bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Singularities of Partially Polarized Vortex beams
Authors: Raburn W Scott , Gbur Greg
Published: January 2021

In this paper we look at three ways to define singularities in a partially coherent electromagnetic beam with non-uniform polarization. A simple model of such a beam is developed to highlight features of such singularities.
Machine-learning-based EDFA gain estimation [Invited]
Authors: Yu Jiakai , Zhu Shengxiang , Gutterman Craig L. , Zussman Gil , Kilper Daniel C.
Published: January 2021

Optical transmission systems with high spectral efficiency require accurate quality of transmission estimation for optical channel provisioning. However, the wavelength-dependent gain effects of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) complicate precise optical channel power prediction and low-margin operation. In this work, we examine supervised machine learning methods using multiple artificial neural networks (ANNs) to build models for gain spectra prediction of optical transmission line EDFAs under different operating conditions. Channel-loading configurations and channel input power spectra are used as an a posteriori knowledge data feature for model training. In a hybrid learning approach, estimated gain spectra calculated by an analytical model are added as an a priori input data feature to further improve the EDFA ANN model performance in terms of prediction accuracy, training time, and quantity of training data. Using these methods, the root mean square error and maximum absolute error of the predicted channel output power can be as low as 0.144 dB and 1.6 dB, respectively.
Rydberg Ensemble for Quantum Networking
Authors: Craddock Alexander N. , Ornelas-Huerta Dalia , Hachtel A.J. , Hannegan John , Siverns James , Wang Yidan , Goldschmidt Elizabeth , Bienias Przemek , Quraishi Qudsia , Gorshkov Alexey V. , Porto J.V. , Rolston Steve L.
Published: January 2021

We present a high efficiency single photon source based on a Rydberg ensemble. Additionally, we demonstrate Hong Ou Mandel interference between photons from this source and photons generated from a trapped barium ion.
Amplitude swing: measuring ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Alonso Benjamín , Holgado Warein , Sola Íñigo J.
Published: January 2021

We present a new concept for temporal pulse measurement, the amplitude swing, based on the amplitude variation of two delayed pulse replicas. The in-line compact set-up is versatile for pulses with different durations and bandwidths.
Performance of Temperature Tuned Red Laser Diode Employing Self Injection Locking Scheme
Authors: Mukhtar Sani , Ashry Islam , Holguín-Lerma J. A. , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S. , Khan M. Z. M.
Published: January 2021

First report on substantial performance improvement by 2-4 times of temperature tuned InGaP/InGaAlP/InP ~635 nm red laser diode based tunable self-injection (SIL) locked system in terms of optical linewidth, SMSR, exhibiting 7.5 nm wavelength span.
Multi-scale Dimensional Metrology with a Frequency Comb: from Sub-nanometers to Kilometers
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Anh Nguyen Duy , Kim Seung-Woo
Published: January 2021

This presentation will introduce how we have utilized a frequency comb for multi-scale high-precision dimensional measurements, ranging from sub-nanometer-scale thermo-plasmonic motions to kilometer-scale inter-satellite-distances.
Multi-Electron Nondispersing Trojan-Like Wavepackets on Multiple Click-Clack Balls Trajectories in Atoms and Quantum Dots
Authors: Kalinski Matt
Published: January 2021

Multi-electron extension of the Trojan-like wave packets on the Langmuir oscilating He model trajectories is discovered with the electrons half-orbitting nucleus and bouncing collectively from each other in analogy to the multiple Click-Clack Balls.
Terahertz bicircular electromagnetic fields: a new approach to generating non-linear effects in graphene
Authors: Suster M C , Derlikiewicz J , Veléz F Cajiao , Krajewska K , Kamiński J Z
Published: January 2021

HHG of up to 70th order utilizing graphene subjected to bicircular electromagnetic fields of terahertz frequencies was investigated. A momentum-resolved harmonic spectrum and induced electron current densities were obtained and analyzed.
Real-time Spectroscopy Using a Wavelength-switching Terahertz Source
Authors: Mine Sota , Kawase Kodo , Murate Kosuke
Published: January 2021

In this study, we achieved rapid wavelength scanning of an injection-seeded terahertz wave parametric generator by developing a new seed laser. This new THz measurement system enabled rapid identification of reagents with a 10-Hz repetition rate.
Giant enhancements of high-order upconversion luminescence enabled by multiresonant hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Xu Haofei , Zhu Zhimin , Xue Jiancai , Zhan Qiuqiang , Zhou Zhangkai , Wang Xuehua
Published: January 2021

Photonic nanostructures with resonant modes that can generate large electric field (EF) enhancements are applied to enhance light-matter interactions in nanoscale, bringing about great advances in both fundamental and applied science. However, a small hot spot (i.e., the regions with strong EF enhancements) and highly inhomogeneous EF distribution of the resonant modes usually hinder the enhancements of light-matter interactions in a large spatial scale. Additionally, it is a severe challenge to simultaneously generate multiple resonant modes with strong EF enhancements in a broadband spectral range, which greatly limits the capacity of a photonic nanostructure in boosting optical responses including nonlinear conversion, photoluminescence, etc. In order to overcome these challenges, we presented an arrayed hyperbolic metamaterial (AHMM). This AHMM structure is applied to simultaneously enhance the three-photon and four-photon luminescence of upconversion nanoparticles. Excitingly, the enhancement of the three-photon process is 1 order of magnitude larger than previous records, and for the enhancing four-photon process, we achieve an enhancement of 3350 times, greatly beneficial for overcoming the crucial problem of low efficiency in near infrared light upconversion. Our results demonstrated a promising platform for realizing giant enhancements of light-matter interactions, holding potential in constructing various photonics applications such as the nonlinear light sources.
Impact of COVID-19 on hospital admission of acute stroke patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan A. T. M. Hasibul , Das Subir Chandra , Islam Muhammad Sougatul , Mansur Mohaimen , Shawon Md. Shajedur Rahman , Hassan Rashedul , Chowdhury Mohammad Shah Jahirul Hoque , Mondal Md. Badrul Alam , Mohammad Quazi Deen
Published: January 2021

Background

With the proposed pathophysiologic mechanism of neurologic injury by SARS CoV-2, the frequency of stroke and henceforth the related hospital admissions were expected to rise. This paper investigated this presumption by comparing the frequency of admissions of stroke cases in Bangladesh before and during the pandemic.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of stroke admissions in a 100-bed stroke unit at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS&H) which is considerably a large stroke unit. All the admitted cases from 1 January to 30 June 2020 were considered. Poisson regression models were used to determine whether statistically significant changes in admission rates can be found before and after 25 March since when there is a surge in COVID-19 infections.

Results

A total of 1394 stroke patients took admission in the stroke unit during the study period. Half of the patients were older than 60 years, whereas only 2.6% were 30 years old or younger. The male to female ratio is 1.06:1. From January to March 2020, the mean rate of admission was 302.3 cases per month, which dropped to 162.3 cases per month from April to June, with an overall reduction of 46.3% in acute stroke admission per month. In those two periods, reductions in average admission per month for ischemic stroke (IST), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and venous stroke (VS) were 45.5%, 37.2%, 71.4% and 39.0%, respectively. Based on weekly data, results of Poisson regressions confirm that the average number of admissions per week dropped significantly during the last three months of the sample period. Further, in the first three months, a total of 22 cases of hyperacute stroke management were done, whereas, in the last three months, there was an 86.4% reduction in the number of hyperacute stroke patients getting reperfusion treatment. Only 38 patients (2.7%) were later found to be RT-PCR SARS Cov-2 positive based on nasal swab testing.

Conclusion

This study revealed a more than fifty percent reduction in acute stroke admission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether the reduction is related to the fear of getting infected by COVID-19 from hospitalization or the overall restriction on public movement or stay-home measures remains unknown.
Ecological niche differentiation in Chiroxiphia and Antilophia manakins (Aves: Pipridae)
Authors: Villegas Mariana , Loiselle Bette A. , Kimball Rebecca T. , Blake John G.
Published: January 2021

Species distribution models are useful for identifying the ecological characteristics that may limit a species’ geographic range and for inferring patterns of speciation. Here, we test a hypothesis of niche conservatism across evolutionary time in a group of manakins (Aves: Pipridae), with a focus onChiroxiphia boliviana, and examine the degree of ecological differentiation with otherChiroxiphiaandAntilophiamanakins. We tested whether allopatric sister species were more or less similar in environmental space than expected given their phylogenetic distances, which would suggest, respectively, ecological niche conservatism over time or ecologically mediated selection (i.e. niche divergence). We modeled the distribution of nine manakin taxa (C.boliviana,C.caudata,C.lanceolata,C.linearis,C.p.pareola,C.p.regina,C.p.napensis,Antilophia galeataandA.bokermanni) using Maxent. We first performed models for each taxon and compared them. To test our hypothesis we followed three approaches: (1) we tested whetherC.bolivianacould predict the distribution of the other manakin taxa and vice versa; (2) we compared the ecological niches by using metrics of niche overlap, niche equivalency and niche similarity; and (3) lastly, we tested whether niche differentiation corresponded to phylogenetic distances calculated from two recent phylogenies. All models had high training and test AUC values. Mean AUC ratios were high (>0.8) for most taxa, indicating performance better than random. Results suggested niche conservatism, and high niche overlap and equivalency betweenC.bolivianaandC.caudata, but we found very low values betweenC.bolivianaand the rest of the taxa. We found a negative, but not significant, relationship between niche overlap and phylogenetic distance, suggesting an increase in ecological differentiation and niche divergence over evolutionary time. Overall, we give some insights into the evolution ofC.boliviana, proposing that ecological selection may have influenced its speciation.
A polyphenolic cinnamon fraction exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in a monocyte/macrophage model
Authors: Ben Lagha Amel , Azelmat Jabrane , Vaillancourt Katy , Grenier Daniel
Published: January 2021

Periodontal diseases are bacteria-induced inflammatory disorders that lead to the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Active compounds endowed with a capacity to regulate the inflammatory response are regarded as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenolic cinnamon fraction. Chromatographic and mass spectrometry analyses of the polyphenolic composition of the cinnamon fraction revealed that phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavonols, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols), and procyanidins make up 9.22%, 0.72%, and 10.63% of the cinnamon fraction, respectively. We used a macrophage model stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from eitherAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansorEscherichia colito show that the cinnamon fraction dose-dependently reduced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α secretion. Evidence was brought that this inhibition of cytokine secretion may result from the ability of the fraction to prevent LPS-induced NF-κB activation. We also showed that the cinnamon fraction reduces LPS binding to monocytes, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly, using a competitor assay, it was found that the cinnamon fraction may represent a natural PPAR-γ ligand. Within the limitations of thisin vitrostudy, the cinnamon fraction was shown to exhibit a therapeutic potential for the treatment of periodontal diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Association between dietary diversity with overweight and obesity: A cross-sectional study conducted among pastoralists in Monduli District in Tanzania
Authors: Khamis Ahmed Gharib , Ntwenya Julius Edward , Senkoro Mbazi , Mfinanga Sayoki Godfrey , Kreppel Katharina , Mwanri Akwilina Wendelin , Bonfoh Bassirou , Kwesigabo Gideon
Published: January 2021

Background

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising at a rapid pace and is associated with negative health consequences like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Obesity is a multifactorial problem that develops mainly from lifestyle factors including physical inactivity and poor dietary intake. Dietary diversity is a simplified method for assessing the adequacy and quality of diet and is associated with nutritional need and overall health status. Therefore, we conducted this study to synthesize the associations between consumption of a diversified diet and overweight/ obesity among adults living in pastoral communities in Monduli district in Tanzania.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 510 adults aged ≥ 18 years old in the Monduli district, Arusha region in Tanzania. We conducted face-to-face interviews to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, 24-hours dietary recall, and anthropometric measurements. The dietary diversity score (DDS) was constructed and used to determine the diversity of the diet consumed. We performed the multivariate Poisson regressions to determine the prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The dependent variables were overweight and general obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity measured by waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC).

Results

The prevalence of general obesity based on BMI was 20.2% (95%CI; 16.9–23.9), abdominal obesity based on WHR was 37.8% (95%CI; 33.7–42.1), and WC was 29.1% (95%CI; 25.2–33.1). More than half (54.3%) of the participants consumed an adequate dietary diversity (DDS ≥4). After adjustment for potential confounders, the prevalence of abdominal obesity by WHR decreased with higher DDS among male (APR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.77) and female participants (APR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41–0.94). There were inconsistent positive associations between DDS and prevalence of overweight and general obesity among male and female. There was no association between DDS and abdominal obesity by WC.

Conclusion

More than half of the pastoralists have consumed an adequate diversified diet. Given the inconsistent findings on associations between dietary diversity and obesity measures, this study suggests that targeting dietary diversity as an overweight/obesity prevention strategy requires careful consideration.
Policymaking through a knowledge lens: Using the embodied-enacted-inscribed knowledge framework to illuminate the transfer of knowledge in a mental health policy consultation process – A South African case study
Authors: Marais Debra Leigh , Petersen Inge , Quayle Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

Marrying principles of evidence-based policymaking, with its focus on what works, with principles of consultative policymaking, with its focus on what works for whom, means finding ways to integrate multiple knowledge inputs into policy decisions. Viewed through the lens of the embodied-enacted-inscribed knowledge framework, policy consultation is a site of knowledge enactment, where the embodied knowledge enacted by individuals engages with the inscribed knowledge contained in policy documents, creating new forms of embodied and inscribed knowledge that move beyond these spaces.

Aim

Using this knowledge framework, this study aimed to trace the movement of knowledge inputs through South Africa’s mental health policy consultation summit.

Methods

Breakaway group session transcripts from the national consultation summit were thematically analysed to identify the types of knowledge that participants explicitly drew on (experiential or evidence-based) during discussions and how these knowledge inputs were used, responded to, and captured.

Findings

Findings suggest that there was little explicit reference to either evidence-based or experiential knowledge in most of the talk. While slightly more evidence-based than experiential knowledge claims were made, this did not render these claims any more likely to be responded to or engaged with in group discussions, or to be inscribed in group recommendations.

Discussion

The importance of designing participatory processes that enable optimal use of knowledge inputs in these enacted spaces is discussed.

Conclusion

Attending to the specific ways in which knowledge is transformed and moved through a policy consultation process has the potential to enhance the value that consultation offers policymakers.
Gathering as a Mode of Livelihood for Bashkirs in the Mountainous Forest Area of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the Years of Great Patriotic War
Authors: Khasanova Z.F.
Published: January 2021

Data in this article are based on the analysis of ethnographic field studies and materials conducted by the author. The study considers gathering as a mode of livelihood of the Bashkirs who inhabited the mountain forests of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the years of the Great Patriotic War. The materials were collected during the period 2010-2019 in Arkhangelsk, Abzelilovskiy, Beloretsk, Burzyanskiy, Belokatayskiy, Baltachevskiy, Mechetlinskiy, Salavatskiy, Duvanskiy districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan. For survival the Bashkirs used the traditional ways of livelihood - fishing, hunting, forestry and gathering. The last one was the most important mode, which provided them with food and served as a cure from different diseases. Typically, the Bashkirs began to collect plants and roots in early spring after cold and grueling winter, as soon as the first greens appeared on the mountains and hills. In summer, villagers collected berries and fruits, in autumn - berries of shrubs, plants and roots. Those roots and plants were consumed both raw and cooked. The collected plants were used for cooking soups, roots - for making flatbreads and porridge, berries - for making pastila and fillings for the pie. Knowledge of the plants helped many Bashkirs to survive their life during the Great Patriotic War. The Bashkirs, having allotments and gardens still like gathering wild berries and fruits.
The impact of airport shopping environments and dwell time on consumer spending
Authors: Bohl Patrick
Published: January 2021

This article provides new insight into how the ambience and design of shopping environments impact onspending behaviour. Environmental cues in a retail area influence emotional states of by-passers, which in turn influence spending levels. Past research suggested that this effect only applies to shops with moderate arousal level. Also, several studies failed to confirm a relationship between emotions and spending levels. This is surprising, since high arousal environments (e.g., amusement parks, sports stadiums and airports) often feature a wide range of retail outlets. Based on survey data collected in a live airport shopping area, this study finds a relationship between pleasure emotions associated with the retail area and recalled consumer spending, but also the time available for shopping (which in an airport is constrained). Also, visitors’ emotional state was influenced by the ambience (e.g., cleanliness, noise levels, lighting) as well as the design (e.g., easy wayfinding, seating areas) of the retail area. Shopper’s arousal levels did not explain variations in spending level. Implications for researchers and managers are discussed as well as suggestions for future research.
Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus for Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zhou Jiaolin , Zhao Zichen , Sun Tao , Liu Wei , Yu Zhongxun , Liu Jingjuan , Yu Yiqi , Ning Shoubin , Zhang Hongbing
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare systemic venous malformation (VM) disease. The characteristic gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from multiple VM lesions causes severe chronic anemia which renders most patients depend on lifelong blood transfusion and frequent endoscopic treatment with dismayed outcomes. Although recent case reports suggest that oral sirolimus (rapamycin) is effective, a comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy and safety is in need.

METHODS:

A prospective study was conducted for both pediatric and adult BRBNS patients with administration of sirolimus at the dose of 1.0 mg/m2 to maintain a trough concentration of 3–10 ng/mL. Laboratory tests including complete blood count, biochemical profile, D-dimer, and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging were performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Clinical indicators such as hemoglobin level, lesion size, and transfusion need were evaluated. Adverse effects were recorded regularly.

RESULTS:

A total of 11 patients (4 males and 7 females) with median age of 14 (range, 5–49) years were recruited. The average lesion size was reduced by 7.4% (P < 0.001), 9.3% (P < 0.001), and 13.0% (P < 0.05) at 3, 6, and 12 months of sirolimus treatment, respectively. Hemoglobin increased significantly after 6- and 12-month treatment (P = 0.006 and 0.019, respectively). Only 1 patient received blood transfusion once during the study. Patients' quality of life and coagulation function were improved. Grade 1–2 adverse effects including oral ulcers (81.8%), acne (27.3%), transient elevation of liver enzymes (18.2%), and hair loss (9.1%) were observed.

DISCUSSION:

Sirolimus reduces the size of VMs, alleviates GI bleeding, and eliminates transfusion dependence of patients with BRBNS. The drug-related adverse effects are mild and mostly self-limited. These findings support sirolimus as a first-line treatment for GI and cutaneous VMs of BRBNS (see Visual abstract, Supplementary Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/AJG/B819).
Impaired glucose metabolism and other metabolic disorders in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Bibik Ekaterina E. , Eremkina [Anna K. , Krupinova Julia A. , Klementieva Natalia V. , Dobreva Ekaterina A. , Mokrysheva Natalia G.
Published: January 2021

The clinical picture of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) which caused by parathyroid neoplasms often includes metabolic syndrome leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases. According to clinical studies, an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia and other disorders that signifi tly affect the life span and quality are observed in patients with PHPT regardless of the form and the severity of the underlying disease. Basic research shows the potential nonclassical effects of high levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium on adipose tissue, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of impaired carbohydrate and other types of metabolism in patients with parathyroid hyperfunction remain unclear because of the lack of relevant experimental models and the heterogeneity of patient groups. Besides, the effect of surgery on metabolic abnormalities is also controversial. Nowadays a deeper understanding of this issue is required, which can subsequently help in the creation of optimal approach to diagnosis and treatment of patients. This review covers different aspects of metabolic disorders in patients with PHPT, as well as potential key factors of their development.
Otimização do parafuso expansor para se obter diferentes quantidades de expansão nas regiões anterior e posterior.
Authors: Caldas Luciana Duarte , Santos Renata de Faria , Dominguez Gladys Cristina , Sant'Anna Eduardo Franzotti
Published: January 2021

INTRODUÇÃO: A deficiência transversa da maxila e mordida cruzada posterior são más oclusões de alta prevalência na dentadura decídua e dentição mista e, se não tratadas em idade precoce, podem ocasionar prejuízos ao crescimento e desenvolvimento craniofacial da criança. MÉTODOS: Diversos são os fatores etiológicos dessas más oclusões, sendo os hábitos de sucção não nutritiva os mais frequentemente relacionados. É comum indivíduos portadores desses hábitos desenvolverem atresia maxilar com formato em “V” invertido, visto que a ação muscular provocada pelo hábito exerce maior pressão na região de caninos, e como consequência, maior constrição nessa área, comparada à de molares. RESULTADOS: A correção desse padrão de atresia normalmente requer expansões em diferentes quantidades, situação que tradicionalmente costuma ser corrigida em momentos distintos, por meio da instalação de dois tipos de parafusos expansores. CONCLUSÃO: a otimização no parafuso expansor em leque, descrita no presente artigo, permitiu obter quantidades diferenciadas de ativações nas regiões anterior e posterior, logo, não necessitando da instalação de dois tipos de expansores separadamente.
Метод повышения порядка аппроксимации до произвольного натурального числа при численном интегрировании матричным методом краевых задач для неоднородных линейных обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений различных степеней с переменными коэффициентами
Authors: Маклаков Владимир Николаевич , Maklakov Vladimir Nikolaevich
Published: January 2021

В работе использован известный матричный метод численного интегрирования краевых задач для неоднородных линейных обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений с переменными коэффициентами, который позволяет удерживать произвольное число членов разложения в ряд Тейлора искомого решения или, что то же самое, позволяет использовать многочлен Тейлора произвольной степени.
Разностная краевая задача, аппроксимирующая дифференциальную краевую задачу, разбита на две подзадачи: в первую подзадачу вошли разностные уравнения, при построении которых не были использованы граничные условия краевой задачи; во вторую подзадачу вошли разностные уравнения, при построении которых были использованы граничные условия задачи.
Исходя из ранее установленных фактов дан и апробирован метод повышения порядка аппроксимации на единицу второй подзадачи, а следовательно, и всей разностной краевой задачи в целом. Перечислим эти установленные факты:
а) порядок аппроксимации первой и второй подзадач пропорционален степени используемого многочлена Тейлора;
б) порядок аппроксимации первой подзадачи зависит от чeтности или нечeтности степени используемого многочлена Тейлора. Оказалось, что при использовании степеней многочлена Тейлора, равных $ 2m{-}1$ и $ 2m$, порядки аппроксимации этих двух подзадач совпадают;
в) порядок аппроксимации второй подзадачи совпадает с порядком аппроксимации первой подзадачи, если во второй подзадаче отсутствуют заданные значения каких-либо производных, входящих в граничные условия;
г) наличие во второй подзадаче хотя бы одного значения производной той или иной степени, входящей в граничные условия, приводит к понижению порядка аппроксимации на единицу как второй подзадачи, так и всей разностной краевой задачи в целом.
Теоретические выводы подтверждены численными экспериментами.
NAM-supported read-across: From case studies to regulatory guidance in safety assessment
Authors: Rovida Costanza
Published: January 2021

The use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in support of read-across (RAx) approaches for regulatory purposes is a main goal of the EU-ToxRisk project. To bring this forward, EU-ToxRisk partners convened a workshop in close collaboration with regulatory representatives from key organizations including European regulatory agencies, such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), national agencies from several European countries, Japan, Canada and the USA, as well as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). More than a hundred people actively participated in the discussions, bringing together diverse viewpoints across academia, regulators and industry. The discussion was organized starting from five practical cases of RAx applied to specific problems that offered the oppor­tunity to consider real examples. There was general consensus that NAMs can improve confidence in RAx, in particular in defining category boundaries as well as characterizing the similarities/dissimilarities between source and target substances. In addition to describing dynamics, NAMs can be helpful in terms of kinetics and metabolism that may play an important role in the demonstration of similarity or dissimilarity among the members of a category. NAMs were also noted as effective in providing quanti­tative data correlated with traditional no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) used in risk assessment, while reducing the uncertainty on the final conclusion. An interesting point of view was the advice on calibrating the number of new tests that should be carefully selected, avoiding the allure of “the more, the better”. Unfortunately, yet unsurprisingly, there was no single approach befitting every case, requiring careful analysis delineating the optimal approach. Expert analysis and assessment of each specific case is still an important step in the process.
Optimization of Regional - Convolutional Neural Network for Electricity Conservation Using Arduino
Authors: Ushasukhanya S. , Jothilakshmi S.
Published: January 2021

The demand for electrical energy in developing countries is apparently increasing thereby creating a large gap between the availability of the electrical resource and its growing demand. Globally reputed energy economists have recognized that 25% of reduction in energy consumption can be achieved by adopting efficient energy conservation techniques This paper presents one of the simplest ways of conservation techniques that enables the electric power supply only when it is actually needed. It is an automatic system that functions with the existing CCTV surveillance camera to enable/disable the electric power supply, only in the location where human is present / absent respectively. The proposed approach is demonstrated without the use of sensors, based on Regional Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN). A new R-CNN model is constructed for CHOKEPOINT dataset and the optimization is done using Nadam technique. The results are then fed into Arduino micro controller to control the electric supply based on the presence/absence of human in the particular region.
Langkah “Merah” Pemikiran Pendidikan Tan Malaka, 1919-1921
Authors: Utomo Satriono Priyo
Published: January 2021

The historiography of Tan Malaka, which has been frequently found, discusses his personality as a revolutionary figure, living from one prison to another. The consistency of Tan Malaka in struggling for the absolute independence has been studied for years by the Dutch historian, Harry Poeze. Departing from historiography about Tan Malaka in which have written by Harry Poeze, this study uses the historical method. It discusses Tan Malaka's thoughts on education which originated from his publication in 1921 entitled Sarekat Islam and Onderwijs. Where it can be seen that Tan Malaka puts education as a political tool, in which it has the goal of shaping Indonesian people not only to be intelligent but also to refine their feelings. He rejected the rote learning method that make people become foolish and mechanical-type like machines. Tan Malaka's figure as a political actor has been scrutinized and written comprehensively by using historical source which become adequate. However, there are still very few studies that discuss Tan Malaka's thought. In the activities of practical politics, Tan Malaka was a productive revolutionary figure eflecting his thoughts in a number of works. Not many of the published works have examined Tan Malaka's thoughts about his views on education. Tan Malaka is a movement figure who chose studies in the field of pedagogy (education).
Aporte de las competencias investigativas a la integración de saberes curriculares en el escenario de aprendizaje del Taller de Diseño Arquitectónico
Authors: Linares-Bermúdez María Auxiliadora
Published: January 2021

Orientado a comprender la significación de las competencias investigativas para la integración de saberes curriculares en el Taller de Diseño Arquitectónico (TDA), se desarrolló este estudio desde el enfoque Fenomenológico Hermenéutico Pedagógico de Van Manen (2003), centrando el interés en experiencias vividas por estudiantes y profesores de Arquitectura, con apoyo en referenciales teóricos. A partir de entrevistas en profundidad, analizando y triangulando datos con aportes teóricos, se realizaron interpretaciones intersubjetivas, emergiendo las categorías: procesos investigativos, procesos integradores de saberes, visión del TDA, rol del profesor, que posibilitaron la comprensión de la relevancia de las competencias investigativas, a través de procesos, prácticas y actitudes para la investigación, estas últimas de elevada significación, en tanto que posibilitan el entendimiento, desarrollo y eficiencia del proceso de diseño como resultante de integrar saberes curriculares. Se elaboró una aproximación teorética del aporte de estas competencias para la integración de saberes curriculares en el TDA.
La arquitectura frente a las innovaciones pedagógicas. Pervivencia y resignificación de la Escuela Nueva en el Cono Sur
Authors: Cattaneo Daniela
Published: January 2021

Si bien la variable arquitectónica se cuenta entre las menos transitadas al analizar modelos educativos, las interacciones entre arquitectura y pedagogía tienen momentos de notable confluencia. Se aborda aquí una selección de actores, documentos y obras que abonan esta relación en el Cono Sur entre fines de la década de 1920 y 1930, cuando las experiencias modernas en arquitectura y los preceptos de modernidad pedagógica de la Escuela Nueva convergen. Se introducen a partir de fuentes primarias las interferencias de modernidad que supusieron los viajes y publicaciones del pedagogo Adolphe Ferrière y del arquitecto Joan Baptista Subirana con los proyectos escolares de Sánchez, Lagos y De la Torre en Argentina y de Juan Antonio Scasso en Uruguay. Con la hipótesis que la arquitectura se constituye allí en un instrumento pedagógico en sí mismo y con la presunción de la notable vigencia del ideario escolanovistas en la contemporaneidad, resignificando el espacio escolar en función de las nuevas infancias.
Paisaje construido y sustentabilidad urbana Huellas identitarias del paisaje moderno El Plan de Transformación de Osorno
Authors: Weibel Fernández Hugo Eduardo
Published: January 2021

Se aborda el estudio de las huellas arquitectónicas y urbanas modernas con relación al paisaje contemporáneo de Osorno, Chile, en orden a comprender las implicancias actuales de sus rasgos distintivos, desde una perspectiva de desarrollo sostenible.     

Fundados en Hiernaux, Mondragón y Aliste y mediante documentación de época, se interpreta el Plan de Transformación de Osorno (1930) en ámbitos de espacio público y modos edificatorios. Paralelamente, se realiza registros fotográficos intencionados de las huellas modernas de dicho Plan presentes en la urbe contemporánea. Con la información obtenida se interpreta críticamente la situación de dichas huellas en relación al contexto contemporáneo, concluyendo que el Plan de Transformación de Osorno propuso una vía modernizadora no rupturista que, junto con mantener vínculos con la herencia local, factibilizó materializar prácticas arquitectónicas y urbanas modernas, con énfasis en espacios públicos, cuyas huellas, aún relevantes en la ciudad, han asistido a la evolución sustentable de Osorno.
Indicadores de sostenibilidad social y su relación con el concepto de capital social
Authors: Puentes-Ramírez Elquin , Hidalgo-Guerrero Adriana , Ortíz-Bernal Yenny , Betancourt-Quiroga Carolina
Published: January 2021

Al realizar una revisión del estado del arte sobre el ámbito de la sostenibilidad social, se evidencian dos situaciones particulares: la primera es que la dimensión social de la sostenibilidad ha ido ganando importancia en las teorías y políticas de desarrollo a nivel mundial. La segunda es que, a pesar de lo anterior, la dimensión social de la sostenibilidad es la menos estudiada y la más difícil de medir debido a la naturaleza y complejidad de sus indicadores. El presente artículo propone una reflexión sobre estos mecanismos de medición, con el fin de determinar qué indicadores del concepto capital social, resultan de utilidad para la comprensión y medición de la sostenibilidad social. Para ello se realiza una revisión de la literatura, que compara sistemas de indicadores aplicados en ambos conceptos. Dada la complejidad dichos indicadores, el alcance del presente estudio se perfila como una serie de conclusiones derivadas de la reflexión sobre la complementariedad, las diferencias y las relaciones entre los sistemas de medición analizados. Lo que resulta de potencial utilidad en la elaboración de indicadores concretos en estudios posteriores.
Optimization of erosion wears of Al–Mg–Si–Cu–SiC composite produced by the PM method
Authors: Behera Rajesh Kumar , Samal Birajendu Prasad , Panigrahi Sarat Chandra , Das Sudhansu Ranjan
Published: January 2021

Metal matrix composites are expanding their range every day due to their various industrial applications in manufacturing sectors, to attain high performance and favorable characteristics such as light weight, more excellent corrosion as well as wear resistance, high specific strength and high temperature-resistance than conventional materials. This study deals with analysis on erosion wear characteristic and corrosion behavior of newly-engineered aluminum metal–matrix composite (Al–0.5Si–0.5Mg–2.5Cu–5SiC) developed by powder metallurgy method. Solid particle erosion test was conducted on the newly developed AMMC product and the execution of design of experiments through Taguchi and statistical techniques demonstrates the feasibility of investigating the erosion characterization and behaviors of the composites. Sixteen set of experimental trials were performed by considering three process parameters (impact angle, stand-off distance, and impact velocity) associated with four levels each. Experimental results in accordance of Taguchi’s orthogonal array design of experiments are analyzed by employing analysis of variance (ANOVA), response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability function approach for analysis, predictive modeling and optimization of erosion rate, respectively. Thereafter, an observation on eroded surface morphology is performed under the influence of impact velocity by employing scanning electron microscope (SEM) to entrench the process. Result shows that, the impact velocity followed by impact angle have significant contribution (80.42 and 8.71%, respectively) in improvement of erosion rate. The methodology proposed in this study collects the experimental results and builds a mathematical model in the domain of interest and optimized the process model. Under the highest desirability (1), desirability-function approach of RSM presented the optimal manufacturing conditions at impact velocity of 18 m/s, stand-off distance of 26 mm and impact angle of 67° with estimated erosion rate of 65.155 mg/kg. The experimental data generated for Al–0.5Si–0.5Mg–2.5Cu–5SiC AMMC will be useful for the industry.
Platforms and Potency: Democracy and Collective Agency in the Age of Social Media
Authors: Gilbert Jeremy
Published: January 2021

Attitudes to digital communication technologies since the 1990s have been characterized by waves of optimism and pessimism, as enthusiasts have highlighted their democratic and liberating potentials, while critics have pointed to the socially, politically and psychologically deleterious consequences of unchecked digital capitalism. This paper seeks to develop an analytical framework capable of appreciating and assessing the capacities of such technologies both to genuinely enhance democratic agency, and to become tools through which capitalist power is enhanced with widespread negative consequences. The paper in particular deploys my concept of ‘potent collectivity’ in order to name the type of democratic agency that such media technologies can be seen both to enable and enhance under certain circumstances, and to inhibit under others. It also considers the affective qualities of ‘potent collectivity’, and in particular the utility of a Deleuzo-Spinozan concept of ‘collective joy’ as designating the affective quality typical of ‘potent collectivity’. The paper uses the specific example of left-wing political activism in the UK during the period 2015-17 to illustrate the potential for platform technologies to enable new forms of democratic mobilization, while arguing for an analytical position that eschews any simple celebration of the liberating potential of new technologies; remaining sensitive to the negative features of ‘platform capitalism’.
Spherical approximating and interpolating moving least squares in geodesy and geophysics: a case study for deriving gravity acceleration at sea surface in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Kiani M.
Published: January 2021

This paper is aimed at introducing the concept of Spherical Interpolating Moving Least Squares to the problems in geodesy and geophysics. Based on two previously known methods, namely Spherical Moving Least Squares and Interpolating Moving Least Squares, a simple theory is formulated for using Spherical Moving Least Squares as an interpolant. As an application, a case study is presented in which gravity accelerations at sea surface in the Persian Gulf are derived, using both the approximation and interpolation mode of the Spherical Moving Least Squares. The roles of the various elements in the methods-weight function, scaling parameter, and the degree of spherical harmonics as the basis functions-are investigated. Then, the results of approximation and interpolation are compared with the field data at sea surface, collected by shipborne gravimetry approach. Finally, the results are compared with another independent interpolation method-spline interpolation. It is shown that in this particular problem, SMLS approximation and SIMLS interpolation present a better accuracy than spherical splines.
Why linguistic entrepreneurship?
Authors: De Costa Peter I. , Park Joseph Sung-Yul , Wee Lionel
Published: January 2021

This introduction builds on De Costa et al.’s (2016], [2019) notion of linguistic entrepreneurship, which is defined as “the act of aligning with the moral imperative to strategically exploit language-related resources for enhancing one’s worth in the world” (2016: 696). The four empirical studies and two critical commentaries that constitute this special issue explain the relevance of this construct and explore how it is instantiated in a range of formal and informal educational contexts across the world. Specifically, we explain how linguistic entrepreneurship serves as a unique and innovative contribution to the existing body of sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and language policy research on neoliberalism.
Formation of laser-induced periodic surface nanometric concentric ring structures on silicon surfaces through single-spot irradiation with orthogonally polarized femtosecond laser double-pulse sequences
Authors: Liu Wei , Hu Jie , Jiang Lan , Huang Ji , Lu Jiangang , Yin Jiangang , Qiu Zhaoling , Liu Hailin , Li Chen , Wang Suocheng , Wang Shaojun
Published: January 2021

In this study, we report the formation of laser-induced periodic surface nanometric concentric ring structures on silicon surfaces through single-spot irradiation with orthogonally polarized femtosecond laser double-pulse sequences (OP pulses). The period of the ring structures is marginally smaller than the irradiated laser’s wavelength, which indicates that the structures are a type of low-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures. Regular nanometric concentric ring structures can be formed when the time delay between two subpulses is approximately 1 ps (roughly from 500 fs to 1.5 ps) and the number of laser bursts is approximately 4. The formation mechanism of the concentric ring structures is attributed to the surface wave (i.e., cylindrical wave) stimulated by OP pulses through single-spot irradiation is radially distributed. Large area of concentric ring structures eliminating anisotropy in the generation of structural colors was shown in this paper.
The crystal structure of trimethylsulfonium tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methanide, C7H9F9O6S4
Authors: Wirthensohn Raphael , Finze Maik
Published: January 2021

C7H9F9O6S4, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 8.80180(10) Å, b = 10.96580(10) Å, c = 16.91360(10) Å, V = 1632.48(3) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0222, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0604, T = 100 K.
Independent Sector: Preserving the Status Quo?
Authors: Williams Andrew L. , Doan Dana R. H.
Published: January 2021

In October of 1978, a committee met to explore the possibility of a merger between the National Council on Philanthropy (NCOP) and the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations (CONVO). The vision was more than the mere marriage of two small organizations facing uncertain futures. Participants in this endeavor dreamed of an entity that would represent the entire nonprofit sector. The organization they birthed in 1979, Independent Sector (IS), was a meaningful step forward in unifying the sector. The IS board represented a broad range of sub-sectors and causes and also made strides in gender and, to a lesser extent, racial and religious diversity. Yet, there was an inherent tension in the project. Yes, it was true that people did not want to “interfere with pluralism” but they also wanted “a strong voice” to champion the sector—those involved called this dilemma a “persistent contradiction.” The tension was resolved in favor of the concerns of the powerful national non-profit institutions and foundations: tax policy, government relations, and sector advocacy. That is, the umbrella organization acted principally to preserve the sector, as constituted, and had little appetite for structural reform or discussion of competing notions of “the good” within the sector. Critics pointed to the exclusion of local organizations fighting issues that challenged societal injustice and inequitable distribution of power and resources. To them, and in retrospect to the authors of this paper, greater sector “unity” entailed consolidation of traditional power and continued marginalization of communities already on the periphery. Though four decades have passed, the same tension remains in the philanthropic sector. Contest and division between various interests and constituencies is as evident now as it was then. Enthusiastic support for the advancement of public goods often over-shadows issues of power—including the ability to impose one’s own definition of the public good on others. This critique has been leveled forcefully in recent years. Is it possible or even desirable to seek greater unity for the public good? Whose voices are privileged in the quest for greater sectoral unity? These are the questions this paper aspires to provoke and inform by examining the founding of the first major nonprofit sector association in the United States.