bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient actuation design for optomechanical sensors
Authors: Westwood-Bachman Jocelyn N. , Lee Timothy S. , Hiebert Wayne K.
Published: September 2020

For any nanomechanical device intended for sensing applications, actuation is an important consideration. Many different actuation mechanisms have been used, including self-oscillation, piezoelectric shakers, capacitive excitation, and optically pumping via the optical gradient force. Despite the relatively frequent use of optical pumping, the limits of optical actuation with a pump laser have not been fully explored. We provide a practical framework for designing optical cavities and optomechanical systems to maximize the efficiency of the optical pumping technique. The effects of coherent backscattering on detection and actuation are included. We verify our results experimentally and show good agreement between the model and experiment. Our model for efficient actuation will be a useful resource for the future design of optomechanical cavities for sensor and other high-amplitude applications.
Prismatic discontinuous Galerkin time domain method with an integrated generalized dispersion model for efficient optical metasurface analysis
Authors: Mai Wending , Campbell Sawyer D. , Whiting Eric B. , Kang Lei , Werner Pingjuan L. , Chen Yifan , Werner Douglas H.
Published: September 2020

Planar photonics technology is expected to facilitate new physics and enhanced functionality for a new generation of disruptive optical devices. To analyze such planar optical metasurfaces efficiently, we propose a prismatic discontinuous Galerkin time domain (DGTD) method with a generalized dispersive material (GDM) model to conduct the full-wave electromagnetic simulation of planar photonic nanostructures. Prism-based DGTD allows for triangular prismatic space discretization, which is optimal for planar geometries. In order to achieve an accurate universal model for arbitrary dispersive materials, the GDM model is integrated within the prism-based DGTD. As an advantage of prismatic spatial discretization, the prism-based DGTD with GDM has fewer elements than conventional tetrahedral methods, which in turn brings higher computational efficiency. Finally, the accuracy, convergence behavior, and efficiency improvements of the proposed algorithm is validated by several numerical examples. A simulation toolkit with the proposed algorithm has been released online, enabling users to efficiently analyze metasurfaces with customized pixel patterns.
Nanowire photonics toward wide wavelength range and subwavelength confinement [Invited]
Authors: Notomi Masaya , Takiguchi Masato , Sergent Sylvain , Zhang Guoqiang , Sumikura Hisashi
Published: September 2020

Semiconductor nanowires have attracted much attention for photonic applications, especially for lasers, because of their availability in a wide variety of materials and compositions, exceptionally small size, and rich functionality. So far, most nanowire laser studies have been done in rather short wavelength (λ) ranges of less than 1 µm. In addition, the diameter (d) of most nanowire lasers has been relatively large (d > λ/n, n is the refractive index) because of the requirement for sufficient optical confinement. Recently, however, we are seeing new trends in nanowire research towards much longer wavelengths and much thinner nanowires for photonic applications. This article reviews the latest research activities in these directions, which shows that it is possible to fabricate excellent nanowire lasers operating at telecom wavelengths or even in the mid-infrared region and extremely thin subwavelength nanowires can be applied to make nanophotonic devices in a wide range of wavelengths. We believe that these research trends will have an impact on applications for functional energy-saving devices in future photonic integrated circuits.
Multi-material microstereolithography using a palette with multicolor photocurable resins
Authors: Maruyama Taiki , Hirata Hotaka , Furukawa Taichi , Maruo Shoji
Published: September 2020

A multi-material microstereolithography system in which multiple photocurable resins are stored on a single glass palette was developed to produce multicolor three-dimensional (3D) models. Multiple photocurable resins with different colors are replaced by moving a linear translational X-stage that supports the glass palette. A Z-stage moves radially to remove the air bubbles that adhere around the 3D model when replacing the resins. The uncurable resin was washed out by sequentially immersing the 3D structure in two tanks containing a cleaning solvent. This makes it possible to produce multicolor 3D models without contaminating the resins and air bubbles.
High-contrast multifocus microscopy with a single camera and z-splitter prism
Authors: Xiao Sheng , Gritton Howard , Tseng Hua-An , Zemel Dana , Han Xue , Mertz Jerome
Published: September 2020

Optical microscopy has been an indispensable tool for studying complex
biological systems, but is often hampered by problems of speed and
complexity when performing 3D volumetric imaging. Here, we present a
multifocus imaging strategy based on the use of a simple z-splitter
prism that can be assembled from off-the-shelf components. Our
technique enables a widefield image stack to be distributed onto a
single camera and recorded simultaneously. We exploit the volumetric
nature of our image acquisition by further introducing a novel
extended-volume 3D deconvolution strategy to suppress far-out-of-focus
fluorescence background to significantly improve the contrast of our
recorded images, conferring to our system a capacity for quasi-optical
sectioning. By swapping in different z-splitter configurations, we can
prioritize high speed or large 3D field-of-view imaging depending on
the application of interest. Moreover, our system can be readily
applied to a variety of imaging modalities in addition to
fluorescence, such as phase-contrast and darkfield imaging. Because of
its simplicity, versatility, and performance, we believe our system
will be a useful tool for general biological or biomedical imaging
applications.
Multi-focal laser fabrication of nitrogen vacancy centres in a bulk diamond
Authors: Barbiero Martina , Castelletto Stefania , Gu Min
Published: September 2020

We demonstrate the multi-focal fabrication of single

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centres at different depths in a bulk diamond. After performing an annealing process, the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) signal is measured to confirm the generation of

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centres. These emitters are photo-stable and are imaged by using three different excitations wavelengths at different depths close to the bulk diamond surface. Using two-photon microscopy, the

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centres are imaged with a resolution down to 0.36 µm to study the effect of the exposure time of the multi-focal laser writing on the spatial resolution of each fabrication. The Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) test is performed with two-photon excitation to study the number of

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centres at the location of each multi-focal fabrication. We demonstrate the formation of single

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centres placed between 100 nm and 3 µm below the diamond surface. The ability to control the placement of single

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centres with depth is of paramount importance for applications in quantum information, single spin magnetometry, and optical data storage.
Continuous subcutaneous infusion of somatostatin analogues in the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Melikyan Maria A. , Gubaeva Diliara N. , Kareva Maria A.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a severe disease with a high risk of development of neurological complications due to persistent hypoglycemia. The use of an analog of somatostatin (octreotide) in patients with the resistance to the first-line drug allows to avoid surgical intervention. However, the octreotide is currently used in the form of frequent fractional injections due to the short duration of its effect. We present in this article our own experience of using octreotide in continuous subcutaneous infusion in pediatric patients in order to improve the quality of life.
AIM To evaluate the efficiency and safety of the regime of continuous subcutaneous infusion of octreotide with the use of micro-dispensers (pumps) in children with diazoxide-resistant course of CHI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational single-centre dynamic research was carried out on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Endocrinology Research Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The study included pediatric patients with CHI and proven diazoxide-resistant course who were initially treated with octreotide in the form of intermittent subcutaneous injections. The researches compared the indicants of efficiency and safety of therapy on treatment of intermittent injections and after transfer to continuous subcutaneous infusion of the drug. The duration of each method of administration was at least 2 weeks.
RESULTS: 16 patients took part in the research. The median for the total duration of octreotide usage in the examined patients was 3 months. According to the results of the work, the use of micro-dispensers for continuous subcutaneous administration of octreotide allowed to reduce the number of patients with episodes of hypoglycemia for more than 4 times (13/16 vs. 3/16); p=0,001). Also, there was a significant decrease in the number of patients with hyperglycemic episodes (4/16 vs. 0/16); p=0.000) and reduced dose of intravenous glucose (6.8 vs 5.2 mg/kg/min; p=0.042) as a result of continuous therapy, which indicates the advantages of smooth continuous administration comparing to single injections. We have not detected any significant side effects of the treatment. Elevated liver enzyme levels, dyspeptic symptoms and gallstone formation in some patients did not require cancellation of therapy. There were no hormonal disorders in the form of hypothyroidism and somatotropic hormone deficiency against the background of continuous octreotide infusion.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the use of octreotide in patients with diazoxide-resistant course of СHI in continuous subcutaneous infusion using pumps has a number of advantages over the standard method of intermittent subcutaneous injection. This method of administration allows to achieve better glycemic control and reduce the risks from infusion therapy with highly concentrated glucose solutions, which undoubtedly improves the quality of life of patients.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with 46,XY DSD due to NR5A1 gene mutations
Authors: Kalinchenko Natalia Yu. , Kolodkina Anna A. , Raygorodskaya Nadezda Y. , Tiulpakov Anatoly N.
Published: September 2020

Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1, NR5A1) is a nuclear receptor that regulates multiple genes involved in adrenal and gonadal development, steroidogenesis, and the reproductive axis. Human mutations in SF1 were initially found in patients with severe gonadal dysgenesis and primary adrenal failure. However, more recent case reports have suggested that heterozygous mutations in SF1 may also be found in patients with 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis and underandrogenization but normal adrenal function. We have analyzed the gene encoding SF1 (NR5A1) in a cohort of 310 Russian patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). Heterozygous SF1 variants were found in 36 out of 310 (11.6%) of cases, among them 15 were not previously described. We have not found any phenotype-genotype correlations and any clinical and laboratory markers that would allow to suspect this type of before conducting molecular genetic analysis.
Radioiodine therapy outcome in toxic multinodular goiter patient with concomitant hereditary Hasharon hemoglobinopathy
Authors: Dzeytova Dali S. , Shklyaev Stanislav S. , Rumyantsev Pavel O. , Sheremeta Marina S. , Trukhin Alexey A. , Tsvetaeva Nina V. , Kozhedub Evgenii E.
Published: September 2020

This research describes a clinical case of treatment of a patient with thyrotoxicosis with concomitant hematological pathology carriage of unstable hemoglobin Hasharon. A patient diagnosed with Diffuse toxic nodular goiter. Thyrotoxicosis of medium severity. Drug-induced hypothyroidism was admitted to the Department of radionuclide therapy for the purpose of treatment with radioactive iodine. Onset of disease - summer 2018 (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 0 mIU/ml). The instrumental studies (ultrasound, scintillation scanning of the thyroid gland) were performed at the pre-radioiodine therapy (RIT) diagnostic stage. The history of the disease indicates, that in 2000 the patient was suspected of having abnormal hemoglobin, since then no examinations have been conducted and anemia has never been detected. The diagnosis of ancestral hemoglobinopathy with the presence (17%) of unstable Hasharon-Sinai-Sealy hemoglobin in a heterozygous form was verified during the preparation to RIT. The radionuclide therapy I131 with activity of 400 MBq was performed on 02.07.2019. The monthly monitoring of laboratory and instrumental indicants was carried out during the post-therapeutic period: the state of hypothyroidism was reached by the end of 2 months after RT, no episodes of significant increase in bilirubin levels were observed during the observation period; no side effects from RT were stated. It becomes possible based on the example of the above observation, to judge the safety of conducting RT for treatment of thyrotoxicosis in patients with similar hemoglobinopathy, without excluding, however, the need for an individual approach in each case.
Use of thyroid hormones in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: literature review
Authors: Borisov Daniil V. , Gubaeva Diliara N. , Praskurnichiy Evgeniy A.
Published: September 2020

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death all over the world. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in the regulation of cardiac function. According to a number of researches, patients with cardiovascular diseases usually have a decrease in the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood serum, which may be associated with a poor prognosis. Today it still remains unclear whether the change in the bioavailability of thyroid hormones in the myocardium is a favorable physiological mechanism or a replication of an adaptation disorder. Experimental researches suggest that thyroid hormone therapy may be applied in clinical cardiology.
This review describes the results of researches examining the use of thyroid hormones in patients with cardiovascular diseases, as well as experiment data on animal models. The available data on the use of thyroid hormones in patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure allow us to suggest that normalization of thyroid hormone levels is a safe and potentially effective treatment method in the group of patients with cardiovascular disease. At the same time, the data on the use of thyroid hormones in patients who have undergone an open-heart surgery or heart transplantation are limited. However, at present, it is difficult to draw unambiguous conclusions about the benefits, as well as about the possible risk of using thyroid hormones in the described conditions. Large-scale clinical researches are required to confirm the safety and evaluate the effectiveness of such therapy. Moreover, it is necessary to set parameters for evaluating the safety and effectiveness and understand which hormone (thyroxine or triiodothyronine), what dosage and at what stage of the disease should be applied. Until we do not have answers for these questions, thyroid hormone therapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases should remain within the research field.
Screening for gestational diabetes due to of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Torosyan Ayarpi O. , Loginova Ekaterina V. , Gagaev Chelebi G.
Published: September 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that causes coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, there is no evidence that pregnant women are more vulnerable to COVID-19. All concerns and anticipated risks are related to the potential impact of COVID-19 on perinatal outcomes, so pregnant women require special attention in relation to the preventive measures, diagnosis and treatment of a new coronavirus disease. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) belong to the group of high perinatal risk and need timely medical assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a necessity in temporary changes of approaches to diagnosing GSD and pregnancy care before and after delivery in women with GSD. The purpose of our review is to present and analyze all available GSD screening recommendations, updated and published in various countries in response to the coronavirus pandemic, at the time of publication of this article. It seems that there is no single universal strategy to achieve a reasonable balance. In this regard, it is necessary to develop new national algorithms for GSD screening, taking into account both demographic factors and the features and capabilities of our health system. We believe that the knowledge and experience achieved as a result of these changes will lead to the revision and improvement of national and international recommendations.
Cushing’s syndrome due to bilateral oncocytic adrenal tumor
Authors: Kim Ekaterina I. , Mamedova Elizaveta O. , Selivanova Liliya S. , Buryakina Svetlana A. , Gorbunova Natalya P. , Latkina Nonna V. , Kuznetsov Nikolay S. , Belaya Zhanna E.
Published: September 2020

Cushings syndrome accounts for approximately 2030% of endogenous hypercortisolism cases, and adrenal involvement can be either unilateral or bilateral. Cushings syndrome due to bilateral adrenal tumors is extremely rare. Adrenal oncocytomas are another rare cause of endogenous hypercortisolism: about 13 cases are described in the literature. Oncocytomas are rare epithelial neoplasms, characterized by abnormally excessive accumulation of defective mitochondria in the cytoplasm of cells, and make up 1.8% of all adrenal neoplasms.
We describe a 58-year old patient with Cushings syndrome and bilateral adrenal tumors. Multispiral computed tomography of the adrenals showed signs suspicious of lipid-poor atypical adenomas or malignant tumors. Surgical treatment was the method of choice, and the larger tumor was excised first. Due to the absence of remission of endogenous hypercortisolism the excision of the second tumor was performed. Morphological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral oncocytic adrenocortical tumors with uncertain malignant potential. Cases of bilateral hormone-producing adrenal oncocytomas have not been described in the literature.
Organization, problems and development prospects of endocrinology care and specialist training
Authors: Pigarova Ekaterina A.
Published: September 2020

Currently, among the priority tasks of the health care system is to improve the quality of medical care provided to the population and the accessibility of services. Incomplete staffing is a serious slowdown to the provision of quality care. The shortage of medical personnel is widespread in medicine, which is especially pronounced in primary health care, and endocrinology is no exception. The shortage of personnel is directly related to the problems of accessibility and quality of medical care. Reorganizing the system of professional training, retraining and continuing medical education in a volume that allows eliminating quantitative and qualitative defects in providing care for people with endocrine diseases, as well as analyzing staffing needs and planning based on the real needs of the population, will help to achieve the solution to the set tasks of the healthcare system.
Abra seus olhos: destruição, colonialismo e o primitivo no museu
Authors: Gomes de Oliveira Emerson Dionisio
Published: September 2020

Pela perspectiva da instalação “Abra seus olhos” do artista Kader Attia, este artigo busca compreender as conexões entre a produção de Attia e a curadoria da exposição Picasso Primitivo. Apresentadas no mesmo período no Museu du Quai Branly, em Paris, obra e exposição nos ajudam a traçar um itinerário nocional que abrange o conceito de primitivo, a ideia de reparação, a apropriação de artefatos etnográficos pelo sistema das artes visuais e a manipulação de imagens históricas. Para tanto, um pequeno conjunto de exposições, curadorias e interpretações críticas foram selecionadas para construir uma possível história da arte. Assim, pela presença num mesmo espaço museológico, apresentamos uma narrativa que coliga produções artísticas e culturais cujas intenções estão desenhadas em temporalidades distintas.
Mejora de la toma de decisiones en ciclo de ventas del subsistema comercial de servicios en una empresa de IT
Authors: Vanegas Diego Armando , Tarazona Bermudez Giovanny Mauricio , Rodriguez Rojas Luz Andrea
Published: September 2020

El alto volumen de datos, el tiempo de procesamiento y la visualización de información, son problemas que hoy en día debe enfrentar las organizaciones en el sector de tecnología, en particular el subsistema comercial. En esta investigación se desarrolló un modelo para la toma de decisiones basado en la interacción de los criterios y las etapas del ciclo de ventas. Se usó una herramienta especializada en inteligencia de negocios que facilitó el manejo de grandes volúmenes de datos, su procesamiento y la visualización de la información. Dentro de los resultados obtenidos se encontró una significativa reducción en el tiempo de obtención de la información, pasando de horas a minutos.
Educación Científica, reflexiones y propuestas desde los feminismos
Authors: Camacho-González Johanna Patricia
Published: September 2020

Este artículo presenta algunas reflexiones y propuestas desde los feminismos para la investigación en el área de la didáctica de las ciencias. Se trata de una discusión sobre los principales aportes de los estudios de género que pueden contribuir favorablemente a la discusión y coyunturas actuales en relación con el rol de los sujetos en la educación científica con el propósito de avanzar hacia sociedades que superan la inequidad y avanzan hacia la justicia social. En primer lugar, se presentan vínculos entre la investigación de los estudios de géneros y la didáctica de las ciencias en los últimos años. Posteriormente, la discusión se focaliza en tres estratégicos que permiten articular y orientar la discusión actual en relación con una educación científica con perspectiva de género. Finalmente, se señalan algunas reflexiones finales con el ánimo de generar nuevas propuestas y proyecciones futuras.
Toma de decisiones en el sector turismo mediante el uso de Sistemas de Información Geográfica e inteligencia de negocios
Authors: Barrera-Narváez Carlos Fernando , González-Sanabria Juan Sebastián , Cáceres-Castellanos Gustavo
Published: September 2020

Actualmente, la inteligencia de negocios está presente en cualquier proceso de análisis de datos, principalmente, en casos en los que se evalúa la viabilidad de mercados, la inclusión de nuevos productos o la actividad que permite conocer los hábitos de consumo de las personas, lo cual muestra ventajas evidentes.  El sector turístico tiene como fin proyectar y potencializar a las regiones, según las necesidades o intereses de las personas, por lo que los modelos de inteligencia de negocios son de fundamental utilidad para cumplir con dicho objetivo. Adicionalmente, al integrar a la inteligencia de negocios, aspectos relacionados con el espacio para determinar la cercanía o el desplazamiento de las personas entre regiones, mediante el uso de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), se puede obtener una representación visual del estado del turismo en una región de interés e incluso evaluar la integración de regiones cercanas y ofrecer planes en conjunto para tener beneficios y progreso conjunto. Este artículo presenta una revisión sistemática de literatura sobre el uso de sistemas de información geográfica y de inteligencia de negocios para la toma de decisiones apoyadas en el sector turismo; para lo cual se analizaron artículos publicados durante 2015-2019 en las bases de datos Scopus e IEEE. Se obtuvo como resultado que durante dicho periodo la tendencia en investigaciones relacionadas con la temática de uso de los GIS en turismo ha sido creciente. Se concluye que gracias a los avances tecnológicos con el uso de las WebGIS y Open Source GIS, los gerentes de empresas turísticas han podido construir sistemas de Información de Recursos Turísticos.
Konzernmacht in der digitalen Welt
Authors: Wiggerthale Marita
Published: September 2020

Permanente kommerzielle Überwachung, detaillierte Nutzerprofile und undurchsichtige Algorithmen: Willkommen im Wilden Westen des Datenzeitalters! Wie kann der Einfluss von Konzernen im digitalen Zeitalter kontrolliert werden?
Wider eine Engführung des Reallabor-Konzepts
Authors: Parodi Oliver
Published: September 2020

Reallabore können ein wirksames Instrument sein, um unsere Welt nachhaltiger, zukunftsfähiger, enkeltauglicher zu machen. Sicherlich gibt es Grenzen von Reallaboren. Wo diese allerdings liegen, hängt maßgeblich vom Konzept und Verständnis ab, was denn Reallabore sind oder sein sollen.
Akteure und ihre Rolle für die Energiewende im Quartier
Authors: Dunkelberg Elisa , Knoefel Jan , Weiß Julika
Published: September 2020

Quartierskonzepte bieten für den Klimaschutz vielerlei Chancen. Die Entwicklung und Umsetzung von klimaneutralen Quartieren bedarf allerdings der Kooperation  unterschiedlichster Akteure, was zugleich eines der größten Hemmnisse bei der Umsetzung ist. Wer kann und sollte welche Aufgaben übernehmen?
Kooperation zwischen Umwelt- und Entwicklungsverbänden
Authors: Abshagen Marie-Luise
Published: September 2020

Eine Zusammenarbeit zwischen Umwelt- und Entwicklungsverbänden besteht in Deutschland spätestens seit der 1992er-Konferenz der Vereinten Nationen über Umwelt und Entwicklung. Maßgeblich wird diese im Netzwerk  Forum Umwelt & Entwicklung koordiniert. Welche  Erfolgsbedingungen gibt es für diese Zusammenarbeit?
Die Verkehrswende braucht eine neue kommunale Planungskultur!
Authors: Rupprecht Siegfried
Published: September 2020

Den Kommunen kommt in Deutschland eine wesentliche Aufgabe in der Verkehrswende zu. Verkehrsplanung ist die Grundlage von Verkehrspolitik. Wie müssten sich ihre Prozesse verändern, um die Verkehrswende effektiv zu unterstützen? Die „Guidelines for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans“ der EU geben darauf eine systematische Antwort.
Wenn Saatgut zum Gemeingut wird
Authors: Sievers-Glotzbach Stefanie , Gmeiner Nina , Tschersich Julia , Marscheider Nils , Ficiciyan Anoush , Kliem Lea
Published: September 2020

Der Biodiversitätsverlust auf den Feldern ist bedingt durch den Anbau einer sinkenden Zahl von Hochleistungssorten, die von wenigen großen Unternehmen gezüchtet und angeboten werden. Seed Commons schaffen hier Alternativen, die vielfältigem Saatgut seinen ökologischen und sozialen Wert zurückgeben.
The Sustainable Corporate Strategy in Industrial Goods Markets
Authors: Niski Alfred , Krause Stefanie , Drusche Olaf
Published: September 2020

Classical management thinking and traditional manufacturing processes will reach their limits soon. There is a great need for innovative sustainability-orientated business models. Has a market-oriented, sustainability-oriented corporate strategy the potential for successful marketing of industrial goods in a monopolistic market?
Von der unsichtbaren zur durchschaubaren Verpackung
Authors: Sattlegger Lukas , Zimmermann Lisa , Birnbach Maik
Published: September 2020

Meeresmüll und Mikroplastik sind allgegenwärtig und in aller Munde, gleichzeitig bleibt Verpackung in vielfacher Hinsicht unsichtbar und schweigsam. Ein nachhaltiger Umgang mit Verpackung muss diese in ihren Inhaltsstoffen und Umweltauswirkungen durchschaubar und damit diskutierbar machen.
Haushaltsnahe industrielle Konsumgüter in einer Postwachstumsökonomie
Authors: Hörmann Florian , Kuschke Ralph
Published: September 2020

Die Realität der Klimakrise macht die Zerstörung unserer Umwelt rigoros sichtbar. Jahrzehnte umweltbewussten Handelns scheinen wirkungslos. Denn ohne die Einbeziehung zentraler industrieller Prozesse ist keine Verbesserung möglich. Wir zeigen daher an konkreten Beispielen nachhaltige Lösungen auf.
Alternative Ökonomien – wann, wenn nicht jetzt?
Authors: Petschow Ulrich , Hofmann David
Published: September 2020

Alternativen zu den bestehenden Formen des Wirtschaftens werden schon lange diskutiert. Diese alternativen Ökonomien rücken in der gegenwärtigen Situation wieder verstärkt in den Fokus der Diskussion. Ist jetzt die Zeit reif für eine große Transformation?
Adaptive optics benefit for quantum key distribution uplink from ground to a satellite
Authors: Pugh Christopher J. , Lavigne Jean-Francois , Bourgoin Jean-Philippe , Higgins Brendon L. , Jennewein Thomas
Published: September 2020

For quantum communications, the use of Earth-orbiting satellites to extend distances has gained significant attention in recent years, exemplified in particular by the launch of the Micius satellite in 2016. The performance of applied protocols such as quantum key distribution (QKD) depends significantly on the transmission efficiency through the turbulent atmosphere, which is especially challenging for ground-to-satellite uplink scenarios. Adaptive optics (AO) techniques have been used in astronomical, communication, and other applications to reduce the detrimental effects of turbulence for many years, but their applicability to quantum protocols, and their requirements specifically in the uplink scenario, is not well established. Here, we model the effect of the atmosphere on link efficiency between an Earth station and a satellite using an optical uplink and how AO can help recover from loss due to turbulence. Examining both low Earth orbit and geostationary uplink scenarios, we find that a modest link transmissivity improvement of about 3 dB can be obtained in the case of a coaligned downward beacon, while the link can be dramatically improved, up to 7 dB, using an offset beacon, such as a laser guide star. AO coupled with a laser guide star would thus deliver a significant increase in the secret key generation rate of the QKD ground-to-space uplink system, especially as reductions of channel loss have a favourably nonlinear key-rate response within this high-loss regime.
Games with Unawareness
Authors: Feinberg Yossi
Published: September 2020

We provide a tool to model and solve strategic situations where players’ perceptions are limited, as well as situations where players realize that other players’ perceptions may be limited and so on. We define normal, repeated, incomplete information, and extensive form games with unawareness using a unified methodology. A game with unawareness is defined as a collection of standard games (of the corresponding form). The collection specifies how each player views the game, how she views the other players’ perceptions of the game and so on. The modeler’s description of perceptions, the players’ description of other players’ perceptions, etc. are shown to have consistent representations. We extend solution concepts such as rationalizability and Nash equilibrium to these games and study their properties. It is shown that while unawareness in normal form games can be mapped to incomplete information games, the extended Nash equilibrium solution is not mapped to a known solution concept in the equivalent incomplete information games, implying that games with unawareness generate novel types of behavior.
Principle and application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale investigation of metal corrosion
Authors: Shinato Kebede W. , Huang Feifei , Jin Ying
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the principle and application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are reviewed and discussed in detail. Several scientific papers are used to find out data about AFM. The obtained scientific results are summarized to get a better understanding of the method and its application. The application of AFM for corrosion study is discussed in detail, and the possible conclusion is made based on the results of several articles. It is summarized that AFM is an important method to determine the surface phenomena of metal corrosion.
Nonlinear solution of the reaction–diffusion equation using a two-step third–fourth-derivative block method
Authors: Adeyeye Oluwaseun , Aldalbahi Ali , Raza Jawad , Omar Zurni , Rahaman Mostafizur , Rahimi-Gorji Mohammad , Hoang Nguyen Minh
Published: September 2020

The processes of diffusion and reaction play essential roles in numerous system dynamics. Consequently, the solutions of reaction–diffusion equations have gained much attention because of not only their occurrence in many fields of science but also the existence of important properties and information in the solutions. However, despite the wide range of numerical methods explored for approximating solutions, the adoption of block methods is yet to be investigated. Hence, this article introduces a new two-step third–fourth-derivative block method as a numerical approach to solve the reaction–diffusion equation. In order to ensure improved accuracy, the method introduces the concept of nonlinearity in the solution of the linear model through the presence of higher derivatives. The method obtained accurate solutions for the model at varying values of the dimensionless diffusion parameter and saturation parameter. Furthermore, the solutions are also in good agreement with previous solutions by existing authors.
Suppression of nonlinear noise in a high-speed optical channel with variable dispersion compensation
Authors: Shapiro Elena G. , Shapiro David A.
Published: September 2020

The numerical modeling of short optical pulses propagation in the communication link is carried out. The combination of high chirp and variable dispersion compensation is proposed to suppress the nonlinear noise. The variable dispersion decreases the bit error rate by 10 times. Calculations for 25 ps pulses propagating by 1000 km with 8-level amplitude-phase modulation and two polarization states confirm that the chirp and compensation decrease the nonlinearity effects and improve the quality of detection radically. The results can be useful when choosing a high-speed communication line design.
Liquid crystallinity and thermal properties of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/side-chain azobenzene hybrid copolymer
Authors: Wang Xiaotao , Chen Zhuofan , Huang Yiwan , Ye Xiaotie , Wang Jiacheng , Yang Yuye , Li Xuefeng , Liu Zuifang
Published: September 2020

Acrylic acid-modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (AC-POSS) was synthesized by the reaction between the amine groups in polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and acrylic acid, which could dissolve in water and can be easily purified. Free-radical copolymerization was applied to synthesize azobenzene liquid crystalline polymer silsesquioxane (LCP-POSS) with different proportions of AC-POSS and liquid crystalline monomers. The trans-isomers of azobenzene moieties in LCP-POSS were gradually transformed to cis-isomers with increasing ultraviolet irradiation time. The photoisomerization reaction of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) and LCP-POSS showed the first-order dynamic reaction. Compared with the LCP, the photoisomerization rate constant of LCP-POSS was decreased due to the space steric hindrance of the POSS as a rigid segment. The phase transition temperature of liquid crystalline in LCP-POSS increased with increasing POSS content, and the liquid crystalline texture in LCP-POSS became smaller under the polarized light. With further increasing the POSS content (>50 wt%) in LCP-POSS, the ordered structure of the liquid crystalline phase was gradually affected, resulting in one-way liquid crystal (LC) phase behavior. The synthesized LCP-POSS has LC properties, light-responsive properties, and thermal stability. When the POSS is introduced into the LC material, the phase state of the LC material will become more abundant and the LC phase will become more stable. The significance of this study is to develop and extend its applications as stimuli-responsive materials and devices.
Multidimensional graphene nanostructures – synthesis and applications
Authors: Garg Raghav , Roman Daniel San , Cohen-Karni Tzahi
Published: September 2020

Conventional graphene electronics fail to leverage the exceptional surface-area-to-volume ratio of graphene due to the challenges imposed by arranging two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials in three-dimensional (3D) spaces. Recently, a new topology of graphene, nanowire template 3D fuzzy graphene (NT-3DFG), has been developed to overcome this limitation. We provide an overview of the unique physical and chemical properties of NT-3DFG that are a direct consequence of the material structure and describe NT-3DFG’s promising applications in bioelectronics and energy-related research.
The Data Science of COVID-19 Spread: Some Troubling Current and Future Trends
Authors: Douglass Rex W. , Scherer Thomas Leo , Gartzke Erik
Published: September 2020

One of the main ways we try to understand the COVID-19 pandemic is through time series cross section counts of cases and deaths. Observational studies based on these kinds of data have concrete and well known methodological issues that suggest significant caution for both consumers and produces of COVID-19 knowledge. We briefly enumerate some of these issues in the areas of measurement, inference, and interpretation.
Compatibility of energetic plasticizers with the triblock copolymer of polypropylene glycol-glycidyl azide polymer-polypropylene glycol (PPG-GAP-PPG)
Authors: Ghoroghchian Fahimeh , Bayat Yadollah , Abrishami Fatemeh
Published: September 2020

Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) is well known as an energetic prepolymer, but its application as a binder in propellants is limited due to its relatively high glass transition temperature and relatively poor mechanical properties. Copolymerization of GAP with polypropylene glycol (PPG) has been shown to improve GAPs properties because of the good thermal and mechanical properties of PPG. In this research we synthesized triblock copolymer of PPG-GAP-PPG and the compatibilities of this copolymer were investigated with energetic plasticizers (20% w/w) n-butyl nitroxyethylnitramine (BuNENA), trimethylolethane trinitrate (TMETN), and butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN) by solubility parameter, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vacuum stability test (VST). The DSC results showed that BuNENA had better compatibility with the triblock copolymer in comparison to TMETN and BTTN. It reduced the T
g of PPG-GAP-PPG from −58 to −63 °C. The rheological analysis was in good agreement with the DSC results obtained for the compatibility of the plasticizers. In the case of the addition of 20% w/w BuNENA, the viscosity of copolymer/plasticizer decreased from 550 to 128 mPa s, indicating appropriate compatibility of plasticizer with the copolymer. SEM images showed a better distribution of BuNENA in the copolymer matrix.
Purification of liquid scintillation waste from binding radionuclides using different adsorbents
Authors: Youssef Maha A. , Rizk Hoda E. , Attallah Mohamed F.
Published: September 2020

The quantity of liquid organic radioactive wastes produced by the use of radioactive materials in nuclear research facilities is small compared to aqueous radioactive waste, but a special and low-cost treatment method is needed. Here we investigated the adsorption performance of five materials, namely: KU-2 resin, bentonite, charcoal (M&S) and clay adsorbents for the successful removal of 90Sr/90Y from liquid scintillation cocktail waste. The batch adsorption technique (influence of pH, contact time, and temperature), sequential, and column technique were investigated. The efficiency of these adsorbents for the removal of 90Sr/90Y is in this order, resin > bentonite > clay with removal efficiency 90 ± 5.2, 68 ± 3.25, and 65 ± 5.3%, respectively. While charcoal has lower affinity for the sorption processes. Purification of liquid scintillation (LS) cocktail by separation of 90Sr/90Y was successfully carried out by packed column with KU-2 resin. The exhausted loaded column with 90Sr/90Y is successfully regenerated by 25 mL, 1 M HNO3. Characterizations of the original and the purified LS cocktail were carried out using FTIR analysis. The efficiency of the purified liquid scintillation waste (LSW) for the determination of radionuclide is about 62.67 ± 4.8.
La rencontre du sémiotique et du « numérique »: Le rôle d’une modélisation conceptuelle
Authors: Meunier Jean-guy
Published: September 2020

Dans cet article, nous discuterons de l’intégration du numérique à la sémiotique et proposerons qu’une modélisation conceptuelle puisse offrir un pont de dialogue entre ces deux domaines classiquement cloisonnés. Plus précisément, nous avancerons l’hypothèse que tout projet de recherche qui en appellera à l’informatique soit une démarche scientifique que s’il construit une théorie qui contient, en plus des modèles classiques que sont les modèles formel, computationnel et physique, un modèle conceptuel. Ce lieu, où les chercheur-es conceptualisent les multiples dimensions de leur objet de recherche, sera alors défini en tant que socle d’une relation solide entre la sémiotique et l’informatique. Nous verrons que les différentes définitions du modèle conceptuel convergent vers la thèse soutenant que la connaissance scientifique met en œuvre une instance de conceptualisation qui doit identifier les diverses dimensions du problème en plus de devoir s’exprimer de manière à ce qu’elle soit communicable entre les membres des communautés épistémiques. Nous verrons, enfin, qu’un projet de recherché sémiotique exige la construction d’un tel modèle afin de décrire, généraliser et sélectionner des problèmes et que ce même modèle, conceptuel, sera aussi nécessaire si le ou la sémioticien-ne utilise l’informatique dans le cadre de sa recherche.fr
The role of the laboratory in the diagnosis process in a patient with mildly elevated hCG: a case report
Authors: Alpdemir Mehmet Fatih , Alpdemir Medine , Toka İlknur
Published: September 2020

Objetives

In this case report, the role of the laboratory in the diagnosis process of the patient was treated with methotrexate (Mtx) who was diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy by endometrial biopsy as a result of the exclusion of the possibility of phantom HCG following the patient with βHCG values was discussed.

Case presentation

Our 25-year-old female patient admitted to our hospital obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic with irregular menstruation was evaluated with a pre-diagnosis of pregnancy. The hCG level was examined and ultrasonographically evaluated by the clinician. In the initial evaluation of the 25-year-old patient, the HCG concentration of 47 mIU/mL was determined.

Conclusion

Laboratory specialists should be aware of potential problems in hCG measurement. Clinicians and laboratory specialists should always be on consultation to solve clinical problems.
Jaco Pastorius, the Electric Bass, and the Struggle for Jazz Credibility
Authors: Wright Brian F.
Published: September 2020

This article explores Jaco Pastorius’s efforts to legitimize himself as a jazz electric bassist. Even though the instrument had existed at the margins of jazz for decades, by the 1970s it was overwhelmingly associated with rock and funk music and therefore carried with it the stigmatized connotations of outsider status. Building on the work of Bill Milkowski, Kevin Fellezs, Lawrence Wayte, and Peter Dowdall, I situate Pastorius’s career within the broader context of 1970s jazz fusion. I then analyze how he deliberately used his public persona, his virtuosic technical abilities, the atypical timbre of his fretless electric bass, and his work as a composer and bandleader to vie for acceptance within the jazz tradition. As I argue, Pastorius specifically attempted to establish his jazz credibility through his first two solo albums, initially by disassociating himself from his own instrument, and then by eventually abandoning the musical style that had made him famous. Ultimately, Pastorius’s story serves as a useful case study of the tangible ramifications of authenticity disputes and the complicated ways in which musicians have attempted to navigate contested musical spaces within popular music.
Single count of radicle emergence, DNA replication during seed germination and vigour in alfalfa seed lots
Authors: Cheshmi M. , Khajeh-Hosseini M.
Published: September 2020

Previous work on alfalfa seeds has illustrated the close association between the rate of germination and vigour. This study examined single early counts of radicle emergence (RE) as an indirect method to measure the rate of germination in alfalfa, and investigated cell cycle activities
in the early stages of imbibition. The 6-hour interval counts of just germination (JG) and germination percentages (G) of 14 seed lots at 20, 17, 15 and 13°C were compared with final emergence and mean emergence time. Single counts of JG and G were strongly correlated with mean just germination
time (MJGT), mean germination time (MGT) (P < 0.01) and field performance. The results indicate that single counts of RE after 24 hours at 20°C could be used to predic the vigour of alfalfa seeds. The embryo root tip cells of six seed lots with low, medium and high vigour were
used for analysis of DNA replication by flow cytometry 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours after imbibition. The 4C/2C ratio 18 hours after imbibition and the increase in 4C/2C ratio between 6 and 12 hours after imbibition was associated with the vigour of the seed lot and has the potential to predict
seed vigour.
Quartz Sand Use in Hydraulic and Sanitary Engineering
Authors: Kuzmanić Tamara , Mikoš Matjaž
Published: September 2020

An overview of the production and usage of quartz sand as a special sort of sand for civil engineering is presented – from the formation of sand deposits, through mining and processing methods, to its final use, with an emphasis on its use in civil engineering, i.e. in water filtration. Quartz is found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. During sand formation in the fluvial environment, quartz grains are highly resistant to weathering and mechanical wear, and can be transported a long way without changes to size and form. Therefore, quartz is the main constituent of most natural sands. Quartz and quartz sand are ubiquitous raw materials used in a wide range of products in civil engineering due to their chemical inertia and high temperature resistance. An example of a quartz sand deposit and processing plant in Slovenia is presented as a practical case study on quartz sand application. The described applications using quartz sand are the best available technologies in sanitary and hydraulic engineering to be used for a move towards a circular economy, smart houses, and smart cities.