bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies to Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii in cats from Madeira Island, Portugal
Authors: Neves Michelle , Lopes Ana Patrícia , Martins Carolina , Fino Raquel , Paixão Cláudia , Damil Liliana , Lima Clara , Alho Ana Margarida , Schallig Henk D. F. H. , Dubey Jitender P. , Cardoso Luís
Published: April 2020

Background

Dirofilaria immitis,Leishmania infantumandToxoplasma gondiiare zoonotic parasites which can affect domestic cats. Considering the lack of published data from the local feline population, this study aimed to assess infection with or exposure to these pathogens in cats from Madeira Island, Portugal.

Methods

One hundred and forty-one domestic cats (77 males and 64 females; median age: 2 years) were sampled at a veterinary medical centre in Funchal, from September 2018 to January 2019. Serum samples were tested forD. immitisantigen, with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and for antibodies toLeishmaniaspp. or toT. gondii, with the direct agglutination test and the modified agglutination test, respectively.

Results

Five cats (3.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.2–8.1) were positive toD. immitis; no cats were seropositive toLeishmaniaspp. (0%; 95% CI: 0–2.6%); and 43 cats (30.5%; 95% CI: 23.0–38.8%) were seropositive toT. gondii. Prevalence of theD. immitisantigen was significantly different between cats that received ectoparasiticides and those which did not (0vs12.2%;P = 0.009). Prevalence of antibodies toT. gondiiwas significantly different between juvenile and adult cats (12.8vs38.0%;P = 0.007). There were two cats concurrently positive toD. immitisandT. gondii, but no statistical association between these two dependent variables was found (P = 0.641).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of parasitesD. immitisandT. gondiiin the feline population of Madeira Island. Knowledge on the epidemiological situation of these and other zoonotic pathogens should raise awareness, both at the veterinary medical and public health levels, and contribute to promoting prevention and control.
Successful chemotherapy management of disseminated intravascular coagulation presenting with metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Le Trinh Huy , Nguyen Vuong Thi , Mai Ngan Kim , Tran Bach Trung , Pham Quynh Nga
Published: April 2020

Background

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a critical complication of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma, despite the rarity of the occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in such tumors. The diagnosis of cancer-related disseminated intravascular coagulation is mostly based on clinical bleeding and laboratory test; available data suggest that treating the primary cancer also treats the disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among three reported cases of renal cell carcinoma-related disseminated intravascular coagulation in the literature, this is the first patient whose disseminated intravascular coagulation was successfully treated, in particular, with chemotherapy without any anti-disseminated intravascular coagulation therapies.

Case presentation

This case is a 66-year-old Vietnamese man who presented disseminated intravascular coagulation 2 weeks after his admission for severe back pain. At admission, his initial laboratory work-up revealed only a mild thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 93 × 109/L (normal range, 150–450 × 109/L) without clinical bleeding. His past medical history and family history were unremarkable. An open-biopsy was performed and the definitive diagnosis was bone metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on immunohistochemistry. Two weeks after admission, the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation was confirmed according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Immediately, he was treated with a paclitaxel plus carboplatin regimen and disseminated intravascular coagulation completely disappeared after one cycle of systemic chemotherapy. Until recently, 11 months subsequent to the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation, he had been being undergoing maintenance therapy for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

First, an early detection of overt disseminated intravascular coagulation is essential, although disseminated intravascular coagulation in cancer presents as a chronic or even subclinical process with unique thrombocytopenia. Second, making a decision of systemic chemotherapy without delay at the time of disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnosis is the key to successful cancer-related disseminated intravascular coagulation treatment.
Identification of genes involved in xylose metabolism of Meyerozyma guilliermondii and their genetic engineering for increased xylitol production
Authors: Atzmüller Denise , Ullmann Nadine , Zwirzitz Alexander
Published: April 2020

Meyerozyma guilliermondii, a non-conventional yeast that naturally assimilates xylose, is considered as a candidate for biotechnological production of the sugar alternative xylitol. Because the genes of the xylose metabolism were yet unknown, all efforts published so far to increase the xylitol yield of this yeast are limited to fermentation optimization. Hence, this study aimed to genetically engineer this organism for the first time with the objective to increase xylitol production. Therefore, the previously uncharacterized genes of M. guilliermondii ATCC 6260 encoding for xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) were identified by pathway investigations and sequence similarity analysis. Cloning and overexpression of the putative XR as well as knockout of the putative XDH genes generated strains with about threefold increased xylitol yield. Strains that combined both genetic modifications displayed fivefold increase in overall xylitol yield. Enzymatic activity assays with lysates of XR overexpressing and XDH knockout strains underlined the presumed functions of the respective genes. Furthermore, growth evaluation of the engineered strains on xylose as sole carbon source provides insights into xylose metabolism and its utilization for cell growth.
Surgical treatments for women with stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review of economic evidence
Authors: Javanbakht Mehdi , Moloney Eoin , Brazzelli Miriam , Wallace Sheila , Omar Muhammad Imran , Monga Ash , Saraswat Lucky , Mackie Phil , Imamura Mari , Hudson Jemma , Shimonovich Michal , MacLennan Graeme , Vale Luke , Craig Dawn
Published: April 2020

Background

Surgical interventions for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women are commonly employed following the failure of minimally invasive therapies. Due to the limited information available on the relative cost-effectiveness of available surgeries for treating SUI, a de novo economic analysis was conducted to assess costs and effects of all relevant surgeries. To inform the economic analysis, the objective of this review was to identify and assess the quality of existing economic evaluation studies on different surgical interventions for the treatment of SUI in women.

Methods

The following databases were searched during the review process: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), MEDLINE In-Process, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), and Health Management Information Consortium and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry (CEA registry). The key criteria for inclusion were that the study population included women with SUI and that the surgical interventions considered were utilised as either a primary or a follow-up surgery. The review included only full economic evaluations. Studies were quality assessed using the Drummond checklist for economic evaluations. No quantitative synthesis of the results by meta-analysis was conducted due to the high methodological heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-six economic evaluations were included, of which 13 were model-based analyses. Surgical treatments assessed most frequently were mid-urethral slings and open and laparoscopic colposuspension. There were some differences in the methodological approaches taken, including differences in type of economic analysis, perspective, time horizon, types of resource use, and costs and outcomes that were included in the analysis. The majority of studies conducted a cost-utility analysis from a health system perspective and applied a time horizon of between 1 and 5 years. The cost-effectiveness results suggest that single-incision mini-sling and mid-urethral slings are among the most cost-effective options.

Conclusions

The review has shown that methods used for the economic evaluation of surgical treatments for SUI vary widely in terms of study design, analysis type, compared alternatives, time horizon, costing methodologies and effect outcomes. Future economic evaluation studies on surgical treatments for SUI may be improved by the application of available guidelines.

Systematic review registration

Registered in PROSPERO in 2016, CRD42016049339
Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI) consensus statement on fundamental concepts in perioperative fluid management: fluid responsiveness and venous capacitance
Authors: Martin Greg S. , Kaufman David A. , Marik Paul E. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Levett Denny Z. H. , Whittle John , MacLeod David B. , Chappell Desiree , Lacey Jonathan , Woodcock Tom , Mitchell Kay , Malbrain Manu L. N. G. , Woodcock Tom M. , Martin Daniel , Imray Chris H. E. , Manning Michael W. , Howe Henry , Grocott Michael P. W. , Mythen Monty G. , Gan Tong J. , Miller Timothy E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Optimal fluid therapy in the perioperative and critical care settings depends on understanding the underlying cardiovascular physiology and individualizing assessment of the dynamic patient state.

Methods

The Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI-5) consensus conference brought together an international team of multidisciplinary experts to survey and evaluate the literature on the physiology of volume responsiveness and perioperative fluid management. The group used a modified Delphi method to develop consensus statements applicable to the physiologically based management of intravenous fluid therapy in the perioperative setting.

Discussion

We discussed the clinical and physiological evidence underlying fluid responsiveness and venous capacitance as relevant factors in fluid management and developed consensus statements with clinical implications for a broad group of clinicians involved in intravenous fluid therapy. Two key concepts emerged as follows: (1) The ultimate goal of fluid therapy and hemodynamic management is to support the conditions that enable normal cellular metabolic function in order to produce optimal patient outcomes, and (2) optimal fluid and hemodynamic management is dependent on an understanding of the relationship between pressure, volume, and flow in a dynamic system which is distensible with variable elastance and capacitance properties.
Disentangling the mechanisms shaping the surface ocean microbiota
Authors: Logares Ramiro , Deutschmann Ina M. , Junger Pedro C. , Giner Caterina R. , Krabberød Anders K. , Schmidt Thomas S. B. , Rubinat-Ripoll Laura , Mestre Mireia , Salazar Guillem , Ruiz-González Clara , Sebastián Marta , de Vargas Colomban , Acinas Silvia G. , Duarte Carlos M. , Gasol Josep M. , Massana Ramon
Published: April 2020

Background

The ocean microbiota modulates global biogeochemical cycles and changes in its configuration may have large-scale consequences. Yet, the underlying ecological mechanisms structuring it are unclear. Here, we investigate how fundamental ecological mechanisms (selection,dispersalandecological drift) shape the smallest members of the tropical and subtropical surface-ocean microbiota: prokaryotes and minute eukaryotes (picoeukaryotes). Furthermore, we investigate the agents exerting abiotic selection on this assemblage as well as the spatial patterns emerging from the action of ecological mechanisms. To explore this, we analysed the composition of surface-ocean prokaryotic and picoeukaryotic communities using DNA-sequence data (16S- and 18S-rRNA genes) collected during the circumglobal expeditionsMalaspina-2010andTARA-Oceans.

Results

We found that the two main components of the tropical and subtropical surface-ocean microbiota, prokaryotes and picoeukaryotes, appear to be structured by different ecological mechanisms. Picoeukaryotic communities were predominantly structured by dispersal-limitation, while prokaryotic counterparts appeared to be shaped by the combined action of dispersal-limitation, selection and drift. Temperature-driven selection appeared as a major factor, out of a few selected factors, influencing species co-occurrence networks in prokaryotes but not in picoeukaryotes, indicating that association patterns may contribute to understand ocean microbiota structure and response to selection. Other measured abiotic variables seemed to have limited selective effects on community structure in the tropical and subtropical ocean. Picoeukaryotes displayed a higher spatial differentiation between communities and a higher distance decay when compared to prokaryotes, consistent with a scenario of higher dispersal limitation in the former after considering environmental heterogeneity. Lastly, random dynamics ordriftseemed to have a more important role in structuring prokaryotic communities than picoeukaryotic counterparts.

Conclusions

The differential action of ecological mechanisms seems to cause contrasting biogeography, in the tropical and subtropical ocean, among the smallest surface plankton, prokaryotes and picoeukaryotes. This suggests that the idiosyncrasy of the main constituents of the ocean microbiota should be considered in order to understand its current and future configuration, which is especially relevant in a context of global change, where the reaction of surface ocean plankton to temperature increase is still unclear.
The influence of spaceflight on the astronaut salivary microbiome and the search for a microbiome biomarker for viral reactivation
Authors: Urbaniak Camilla , Lorenzi Hernan , Thissen James , Jaing Crystal , Crucian Brian , Sams Clarence , Pierson Duane , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Mehta Satish
Published: April 2020

Background

Spaceflight impacts astronauts in many ways but little is known on how spaceflight affects the salivary microbiome and the consequences of these changes on astronaut health, such as viral reactivation. In order to understand this, the salivary microbiome was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and saliva viral titers were analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with primers specific for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) from 10 astronauts pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight.

Results

Streptococcus was the most abundant organism in the saliva, making up 8% of the total organisms detected, and their diversity decreased during spaceflight. Other organisms that had statistically significant changes were Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria which increased during flight and Actinobacteria which decreased during flight. At the genus level, Catonella, Megasphera, and Actinobacillus were absent in more than half of saliva samples collected pre-flight but were then detected during flight. In those subjects that already had these genera pre-flight, their relative abundances increased during flight. Correlation analyses between the microbiome and viral titers revealed a positive correlation with Gracilibacteria, Absconditabacteria, and Abiotrophia and a negative correlation between Oribacterium, Veillonella, and Haemophilus. There was also a significant positive correlation between microbiome richness and EBV viral titers.

Conclusions

This is the first study to look at how the salivary microbiome changes as a result of spaceflight and the search for bacterial biomarkers for viral reactivation. Further studies examining the role of specific organisms that were shown to be correlative and predictive in viral reactivation, a serious problem in astronauts during spaceflight, could lead to mitigation strategies to help prevent disease during both short and long duration space missions.
Multidirectional UV-LED lithography using an array of high-intensity UV-LEDs and tilt-rotational sample holder for 3-D microfabrication
Authors: Shiba Sabera Fahmida , Tan Jun Ying , Kim Jungkwun
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a computer-controlled multidirectional UV-LED lithography system for 3-D microfabrication. The presented UV-LED system has adopted adjustable or programmable high-intensity UV-LEDs as a light source enabling for photopatterning both thin and thick SU-8 photoresist process. The prototype of the proposed system comprises 5-by-5 surface-mounted type LEDs with customized collimation lens, a tilt-rotational sample holder for introducing multidirectional light exposure, and a computer-control asset for synchronized controls of the light source and the sample holder. An adjustable light intensity provides an ease of lithography both for a few micron feature size patterning and a millimeter thick photopatterning by providing optimal light exposure condition by considering diffraction, and absorption of the UV light. Together with the tilt-rotational sample holder, the multidirectional UV-LED lithography can fabricate various 3-D microstructures in a wide range of the photoresist film thickness. The 3-D fabrications include an array of micro triangle slabs, 1-mm tall pillar array, the different scale same 3-D geometry structures on the same substrate.
Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of coagulation dysfunction in COVID-19
Authors:   People’s Liberation Army Professional Committee of Critical Care Medicine, Chinese Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Song Jing-Chun , Wang Gang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yang , Li Wei-Qin , Zhou Zhou
Published: April 2020

Since December 2019, a novel type of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan led to an outbreak throughout China and the rest of the world. To date, there have been more than 1,260,000 COVID-19 patients, with a mortality rate of approximately 5.44%. Studies have shown that coagulation dysfunction is a major cause of death in patients with severe COVID-19. Therefore, the People’s Liberation Army Professional Committee of Critical Care Medicine and Chinese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis grouped experts from the frontline of the Wuhan epidemic to come together and develop an expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of coagulation dysfunction associated with a severe COVID-19 infection. This consensus includes an overview of COVID-19-related coagulation dysfunction, tests for coagulation, anticoagulation therapy, replacement therapy, supportive therapy and prevention. The consensus produced 18 recommendations which are being used to guide clinical work.
Neurodegeneration in systemic lupus erythematosus: layer by layer retinal study using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Dias-Santos Arnaldo , Tavares Ferreira Joana , Pinheiro Sofia , Cunha João Paulo , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana L. , Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca , Proença Rui
Published: April 2020

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune and multisystemic disease. Recent studies with functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive tests report an unexpectedly high frequency of central nervous system involvement, even in patients with asymptomatic SLE. The purpose of this study was to identify early signs of retinal neurodegeneration by comparing the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and all macular layers between patients with SLE without ophthalmologic manifestations and healthy controls. The effect of disease duration and systemic comorbidities was also studied.

Methods

Cross-sectional study, in which all participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation including retinal segmentation analysis with spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. Patients with SLE also received a detailed autoimmune disease specialist evaluation to assess the disease activity state and systemic involvement. For pRNFL thickness, the global and six peripapillary sectors were determined. Each macular layer thickness was determined in the nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to control for the effect of potential demographic, ophthalmic and systemic confounders. A second multivariable analysis, including patients with SLE only, was performed to assess the effect of disease-specific variables on the outcome measures.

Results

Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients with SLE and 50 eyes of 50 healthy controls were considered. The pRNFL was significantly thinner in the SLE group globally (p = 0.026) and in the temporal superior (p = 0.007) and temporal (p = 0.037) sectors. In patients with SLE, chronic medication for hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and anticoagulants were associated with a significant thinning of the pRNFL. Patients with SLE presented significant thinning in the photoreceptor layer in five ETDRS areas (p < 0.05). Shorter disease duration was associated with greater photoreceptor thinning in all ETDRS subfields. Neuropsychiatric SLE, higher disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors were associated with a thinner photoreceptor layer. No differences were observed in overall retinal thickness or the remaining macular layers.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE present early signs of retinal neurodegeneration, as evidenced by a reduction in the photoreceptor layer and pRNFL. These signs are more pronounced in patients with higher cardiovascular risk burden or neuropsychiatric involvement.
Canada’s role in strengthening global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chattu Vijay Kumar , Adisesh Anil , Yaya Sanni
Published: April 2020

The world is confronted by the current pandemic of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), which is a wake-up call for all nations irrespective of their development status or geographical location. Since the start of the century we have seen five big infectious outbreaks which proved that epidemics are no more regarded as historic and geographically confined threats. The Canadian government underlined that these infectious disease outbreaks are threats to global health security and disrupt societal wellbeing and development. In this context, the Public Health Agency of Canada is proactive and has shown its preparedness for outbreaks of emerging and epidemic-prone diseases, and in dealing with these pathogens. Even before the declaration of pandemic, Canada has proved its global health leadership by ensuring collective action and multisectoral coordination which still remains a serious challenge especially for low and middle- income countries with existing poor health systems. In this article we discuss how Canada is addressing the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic through its leadership and practice of global health diplomacy.
Sedimentary characteristics of microbialites influenced by volcanic eruption: a case study from the Lower Cretaceous Shipu Group in Zhejiang Province, East China
Authors: Wang Xiao-Fang , Tan Xiu-Cheng , Zhang Shao-Nan , Shen An-Jiang , Li Chang , Hu Guang , Wang Xin , Chen Zi-Liao , Pan Li-Yin , Zhang Jie , Chen Wei
Published: April 2020

This study describes a sequence of microbialites and volcanics of the Lower Cretaceous Shipu Group, an example of microbialites influenced by volcanic activity. It is located at Shipu town in eastern Zhejiang Province on the coast of southeastern China. Based on macroscopic outcrop observations, microscopic examination of thin sections, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis, nine microbialite–tuffite assemblages have been recognized in the section. Their thickness increased gradually upwards as volcanism decreased. There are ooids, bioclastic grains, intraclasts and tuffaceous grains in the grain shoal with local dolomitization. Above the grain shoal, microbial reefs develop either individually or conjoining with adjacent ones, and consist of stromatolites and serpulid tubes with common recrystallization. Tubes of serpulids are calcified and the tube wall is micrite. The tube and intertube parts are filled by sparry calcite. Colonial serpulids are surrounded by microbes to form stromatolites. Black layers of stromatolites contain many calcite crystals with fan-shaped growth pattern and preserved organic matter. Microbes are so well preserved in crystal lattices that the original microstructure of the microbes can be clearly observed by FESEM imaging analysis. Microbial reefs develop at a local high point near or above fair-weather wave-base where waves removed fine volcanic ashes. Interreef deposits are coarse tuffite due to physical differentiation. Volcanic activity could provide rich nutrition for microbes, but too much fine volcanic ash inhibits microbial growth. As a result, a moderate supply of volcanic ash favors the development of microbialites.
Rare Disease Research Partnership (RAinDRoP): a collaborative approach to identify the top 15 research priorities for rare diseases
Authors: Somanadhan Suja , Nicholson Emma , Dorris Emma , Brinkley Aoife , Kennan Avril , Treacy Eileen , Atif Awan , Ennis Sean , McGrath Vicky , Mitchell Derick , O’Sullivan Grace , Power Julie , Lawlor Anne , Harkin Paul , Lynch Sally Ann , Watt Philip , Daly Avril , Donnelly Susie , Kroll Thilo
Published: April 2020

Background: The Rare Disease Research Partnership (RAinDRoP) was established in 2018 to bring together a wide variety of diverse voices in the rare disease community in Ireland and form a research partnership. This approach enabled clinicians, patients, carers and researchers to work together to identify top research priorities for rare diseases, which focused on a life-course perspective rather than a disease-specific need.                                                                                                          

Methods: A participatory multiple phase approach was used to identify research priorities for rare diseases. The research process involved three main phases: Phase I, Public Consultation Survey on Research in Rare Diseases in Ireland (PCSRRDI); Phase II, Research Prioritisation Workshop (RPW); Phase III, Follow-up Public Consultation and Prioritisation Survey (FWPCPS).

Results: In total, 240 individuals completed the phase I PCSRRDI, which comprised of a cross-section of health care professionals, researchers and people living with rare diseases. One thousand and fifteen statements were collected, reflecting issues and shared challenges in rare diseases. A shortlisting step by step was used to identify any statements that had received a total score of above 50% into 10-12 researchable questions or statements per the theme for the phase II workshop.

Phase II was focused on three main themes: (1) Route to Diagnosis, (2) Living with Rare Disease, (3) Integrated and Palliative Care. In total, 62 individuals attended the overall workshop; 42 participated in the prioritisation sessions. A cross-section of health care professionals, researchers and people living with rare diseases were engaged at each workshop. Seventy-five individuals completed the final phase III public ranking by priority responses, and they ranked the top 15 research priorities defined by the multi-stakeholders at the phase II consensus meeting.

Conclusions: This study identified priorities for rare diseases research aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people living with rare diseases.
Remembering people with dementia during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: O'Shea Eamon
Published: April 2020

This letter argues that we need to pay particular attention to people with dementia during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing rules and cocooning for people aged 70 years and over are now in place in Ireland to slow down the rate of infection and protect vulnerable older people.  This letter argues that we need, more than ever, to assert the personhood of people with dementia at this difficult time. That means more person-centred care and practical support structures for family carers to allow them to continue to care at home in a safe and life-enhancing way. New public broadcasting initiatives could create information and communication channels for people with dementia and their carers, as well as demonstrating empathy and solidarity with their predicament. Government, the Department of Health, the HSE and the voluntary sector have risen to the challenge of COVID-19 in all sectors of society. So too have ordinary citizens. Now we need to unite even more to create an unyielding commitment and adherence to the principles of  decency, justice  and equity in the allocation of scarce  health and social care resources. By doing this, we will demonstrate our caring potential and capacity in a way that reflects our shared humanity, not only in the current crisis, but into the future.
Online Advance Scheduling with Overtime: A Primal-Dual Approach
Authors: Keyvanshokooh Esmaeil , Shi Cong , Van Oyen Mark P.
Published: April 2020

Problem definition: We study a fundamental online resource allocation problem in service operations in which a heterogeneous stream of arrivals that varies in service times and rewards makes service requests from a finite number of servers/providers. This is an online adversarial setting in which nothing more is known about the arrival process of customers. Each server has a finite regular capacity but can be expanded at the expense of overtime cost. Upon arrival of each customer, the system chooses both a server and a time for service over a scheduling horizon subject to capacity constraints. The system seeks easy-to-implement online policies that admit a competitive ratio (CR), guaranteeing the worst-case relative performance. Academic/practical relevance: On the academic side, we propose online algorithms with theoretical CRs for the problem described above. On the practical side, we investigate the real-world applicability of our methods and models on appointment-scheduling data from a partner health system. Methodology: We develop new online primal-dual approaches for making not only a server-date allocation decision for each arriving customer, but also an overtime decision for each server on each day within a horizon. We also derive a competitive analysis to prove a theoretical performance guarantee. Results: Our online policies are (i) robust to future information, (ii) easy-to-implement and extremely efficient to compute, and (iii) admitting a theoretical CR. Comparing our online policy with the optimal offline policy, we obtain a CR that guarantees the worst-case performance of our online policy. Managerial implications: We evaluate the performance of our online algorithms by using real appointment scheduling data from a partner health system. Our results show that the proposed online policies perform much better than their theoretical CR, and outperform the pervasive First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) and nested threshold policies (NTPO) by a large margin.
MIGRAÇÃO RURAL-URBANA NOS MUNICÍPIOS DO TERRITÓRIO DO SISAL
Authors: Brito Tamires Silva
Published: April 2020

A migração da zona rural para a zona urbana é um fenômeno corriqueiro nos municípios do Território do Sisal no Estado da Bahia-Brasil. Essa foi a constatação da investigação que realizamos nos municípios de Lamarão, Queimadas, Retirolândia, Teofilândia, Tucano e Valente. Também constatamos que houve a redução gradativa da população rural e que os principais motivos para a migração da zona rural para a zona urbana, apontados pelos residentes entrevistados, foram:acompanhar a família, busca de estudo para os filhos, busca de trabalho e de melhores condições de moradia.
Design of rough microgeometries for numerical simulation of material appearance
Authors: Bringier Benjamin , Ribardière Mickaël , Meneveaux Daniel , Simonot Lionel
Published: April 2020

Microfacet-based material appearance models are commonly considered as a physical plausible representation of matter–light interaction. With such models, the microgeometry of a surface element is defined by a statistical distribution of microfacets. The mathematical formulation ensures physical plausibility, such as energy conservation and reciprocity. Many authors have addressed microfacet bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) representations, with various normal distribution functions (NDFs) and their relationship with shadowing and masking, or the effects due to multiple light scattering on the microgeometry. However, an extensive study on how an actual microgeometry drives material appearance still is missing. This question is a key issue for inverse design and manufacturing. This paper contributes to filling this gap by proposing a complete pipeline composed of a microgeometry generation process and numerical lighting simulation. From any input NDF, our method generates a controlled and structured microgeometry, integrated within numerical light scattering simulation. Reflected light is gathered using a virtual goniophotometer. From a given set of parameters, we use our pipeline to study the impact of microgeometry structures on material light scattering in the case of rough surfaces. The obtained results are discussed and compared with already existing approaches when they exist in the pipeline.
Single probe shear scanning method for on-machine measurement of an optical profile
Authors: Yin Ziqiang , Chai Ning , Wang Sujuan , Huang Guangcan , Lin Jian , Zhao Rongli
Published: April 2020

This study presents a new (to the best of our knowledge) error separation method with a single displacement probe, named as single probe shear scanning (SPSS) method, for the on-machine optical profile measurement to overcome the problems of the existing multiprobe method like the large deviation of probe spacing and the probes’ performance difference. The confocal sensor with superior dynamic range, high lateral resolution, and large measurement angle to surface is applied in this study to fulfill the measurement of the optical aspheric surface. The single probe measurement system, in which the probe fixed on a flexure hinge is driven straight within a millimeter-level travel range, is established to realize the function of the multiprobe. For the established system, a new exact profile reconstruction algorithm is built to eliminate the influences of straightness errors of the scanning stage and the systemic errors of shear stage, and to reduce the effect of the sensor drift. The reconstruction algorithms by difference measurement with two shears are studied to build the bidirectional segment stitching reconstruction method, which reduces the error accumulation and improves the reconstruction accuracy under the condition of measuring errors. A profile reconstruction method with three shears measurement is proposed to make a further improvement on the reconstruction accuracy. The proposed reconstruction method with three shears measurement is successfully employed for the on-machine measurement of an aspheric surface profile, and the evaluation results agree well with those from the Taylor profiler.
Quantification assessment of light pollution of façade lighting display in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yao Qi , Wang Hongbing , Dai Qi , Shi Feng
Published: April 2020

In this work, we investigated 39 façade lighting displays, all of which consisted of tri-chromatic light sources, namely blue-, green-, and red- light units, in Shenzhen, China. We extracted the spectral characteristics of the mean peak wavelength/full-width at half-maximum, and proposed universal spectral models. We further established the ‘chromaticity-performance’ relation to quantitatively assess the impact of light pollution on typical species based on corresponding action spectra. The findings provide a low-cost, fast and precise approach to assess light pollution of complicated light environment, and may help reduce energy waste and adverse environmental consequences associated with light pollution.
Fiber-interface directional coupler inscribed by femtosecond laser for refractive index measurements
Authors: Han Jinli , Zhang Yunfang , Liao Changrui , Jiang Yuying , Wang Ying , Lin Chupao , Liu Shen , Wang Jiachen , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Jiangtao , Wang Yiping
Published: April 2020

A novel fiber-interface directional waveguide coupler was inscribed on the surface of a coreless fiber by femtosecond laser, and was successfully applied to highly sensitive refractive index (RI) measurements. The primary arm was first inscribed to couple light from a lead-in single mode fiber to the fiber interface, then back to a lead-out single mode fiber. A side arm was inscribed parallel and in close proximity to the primary arm. Light propagating in the primary arm could then be efficiently coupled into the side arm when a phase-matching condition was met, which produced a dramatic spectral dip at the coupling wavelength. The proposed device achieved a sensitivity as high as ∼8249 nm/RIU over an RI range of 1.44-1.45, due to strong evanescent fields excited in fiber-interface waveguides. The proposed in-fiber directional coupler exhibits high mechanical strength, a compact configuration, and excellent RI sensitivity. As such, it has significant potential for practical applications in biochemical sensing.
302  W single-mode power from an Er/Yb fiber MOPA
Authors: Matniyaz Turghun , Kong Fanting , Kalichevsky-Dong Monica T. , Dong Liang
Published: April 2020

There has been very little progress in the power scaling of Er/Yb fiber lasers in over a decade, reflecting the difficulties involved. Here we report, to the best of our knowledge, a new record of 302 W single-mode power from an Er/Yb fiber master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) with a record optical efficiency of 56%, near the quantum limit. This is made possible by new fiber development from Nufern and off-resonant pumping of the Er/Yb fiber. We also show that further power scaling is no longer limited by ytterbium parasitic lasing but by fiber fuse in the Er/Yb fiber.
Electro-optic interface for ultrasensitive intracavity electric field measurements at microwave and terahertz frequencies
Authors: Benea-Chelmus Ileana-Cristina , Salamin Yannick , Settembrini Francesca Fabiana , Fedoryshyn Yuriy , Heni Wolfgang , Elder Delwin L. , Dalton Larry R. , Leuthold Juerg , Faist Jérôme
Published: April 2020

Electro-optic quantum coherent interfaces map the amplitude and phase of a quantum signal directly to the phase or intensity of a probe beam. At terahertz frequencies, a fundamental challenge is not only to sense such weak signals (due to a weak coupling with a probe in the near-infrared) but also to resolve them in the time domain. Cavity confinement of both light fields can increase the interaction and achieve strong coupling. Using this approach, current realizations are limited to low microwave frequencies. Alternatively, in bulk crystals, electro-optic sampling was shown to reach quantum-level sensitivity of terahertz waves. Yet, the coupling strength was extremely weak. Here, we propose an on-chip architecture that concomitantly provides subcycle temporal resolution and an extreme sensitivity to sense terahertz intracavity fields below 20 V/m. We use guided femtosecond pulses in the near-infrared and a confinement of the terahertz wave to a volume of

V

T
H
z

∼

10

−
9

(

λ

T
H
z

/

2

)
3

in combination with ultraperformant organic molecules (

r

33

=
170

p
m

/

V

) and accomplish a record-high single-photon electro-optic coupling rate of

g

e
o

=
2
π
×
0.043

G
H
z

, 10,000 times higher than in recent reports of sensing vacuum field fluctuations in bulk media. Via homodyne detection implemented directly on chip, the interaction results into an intensity modulation of the femtosecond pulses. The single-photon cooperativity is

C
0

=
1.6
×

10

−
8

, and the multiphoton cooperativity is

C
=
0.002

at room temperature. We show

>

70

d
B

dynamic range in intensity at 500 ms integration under irradiation with a weak coherent terahertz field. Similar devices could be employed in future measurements of quantum states in the terahertz at the standard quantum limit, or for entanglement of subsystems on subcycle temporal scales, such as terahertz and near-infrared quantum bits.
Passive microwave spectral imaging with dynamic metasurface apertures
Authors: Diebold Aaron V. , Imani Mohammadreza F. , Fromenteze Thomas , Marks Daniel L. , Smith David R.
Published: April 2020

Passive microwave imaging of incoherent sources is often approached in
a lensless configuration through array-based interferometric
processing. We present an alternative route in the form of a coded
aperture realized using a dynamic metasurface. We demonstrate that
this device can achieve an estimate of the spectral source
distribution from a series of single-port spectral magnitude
measurements and complex characterization of the modulation patterns.
The image estimation problem is formulated in this case as compressive
inversion of a set of standard linear matrix equations. In addition,
we demonstrate that a dispersive metasurface design can achieve
spectral encoding directly, offering the potential for spectral
imaging from frequency-integrated, multiplexed measurements. The
microwave dynamic metasurface aperture as an encoding structure is
shown to comprise a substantially simplified hardware architecture
than that employed in common passive microwave imaging systems. Our
proposed technique can facilitate large scale microwave imaging
applications that exploit pervasive ambient sources, while similar
principles can readily be applied at terahertz, infrared, and optical
frequencies.
The importance of sensorial empathy and the language of touch when crafting textiles for people who are visually impaired
Authors: Hunt Kevin , Piper Anna , Worker Georgie
Published: April 2020

This article reflects upon a pilot project crafting textile samples/prototypes for people who are visually impaired. It explores the role that sensorial empathy and further understanding of the language of touch play in the textile crafting process for makers working with people who are visually impaired, and that aesthetic and experiential textiles (while important to all) are especially important to people who are visually impaired. The project undertakes craft research in an area that is generally overlooked by textile designers. The makers/participants were sighted second-year undergraduate textile design students at Nottingham Trent University and the end users, who acted as informants, were service users at My Sight Nottinghamshire (a charity in the United Kingdom addressing visual impairment). The project is situated within human-centred design, with a focus on physically intuitive designs crafted for people with visual impairments. The application and usage of the samples/prototypes are aimed at inclusivity, with engagement centred primarily around haptic touch, and so looking at the textiles may not reveal their potential application, which becomes more apparent through physical engagement. The project was inspired by work within sensory studies, including the concept of sensorial empathy, and research relating to the language of touch through tactile encounters with art objects from a visually impaired perspective. The methods used in the project drew upon empathic design processes, which were informed by sensory ethnography – particularly 'emplacement' and the holistic consideration of mind, body and place – and selected aspects of social haptics, particularly 'environmental description'. Recommendations include further development of the language of touch to support textile craft when working with people who are visually impaired and further consideration of 'grounding' as a concept regularly described by the informants.
A quantitative study of poplar plantation situation in four Iran provinces
Authors: Azizi Majid , Faezipour Mohammad Mehdi , Bayatkashkoli Ali
Published: April 2020

Poplars, a fast-growing species, enjoy a high significance in Iran’s industry. So far, information on poplar plantation, such as area, volume, and harvest, has been obtained by non-scientific and poor methods. A few studies have been conducted to recognize capability of poplar plantation about area, volume, harvest, distribution, and species in three high efficient provinces, i.e., Eastern/ Azerbaijan, Zanjan, Kermanshah, and Ardabil. A  Cluster sampling a standard sampling method for conducting similar researches was selected, consisting of two phases. In the first phase we collected library information and half-open interview from villagers. In the second phase field measurement in the villages of these four provinces was considered. Obtained information from field measurement was erected poplar volume, cultivated poplar area, prevalent species and estimating volume via volume and weight tables. Results obtained from the present study indicate that average annual utilization volume of four provinces was 172628.84 m3, with an average error of 14.19 percent.
The role of mediation satisfaction of customer relationship marketing influence toward consumer trust at Elite Sang Tunas Kid Courses Denpasar
Authors: SUARTINA I WAYAN , Ngurah Gede Sadiartha ANAK AGUNG
Published: April 2020

Kindergarten school at an early age is a form of education that focuses on laying the foundation towards physical growth and development (fine and gross motor coordination), intelligence (thinking power, emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence), socio-emotional (attitude and behavior as well as religion), language and communication, by the uniqueness and stages of development carried out by young children born up to eight years, serves to develop children's potential and shape the child's personality correctly. The purpose of this education has two functions, namely giving direction to all educational activities and is something that is intended to be achieved by all educational activities. Based the results are customer relationship marketing has a positive and significant influence on the satisfaction of Elite Sang Tunas Kid Courses Denpasar, CRM has a positive and significant influence on Consumer Trust in Elite Sang Tunas Kid Courses Denpasar, satisfaction has a positive and significant influence on Consumer Trust at Elite Sang Tunas Kid Courses Denpasar, the role of satisfaction plays an important role for the development and progress of the institution, this means that the better customer relationship marketing, consumers will feel high satisfaction so that consumers are loyal to the services provided by Elite Sang Tunas Kid Courses Denpasar.
ILLEGAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION: SPECIFICS OF PROTECTION IN CRIMINAL CASES
Authors: Korennaya A.A.
Published: April 2020

The customs Union of the Eurasian economic Union is one of the priority areas of Russia’s regionaleconomic integration. The creation of a single customs space of the participating countries, the appearanceof common customs borders, and the territorial proximity of the participating countries leads to an increasein «Eurasian crime», primarily economic crime. Traditionally, researchers in their work pay attention to theproblems of combating or countering such crimes. Within the framework of this study, a different task isset — to form a General model for building a defense strategy in criminal cases of crimes related to illegalbusiness activities committed on the territory of several member States of the Eurasian economic Union. Theauthor suggests forming a defense position based on the specifics of the national legislation of each state, initially analyzing the norms of the criminal laws of the participating countries, then offering successivestages of establishing the actual circumstances and their legal assessment on the basis, including on thebasis of international law