidemiology, the modeling of epicenters is important both conceptually and mathematically. This paper is an attempt to model epicenters mathematically. We present an algorithm to find new epicenters. Applying our model for the data related to COVID-19 pandemic, we obtain epicenters in China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the USA, and Switzerland, on the days 1, 35, 42, 42, 49, 50, 50, 50, and 56, respectively. Although the number of these epicenters is less than 5% of all contaminated countries across the globe, as of March 22, 2020, they make up 74% of new cases and over 80% of total confirmed cases. Finally, we conclude that we expect to face three new epicenters between March 22 and April 1, 2020.
Effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing at old age home
Authors: Raj Divya , Santhi Subramaniam , Sapharina G. J. Sara
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study finds out the effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing in old age homes.

Methods

The non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Wechsler's memory scale (WMS-IV) and Geriatric depression scale (GDS) were the instruments used to assess the memory and depression among elderly during the pretest and posttest, respectively and the researcher had developed data sheet to collect information about the background variables using interview technique.

Results

The neurobic exercise program was found to be effective in reducing depression among elderly residing in old age homes. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the level of depression had been found during the pretest and posttest in the interventional group. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) found between the study group and in the control group. There was significant correlation (r=0.417, p<0.05) found between the memory and depression during the pretest in the study group among the elderly. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) found in the mean scores of depression and marital status of the elderly during the pretest in the study group and there was a significant association (p<0.01) found in the mean scores of depression and the gender of the elderly during the pretest and posttest in the non interventional group were found.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that neurobic exercise program is an effective intervention in improving memory and reducing depression.
Topological nanophotonics for photoluminescence control
Authors: Tripathi Aditya , Kruk Sergey , Shang Yunfei , Zhou Jiajia , Kravchenko Ivan , Jin Dayong , Kivshar Yuri
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Rare-earth-doped nanocrystals are emerging light sources that can produce tunable emissions in colours and lifetimes, which has been typically achieved in chemistry and material science. However, one important optical challenge – polarization of photoluminescence – remains largely out of control by chemistry methods. Control over photoluminescence polarization can be gained via coupling of emitters to resonant nanostructures such as optical antennas and metasurfaces. However, the resulting polarization is typically sensitive to position disorder of emitters, which is difficult to mitigate.

Methods

Recently, new classes of disorder-immune optical systems have been explored within the framework of topological photonics. Here we explore disorder-robust topological arrays of Mie-resonant nanoparticles for polarization control of photoluminescence of nanocrystals.

Results

We demonstrate polarized emission from rare-earth-doped nanocrystals governed by photonic topological edge states supported by zigzag arrays of dielectric resonators. We verify the topological origin of polarized photoluminescence by comparing emission from nanoparticles coupled to topologically trivial and nontrivial arrays of nanoresonators.

Conclusions

We expect that our results may open a new direction in the study of topology-enable emission properties of topological edge states in many photonic systems.
Strong spin–orbit interaction of photonic skyrmions at the general optical interface
Authors: Shi Peng , Du Luping , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: September 2020

Photonic skyrmions have applications in many areas, including the vectorial and chiral optics, optical manipulation, deep-subwavelength imaging and nanometrology. Much effort has been focused on the experimental characterization of photonic skyrmions. Here, we give an insight into the spin and orbital features of photonic skyrmions constructed by the p-polarized and s-polarized surface waves at an interface with various electric and magnetic properties by analyzing the continuity of chirality, energy flow and momentum densities through the electric and magnetic interface. The continuity of chirality density indicates that the photonic skyrmion has a property of the optical transverse spin. Most importantly, the continuity of energy flow and momentum densities results in four spin–orbit interaction quantities, which indicate the gradient of electric polarizability or permeability governs the spin–orbit interaction of photonic skyrmions and leads to the discontinuity and even the reversal of spin orientation through the optical interface. Our investigations on the spin–orbit properties of photonic skyrmions, which can give rise to the spin-dependent force and topological unidirectional transportation, is thorough and can be extended to other classical wave, such as acoustic and fluid waves. The findings help in understanding the spin–orbit feature of photonic topological texture and in constructing further optical manipulation, sensing, quantum and topological techniques.
Exploring Public Perceptions of Nonprofit Policy Advocacy
Authors: Bell Elizabeth , Fryar Alisa Hicklin , Johnson Tyler
Published: September 2020

Research on nonprofit advocacy has grown in recent years, and many nonprofit organizations have expanded and refined their efforts to influence public policies in ways they believe will benefit society. Despite the growing body of literature on nonprofit advocacy, there is substantial room for development on questions related to public perceptions of nonprofit advocacy activities. Utilizing an experimental design, we examine the ways in which the involvement of a nonprofit organization in the policy process can shift public opinion regarding a specific policy proposal. We also explore how these perceptions vary when we introduce political conflict that questions the effectiveness of the proposed policy. We find that in the absence of political controversy, the involvement of nonprofits in the policy process can significantly increase positive perceptions, relative to the control condition in which there is no mention on nonprofit involvement. However, we also find that the ways in which nonprofit involvement could boost support for a policy proposal may not hold when there is conflict over the policy in question.
Chlorine dioxide bleaching of nineteen non-wood plant pulps
Authors: Ferdous Taslima , Quaiyyum M. A. , Jahan M. Sarwar
Published: September 2020

Bleaching of unbleached and oxygen delignified pulps from nineteen non-wood plants has been evaluated in elemental chlorine free bleaching. Chlorine dioxide charge (kappa factor 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) and temperature (70 and 85 °C) in the delignification stage (D) were varied. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) charge and temperature exhibited lower kappa number and higher brightness after alkaline extraction (EP) stage. High temperature ClO2delignification (DHT) exhibited higher final pulp brightness. The final brightness of wheat straw pulp reached to 90 % after D0/DHT(EP)D1bleaching, while banana pseudo stem pulp showed the worst bleachability. Residual hexeneuronic acid contents in final pulp from most of the non-wood plants were lower and exhibited 1–2 % higher pulp brightness in DHTprocess than D0process. Oxygen delignified pulp and DHTprocess discharged lower COD load.
Study on bubble morphology at interface of laser direct joint between carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) and titanium alloy
Authors: Yang Hongyan , Zhan Xiaohong , Bu Hengchang , Ma Wanping , Wang Feiyun
Published: September 2020

Laser direct joining of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite plate and titanium alloy plate with a thickness of 2 mm was performed with swing laser. Numerous air bubble of submillimeter size were observed inside the fusion zone of CFRTP and titanium alloy at the cross section of the joints. The air bubble characteristics were analyzed based on the morphology and size, while the formation mechanism of air bubble was further elucidated according to the nucleation mode, nucleation site and nucleation position. The results demonstrated that the nucleation modes of air bubble are substantially divided into homogeneous nucleation and heterogeneous nucleation, which is related to the nucleation sites. The nucleation mode presents a crucial factor influencing the position and morphology of air bubble. In addition, the air bubble characteristics are also determined by the clamp pressure and resin flow. The final morphology of air bubble is primarily represented by four typical types.
A review of sustainable lignocellulose biorefining applying (natural) deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for separations, catalysis and enzymatic biotransformation processes
Authors: Bjelić Ana , Hočevar Brigita , Grilc Miha , Novak Uroš , Likozar Blaž
Published: September 2020

Conventional biorefinery processes are complex, engineered and energy-intensive, where biomass fractionation, a key functional step for the production of biomass-derived chemical substances, demands industrial organic solvents and harsh, environmentally harmful reaction conditions. There is a timely, clear and unmet economic need for a systematic, robust and affordable conversion method technology to become greener, sustainable and cost-effective. In this perspective, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been envisaged as the most advanced novel polar liquids that are entirely made of natural, molecular compounds that are capable of an association via hydrogen bonding interactions. DES has quickly emerged in various application functions thanks to a formulations’ simple preparation. These molecules themselves are biobased, renewable, biodegradable and eco-friendly. The present experimental review is providing the state of the art topical overview of trends regarding the employment of DESs in investigated biorefinery-related techniques. This review covers DESs for lignocellulosic component isolation, applications as (co)catalysts and their functionality range in biocatalysis. Furthermore, a special section of the DESs recyclability is included. For DESs to unlock numerous new (reactive) possibilities in future biorefineries, the critical estimation of its complexity in the reaction, separation, or fractionation medium should be addressed more in future studies.
Cycloartane triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Astragalus ernestii
Authors: Li Jin-Qiang , Xiao Chao-Jiang , Yang Han , Tian Xin-Yan , Li Ye-Meng , Jiang Bei
Published: September 2020

A systematic study on chemical constituents of the roots of Astragalus ernestii was performed by silica gel, sephadex LH-20, MCI gel and Rp-18 column chromatography and spectral analysis such as MS, 1D and 2D NMR. As a result, nine cycloartane triterpenoid saponins were obtained from the methanol extract including a new compound asernestioside D (1), along with eight known constituents, 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-3β,6a,16β,20(S),24(R),25-hexahydroxycycloartane (2), cycloasgenin C-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (3), cycloascidoside (4), cyclosiversigenin-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (5), isoastragaloside IV (6), asernestioside A (7), asernestioside B (8), and asernestioside C (9).