bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for graded index fiber tip Fabry–Perot interferometers
Authors: Riesen Nicolas , Phillips Nicholas , Nguyen Linh V , Warren-Smith Stephen C , Priest Craig , Lancaster David G 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
An analysis is provided of fiber-optic Fabry–Perot interferometers designed and fabricated using collimating graded-index fiber (GIF) tips as an alternative to typical highly divergent standard single-mode fibers (SMFs). The collimated beam from the GIF tips allows for significantly longer etalons to be fabricated due to the increased collection efficiency when used either in reflection or transmission mode. We extend previous results, showing that GIF tips using coreless fiber segments can allow for up to four-fold increase in fringe visibility (FV) at 1550 nm compared with standard SMF Fabry–Perot etalons of the same length. The collimating GIF tips help lessen the FV vs cavity length trade-off typically observed in fiber-optic Fabry–Perot systems. We also explore the effects on FV improvement when using capillaries to align the fibres. This paper also provides easily accessible design guidelines and considerations for fabricating GIF based devices at 1550 nm.
Improved subthreshold swing of MoS2 negative-capacitance transistor by fluorine-plasma treatment on ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 gate dielectric
Authors: Tao Xinge , Xu Jingping , Liu Lu , Lai Pui-To 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this work, the ferroelectricity of hafnium zirconium oxide (Hf0.5Zr0.5O2, HZO) is enhanced by fluorine (F)-plasma treatment, which is used to fabricate MoS2 negative-capacitance field-effect transistor. Measurements show that the subthreshold swing of the transistor is significantly reduced to 17.8 mV dec−1 over almost four orders of output current, as compared to its counterpart without the F-plasma treatment (37.4 mV dec−1). The involved mechanism is that during the F-plasma treatment, F atoms can be incorporated into the HZO bulk to passive its oxygen vacancies and interface traps, thus forming robust Zr–F and Hf–F bonds. Therefore, the F-plasma-treated HZO film exhibits much less oxygen vacancies than the untreated HZO film, which is beneficial to enhancing the amplification effect on the surface potential of the MoS2 channel during the NC operation.
Interfacial engineering of CeO2 on NiCoP nanoarrays for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Gao Menghan , Wang Zhihong , Sun Shichao , Jiang Deli , Chen Min 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Transition metal phosphides (TMP)-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts constructed by interface engineering strategy have a broad prospect due to their low cost and good performance. Herein, a novel CeO2/NiCoP nanoarray with intimate phosphide (NiCoP)-oxide (CeO2) interface was developed via in situ generation on nickel foam (NF). This structure is conducive to increasing active sites and accelerating charge transfer, and may be conducive to regulating electronic structure and adsorption energy. As expected, optimal 1.4-CeO2/NiCoP/NF delivers a low overpotential of 249 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 77.2 mV dec−1. CeO2/NiCoP/NF boasts one of the best OER catalytic materials among recently reported phosphides (TMP)-based OER catalysts and composite catalysts involving CeO2. This work provides an effective strategy for the construction of hetero-structure with CeO2 with oxygen vacancies to improve the OER performance of phosphides.
Influence of chemical and electronic inhomogeneities of graphene/copper on the growth of oxide thin films: the ZnO/graphene/copper case
Authors: Morales Carlos , Urbanos Fernando J , del Campo Adolfo , Leinen Dietmar , Granados Daniel , Prieto Pilar , Aballe Lucía , Foerster Michael , Soriano Leonardo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The interaction of graphene with metal oxides is essential for understanding and controlling new devices’ fabrication based on these materials. The growth of metal oxides on graphene/substrate systems constitutes a challenging task due to the graphene surface’s hydrophobic nature. In general, different pre-treatments should be performed before deposition to ensure a homogenous growth depending on the deposition technique, the metal oxide, and the surface’s specific nature. Among these factors, the initial state and interaction of graphene with its substrate is the most important. Therefore, it is imperative to study the initial local state of graphene and relate it to the early stages of metal oxides’ growth characteristics. Taking as initial samples graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition on polycrystalline Cu sheets and then exposed to ambient conditions, this article presents a local study of the inhomogeneities of this air-exposed graphene and how they influence on the subsequent ZnO growth. Firstly, by spatially correlating Raman and x-ray photoemission spectroscopies at the micro and nanoscales, it is shown how chemical species present in air intercalate inhomogeneously between Graphene and Cu. The reason for this is precisely the polycrystalline nature of the Cu support. Moreover, these local inhomogeneities also affect the oxidation level of the uppermost layer of Cu and, consequently, the electronic coupling between graphene and the metallic substrate. In second place, through the same characterization techniques, it is shown how the initial state of graphene/Cu sheets influences the local inhomogeneities of the ZnO deposit during the early stages of growth in terms of both, stoichiometry and morphology. Finally, as a proof of concept, it is shown how altering the initial chemical state and interaction of Graphene with Cu can be used to control the properties of the ZnO deposits.
Correlation length ratio as a parameter for determination of fiber-like structures in soft tissues
Authors: Kari M , Feltovich H , Hall T J 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Quantitative ultrasound methods can provide valuable information about the microstructure of a material or tissue. This works well when the common assumptions of homogeneity, isotropy, and diffuse scattering conditions are valid. In biological tissues, however, these assumptions are often violated because the microstructure of biological tissues is often heterogeneous and anisotropic. The microstructure of biological tissues can change with disease, and therefore accurate identification and description of a tissue’s microstructure can offer important clinical insight. To address the challenge of evaluating the microstructure of biological tissues, here we introduce a novel parameter called the correlation length ratio (CLR), a ratio of lateral to axial correlation lengths for backscattered echo signals. We developed it to determine the presence of fiber-like structures in soft tissues by comparing this value in tissue to a threshold determined from a reference material that is homogeneous, isotropic, and provides diffuse scattering. We tested this novel parameter in phantoms with spherical scattering sources, in an anisotropic phantom (containing elongated fibers), and in human biceps muscle. We found that the CLR accurately detected the presence of elongated structures in both the anisotropic phantom and muscle. These results encourage further exploration of this novel parameter in microstructurally complex tissues.
A vascular subtraction method for improving the variability of evoked tympanic membrane displacement measurements
Authors: Campbell-Bell C M , Sharif S J , Zhang T , Bulters D , Marchbanks R J , Birch A A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective. Evoked tympanic membrane displacement (TMD) measurements show a correlation with intracranial pressure (ICP). Attempts to use these measurements for non-invasive monitoring of ICP in patients have been limited by high measurement variability. Pulsing of the tympanic membrane at the cardiac frequency has been shown to be a significant source of the variability. In this study we describe a post processing method to remove the cardiac pulse waveform and assess the impact of this on the measurement and its repeatability. Approach. Three-hundred and sixteen healthy volunteers were recruited for evoked TMD measurements. The measurements were quantified by V
m, defined as the mean displacement between the point of maximum inward displacement and the end of the stimulus. A sample of spontaneously pulsing TMDs was measured immediately before the evoked measurements. Simultaneous recording of the ECG allowed a heartbeat template to be extracted from the spontaneous data and subtracted from the evoked data. Intra-subject repeatability of V
m was assessed from 20 repeats of the evoked measurement. Results with and without subtraction of the heartbeat template were compared. The difference was tested for significance using the Wilcoxon sign rank test. Main results. In left and right ears, both sitting and supine, application of the pulse correction significantly reduced the intra-subject variability of V
m (p value range 4.0 × 10−27 to 2.0 × 10−31). The average improvement was from 98 ± 6 nl to 56 ± 4 nl. Significance. The pulse subtraction technique substantially improves the repeatability of evoked TMD measurements. This justifies further investigations to assess the use of TMD measurements in clinical applications where non-invasive tracking of changes in ICP would be useful.
Relativistic-induced opacity of electron–positron plasmas
Authors: Huang Jian , Weng S M , Zhu X L , Li X F , Chen M , Murakami M , Sheng Z M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The interaction of intense electromagnetic waves with electron–positron (

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) plasmas is studied by particle-in-cell simulations and theoretical analysis. It is found that an initial underdense

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plasma can become opaque under the irradiation of a relativistically intense laser pulse. The strong ponderomotive force of the relativistic laser pulse and the small mass density of the

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plasma can combine to induce the efficient pile-up of the electrons and positrons at the front of the laser pulse. Therefore, the local plasma density at the laser pulse front increases dramatically and finally the initial underdense

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plasma becomes opaque. This relativistic-induced opacity effect of

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plasmas is opposite to the well-known relativistic-induced transparency effect, in which an initial overdense electron-ion plasma can become transparent to a relativistically intense laser pulse. Further, the significant red shift of reflected lights as well as the efficient generation of energetic positrons are investigated in the relativistic-induced opacity of

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plasmas. This relativistic-induced opacity effect is a peculiar phenomenon in the

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plasmas, which may be encountered in the high-energy astrophysical phenomena or in the interactions of intense lasers with matters in the laboratories.
Septal destruction enhances chaotic mixing and increases cellular doses of nanoparticles in emphysematous acinus
Authors: Talaat Mohamed , Si Xiuhua April , Kitaoka Hiroko , Xi Jinxiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
One hallmark of emphysema is the breakdown of inter-alveolar septal walls in pulmonary acini. How the acinar dosimetry of environmental aerosols varies at different stages of emphysema remains unclear; this is specifically pertinent to users of tobacco products, which is the leading cause of emphysema. The objective of this study is to systematically assess the impacts of septal destruction on the behavior and fate of nanoparticles (1–800 nm) in a pyramid-shaped sub-acinar model consisting of 496 alveoli. Four diseased geometry variants were created by gradually removing the septal walls from the base model. Particle motions within the acinar region were tracked for particles raging 1–800 nm at four emphysema stages using a well-tested Lagrangian tracking model. Both spatial profile and temporal variation of particle deposition were predicted in healthy and diseased sub-acinar geometries on both a total and regional basis. Results show large differences in airflow and particle dynamics among different emphysema stages. Large differences in particle dynamics are also observed among different particle sizes, with one order of magnitude’s variation in the speeds of particles of 1, 10, and 200 nm. The destruction of septal walls also changed the deposition mechanisms, shifting from connective diffusion to chaotic mixing with emphysema progression. The sub-acinar dosimetry became less sensitive to particle size variation with more septal destructions. The lowest retention rate was found at 200–500 nm in the healthy sub-acinar geometry, but at 800 nm in all emphysematous models considered. The acinus-averaged dose for nanoparticles (1–800 nm) increases with aggravating septal destructions, indicating an even higher risk to the acinus at later emphysema stages.
Neoliberalism challenged
Authors: Steger Manfred B. , Roy Ravi K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This chapter studies the challenges to neoliberalism in the 21st century. The most serious challenge to the dominant neoliberal framework occurred in 2008, when the collapse of the American over-valued real-estate market triggered the global financial crisis. Reacting to rising economic and cultural tensions in a globalizing world, nationalist forces on the political Right were also gathering strength in the 2010s. National populists blamed neoliberal globalization for economic decline and cultural decay. To get a better sense of the nature of national populism's challenge to neoliberalism, the chapter examines the mixed ideological and policy framework of Trumpism. It then assesses the future of neoliberalism.
Ethics: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Blackburn Simon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Ethics: A Very Short Introduction highlights the importance of an understanding of approaches to ethics and its foundations. Today, we are confronted with an uncertain world of eroding trust, swirling conspiracy theories, and a dismaying loss of respect in public discourse. Our self-image as moral, well-behaved creatures is dogged by scepticism, relativism, hypocrisy, and nihilism, and by the fear that science has unmasked us as creatures fated by our genes to be selfish, competitive, and aggressive. This VSI tackles the major moral questions surrounding birth, death, happiness, desire, and freedom. It shows us how we should think about the meaning of life.
A scoping review of education and training resources supporting care home staff in facilitating residents’ sexuality, intimacy and relational needs
Authors: Horne Maria , Youell Jane , Brown Laura J E , Simpson Paul , Dickinson Tommy , Brown-Wilson Christine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Having positive intimate, sexual and relational experiences is an important issue for older adults in care settings, yet little is known on the extent to which nursing staff and care workers have received education or training in addressing and meeting these needs among older residents. This scoping review aimed to identify and examine what education and training resources exist to assist nursing staff and care workers to meet their residents’ needs in this area.

Methods and analysis
Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework, we systematically searched papers and grey literature to identify education interventions and resources that aimed to facilitate care home staff to meet their residents’ sexuality, intimacy and relational needs.

Results
Eleven studies (one dissertation) and three education resources met the inclusion criteria; most were conducted in the USA and Australia. Across the studies and resources identified, the education content was mixed and the methodology, presentation, design and duration varied widely. The focus of the education interventions and resources was to increase knowledge and improve and/or change attitudes towards the: (i) sexual expression of older people living in residential aged care, (ii) sexuality and ageing and (iii) expression of sexuality in people with dementia.

Conclusion
Few education interventions and training resources were identified. The findings suggest that education interventions can improve knowledge and/or change care staff attitudes, in the short-term, towards older people’s sexuality, intimacy and relational needs in care home settings, which can lead to facilitating staff to enhance person-centred care in this area of need.
Recent trends of invasive mechanical ventilation in older adults: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Bouza Carmen , Martínez-Alés Gonzalo , López-Cuadrado Teresa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Critical care demand for older people is increasing. However, there is scarce population-based information about the use of life-support measures such as invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in this population segment.

Objective
To examine the characteristics and recent trends of IMV for older adults.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study on IMV in adults ≥65 years using the 2004–15 Spanish national hospital discharge database. Primary outcomes were incidence, inhospital mortality and resource utilization. Trends were assessed for average annual percentage change in rates using joinpoint regression models.

Results
233,038 cases were identified representing 1.27% of all-cause hospitalizations and a crude incidence of 248 cases/100,000 older adult population. Mean age was 75 years, 62% were men and 70% had comorbidities. Inhospital mortality was 48%. Across all ages, about 80% of survivors were discharged home. Incidence rates of IMV remained roughly unchanged over time with an average annual change of −0.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.9, 0.6). Inhospital mortality decreased an annual average of −0.7% (95% CI: −0.5, −1.0), a trend detected across age groups and most clinical strata. Further, there was a 3.4% (95% CI: 3.0, 3.8) annual increase in the proportion of adults aged ≥80 years, an age group that showed higher mortality risk, lower frequency of prolonged IMV, shorter hospital stays and lower costs.

Conclusions
Overall rates of IMV remained roughly stable among older adults, while inhospital mortality showed a decreasing trend. There was a notable increase in adults aged ≥80 years, a group with high mortality and lower associated hospital resource use.
Emergency preparation and mitigation for COVID-19 response in an integrated pharmacy practice model
Authors: Moye Robert A , Mason Kim , Flatt Amy , Faircloth Barbara , Livermore Janisha , Brown Brittany , Furr Adam , Starnes Cassey , Yates John R , Hurt Robert 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this descriptive report is to share experiences in crisis response planning and risk mitigation at a university health system department of pharmacy with an integrated clinical practice model in the early months of the coronarvirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Summary
The department of pharmacy’s COVID-19 pandemic response included successful planning and implementation of measures to maintain pharmacy operations and minimize COVID-19 exposure of patients and staff. These measures included ensuring adequate personnel staffing using flexible staffing solutions, ongoing assessment of supply chain integrity, and continuation of integrated clinical pharmacy services 24/7 throughout the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information technology (IT) and educational program modifications are also discussed.

Conclusion
This report describes successful crisis planning and risk mitigation in the setting of COVID-19, which was facilitated by the department of pharmacy’s integrated clinical practice model. This model enabled uninterrupted personnel scheduling, supply chain integrity, continued provision of 24/7 integrated clinical services, adaptive use of IT tools, and continuation of educational programs. The experiences described may be instructive to other pharmacy departments in evaluating their response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in planning for similar pandemic or other emergency scenarios.
Foliar nutrient allocation patterns in Banksia attenuata and Banksia sessilis differing in growth rate and adaptation to low-phosphorus habitats
Authors: Han Zhongming , Shi Jianmin , Pang Jiayin , Yan Li , Finnegan Patrick M , Lambers Hans 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are essential nutrients that frequently limit primary productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Efficient use of these nutrients is important for plants growing in nutrient-poor environments. Plants generally reduce foliar P concentration in response to low soil P availability. We aimed to assess ecophysiological mechanisms and adaptive strategies for efficient use of P in Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), naturally occurring on deep sand, and B. sessilis, occurring on shallow sand over laterite or limestone, by comparing the allocation of P among foliar P fractions.

Methods
We carried out pot experiments with slow-growing B. attenuata, which resprouts after fire, and faster growing opportunistic B. sessilis, which is killed by fire, on substrates with different P availability using a randomized complete block design. We measured leaf P and N concentrations, photosynthesis, leaf mass per area, relative growth rate and P allocated to major biochemical fractions in B. attenuata and B. sessilis.

Key Results
The two species had similarly low foliar total P concentrations, but distinct patterns of P allocation to P-containing fractions. The foliar total N concentration of B. sessilis was greater than that of B. attenuata on all substrates. The foliar total P and N concentrations in both species decreased with decreasing P availability. The relative growth rate of both species was positively correlated with concentrations of both foliar nucleic acid P and total N, but there was no correlation with other P fractions. Faster growing B. sessilis allocated more P to nucleic acids than B. attenuata did, but other fractions were similar.

Conclusions
The nutrient allocation patterns in faster growing opportunistic B. sessilis and slower growing B. attenuata revealed different strategies in response to soil P availability which matched their contrasting growth strategy.
The growth trajectories of L2 self-efficacy and its effects on L2 learning: Using a curve-of-factors model
Authors: Young Kyo O H 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNumerous empirical studies confirm the role of self-efficacy in the foreign/second language (L2) learning context. Despite this, few studies have explored the construct of L2 English self-efficacy (L2 self-efficacy) from a longitudinal perspective. This study investigates the developmental features of self-efficacy in English L2 learning by focusing on two research questions: first, whether L2 self-efficacy is a changeable construct, and second, whether L2 self-efficacy growth factors affect L2 English learning outcomes over time. A sample was obtained from the Gyeonggi Education Panel Study (N = 4,501; 1,967 female, 2,084 male) from 63 secondary schools in South Korea. The curve-of-factor model approach using Mplus 8.4 revealed that L2 self-efficacy slightly increased over three years. Furthermore, the growth of L2 self-efficacy beliefs was positively associated with L2 learning outcome-related variables including L2 class comprehension, L2 class engagement, and L2 achievement, after controlling for the effect of prior attainment and family socioeconomic factors. The findings are discussed in terms of applied language teaching and learning practices, the pedagogical implications in second language acquisition, and further research.