bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive clip-limit-based bi-histogram equalization algorithm for infrared image enhancement
Authors: Paul Abhisek , Sutradhar Tandra , Bhattacharya Paritosh , Maity Santi P
Published: September 2020

Infrared (IR) images are basically low-contrast in nature; hence, it is essential to enhance the contrast of IR images to facilitate real-life applications. This work proposes a novel adaptive clip-limit-oriented bi-histogram equalization (bi-HE) method for enhancing IR images. HE methods are simple in implementation but often cause over-enhancement due to the presence of long spikes. To reduce long spikes, this work suggests to apply a log-power operation on the histogram, where the log operation reduces the long spikes, and power transformation regains the shape of the histogram. First, a histogram separation point is generated applying the mean of the multi-peaks of the input histogram. After that, an alteration in the input histogram is done using the log-power process. Subsequently, a clipping operation on the altered histogram followed by redistribution of the clipped portion is performed to restrict over-enhancement. Next, the modified histogram is sub-divided using the histogram separation point. Finally, the modified sub-histograms are equalized independently. Simulation results show that the suggested method effectively improves the contrast of IR images. Visual quality evaluations and quantitative assessment demonstrate that the suggested method outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Influence of FRET and fluorescent protein maturation on the quantification of binding affinity with dual-channel fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Sreenivasan Varun K. A. , Graus Matthew S. , Pillai Rashmi R. , Yang Zhengmin , Goyette Jesse , Gaus Katharina
Published: September 2020

Protein-protein interactions at the plasma membrane mediate transmembrane signaling. Dual-channel fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (dc-FCCS) is a method with which these interactions can be quantified in a cellular context. However, factors such as incomplete maturation of fluorescent proteins, spectral crosstalk, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) affect quantification. Some of these can be corrected or accounted for during data analysis and/or interpretation. Here, we experimentally and analytically demonstrate that it is difficult to correct the error caused due to FRET when applying dc-FCCS to measure binding affinity or bound molecular concentrations. Additionally, the presence of dark fluorescent proteins due to incomplete maturation introduces further errors, which too cannot be corrected in the presence of FRET. Based on simulations, we find that modalities such as pulse-interleaved excitation FCCS do not eliminate FRET-induced errors. Finally, we demonstrate that the detrimental effect of FRET can be eliminated with careful experimental design when applying dc-FCCS to quantify protein-protein interactions at the plasma membrane of living cells.
Fluorescence intensity and lifetime redox ratios detect metabolic perturbations in T cells
Authors: Hu Linghao , Wang Nianchao , Cardona Elizabeth , Walsh Alex J.
Published: September 2020

The auto-fluorescent coenzymes reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide (NADH) and oxidized flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) allow label-free detection of cellular metabolism. The optical redox ratio, which is traditionally computed as the ratio of NADH and FAD intensities, allows quantification of cell redox state. In addition to multiple formulations of the optical redox ratio from NADH and FAD intensity measurements, a fluorescence lifetime redox ratio (FLIRR) based on the fractions of protein-bound NADH and FAD was developed to overcome the limitations of experimental factors that influence fluorescence intensity measurements. In this paper, we compare fluorescence-intensity computations of the optical redox ratio with the fluorescence lifetime redox ratio for quiescent and activated T cells. Fluorescence lifetime images of NAD(P)H and FAD of T cells were acquired with a two-photon fluorescence lifetime microscope. Metabolic perturbation experiments, including inhibition of glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid synthesis revealed differences between the intensity and lifetime redox ratios. Statistical analysis reveals that the FLIRR has a lower standard deviation and skewness (two-tail T-test, P value = 0.05) than the intensity redox ratio. Correlation analysis revealed a weak relationship between FLIRR and intensity redox ratio for individual cells, with a stronger correlation identified for activated T cells (Linear regression, R-value = 0.450) than quiescent T cells (R-value = 0.172). Altogether, the results demonstrate that while both the fluorescence lifetime and intensity redox ratios resolve metabolic perturbations in T cells, the endpoints are influenced by different metabolic processes.
Skull acoustic aberration correction in photoacoustic microscopy using a vector space similarity model: a proof-of-concept simulation study
Authors: Mohammadi Leila , Behnam Hamid , Tavakkoli Jahan , Avanaki Kamran
Published: September 2020

Skull bone represents a highly acoustical impedance mismatch and a dispersive barrier for the propagation of acoustic waves. Skull distorts the amplitude and phase information of the received waves at different frequencies in a transcranial brain imaging. We study a novel algorithm based on vector space similarity model for the compensation of the skull-induced distortions in transcranial photoacoustic microscopy. The results of the algorithm tested on a simplified numerical skull phantom, demonstrate a fully recovered vasculature with the recovery rate of 91.9%.
Rotationally shearing interferometer for extra-solar planet detection: preliminary results with a solar system simulator
Authors: Strojnik M. , Bravo-Medina B.
Published: September 2020

We describe preliminary experimental results on the laboratory demonstration of a technique to detect an extrasolar planet using a rotationally shearing interferometer. We simulate a planet and a star in a laboratory solar system. It consists of two laser beams; each passed through a spatial filter, collimated and combined. We confirm the theoretical prediction that the on-axis star generates no fringes for any shear angle. The star generates a uniform wave front that is invariant to the shear angle. Additionally, we demonstrate that the off-axis planet produces straight fringes. Thus, the mere presence of fringes confirms the existence of a planet. Furthermore, we illustrate that the fringe density and their inclination increase with the shear angle in the rotational shearing interferometer. Therefore, the number of fringes and their direction may be changed from the Earth to confirm (or reject) the existence of a planet.
Investigation of electron vortices in time-delayed circularly polarized laser pulses with a semiclassical perspective
Authors: Ben Shuai , Chen Shi , Bi Cheng-Rui , Chen Jing , Liu Xue-Shen
Published: September 2020

We theoretically investigate strong-filed electron vortices in time-delayed circularly polarized laser pulses by a generalized quantum-trajectory Monte Carlo (GQTMC) model. Vortex interference patterns in photoelectron momentum distributions (PMDs) with various laser parameters can be well reproduced by the semiclassical simulation. The phase difference responsible for the interference structures is analytically identified through trajectory-based analysis and simple-man theory, which reveal the underlying mechanism of electron vortex phenomena for both co-rotating and counter-rotating component. This semiclassical analysis can also demonstrate the influences of laser intensity and wavelength on the number of arms of vortices. Furthermore, we show the influence of the Coulomb effect on the PMDs. Finally, the controlling of the ionization time intervals in the tens to hundreds of attosecond magnitude is qualitatively discussed.
Characteristics of water leaving reflectance at ultraviolet wavelengths: radiative transfer simulations
Authors: Bai Ruofeng , He Xianqiang , Bai Yan , Li Teng , Zhu Qiankun , Gong Fang
Published: September 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) bands have attracted considerable attention in regard to satellite ocean color remote sensing due to their potential application in atmospheric correction, oil spill detection, and water organic matter retrieval. However, the characteristics of the water spectrum in the UV bands are still poorly understood. In this study, by extending the bio-optical model from traditional visible light wavelengths to UV light wavelengths, the water spectrum in UV bands under different water types was simulated by using the HydroLight water radiative transfer model, and influences of ocean color components on the water spectrum in UV bands were investigated. Results showed that remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) in the UV bands decreased rapidly with the increase in chlorophyll concentration (Chl) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). In clean waters, Rrs in the UV bands was relatively large and sensitive to changes in Chl and CDOM, which could be of benefit for satellite retrieval of water organic matter. In eutrophic water, Rrs in the UV bands was quite low, and thence the UV bands could be used as a reference band for atmospheric correction. Compared to the monotonic decreasing effects of Chl and CDOM, concentration of non-algal particles (NAP) had a complex effect on Rrs in the UV bands, i.e., increase and decrease in Rrs in low-moderately and highly turbid waters, respectively. Thus, the traditional model for the relationship between Rrs and inherent optical properties (IOPs) could be applied to the UV bands in clean waters; in highly turbid waters, however, its deviation increases and empirical coefficients in the model should be improved.
Optimal DCO-OFDM signal shaping with double-sided clipping in visible light communications
Authors: Ling Xintong , Li Shuo , Ge Pengfei , Wang Jiaheng , Chi Nan , Gao Xiqi
Published: September 2020

Direct-current-biased optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) is widely used in high-speed visible light communication (VLC). Due to the limited dynamic range of light-emitting diode (LED) and the unipolarity for the intensity modulation (IM), double-sided clipping is inevitably imposed on the time-domain signal in VLC OFDM systems. Consequently, it calls for proper DCO-OFDM signal shaping by selecting an appropriate bias and time-domain signal power to reduce the clipping distortion and achieve a higher transmission rate. In this paper, we deep dive into the signal shaping design problem for double-sided clipping DCO-OFDM over both flat and dispersive channels. We derive the optimal bias for flat and dispersive channels, and explain its optimality from the perspectives of effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and information theory. We then analytically characterize the optimal power for flat channels and propose a useful algorithm for dispersive channels enlightened by the optimal solution to the flat case. Furthermore, we uncover an inherent relationship between the considered double-sided clipping and the downside-clipping only DCO-OFDM regarding signal shaping optimization, and develop an in-depth understanding of the impact of top clipping based on the established connection. Practical simulations are provided to validate the superiority of our proposed signal shaping over the existing shaping schemes.
Dual dielectric cap gold nanoslits array optical resonance filter with large figure-of-merit
Authors: He Rong , Chen Cheng , Zhang Rongjun , Chen Liangyao , Guo Junpeng
Published: September 2020

In this work, we investigate a gold nanoslits array optical transmission filter with dual dielectric cap layers on top of the metal nanoslits. By integrating a low index of refraction dielectric layer between a high index of refraction dielectric cap layer and the gold nanoslits, a narrow spectral linewidth optical filter with a transmission peak far away from the Rayleigh anomaly wavelength is shown. Furthermore, we propose a figure-of-merit as the ratio of the spectral distance between a transmission peak and the Rayleigh anomaly over the spectral linewidth to characterize the performance of gold nanoslits optical filters. It is shown that dual dielectric cap gold nanoslits array optical filters have significantly larger figure-of-merits than that of traditional single dielectric cap gold nanoslits array optical filters.
Toeplitz concatenated matrix aided ICA algorithm for super-Nyquist multiband CAP VLC systems
Authors: Wang Zhe , Li Guoqiang , Hu Fangchen , Chi Nan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we demonstrate a Toeplitz concatenated matrix aided independent component analysis (TCM-ICA) equalizer that can skillfully compensate for the inter-channel interference (ICI) of super-Nyquist multiband carrierless amplitude and phase modulation (m-CAP) system. In the point-to-point super-Nyquist m-CAP visible light communication (VLC) scenario, we experimentally demonstrated a system-level average spectral efficiency (SE) enhancement of 0.50 b/s/Hz in comparison to the conventional scheme. In the multiple-input single-output (MISO) super-Nyquist 5-CAP scenario, the subcarrier-level Q factor enhancements of 4.4 dB, 5.2 dB, and 6.5 dB are achieved in comparison with the least-mean-square (LMS) post-equalizer for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th subcarrier, respectively. As far as we know, the TCM-ICA equalizer is the most effective ICI compensation scheme to enhance SE in the super-Nyquist m-CAP systems.
Single pixel polarimetric imaging through scattering media
Authors: Seow Kai Ling C. , Török Peter , Foreman Matthew R.
Published: September 2020

Polarimetric imaging can provide valuable information about biological samples in a wide range of applications. Detrimental tissue scattering and depolarization however currently hamper in vivo polarization imaging. In this work, single pixel imaging is investigated as a means of reconstructing polarimetric images through scattering media. A theoretical imaging model is presented, and the recovery of the spatially resolved Mueller matrix of a test object behind a scattering phantom is demonstrated experimentally.
Generation of broadband circularly polarized deep-ultraviolet pulses in hollow capillary fibers
Authors: Lekosiotis Athanasios , Belli Federico , Brahms Christian , Travers John C.
Published: September 2020

We demonstrate an efficient scheme for the generation of broadband, high-energy, circularly polarized femtosecond laser pulses in the deep ultraviolet through seeded degenerate four-wave mixing in stretched gas-filled hollow capillary fibers. Pumping and seeding with circularly polarized 35 fs pulses centered at 400 nm and 800 nm, respectively, we generate idler pulses centered at 266 nm with 27 µJ of energy and over 95% spectrally averaged ellipticity. Even higher idler energies and broad spectra (27 nm bandwidth) can be obtained at the cost of reduced ellipticity. Our system can be scaled in average power and used in different spectral regions, including the vacuum ultraviolet.
Computational adaptive optics in phase-unstable optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ruiz-Lopera Sebastián , Restrepo René , Cuartas-Vélez Carlos , Bouma Brett E. , Uribe-Patarroyo Néstor
Published: September 2020

We present a scheme for correction of

x

-

y

-separable aberrations in optical
coherence tomography (OCT) designed to work with phase unstable
systems with no hardware modifications. Our approach, termed SHARP, is
based on computational adaptive optics and numerical phase correction
and follows from the fact that local phase stability is sufficient for
the deconvolution of optical aberrations. We demonstrate its
applicability in a raster-scan polygon-laser OCT system with strong
phase-jitter noise, achieving successful refocusing at depths up to 4
times the Rayleigh range. We also present in
vivo endoscopic and ex vivo
anterior segment OCT data, showing significant enhancement of image
quality, particularly when combining SHARP results with a
resolution-preserving despeckling technique like TNode.
Enabling time-resolved 2D spatial-coherence measurements using the Fourier-analysis method with an integrated curved-grating beam monitor
Authors: Bagschik Kai , Schneider Michael , Wagner Jochen , Buss Ralph , Riepp Matthias , Philippi-Kobs Andre , Müller Leonard , Roseker Wojciech , Trinter Florian , Hoesch Moritz , Viefhaus Jens , Eisebitt Stefan , Grübel Gerhard , Oepen Hans Peter , Frömter Robert
Published: September 2020

Direct 2D spatial-coherence measurements are increasingly gaining importance at synchrotron beamlines, especially due to present and future upgrades of synchrotron facilities to diffraction-limited storage rings. We present a method to determine the 2D spatial coherence of synchrotron radiation in a direct and particularly simple way by using the Fourier-analysis method in conjunction with curved gratings. Direct photon-beam monitoring provided by a curved grating circumvents the otherwise necessary separate determination of the illuminating intensity distribution required for the Fourier-analysis method. Hence, combining these two methods allows for time-resolved spatial-coherence measurements. As a consequence, spatial-coherence degradation effects caused by beamline optics vibrations, which is one of the key issues of state-of-the-art X-ray imaging and scattering beamlines, can be identified and analyzed.
High performance of a semipolar InGaN laser with a phase-shifted embedded hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) grating
Authors: Zhang Haojun , Cohen Daniel A. , Chan Philip , Wong Matthew S. , Li Panpan , Li Hongjian , Nakamura Shuji , Denbaars Steven P.
Published: September 2020

Single-frequency blue laser sources are of interest for an increasing number of emerging applications but are still difficult to implement and expensive to fabricate and suffer from poor robustness. Here a novel and universal grating design to realize distributed optical feedback in visible semiconductor laser diodes (LDs) was demonstrated on a semipolar InGaN LD, and its unique effect on the laser performance was investigated. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a low threshold voltage, record-high power output, and ultra-narrow single-mode lasing were simultaneously obtained on the new laser structure with a thinner p-GaN layer and a third-order phase-shifted embedded dielectric grating. Under continuous-wave operation, such 450 nm lasers achieved 35 dB side-mode suppression ratio, less than 2 pm FWHM, and near 400 mW total output power at room temperature.
Temperature dependent spectroscopic study of Yb3+-doped KG(WO4)2, KY(WO4)2, YAlO3 and YLiF4 for laser applications
Authors: Körner Jörg , Krüger Mathias , Reiter Jürgen , Münzer Andreas , Hein Joachim , Kaluza Malte C.
Published: September 2020

We present a study on temperature dependent spectroscopic data for Yb:KGW, Yb:KYW and Yb:YLF between 80 K and 280 K and Yb:YAP between 100 K and 300 K. Absorption and emission cross sections are determined. The latter ones are obtained by using a combination of the McCumber relation and the Füchtbauer-Ladenburg equation. Fluorescence lifetimes are measured within a setup optimized for the suppression of re-absorption and compared to the radiative lifetimes calculated from the previously determined cross sections to cross check the validity of the measurements. The cross sections are evaluated with regard to the materials’ potential for supporting the generation of ultra-short laser pulses, low quantum defect lasing and requirements for suitable diode laser pump sources.
Modelo conceitual hidroestratigráfico do sistema aquífero costeiro no litoral norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Troian Guilherme Casarotto , Reginato Pedro Antonio Roehe , Marquezan Ricardo Giumelli , Kirchheim Roberto
Published: September 2020

A constante ampliação do conhecimento dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos é de grande importância para subsidiar tomadas de decisões quanto ao seu uso e gerenciamento. O presente trabalho apresenta a caracterização hidroestratigráfica do Sistema Aquífero Costeiro do litoral norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho, foram utilizados 38 perfis de sondagens realizadas pela Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais. A caracterização das unidades hidroestratigráficas foi realizada a partir da análise e revisão de perfis geológicos e construtivos de 107 poços cadastrados no Sistema Integrado de Informação das Águas Subterrâneas e 15 relatórios de perfilagem geofísicas contendo perfis raios gama, resistividade e sônico. Foram identificadas quatro unidades hidroestratigráficas principais relacionadas aos depósitos Cenozoicos, sendo que cada uma destas unidades foi definida em termos de sua extensão lateral, constituição granulométrica principal, porosidade efetiva, resistividade e sais totais dissolvidos na água subterrânea. As unidades hidroestratigráficas 01 e 03 apresentam altos valores de porosidade efetiva e baixa salinidade em contraposição às unidades 02 e 04, com valores visivelmente menores de porosidade efetiva e salinidade mais elevada. Esses resultados demonstram que a identificação e caracterização de unidades hidroestratigráficas tem grande importância para a gestão da água subterrânea em sistemas aquíferos costeiros.
Avaliação das características e impactos do etanol nas contaminações por combustíveis no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Freitas Juliana Gardenalli de , Oliveira Fernanda Campos de , Sapojkin Fernanda Scalon , Morioka Letícia Mina Umiji , Nishita Mary Ishimine , Ferraro Gabriella , Lima Aline Machiavelli de
Published: September 2020

Postos de combustíveis são uma das principais fontes de contaminação de solos e águas subterrâneas, estando presente de forma distribuída por todo o Estado de São Paulo, principalmente nas áreas urbanas. Os principais contaminantes associados a essas fontes são hidrocarbonetos aromáticos (benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos), hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos e etanol, utilizado por décadas como aditivo na gasolina e combustível. Essa pesquisa buscou avaliar as principais características e fatores condicionantes das contaminações de solo e água subterrânea provenientes dos postos de combustível no Estado de São Paulo. Baseado na análise de 516 áreas contaminadas foi observada baixa correlação da localização regional (geologia e pedologia) com as características da contaminação. Metade das áreas apresentaram plumas de benzeno menor que 29 m, valor inferior ao observado em estudos nos Estados Unidos. A condutividade hidráulica se destacou como um fator condicionante para a extensão das plumas, assim como a ocorrência de processos de atenuação natural. A presença de etanol em concentrações elevadas (> 1000 mg L-1) apareceu associada a plumas de maiores extensões e maiores concentrações de hidrocarbonetos. No entanto, de forma geral as contaminações provocadas por postos de combustíveis apresentaram extensão relativamente pequena (percentil 90 e 75 menores que 73 e 43 m, respectivamente) e persistência limitada pela ocorrência de processos de atenuação natural.
COVID-19 and informal settlements – implications for water, sanitation and health in India and Indonesia
Authors: Parikh Priti , Karim Yasmin Bou , Paulose Jacob , Factor-Litvak Pam , Nix Emily , Aisyah Dewi Nur , Chaturvedi Hemant , Manikam Logan , Lakhanpaul Monica
Published: September 2020

Informal settlements are home to over 1 billion people worldwide and are characterised by high population densities and poor environmental conditions. The authors identify the impact of COVID-19 on existing water and sanitation practices and potential pathways for the transmission of COVID-19 in informal settlements in India and Indonesia. In the short term, there is an urgent need for mobile and contactless hand washing, washing/bathing facilities and toilets. In the long term, COVID-19 provides an opportunity to invest in centralised water and sanitation networked solutions appropriate for high-density settings to integrate those settlements into cities and improve environmental conditions and health in these cities.
Kaligrafi Islam Dalam Perspektif Filsafat Seni
Authors: Kirom Syahrul , Hakim Alif Lukmanul
Published: September 2020

This article discusses Islamic calligraphy from the perspective of art philosophy. Islamic calligraphy (the art of letter painting) turns out to have values of beauty, uniqueness and spiritual value and has symbolic meaning for Islamic culture. Calligraphy art has religious spiritual meaning and value that causes a person to experience eschatology. Therefore, in this article the author is interested in analyzing Islamic calligraphy with an art philosophy approach. The method used is descriptiveanalytical. This Arabic calligraphy art writer studies by analyzing through its formal object is the philosophy of art. While the material object is to study the meaning of religious-spiritualism which is more philosophical in understanding Islamic calligraphy. The results of this study found that the fact that the art of Islamic calligraphy has beautiful aesthetic values is full of faith and devotion. The existence of Islamic calligraphy art provides meaning and understanding of the process of achieving a very transcendental idea to God.
KONTRIBUSI POSITIF ORIENTALISME: KAJIAN ATAS REINHART DOZY (1820-1883 M)
Authors: Falach Ghulam
Published: September 2020

The main focus of Orientalist thought is nothing but to reconstruct and influence Islamic civilization. Their enthusiasm to activate orientalism is increasingly challenged by the presence of Islam as a religion that has followers of most of the world's population. One of the actions of orientalism towards the Islamic world is to start a research movement on the Qur'an and al-Hadith which are the basis of the law and guidelines of Muslims. Not far from the critics of the Qur'an and al-Hadith, they also deconstructed aspects of the development of science, Islamic law, and even the originality of Islamic history. Some famous orientalism figures, one of them is Reinhart Dozy, a famous orientelism from the Netherlands with the concept of literacy in the history of Islamic civilization in Spain. Even though he received a lot of criticism and appreciation from both orientalists and Muslim thinkers, his literary work has had a great influence on Islamic civilization. The discussion steps of this study are entirely carried out using qualitative research that is library research. To be more useful and function properly, this paper is equipped with an explanation using the method of description, interpretation and analysis of data in each discussion. This is done, none other than to focus the discussion to produce a consistent and comprehensive understanding.
Researchers as knowledge brokers: A step toward research-informed policy? Lessons from the Israeli case
Authors: Ramot Rony , Bialik Gadi
Published: September 2020

In the 1970s, the role of “chief scientist” was established in Israel as part of a knowledge mediation model aimed to promote research-informed policy and narrow the academia-field-policy gap. This paper examines how when researchers cross the boundary toward a policy role and serve as knowledge brokers, they may promote research utilization in policy. This sheds light on a key issue in the field of education research, specifically, what conditions or circumstances contribute to the maximization of research utilization and the implementation of research-based policy recommendations. Using qualitative methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with past chief scientists and analyzed newspaper articles to understand the complex nature of the role and to propose practical suggestions for improving its construction in future policy beyond the Israeli context. Despite the positive aura surrounding the common use of intermediaries, the issue of promoting such entities at the national educational level has not yet been realized in a coherent, stand-alone policy globally.
The Impact of Hydraulic Retention Time on the Biomethane Production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) in Two-Stage Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Ramadhani Laily Isna , Damayanti Sri Ismiyati , Sudibyo Hanifrahmawan , Azis Muhammad Mufti , Budhijanto Wiratni
Published: September 2020

Indonesia is currently the most significant crude palm oil (CPO) producer in the world. In the production ofCPO, 0.7m3 of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is emitted as the wastewater for every ton of fresh fruit bunches processed in the palm oil mill.With the increasing amount of CPO production, an effective POME treatment system is urgently required to prevent severe environmental damage. The high organic content in the POME is a potential substrate forbio-methane production. The biomethane production is carried out by two groups of microbes, i.e., acidogenic and methanogenic microbes. Each group of bacteria performs optimally at different optimum conditions. To optimize the biomethane production, POME was treated sequentially by separating the acidogenic and methanogenic microbes into two stages of anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBR). The steps were optimized differently according to the favorable conditions of each group of bacteria. Although perfect separation cannot be achieved, this study showed that pH control could split the domination of the bacteria, i.e., the first stage (maintained at pH 4-5) was dominated by the acidogenic microbes and the second stage (kept neutral) was governed by methanogens. In addition to the pH control, natural zeolitewas added as microbial immobilization media in the AFBR to improve the performance of the microorganisms, especially in preventing microbial wash out at short hydraulic retention time (HRT). This study was focused on the understanding of the effect of HRT on the performance of steady-state continuous AFBR. The first stage as the acidogenic reactorwas rununder acidic conditions (pH 4-5) at five different HRTs. In comparison, the second stage as the methanogenic reactorwasrun under the neutral condition at four different HRTs. In this work,short HRT (5 days) resulted in better performance in both acidogenic AFBR and methanogenic AFBR. The immobilization media was hence essential to reduce the risk of washout at such a short HRT. The two-stage system also resulted in quite a high percentage of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal, which was as much as 96.06%sCOD.
juventud mexicana frente a una nueva tendencia recesiva de la democracia
Authors: Estrada Rodríguez José Luis , Pérez Pérez Ketzalcóatl
Published: September 2020

El presente trabajo de investigación se centra en analizar la tendencia recesiva de la democracia en jóvenes mexicanos; se parte del supuesto que, cuando la actividad económica retrocede, se genera en la sociedad no solo una percepción de estancamiento económico sino democrático que se expresa en los niveles de abstinencia de las y los jóvenes a participar en la vida democrática de su país. El presente estudio busca determinar, mediante una muestra representativa de 400 jóvenes encuestados, correspondiente a 12 mil 884 electores de 18 a 23 años de la capital poblana, pertenecientes al distrito 12 electoral en México, si presentan una tendencia recesiva de su participación política. La relevancia de la investigación radica en que la Ciudad de Puebla, capital del Estado de Puebla ubicado en el centro de la República Mexicana, es una de las ciudades con mayor concentración de instituciones de educación superior -públicas y privadas- de México, para el año 2020, de acuerdo con la Secretaría de Educación Pública Federal, en Puebla operan 343 universidades, colocando a la entidad como la segunda a nivel nacional con más instituciones de este nivel educativo (SEP, 2020). Además de lo anterior, la entidad poblana recibe estudiantes de diferentes entidades federativas del país, de modo que es posible afirmar que los resultados que aquí se presentan, son representativos de las conductas observables en las y los jóvenes mexicanos frente la democracia como forma de vida.
Jóvenes y su participación ciudadana a través de los wiki partidos y el partido digital en México 2018
Authors: Sánchez Gudiño Hugo
Published: September 2020

La crisis de credibilidad que durante años construyeron los Partidos Políticos y un desencanto casi generalizado en contra de la forma en que se ejerce la política y la reforma electoral que entró en vigor en enero de 2014, son algunos de los indicadores que provocaron que emergiera una oleada de Candidaturas Independientes cuyos resultados trajeron consigo la oxigenación parcial del sistema político mexicano y abrieron un nuevo debate sobre el Empoderamiento Ciudadano. Inspirados en la idea de un Wiki Partido —donde la participación fuese a través de las tecnologías y de las redes sociales---, y los modelos de los Partidos Piratas de Alemania y Suecia, distintos grupos de jóvenes en todo México comenzaron los trabajos de organización de un Wiki Partido y de un Partido Digital encaminados a impulsar Candidaturas Independientes y Ciudadanas.
Effects of 2.4 kg of Proximal External Loading on 5-km Running Performance
Authors: Sharp Dylan W. , Swain Jonathan C. , Boy Tara G. , Killen Lauren G. , Green James M. , O'Neal Eric K.
Published: September 2020

Sharp, DW, Swain, JC, Boy, TG, Killen, LG, Green, JM, and O’Neal, EK. Effects of 2.4 kg of proximal external loading on 5-km running performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1833–1838, 2022—Racing weight is a popular topic in the running community. This study examined effects of modest loading via a ∼2.4-kg soft and malleable weighted compression garment on overground running performance. Former and current collegiate cross-country runners (5 women and 6 men) completed 2 outdoor, solo road course runs 7 days apart on a familiar training route. During the first run (CON) subjects ran as closely as possible to their goal pace for a “hard speed day” workout based on predetermined paces according to current training level. During a subsequent run, subjects attempted to match their pace with aid from global positioning system watches and splits verbally announced on the course while wearing the weighted compression garment (LOAD). Metabolic data was later assessed during 5-minute running bouts on a treadmill with CON and LOAD conditions at subject's CON run pace. LOAD was slower (p < 0.01) at the 1.6-km mark (6:03 ± 0:37 vs. 6:13 ± 0:40) and finish (18:29 ± 2:06 vs. 19:15 ± 2:16). There was no differentiation (p > 0.05) between V̇o
2 (CON 3.47 ± 0.86; LOAD 3.56 ± 0.77 L·min−1) or respiratory exchange ratio (CON 1.05 ± 0.06; LOAD 1.06 ± 0.04) during the 5-minute running economy bouts. There was an inverse (r = −0.42) but nonsignificant (p = 0.22) relationship between percent difference in body mass and percent difference in performance. Metabolic variable differentiation was not detectable at race pace, but 2.4 kg of proximal loading resulted in an approximately 4% acute performance impairment.
Seed genetic purity testing of F1 Benincasa hispida var. chieh-qua hybrids using SSR molecular marker analysis
Authors: Chen J.Y. , Chen Q.M. , Liu Z.G. , Wang C.L. , Ma L.L. , Gou J.Q. , Cheng Z.K.
Published: September 2020

To ensure that farmers can access high-quality seeds, it is essential to find a simple, rapid and accurate method to assess seed purity. In recent years, heterosis in chieh-qua has been widely applied to production. Using the whole genome sequence of chieh-qua, we designed simple sequence
repeat (SSR) primers specific for chieh-qua. The parental lines of nine hybrids were screened using 200 SSR primers, seven of which exhibited polymorphisms. The bands were clear, stable and reproducible. We found dominant and co-dominant bands between the parents of the nine hybrids. The seven
pairs of SSR primers were successfully used to assess genetic purity of the nine chieh-qua hybrids. The SSR molecular marker purity assessment results were consistent with the results obtained from a field grow-out test (GOT). However, the use of SSR markers provided a more accurate, reliable
and faster method for seed purity testing than the GOT. We propose using SSR molecular marker technology to assess the genetic purity of chieh-qua hybrid seeds. With this method, the seed quality can be determined faster, which may help to accelerate the chieh-qua breeding process.
Occupation-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals
Authors: Kumar Mathangi , Pai Keerthilatha M , Vineetha Ravindranath
Published: September 2020

Background and aim. Dentists are exposed to a wide range of work-related factors that may result in various occupational diseases of which musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of MSDs among dental professionals of our institution and to compare the prevalence of MSDs among the various dental specialists.

Methods. A self-administered questionnaire, which included basic demographic details, work experience in dentistry, and work profile related questions along with the Standard Nordic Questionnaire, was administered to the study participants. Statistical analysis for the data obtained was performed using SPSS Version 16.0 (Chicago, SPSS Inc.). The  chi-square test was applied to test the association between MSD and variables such as gender, designation, type of dentistry and usage of computers. The Mann Whitney U test was used to assess the relationship between MSD and age, experience, sick leave, number of patients attended per day. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results. 151 subjects participated in the study, and the prevalence of MSD in the last 12 months among dental professionals was 58.3% (88 out of 151 subjects). The most common site affected by MSD was the neck (66.7%). Also, it was noted that among various dental specialists, the Endodontists suffered the maximum (88.02%) musculoskeletal pain. Fifty individuals (33.11%) suffered from pain in multiple sites.

Conclusion. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and pain can be reduced through proper operator-patient positioning, taking adequate breaks between patients, maintaining good physical health through regular exercises.
Early Neurodevelopmental Trajectories for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Born Very Preterm
Authors: Chen Li-Wen , Wang Shan-Tair , Wang Lan-Wan , Kao Yu-Chia , Chu Ching-Lin , Wu Chin-Chin , Chiang Chung-Hsin , Huang Chao-Ching
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND:

Children born preterm are at high risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is still a lack of appropriate developmental markers. In this study, we aim to examine whether early mental performance trajectory is related to ASD outcome in the preterm population.

METHODS:

The population-based cohort included 414 very preterm survivors born between 2008 and 2014. After excluding children with severe neurosensory impairment, 319 children with available records of developmental quotients before age 2 years were enrolled. The trajectory of mental performance evaluated by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development across 6, 12, and 24 months of age was analyzed with group-based trajectory modeling. At 5 years of age, the ASD diagnosis was established by using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised.

RESULTS:

There were 29 children with ASD and 290 children without ASD. The mental performances from age 6 to 24 months could be classified into 3 trajectory patterns: low declining, high declining, and high stable, which corresponded to ASD prevalence at age 5 years of 35%, 9%, and 3%, respectively. ASD odds was 15 times higher in the low-declining group than in the high-stable group (odds ratio 15; 95% confidence interval 3.8–59; P < .001). Through the analysis of multinomial logistic regression, we found that male infants with longer exposure to oxygen therapy whose mothers had lower maternal education levels tended to follow the low-declining trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS:

The early-life mental trajectory patterns, by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, may lead to identification of vulnerable children born preterm for early ASD diagnosis and targeted intervention.
Constitutional Patriotism and the Spanish Constitutional Debate
Authors: Sáinz Bernardo
Published: September 2020

The constitutionalist parties in Spain have adopted the concept of constitutional patriotism into their political discourse. This assimilation has important consequences in the way they approach nationalist tensions and ethnic conflict. I present a general overview of the oncept of constitutional patriotism and its use in Spanish politics. The first section reviews the origin and formation of constitutional patriotism as a concept. The second section is an analysis of its fundamental characteristics. The third section is an attempt to show the reception and interpretation of constitutional patriotism by the Spanish constitutionalist parties, the debate and criticism that its use has evoked, and some of its implications in dealing with nationalist tensions in the country.
The 2016 Water Crisis in San Andres Island: An Opportunity for Change?
Authors: Velásquez Carolina
Published: September 2020

During the first half of 2016, the “Niño” Phenomenon reached severe conditions in San Andres Island, Colombia. On April 2, people, mostly the Raizals, an ethnic minority group, and people from poor neighborhoods started 11 road protests asking for water. The water crisis affected, differentially, more than 14.000 people. The institutional response focused on distributing free water trucking during dry periods, increasing the water frequency, and incrementing water production. This study analyzed the crisis response and explored, in the short term, whether there was a change in access to water. In August 2016 were conducted 34 semi-structured interviews and 45 in November 2018. Findings suggest that crisis response used a conservative philosophy embedded in a technocratic perspective; as a result, it isstill limited water access in the way it was before the crisis. This study contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence crisis response.
Monedero, J. (2017). Los nuevos disfraces del Leviatán. El Estado en la era de la hegemonía neoliberal. Madrid: Akal. 352 pp.
Authors: Rosero Danilo
Published: September 2020

En su obra, Juan Carlos Monedero (Doctor en Ciencia Política de la Universidad de Heidelberg y profesor de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid e investigador del Departamento de Gobierno, Políticas Públicas y Ciudadanía Global del Instituto Complutense de Estudios Internacionales) presenta una lectura epocal sobre el tema del Estado moderno. Su obra no solo encierra un conjunto de herramientas teórico-analíticas que permiten un acercamiento al Estado desde un Enfoque Estratégico Relacional (EER) (Jessop, 2017); por el contrario, acorde a la teoría relacional del Estado de la que parte, a lo largo de su obra el autor posiciona una tesis central: “el Estado, como condensación de lo que ocurre en la sociedad, es un objeto de análisis central para entender la globalización y el desarrollo neoliberal” (Monedero, 2017, p. 81). Por lo tanto, lo que le interesa a Monedero es establecer una teoría del Estado en el marco de la globalización neoliberal que establezca sus principales autas de acción, pero también los condicionantes que lo impulsan.
Second language class planning: the stages of teaching-learning as a means of promoting the feeling of pleasure
Authors: Duffé-Montalván Aura Luz , Valdez Cristian , Contreras-Roa Leonardo , Ali Saandia Vanessa
Published: September 2020

The present paper studies how didactic and teaching strategies can promote pleasure in students after a series of class sessions. It focuses on the teaching of English and Spanish as a foreign language in the French university system. The term pleasure is studied as students’ satisfaction regarding the teaching and the strategies planned by the teacher, and not their academic success. Our initial hypothesis is that an in-depth preparation of activities and teaching and didactic resources, in accordance with the stages of learning, helps to promote pleasure in students, regardless of the language or content of the class. Based on a common planning that takes into account the teaching-learning stages (motivation/expectancy, comprehension/attention, generalization/transfer), we carry out a classroom research to corroborate our hypothesis. We selected 180 university students by means of a convenience sampling. A self-administered pencil-and-paper questionnaire was used for data collection, taking into account 6 degrees of satisfaction on a Likert scale.  The questionnaire assessed three aspects: the contents, the teacher's methodology and the students' participation. The quantitative analysis of the data shows that there seems to be a relationship between strict planning and the students' feeling of pleasure during learning.
Contrast as a Persuasive Strategy in Social Advertising: A Case Study of 4 Advertisings
Authors: Reyes-Rincón Javier Hernando , Baquero-Velásquez Julia Marlén
Published: September 2020

Social advertising, understood as a type of discourse, is characterized by the use of different persuasive strategies that are adopted on a regular basis for the construction of such discourse.The paper aims to present an analysis of some social advertisements where contrast is used as an expression strategy for the construction of persuasive discourse. The research was carried out from the analysis of 4 advertisements selected for their use of contrast as a persuasive strategy. In the advertisements analyzed, contrast appears in both verbal and nonverbal signs, that is, in the text and in the image. Based on such analysis, contrasting concepts are identified and placed in semiotic squares to perform the analysis. Results show that in this type of advertising there is an exhortative macro-act, consisting of two subparts, a request speech act and a commissive speech act, which is structured in a cause-consequence relationship. The structure of the commission act creates a threat and functions as an argument of the request speech act.
Erupción Polimórfica Lumínica
Authors: Carvajal Elizondo Mariela
Published: September 2020

La Erupción Polimórfica Lumínica (EPL) es una dermatosis relacionada con las radiaciones ultravioleta (UV), por lo que se presenta principalmente en sitios anatómicos expuestos al sol. Puede variar en morfología de un sujeto a otro, sin embargo, en el mismo paciente usualmente es monomorfa y la forma de presentación más común es la variante papular.
Hay una mayor prevalencia de este trastorno en personas de piel clara y en mujeres, mientras que el clima y la latitud también son factores contribuyentes.