bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of Health Indicators in the Blended Learning System
Authors:   MI ", Dekhtiarova Olena ,   Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy",   of Kharkiv Regional Council, Litvinova Anastasiia ,   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Published: April 2021

The problem of the combination of classroom and independent work is quite topical and perspective. Modern educational priorities are focused on the independent activities of students in the educational process through e-learning. Scientists suggest that the level of academic performance depends on the level of health and adaptation, and also indicate a definite link between learning achievement and e-learning. The purpose of the research is to investigate indicators of physical health and adaptive capabilities in the blended learning system, to substantiate and improve methodological recommendations for organizing students' independent work in blended learning. The sample of this study was made by students of the Kharkiv V. N. Karazin National University, Faculty of International Economic Relations and Tourism Business in the amount of 403 people. All participants signed an agreement to participate in the study. In the course of the study, the following methods were used: the method of theoretical analysis, test methods, as well as statistical processing and mathematical analysis methods. During the work, the dynamics of student performance over the two academic years was evaluated. According to the results of the study, a correlation of the level of students' health with a level of academic performance was found. Also, has been proven the direct connection of adaptive capabilities with learning success. The number of hours of classroom work did not affect the level of knowledge formation, which in turn indicated some differences in the learning mastering indices: they were higher for students of the blended form of education (based on LMS Moodle) than in the group of correspondence courses. Eventually, indicators of influence on the level of academic progress were defined. The features of the formation of knowledge in the classroom and independent work are investigated. Scientifically substantiated and improved guidelines for the organization of students' independent work.
Pedagogical Ethics as a Component of Professional Ethics of a Specialist in Social Work
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Krasnovа Nataliia
Published: April 2021

This article characterizes professional ethics as a set of moral and ethical guidelines and values that define the system of norms and values that govern a particular specific professional activity, the specificity of which is that it specifies the general moral requirements for the uniqueness of a profession. , and analyzes the norms and rules of conduct, and its formation is considered as a system of moral principles, rules and norms of behavior of the specialist, taking into account the specifics of the profession and attitude to professional duty, based on a code of conduct that ensures the moral content of professional relationships; the concept of pedagogical ethics is given, which accumulates the principles of universal ethics of a specific profession and personal ethics and its structure is defined, which consists of ethical-worldview, professional-educational, cultural-behavioral, reflexive-evaluative elements; proved that the criterion of pedagogical ethics in the professional ethics of a social worker can be considered his activities aimed at improving the educational process, which is based on a humanistic orientation based on values (human life, respect for human dignity, social responsibility) and personal qualities: moral and humanistic (benevolence, altruism, tolerance, responsibility, etc.); psychological characteristics (stable mental state, emotional and volitional characteristics); psychoanalytic (self-control, self-criticism, self-assessment): psychological and pedagogical (communicativeness, empathy, perceptiveness, visuality, etc.).
Content and Structure of Readiness of Future Heads of General Secondary Education Institutions to Apply Pedagogical Management Technologies
Authors:   Mukachevo State University, Shvardak Marianna
Published: April 2021

The article traces the dialectical relationship between readiness, readiness for management and readiness to use pedagogical management technologies. Levels of readiness for professional activity are outlined. The essence of the definition «readiness of the future head for managerial activity», its directions are defined. The essence of the readiness of the future head of the general secondary education institution to apply the technologies of pedagogical management, its content and structure are revealed. Its components such as: motivational-value, semantic, operational and personal-reflexive are characterized. The criteria of formation of readiness of the future head for application of technologies of pedagogical management are defined also: motivational, cognitive, technological, personal and reflexive. The essence of managerial and technological competence is revealed. The system of competencies of the future head of a general secondary education institution is defined within this competence. Formation of readiness for managerial activity in the context of application of pedagogical management technologies of the future head of general secondary education means formation of knowledge, acquisition of skills, experience, instructions for formation of necessary motives, giving to mental processes and personality traits such features which will provide future specialist with effective technology management activities for the development of educational institutions.
Dominant Parameters of the Prospective Teachers’ Professional Training in Methodological and Mathematical Direction
Authors:   SHEE ", Bondarenko Nataliia ,   Donbas State Pedagogical University", Liashova Nadiia ,   SHEE "Donbas State Pedagogical University"
Published: April 2021

The article reveals the dominant parameters of professional training of prospective teachers, taking into account the modern requirements of the New Ukrainian School concept, the Basic component of preschool education and the State Standard in Ukraine. The main scientific researches on this relevant issue are systematised and analysed. The definition of the concept of “competence” is given, the key requirements to the parameter “mathematical competence” of both children of senior preschool age and primary school pupils are allocated. The significance of the methodological vector as an important component of implementing the New Ukrainian School concept is proved. The tendency to develop fundamentally new approaches taking into account the principles of cooperation of pedagogical science and practice, continuity in professional training of prospective teachers for preschool institutions and primary school is determined. A brief description of the results of the study is given by observing the work of students while pedagogical practice, as well as the results of their questionnaire in order to study the needs and problems in obtaining educational services in the process of training. The possibilities of introducing modern technologies of a methodological nature and new parameters in the professional training of a primary school teacher and a teacher of a preschool institution are highlighted, taking into account the requirements of the continuity of preschool and primary education.
The Concept of «Emotional Intelligence» in the Psychological and Pedagogical Literature
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Borysenko Karyna
Published: April 2021

The article focuses on the analysis of the category of emotional intelligence in the psychological and pedagogical literature. The correlation between the intellectual and emotional-volitional spheres of personality, which is a prerequisite for successful human life, has been proved. It is established that the category of «emotional intelligence» is considered through the prism of such concepts as: generalized experience, emotional imagination, reasonableness of feelings, emotional culture, emotional intelligence, etc. It has been found that foreign psychologists define emotional intelligence as the ability to adequately perceive, evaluate, and express emotions; the ability to generate feelings when they promote thinking; understand emotions and knowledge about emotions, as well as the ability to regulate emotions to promote their own emotional and intellectual growth.
Plants and trees: The pros and cons to health and wellbeing
Authors: Henry Heather
Published: April 2021

Heather Henry explains how nature can boost public health, and how to dodge the downsides
The NHS: A Digital Vision
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: April 2021

Overhauling digital performance in the NHS is necessary to plan future developments, exemplified by the work of the NHS Digital Academy. Dave Hancock investigates
CQC Covid insight: Winter pressures on emergency care
Authors: Halliwell Amanda
Published: April 2021

The regulator's eighth Covid-19 insight report continues to highlight how providers are coping in the face of the global pandemic. The focus this time is on emergency care services. Amanda Halliwell investigates
Social Invisibility and Socio Cultural Construction of Gender in Historical Narratives of Chilean High School Students
Authors: Ortega-Sánchez Delfín , Marolla-Gajardo Jesús , Heras-Sevilla Davinia
Published: April 2021

This research seeks to evaluate the degree of inclusion of the gender perspective and the promotion of education in and for equality in the historical narratives of students in Chilean Secondary Education (n = 105). The study focuses on the analysis of the discursive-narrative mechanisms employed by the students and, in particular, of their representations of gender relations. To this end, the place given to men and women in past and present societies is analysed in the narratives generated by the students (n = 780). A mixed methodology is applied, combining quantitative (descriptive and inferential) and qualitative analyses of the manifest content. The results obtained report the persistence of stereotypical, exclusionary and androcentric perspectives, evidenced in hegemonic gender attributions and in the maintenance of the sex/gender system. These data confirm the need to implement specific teacher training programmes aimed at the acquisition of critical competences and the effective inclusion of the gender perspective in history education.
Enhancing Scientific Discovery Learning by Just-in-Time Prompts in a Simulation-Assisted Inquiry Environment
Authors: Hajian Shiva , Jain Misha , Liu Arita L. , Obaid Teeba , Fukuda Mari , Winne Philip H. , Nesbit John C.
Published: April 2021

We investigated the effects of just-in-time guidance at various stages of inquiry learning by novice learners. Thirteen participants, randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 8) or control (n = 5) group, were observed as they learned about DC electric circuits using a web-based simulation. Just-in-time instructional prompts to observe, predict, explain, systematically test, collect evidence, and generate rules were strongly associated with diagnosing and correcting misconceptions, and constructing correct scientific concepts. Students’ repeated use of predictions, systematic testing, and evidence-coordinated reasoning often led to formulating new principles, generalizing from observed patterns, verifying comprehension, and experiencing “Aha!” moments. Just-in-time prompts helped learners manage embedded cognitive challenges in inquiry tasks, achieve a comprehensive understanding of the model represented in the simulation, and show significantly higher knowledge gain. Just-in-time prompts also promoted rejection of incorrect models of inquiry and construction of robust scientific mental models. The results suggest ways of customizing guidance to promote scientific learning within simulation environments.
El emprendimiento social: (de)construyendo el discurso del alumnado de prácticum de Trabajo Social
Authors: Minguela Recover Mª Ángeles , Munuera Gómez Pilar
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. En la historia del Trabajo Social se encuentran numerosas experiencias exitosas que suscriben la capacidad emprendedora de la profesión. Las características y la definición de emprendimiento social guardan cierta complementariedad con los aspectos definitorios del Trabajo Social: promueve el cambio, el desarrollo social, la cohesión social y el empoderamiento de las personas. El objetivo del trabajo fue construir y analizar el discurso del alumnado sobre el emprendimiento social en Trabajo Social, y su relación con la empatía y la creatividad. MÉTODO. Se aplicó una metodología mixta para el análisis y la construcción del discurso de una muestra representativa del alumnado de Prácticum de cuarto curso del grado de Trabajo Social del curso 2017/2018. Los cuatro grupos de discusión trabajaron ocho preguntas semiestructuradas relacionadas con el alcance de ser emprendedor/a social en Trabajo Social y las habilidades profesionales vinculadas al emprendimiento social. Utilizándose el software Nvivo11© como complemento al análisis de discurso. RESULTADOS. El alumnado construye su discurso sobre el convencimiento de la relación del emprendimiento social con el Trabajo Social y, cómo la empatía y lacreatividad, refuerzan la puesta en marcha de las iniciativas sobre emprendiendo social. Sin embargo,perciben que el emprendimiento social en Trabajo Social es bueno y necesario, pero es arriesgado debido a las dificultades en el acceso a los recursos disponibles. Manifiestan la necesidad de formación específica en materia de emprendimiento social durante sus estudios de grado. DISCUSIÓN. El discurso ambivalente del alumnado sobre el emprendimiento social en Trabajo Social es una triple oportunidad en la asignatura de Prácticum para: avanzar y consolidar al emprendimiento social como una salida de ejercicio libre de la profesión, rentabilizar la formación recibida y devolver a la sociedad lo aprendido durante sus estudios superiores.
Estudio de la eficacia escolar en centros educativos de primaria mediante el uso de Modelos Jerárquicos Lineales
Authors: López-González Emelina , Navarro-Asencio Enrique , García-San Pedro María José , Lizasoain Luis , Tourón Javier
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. Se presenta un estudio censal sobre la eficacia escolar en los centros educativos de primaria de la comunidad autónoma de La Rioja, un análisis secundario de una evaluación diagnóstica (ED) previa en esa comunidad. Se valoró el impacto de variables contextuales en los rendimientos de las asignaturas evaluadas no usando las puntuaciones medias brutas obtenidas en la ED, sino las puntuaciones medias ajustadas una vez controlado el efecto de variables contextuales. MÉTODO. El control se realizó por modelización estadística multinivel con modelos jerárquicos lineales en dos niveles: estudiantes y centros. Los residuos de los modelos se usaron como criterio de eficacia escolar. RESULTADOS. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo por niveles de las variables contextuales y de los rendimientos, además de un análisis detallado de los modelos jerárquicos por asignaturas. A partir de los residuos de los modelos se logró una ordenación de los centros según su eficacia. DISCUSIÓN. Los modelos jerárquicos lineales resultaron ser una herramienta adecuada para conocer el impacto de las variables contextuales en el aprendizaje escolar, más allá del rendimiento de los centros aportado previamente en la ED. Los modelos posibilitaron conocer los centros escolares con los mejores y peores resultados de eficacia controlado el efecto del contexto. La estrategia jerárquica detectó que en la relación de centros se encuentran escuelas de ambas redes y de muy diverso nivel socioeconómico, así como que en centros en los que en una asignatura obtienen un residuo muy alto (o muy bajo) no les ocurre lo mismo en otras asignaturas, informaciones imposibles de lograr con herramientas de análisis más convencionales.
Implicación en los deberes escolares y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de bachillerato
Authors: Rodríguez Susana , Regueiro Bibiana , Falcón Jesús , Rodríguez-Llorente Carolina , Vieites Tania , Piñeiro Isabel
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. Los deberes escolares han demostrado tener un impacto significativo en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes desde los últimos cursos de educación primaria hasta el final de la educación obligatoria. Aunque la implicación de los alumnos con los deberes —cantidad, tiempo dedicado y aprovechamiento del tiempo— y su motivación hacia los mismos —motivación intrínseca, percepción de utilidad— determinarían la calidad de sus resultados de aprendizaje, ambos factores parecen empeorar a medida que estos avanzan de curso. No obstante, en el análisis de esta tendencia no se ha tenido en cuenta la etapa de educación posobligatoria, en la que las buenas calificaciones son imprescindibles para el acceso a la universidad. Por tanto, esta investigación tiene por objeto comprobar cómo varía el rendimiento académico en función de la implicación y la motivación de los estudiantes de bachillerato hacia los deberes. MÉTODO. Se aplicó la Encuesta sobre los Deberes Escolares (EDE) a un total de 328 estudiantes de los doscursos de bachillerato para conocer su grado de implicación y motivación hacia los deberes y se midió su rendimiento en tres materias. RESULTADOS. Los datos muestran que los estudiantes con una mayor implicación en los deberes escolares tendrían, en general, un alto rendimiento en bachillerato. Hacer las tareas que se prescriben para casa, aprovechar el tiempo que se les dedica y mantenerse intrínsecamente motivado al abordar los deberes serían condiciones que nos permiten diferenciar entre alumnos con alto y bajo rendimiento. DISCUSIÓN. El binomio deberesrendimiento mantiene una relación positiva en la etapa de bachillerato, con lo que prescribir deberes podría seguir repercutiendo en el rendimiento de los estudiantes en esta crucial etapa educativa posobligatoria. Los resultados de este trabajo permiten sugerir la necesidad de prestar especial atención a aspectos como la gestión del tiempo dedicado al estudio y el aprendizaje en elhogar.
Predictors of wound leakage in patients undergoing surgery for neck of femur fractures
Authors: Chong HH , Boksh K , Eastley N , Davison J
Published: April 2021

Aims

Persistent wound leakage following joint arthroplasty is a known risk for periprosthetic joint infection. Little is known of the predictors of wound leakage, particularly in patients with a fractured neck of femur. We aimed to determine patient and surgical risk factors for wound leakage in this cohort.

Materials and methods

All patients undergoing surgery for a fractured neck of femur at Leicester Royal Infirmary between May and August 2017 were included. Patients were identified from a prospective database and placed into two groups: those with wound leakage later than three days postoperatively and those without leakage. All previously reported potential risk factors for wound leakage were compared between groups using a chi-square test and logistic regression. A Kattan-style nomogram was also created to allow probabilities output for the regression predictive models in a visual representation.

Results

Two hundred patients underwent surgery for a fractured neck of femur. Overall, 17% of patients (33/200) developed a persistent leaky wound. A multivariable model highlighted increased age (p = 0.01), raised body mass index (BMI; > 25 kg/m2; p = 0.047), diabetes (p = 0.03) and intramedullary hip screw fixation (p = 0.03) as significant risk factors for wound leakage. Patients with persistent wound leakage had significantly longer hospital admission than those without (p = 0.001).

Discussion

Our analysis identified four perioperative risk factors for wound leakage following fractured neck of femur surgery. We also developed a novel tool to identify those patients at highest risk of leakage. Once identified, the aggressive management of certain medical comorbidities in these patients may help to reduce their incidence of wound issues and the prolonged admissions that result.
Pelvic and acetabular fracture care in England: current workload and future directions
Authors: Martin A , McMaster J , Bretherton C , Noyes D
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum (PAFs) are challenging injuries, requiring specialist surgical input. Since implementation of the major trauma network in England in 2012, little has been published regarding the available services, workforce organisation and burden of PAF workload. The aim of this study was to assess the recent trends in volume of PAF workload, evaluate the provision of specialist care, and identify variation in available resources, staffing and training opportunity.

Methods

Data on PAF volume, operative caseload, route of admission and time to surgery were requested from the Trauma Audit and Research Network. In order to evaluate current workforce provision and services, an online survey was distributed to individuals known to provide PAF care at each of the 22 major trauma centres (MTCs).

Results

From 2013 to 2019, 23,823 patients with PAF were admitted to MTCs in England, of whom 12,480 (52%) underwent operative intervention. On average, there are 3,971 MTC PAF admissions and 2,080 operative fixations each year. There has been an increase in admissions and cases treated operatively since 2013. Three-quarters (78%) of patients present directly to the MTC while 22% are referred from regional trauma units. Annually, there are on average 37 operatively managed PAF injuries per million population. Notwithstanding regional differences in case volume, the average number of annual PAF operative cases per surgeon in England is 30. There is significant variation in frequency of surgeon availability. There is also variation in rota organisation regarding consistent specialist surgeon availability.

Conclusions

This article describes the provision of PAF services since the reorganisation of trauma services in England. Future service development should take into account the current distribution of activity, future trends for increased volume and casemix, and the need for a PAF registry.
Management of scaphoid fractures with CT scanning and virtual fracture clinic pathway reduces need for face-to-face clinic appointments
Authors: Dutta A , Crate G , Bakti N , Nicholl J
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Early diagnosis is key to managing scaphoid fractures effectively. Computed tomography (CT) imaging can be effective if plain radiographs are negative. With increasing pressure on face-to-face clinics, consultant-led virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are becoming increasingly popular. This study evaluates the management of patients with suspected scaphoid fractures using a standardised treatment protocol involving CT imaging and VFC evaluation.

Methods

The study was conducted at a busy district general hospital. The pathway began in February 2018. Patients presenting to the emergency department with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture but an indeterminate radiograph had a CT scan, which was then reviewed in the VFC. Patients with a confirmed fracture were seen in a face-to-face clinic; patients without a confirmed fracture were discharged. Patient pathway outcome measures were analysed pre- and post-pathway, and a cost analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 164 pre-pathway patients (93%) were given a face-to-face fracture clinic appointment; 76 were discharged after their first visit. Nine patients seen in clinic had a CT scan and were discharged with no fracture. If these patients had been referred to the VFC, had CT scans and been directly discharged, it would have saved £1,629. A total of 41 patients from the post-pathway group (37%) had a CT scan and were discharged from the VFC. Avoiding face-to-face clinic appointments saved £7,421. Extrapolating, the annual savings would be £29,687.

Conclusions

This study shows that a VFC/CT pathway to manage patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture is cost-effective. It limits face-to-face appointments by increasing use of CT to exclude fractures.
María Zambrano + Raúl Zurita. Tentativa de un encuentro entre ecos
Authors: Guerra Luis
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo explora una tentativa de encuentro entre la escritura filosófica de María Zambrano y la escritura poética, en particular aquella que excede a la página escrita, del poeta chileno Raúl Zurita. Zurita ha mencionado a Zambrano como una figura presente y de referencia en su propio proyecto y pensamiento poético. La intención aquí es proponer un marco de resonancias que permitiría abrir una posibilidad de iluminación recíproca.
El filósofo es un bailarín: María Zambrano y la danza
Authors: Ramírez Goretti
Published: April 2021

Este artículo explica por qué la reflexión sobre la danza es un elemento central para entender el método de conocimiento propuesto por María Zambrano. Enfocándose especialmente en sus cuatro últimos libros, identifica y analiza tres ingredientes definitorios de su noción de la danza: el seguimiento y la circunambulación; la imitación de los movimientos de la naturaleza (que incluye una conexión con las ideas de Isadora Duncan); y el pensamiento de Nietzsche.
Citizens-based Assessment of a Renovation Facilitating Policy in Urban Deteriorated Areas: An Ordinal Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Najd Ataei Sarkarabad Saeed , Rezaei Elahe , Habibi Kyoumars
Published: April 2021

Este estudio probó qué factores latentes existen que podrían afectar significativamente la evaluación de desempeño basada en los ciudadanos de la Oficina de Servicios de Renovación de Vecindarios (NRSO), que es una política que facilita la renovación urbana. Doscientos residentes de áreas urbanas deterioradas (UDA) en los vecindarios de Fallah y Yaftabad fueronentrevistados mediante cuestionarios. Para analizar los resultados de los cuestionarios, primero se empleó un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (EFA) para identificar los factores subyacentes para la evaluación de la política mencionada y, posteriormente, la Regresión Logística Ordinal (OLR) para modelar los factores relacionados con la evaluación del desempeño.Los residentes que estaban más familiarizados con los planes y políticas evaluaron el desempeño de la oficina de renovación de manera más positiva. Además, si las NRSO quieren ser evaluadas como más efectivas en su intervención, necesitan potenciar el factor socioeconómico de su comunidad interactiva. El modelo OLR mostró que el sentido de lugar esotro factor subyacente significativo en este sentido. Sin embargo, la duración de la residencia a pesar de converger como factor en la EFA no mostró ningún impacto significativo según el modelo OLR.
High-efficiency transmissive invisibility cloaking based on all-dielectric multilayer frame structure metasurfaces
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Meng , Gui Xincui , Li Chenxia , Jing Xufeng , Hong Zhi
Published: April 2021

Metasurfaces provide a completely new path to realize the cloaking effect due to their excellent electromagnetic wavefront manipulation. However, most previous metasurfaces realized cloaking by using phase compensation, which is limited by the reflection phase formula and can be used only for reflection mode. We use the generalized Snell’s law to propose a free-space transmission stealth device, consisting of multilayer all-dielectric metasurfaces. We utilize three phase gradient all-dielectric silicon metasurfaces that, respectively, play the role of beam splitting, steering, and collection to guide incident waves around the object, thereby forming an ideal stealth area in free space. All-dielectric metasurfaces can greatly reduce transmission loss and enhance efficiency to a large extent. The advantage of choosing an all-dielectric material is that it is easy to process and more suitable in practice. Simulation results of the near field and far field prove that this cloak has a cloaking effect at 1 THz. Our work opens up a new path for transmissive stealth.
Demonstration of single-frame coherent X-ray diffraction imaging using triangular aperture: Towards dynamic nanoimaging of extended objects
Authors: Takazawa Shuntaro , Kang Jungmin , Abe Masaki , Uematsu Hideshi , Ishiguro Nozomu , Takahashi Yukio
Published: April 2021

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a powerful method for visualizing the structure of an object with a high spatial resolution that exceeds the performance limits of the lens. Single-frame CDI in the X-ray region has potential use for probing dynamic phenomena with a high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a general method for single-frame X-ray CDI using a triangular aperture and a Fresnel zone plate. Using 5 keV synchrotron radiation X-rays, we reconstructed the object image of the locally illuminated area with a spatial resolution of higher than 50 nm and an exposure time of more than 0.1 s without prior information about the sample. After a 10 s exposure, a resolution of 17 nm was achieved. The present method opens new frontiers in the study of dynamics at the nanoscale by using next-generation synchrotron radiation X-rays/free-electron lasers as light sources.
Chirped pulse propagation in a quasi-PT-symmetric medium with a broadband exceptional-point condition
Authors: Tsvetkov D. M. , Bushuev V. A. , Mantsyzov B. I.
Published: April 2021

The boundary problem of dynamical Bragg diffraction of a chirped optical pulse in a dispersive quasi-PT-symmetric photonic crystal (PhC) in the Laue geometry (“on transmission”) is solved by the analytical spectral method. It is shown that, in a quasi-PT-symmetric medium, in which an inhomogeneous spectral line width is much larger than the spectrum of investigated field, the exceptional-point (EP) condition is realized in a wide continuous frequency range, i.e., so-called broadband exceptional-point (BEP) condition takes place. If the Bragg condition is satisfied in a much narrower spectral range than the pulse spectrum, it leads to dramatic changes in the propagation dynamics and parameters of broadband chirped pulses in a quasi-PT-symmetric PhC. Indeed, for a positive Bragg angle of incidence in the case of diffraction in the Laue geometry, the entire spectrum of a broadband chirped pulse fulfills the BEP condition. The diffractionally reflected wave is absent in the BEP regardless of whether the Bragg condition is satisfied, and the pulse propagates as in a homogeneous conservative medium, i.e., without diffraction, gain and loss – unidirectional invisibility. When the sign of the angle of incidence changes, a unidirectional enhancement of the chirped diffracted pulse is observed in that part of it whose frequency simultaneously satisfies both the BEP condition and the Bragg condition. The rest part of the pulse, for which the Bragg condition is not satisfied, propagates as in the case of a positive angle of incidence - there is no diffracted wave. With a smooth change in the angle of incidence of the chirped pulse, a change in frequency that satisfies the Bragg condition occurs and, as a consequence, a smooth change appears in the frequency of the amplified output pulse, as well as in its duration and transverse size. It is also shown that the dispersion of the group velocity of the pulse is suppressed in the frequency range of the BEP condition. Therefore, all its frequency components propagate at a speed close to the speed of light in a conservative homogeneous medium.
Effect of focusing element-induced aberrations on filamentation and supercontinuum emission in ambient air
Authors: Nalam Samuel Anurag , Harsha S. Sree , Kiran P. Prem
Published: April 2021

Femtosecond laser pulse induced filamentation in atmosphere is susceptible to a number of input laser, focusing optics and medium characteristics. Filamentation of fs pulses in atmosphere is an intense propagation regime where the focusing geometry used to focus the fs laser pulses play an important role influencing the filament intensity and the associated supercontinuum. We identified different optical elements used for focusing the fs laser pulses leading to filamentation in air and classified them according to the induced aberrations. To clearly identify the role of aberrations, all the optical elements were taken to have same focal length. The subsequent filament structure and emissions from the filament were correlated with the aberrations induced by optical element revealed stark differences. The onset of the filamentation, its longitudinal intensity and the associated supercontinuum emission (SCE) have varied drastically with the aberrations induced by the focusing optics. A systematic study directed to choose and identify suitable optical elements according to the usage of the fs pulses for a specific filamentation regime is presented.
Hybrid metamaterial absorber for ultra-low and dual-broadband absorption
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yin Sheng , Long Chang , Dong Bo Wen , He Daping , Cheng Qiang
Published: April 2021

Developing high-efficiency microwave absorbers remains challenging in the broadband range, particularly in the low-frequency range containing the L band and even lower. To overcome this challenge, a hybrid metamaterial absorber comprising a conventional magnetic absorbing material and a multi-layered meta-structure predesigned with graphene films is proposed to realize wideband absorption performance starting from ultra-low frequencies (0.79–20.9 GHz and 25.1–40.0 GHz). The high absorption ability of the proposed device originates from fundamental resonance modes and their coupling. The experimental results agree well with the simulated ones, proving the effectiveness of our design method. In addition, owing to the use of low-density polymethylacrylimide foam and graphene films with outstanding mechanical properties, our design is lightweight and environmentally adaptable, which reflects its engineering value.
Enhancing image quality of single-frequency microwave imaging with a multistatic full-view array based on sidelobe reduction
Authors: Naghibi Atefeh , Attari Amir Reza
Published: April 2021

Single-frequency microwave imaging can be effectively realized with multistatic full-view arrays, offering great potential in various sensing applications. In this paper, we address the problem of forming high quality images with the focus on multistatic full-view arrays. We aim to enhance its image quality by means of reducing the side-lobe level (SLL) of the imaging array. K-space representation and PSF analysis are presented to get an insight into the effect of low spatial frequency samples collected by the array on the side-lobe response of the array. Based on this understanding, a novel SLL reduction method is proposed based on weakening the effect of low spatial frequency samples. A modified back-projection algorithm is suggested to apply the proposed SLL reduction method in image reconstruction. Numerical simulations confirm a reduction of about 5 dB in side-lobe level. The functionality of the proposed method is verified by using the experimental measurement data of two different targets. Image quality is enhanced by 3.5 and 4.5 dB in terms of signal-to-mean ratio (SMR) for the two studied targets. This considerable improvement has resulted in avoiding appearance of artifacts and wrong interpretations of the target under imaging. The proposed method can be beneficial for existing imaging systems that utilize a full-view multistatic array, from medical to industrial applications.
High-responsivity broadband photodetection of an ultra-thin In2S3/CIGS heterojunction on steel
Authors: Zeng Xi , Lontchi Jackson , Zhukova Maria , Fourdrinier Lionel , Qadir Israr , Ren Yi , Niemi Esko , Li Guoli , Flandre Denis
Published: April 2021

C
u

(

I
n

,

G
a

)

S

e

2

(CIGS) is a promising light harvesting material for large-area broadband photodetection, but it has been rarely studied up to now. Here an In2S3/CIGS heterojunction photodiode on steel is shown to be highly broadband photo-sensitive, with a photoresponsivity over 0.8 A/W, an external quantum efficiency over 100%, and a detectivity over 8×1010 Jones from 505 to 910nm under a reverse bias of 1 V. Moreover, the CIGS photodiode exhibits an outstanding weak light detection ability (i.e., at light power density of

20

µ

W

/

c

m

2

), reaching a record responsivity of 2.06 A/W, an impressive EQE of 293%, and a good detectivity of

2.3

×

1

0

11

Jones at 870 nm under 1 V reverse bias. Importantly, the CIGS photodiode, working as a self-powered photodetector, under 0 V, shows a record detectivity of

∼

3.4

×

1

0

12

Jones with a high responsivity of

∼

0.44

A

/

W

and a high EQE of

∼

63

%

, at 870 nm.
Differential contributions of synaptic and intrinsic inhibitory currents to speech segmentation via flexible phase-locking in neural oscillators
Authors: Pittman-Polletta Benjamin R. , Wang Yangyang , Stanley David A. , Schroeder Charles E. , Whittington Miles A. , Kopell Nancy J.
Published: April 2021

Current hypotheses suggest that speech segmentation—the initial division and grouping of the speech stream into candidate phrases, syllables, and phonemes for further linguistic processing—is executed by a hierarchy of oscillators in auditory cortex. Theta (∼3-12 Hz) rhythms play a key role by phase-locking to recurring acoustic features marking syllable boundaries. Reliable synchronization to quasi-rhythmic inputs, whose variable frequency can dip below cortical theta frequencies (down to ∼1 Hz), requires “flexible” theta oscillators whose underlying neuronal mechanisms remain unknown. Using biophysical computational models, we found that the flexibility of phase-locking in neural oscillators depended on the types of hyperpolarizing currents that paced them. Simulated cortical theta oscillators flexibly phase-locked to slow inputs when these inputs caused both (i) spiking and (ii) the subsequent buildup of outward current sufficient to delay further spiking until the next input. The greatest flexibility in phase-locking arose from a synergistic interaction between intrinsic currents that was not replicated by synaptic currents at similar timescales. Flexibility in phase-locking enabled improved entrainment to speech input, optimal at mid-vocalic channels, which in turn supported syllabic-timescale segmentation through identification of vocalic nuclei. Our results suggest that synaptic and intrinsic inhibition contribute to frequency-restricted and -flexible phase-locking in neural oscillators, respectively. Their differential deployment may enable neural oscillators to play diverse roles, from reliable internal clocking to adaptive segmentation of quasi-regular sensory inputs like speech.
New traps for the capture of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs and adults
Authors: Rossi da Silva Karina , Ribeiro da Silva William , Silva Bianca Piraccini , Arcos Adriano Nobre , da Silva Ferreira Francisco Augusto , Soares-da-Silva Joelma , Pontes Grafe Oliveira , Roque Rosemary Aparecida , Tadei Wanderli Pedro , Navarro-Silva Mário Antonio , Zequi João Antonio Cyrino
Published: April 2021

The control of arboviruses carried by Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) can be performed with tools that monitor and reduce the circulation of these vectors. Therefore, the efficiency of four types of traps in capturing A. aegypti and A. albopictus eggs and adults, with the biological product Vectobac WG, was evaluated in the field. For this, 20 traps were installed in two locations, which were in the South (Londrina, Paraná) and North (Manaus, Amazonas) Regions of Brazil, from March to April 2017 and January to February 2018, respectively. The UELtrap-E (standard trap) and UELtrap-EA traps captured A. aegypti and A. albopictus eggs: 1703/1866 eggs in Londrina, and 10268/2149 eggs in Manaus, respectively, and presented high ovitraps positivity index (OPI) values (averages: 100%/100% in Londrina, and 100%/96% in Manaus, respectively); and high egg density index (EDI) values (averages: 68/75 in Londrina, and 411/89 in Manaus, respectively), so they had statistically superior efficiency to that of the CRtrap-E and CRtrap-EA traps in both regions, that captured less eggs and adults: 96/69 eggs in Londrina, and 1091/510 eggs in Manaus, respectively. Also presented lower OPI values (averages: 28%/4% in Londrina, and 88%/60% in Manaus, respectively); and lower EDI values (averages: 10.5/9 in Londrina, and 47/30 in Manaus, respectively). The capture ratios of Aedes adults in the UELtrap-EA and CRtrap-EA traps in Londrina and Manaus were 53.3%/29.5% and 0%/9.8%, respectively. UELtrap-EA can be adopted as efficient tool for Aedes monitoring due to their high sensitivity, low cost and ease of use.
Versatile and flexible microfluidic qPCR test for high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 and cellular response detection in nasopharyngeal swab samples
Authors: Fassy Julien , Lacoux Caroline , Leroy Sylvie , Noussair Latifa , Hubac Sylvain , Degoutte Aurélien , Vassaux Georges , Leclercq Vianney , Rouquié David , Marquette Charles-Hugo , Rottman Martin , Touron Patrick , Lemoine Antoinette , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Barbry Pascal , Nahon Jean-Louis , Zaragosi Laure-Emmanuelle , Mari Bernard
Published: April 2021

The emergence and quick spread of SARS-CoV-2 has pointed at a low capacity response for testing large populations in many countries, in line of material, technical and staff limitations. The traditional RT-qPCR diagnostic test remains the reference method and is by far the most widely used test. These assays are limited to a few probe sets, require large sample PCR reaction volumes, along with an expensive and time-consuming RNA extraction step. Here we describe a quantitative nanofluidic assay that overcomes some of these shortcomings, based on the BiomarkTM instrument from Fluidigm. This system offers the possibility of performing 4608 qPCR end-points in a single run, equivalent to 192 clinical samples combined with 12 pairs of primers/probe sets in duplicate, thus allowing the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 including the detection of specific SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as the detection other pathogens and/or host cellular responses (virus receptors, response markers, microRNAs). The 10 nL-range volume of BiomarkTM reactions is compatible with sensitive and reproducible reactions that can be easily and cost-effectively adapted to various RT-qPCR configurations and sets of primers/probe. Finally, we also evaluated the use of inactivating lysis buffers composed of various detergents in the presence or absence of proteinase K to assess the compatibility of these buffers with a direct reverse transcription enzymatic step and we propose several protocols, bypassing the need for RNA purification. We advocate that the combined utilization of an optimized processing buffer and a high-throughput real-time PCR device would contribute to improve the turn-around-time to deliver the test results to patients and increase the SARS-CoV-2 testing capacities.
Brazilian women’s use of evidence-based practices in childbirth after participating in the Senses of Birth intervention: A mixed-methods study
Authors: da Matta Machado Fernandes Luísa , Lansky Sônia , Reis Passos Hozana , T. Bozlak Christine , A. Shaw Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Brazil has a cesarean rate of 56% and low use of Intrapartum Evidence-based Practices (IEBP) of 3.4%, reflecting a medically centered and highly interventionist maternal health care model. The Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention created to promote normal birth, use of EBP, and reduce unnecessary c-sections. This study aimed to understand the use of intrapartum EBP by Brazilian women who participated in the SoB intervention. 555 women answered the questionnaire between 2015 and 2016. Bivariate analysis and ANOVA test were used to identify if social-demographic factors, childbirth information, and perceived knowledge were associated with the use of EBP. A qualitative analysis was performed to explore women’s experiences. Research participants used the following EBP: birth plan (55.2%), companionship during childbirth (81.6%), midwife care (54.2%), freedom of mobility during labor (57.7%), choice of position during delivery (57.2%), and non-pharmacological pain relief methods (74.2%). Doula support was low (26.9%). Being a black woman was associated with not using a birth plan or having doula support. Women who gave birth in private hospitals were more likely not to use the EBP. Barriers to the use of EBP identified by women were an absence of individualized care, non-respect for their choices or provision of EBP by health care providers, inadequate structure and ambiance in hospitals to use EBP, and rigid protocols not centered on women’s needs. The SoB intervention was identified as a potential facilitator. Women who used EBP described a sense of control over their bodies and perceived self-efficacy to advocate for their chosen practices. Women saw the strategies to overcome barriers as a path to become their childbirth protagonist. Health education is essential to increase the use of EBP; however, it should be implemented combined with changes in the maternal care system, promoting woman-centered and evidence-based models.
Predicting replicability—Analysis of survey and prediction market data from large-scale forecasting projects
Authors: Gordon Michael , Viganola Domenico , Dreber Anna , Johannesson Magnus , Pfeiffer Thomas
Published: April 2021

The reproducibility of published research has become an important topic in science policy. A number of large-scale replication projects have been conducted to gauge the overall reproducibility in specific academic fields. Here, we present an analysis of data from four studies which sought to forecast the outcomes of replication projects in the social and behavioural sciences, using human experts who participated in prediction markets and answered surveys. Because the number of findings replicated and predicted in each individual study was small, pooling the data offers an opportunity to evaluate hypotheses regarding the performance of prediction markets and surveys at a higher power. In total, peer beliefs were elicited for the replication outcomes of 103 published findings. We find there is information within the scientific community about the replicability of scientific findings, and that both surveys and prediction markets can be used to elicit and aggregate this information. Our results show prediction markets can determine the outcomes of direct replications with 73% accuracy (n = 103). Both the prediction market prices, and the average survey responses are correlated with outcomes (0.581 and 0.564 respectively, both p < .001). We also found a significant relationship between p-values of the original findings and replication outcomes. The dataset is made available through the R package “pooledmaRket” and can be used to further study community beliefs towards replications outcomes as elicited in the surveys and prediction markets.