Alternative Platform Research Articles

Semiconductor-ferromagnet-superconductor planar heterostructures for 1D topological superconductivity

Hybrid structures of semiconducting (SM) nanowires, epitaxially grown superconductors (SC), and ferromagnetic-insulator (FI) layers have been explored experimentally and theoretically as alternative platforms for topological superconductivity at zero magnetic field. Here, we analyze a tripartite SM/FI/SC heterostructure but realized in a planar stacking geometry, where the thin FI layer acts as a spin-polarized barrier between the SM and the SC. We optimize the system’s geometrical parameters using microscopic simulations, finding the range of FI thicknesses for which the hybrid system can be tuned into the topological regime. Within this range, and thanks to the vertical confinement provided by the stacking geometry, trivial and topological phases alternate regularly as the external gate is varied, displaying a hard topological gap that can reach half of the SC one. This is a significant improvement compared to setups using hexagonal nanowires, which show erratic topological regions with typically smaller and softer gaps. Our proposal provides a magnetic field-free planar design for quasi-one-dimensional topological superconductivity with attractive properties for experimental control and scalability.

A Perspective on microneedle sensor arrays for continuous monitoring of the body's chemistry

Recent advances in the field of microneedle devices are having an impact on both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to sustaining healthy populations globally. Whether this is for improving drug and vaccine efficacy or for continuous sensing of key molecular indicators, the past five years have seen increased activity in both the academic and commercial sectors. In this Perspective, we focus on solid microneedle biosensors and discuss the advantages of these devices over alternative clinical diagnostic platforms as well as the technical challenges presented. We will emphasize how their use in continuous measurement of molecules in vivo is made possible with a minimally invasive technique that is simple to perform. This Perspective describes the function and current state of microneedle sensor arrays for the in vivo measurement of both endogenous molecules such as glucose and lactate and drugs such as penicillin.

After All Is Said and Done: On Fluid Solidarity and Survival

After All Is Said and Done: On Fluid Solidarity and Survival

MinION Nanopore Sequencing Accelerates Progress towards Ubiquitous Genetics in Water Research

In 2014, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) introduced an affordable and portable sequencer called MinION. We reviewed emerging applications in water research and assessed progress made with this platform towards ubiquitous genetics. With >99% savings in upfront costs as compared to conventional platforms, the MinION put sequencing capacity into the hands of many researchers and enabled novel applications with diverse remits, including in countries without universal access to safe water and sanitation. However, to realize the MinION’s fabled portability, all the auxiliary equipment items for biomass concentration, genetic material extraction, cleanup, quantification, and sequencing library preparation also need to be lightweight and affordable. Only a few studies demonstrated fully portable workflows by using the MinION onboard a diving vessel, an oceanographic research ship, and at sewage treatment works. Lower nanopore sequencing read accuracy as compared to alternative platforms currently hinders MinION applications beyond research, and inclusion of positive and negative controls should become standard practice. ONT’s EPI2ME platform is a major step towards user-friendly bioinformatics. However, no consensus has yet emerged regarding the most appropriate bioinformatic pipeline, which hinders intercomparison of study results. Processing, storing, and interpreting large data sets remains a major challenge for ubiquitous genetics and democratizing sequencing applications.

Phosphorescence lifetime measurements with sensor materials: Comparison of the four different detection platforms

Using several types of Pt-porphyrin based oxygen sensing materials and conditions, we evaluated comparatively four different detection platforms that perform phosphorescence lifetime (PLT) measurements in the microsecond time domain. The time-resolved fluorescence reader Victor 2, which utilises Rapid Lifetime Determination method and Xe-flash lamp excitation, produced stable but inaccurate readings at PLT values < 15 µs, affected by the flash-lamp afterglow and sensor heterogeneity in oxygenated conditions. The luminescence spectrometer Cary Eclipse, which utilises multi-point phosphorescence decay method, was able to partly correct these interfering factors and produce more accurate PLT values from mono- and bi-exponential fits, however short PLT values were still affected by Xe-flash lamp afterglow. The wide-field Tpx3Cam cam-era-based macroscope and the confocal laser-scanning FLIM/PLIM microscope, which use short-pulse excitation (ns LED or ps diode laser pulses, respectively) and TCSPC method, revealed the presence of short-lived components (1.5–6.0 µs) in sample decays, which have to be considered in PLT calculations. The imaging platforms produced more accurate and in-formative PLT data, but they operate with large volumes of raw and processed data. Overall, for each PLT platform a number of potential sources of error and measurement artefacts have been revealed, which can be minimised by careful optimisation of settings and validation with alternative platforms and sensor materials.

Affordable Projector-Based AR Experimental Platform with Fitting Simulation Asset for Exploring Thermal Management

Augmented reality (AR) applied in education provides learners a possible way for better understanding and thorough learning. Although the traditional projector is used to integrate the augmented information with real objects without wearing AR glasses, the projector-based AR system is unlikely to be adopted widely in education due to the cost, heavy weight, and space issues. In this paper, an alternative projector-camera AR platform, utilizing a digital light processing (DLP) module matched with a Beaglebone Black (BB) controller, is proposed for AR physical experiments. After describing the DLP-based AR learning design method, the algorithm of pre-deforming projection content with simulation-based poly fitting is presented to keep the virtual asset consistent with the user action; and then a prototype with the content regarding the thermal management of power devices is illustrated to validate the performance of the AR experimental platform. The result shows that the DLP-based AR platform is an accurate and interactive AR system with a response time of 1 s, and a registration deviation of 3 mm. It is also an affordable AR learning design tool with a bill of materials of about $200, and thus casts light on creating AR-based physical experiments to explore more physical phenomena.

Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) Delivered Virtually During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Illustration of Two Cases.

Alternative platform offerings for psychotherapy have become a necessity in the age of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The current study describes the virtual adaptation of Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) for people with psychosis. MERIT is a recovery-oriented psychotherapy that has shown promise in increasing metacognition and allowing individuals to make meaning of their psychiatric challenges and direct their own recovery efforts. MERIT delivery requires the assumption that metacognitive reflection is an intersubjective act where individuals make meaning with others instead of in isolation. As such, considering the current COVID-19 pandemic, research is needed to understand how intersubjectivity and the therapeutic alliance may differ in a virtual environment rather than in-person. The present study addresses this question by illustrating two case examples of MERIT’s adaptation to a virtual delivery telehealth format. Moreover, this study expands on Lysaker and colleagues’ (2020) investigation of virtual adaptations of MERIT by exploring how MERIT is adapted in a virtual environment, how intersubjectivity changes in a virtual environment, and, what opportunities virtual platforms allow for metacognitive reflection. Overall, we found that MERIT can be successfully delivered in a virtual telehealth platform. We discuss opportunities and considerations for MERIT and other psychotherapy virtual delivery.

Development of 3-dimensional printed simulation surgical training models for endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgery.

BackgroundEndoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) is complex, requiring methodical and unremitting surgical training. Herein, we describe the development and evaluation of a novel three-dimensional (3D) printed simulation model for ESBS. We further validate the efficacy of this model as educational support in neurosurgical training.MethodsA patient-specific 3D printed simulation model using living human imaging data was established and evaluated in a task-based hands-on dissection program. Endoscopic endonasal and transorbital procedures were simulated on the model by neurosurgeons and otorhinolaryngology surgeons of varying experience. All procedures were recorded using a high-definition camera coupled with digital video recorder system. The participants were asked to complete a post-procedure questionnaire to validate the efficacy of the model.ResultsFourteen experts and 22 trainees participated in simulations, and the 32 participants completed the post-procedure survey. The anatomical realism was scored as 4.0/5.0. The participants rated the model as helpful in hand-eye coordination training (4.7/5.0) and improving surgical skills (4.6/5.0) for ESBS. All participants believed that the model was useful as educational support for trainees (4.7 [ ± 0.5]). However, the color (3.6/5.0) and soft tissue feedback parameters (2.8/5) scored low.ConclusionThis study shows that high-resolution 3D printed skull base models for ESBS can be generated with high anatomical accuracy and acceptable haptic feedback. The simulation program of ESBS using this model may be supplemental or provide an alternative training platform to cadaveric dissection.

Taurine: A Water Friendly Organocatalyst in Organic Reactions

:Organocatalysis has become a powerful tool in organic synthesis for the formation of C-C and C-X (N, S, O, etc.) bonds, leading to the formation of complex molecules from easily available starting materials. It provides an alternative platform to the conventional synthesis and fulfills the principles of green chemistry. During the last decades, taurine has emerged as a promising organocatalyst in an array of organic transformations in addition to its plentiful biological properties. It is highly stable, easy to store and separate, water-soluble, of low cost, easily available, and recyclable. The present article highlights the recent and up-to-date applications of taurine in organic transformations.

Biocircular platform for renewable energy production: Valorization of waste cooking oil mixed with agricultural wastes into biosolid fuels

• Agricultural wastes and waste cooking oil were used for biosolid fuel production. • Free fatty acids were extracted from waste cooking oil by direct saponification. • The properties were characterized and compared to the fuel ASTM standard. • The method is presented under the zero-waste concept. • The alternative platform for valorization of wastes into biosolid fuel is achieved. To achieve one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and to explore the zero-waste concept, a biocircular platform for the valorization of waste cooking oil (WCO) mixed with 3 agricultural wastes (cassava pulp, soybean residue and coconut pulp) as biosolid fuels of solid alcohol fuel (SAF) and lipid briquette fuel (LBF) was investigated. First, the WCO was physically pretreated, and then free fatty acids (FFA) were extracted using hexane through saponification to produce SAF. The conditions used were a 250 rpm agitation rate, 30 °C and 30 min. Meanwhile, in the case of LBF, the WCO sample was directly used via non-saponification. A ratio of 1:1 (WCO/FFA and alcoholic sodium) was mixed in each of the 3 biomass wastes, and finally, the mixture was formed into molds. The results indicated that SAF with soybean residue showed a higher heating value of 29.541 MJ/kg. Meanwhile, the LBF with cassava pulp, soybean residue and coconut pulp reached boiling times of approximately 288, 253 and 260 s, respectively. The SAF showed a thermal property better than the LBF. The SAF with soybean residue reached a minimum boiling time (170 s) and the longest ignited fuel time of 930 s. The application of agricultural wastes mixed with WCO could be a successful alternative approach to produce value-added products. In addition, different characteristics of SAF/LBF depend not only on different kinds of agricultural wastes but also on the density, moisture, binder contents, and method used for molding.

Dispersion-Assisted Dual-Phase Hybrid Meta-Mirror for Dual-Band Independent Amplitude and Phase Controls

Frequency-multiplexing metasurfaces are typically attributed to the integration of multiple resonators, where mode coupling may significantly affect their performances. In this communication, we develop a dispersion-assisted dual-phase hybrid strategy for dual-frequency independent control of amplitude and phase with a single resonance. Therein, the frequency and phase decoupling can be achieved by precise dispersion control between two frequency states, while the amplitude distribution of each meta-atom can be controlled by properly allocating the energy of copolarized and cross-polarized waves. As a proof of concept, a bi-functional meta-mirror shaping multifocal points at two different frequencies have been experimentally demonstrated. The measured results are in good agreement with simulated results, showing the diffraction efficiencies (DEs) of 38% and 45%, and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 8.36 and 10.35 at <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f_{1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f_{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> , respectively. In addition, another three meta-mirrors with tailorable amplitudes at dual frequencies are designed to further verify our strategy. This method offers an alternative platform for designing high-performance devices with dual-frequency wavefront manipulations, which may find potential applications in microwave integrated systems and wireless communication systems.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Postgraduate Psychiatry Teaching- Learning and Evaluation in India: A Nationwide Survey.

Background:COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted postgraduate (PG) medical education in India. This study aimed to assess PG teaching, learning, evaluation (TLE), and innovative TLE methods used during the pandemic.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey using Google Forms to seek anonymous responses from psychiatry teachers across India. Information about PG TLE, postings in COVID-19 care units, methods of teaching adopted in different settings, difficulties faced, and methods of evaluation used were sought in responses. Descriptive statistics methods were used for analysis.Results:The pandemic led to compromised TLE opportunities for the students. Posting of students and teachers in COVID-19 wards for an average of 15 months, students and teachers getting COVID-19, conversion of psychiatry wards to COVID-19 wards, and reduced number of outpatients and inpatients impaired the teaching-learning opportunities. For examination, the evaluation was done with limited standards, like using dummy patients or case vignettes. A few innovative TLE methods were also used during the pandemic.Conclusions:COVID-19 pandemic had led to sub-optimal PG TLE. Teachers suggested many alternative and flexible TLE methods and platforms.

Introduction of the ombudsman institute in the insurance market of Ukraine

The insurance industry plays an important role in the economy, contributing to the intermediation and risk-bearing mechanism. At the same time, the insurance industry contributes to socio-economic growth due to accumulated long-term financial resources that can be directly used in the economy. The purpose of the article is to develop recommendations on the possibility of creating an insurance ombudsman institute in Ukraine based on international experience. The set goal determined the solution of the following tasks: to investigate the legal aspects of the activity of the financial ombudsman in different countries and provide their comparative characteristics; to determine the specifics of the implementation in Ukraine of the alternative dispute resolution mechanism on the insurance market; justify the benefits of activating the activity of the insurance ombudsman institute in Ukraine. In the process of carrying out a scientific search, such general scientific methods as: abstract-logical; monographic; comparative; graphic; dialectical method; comparative legal method; structural-functional method. The peculiarities of the functioning of the relevant alternative mechanisms for resolving insurance disputes in different countries, the mechanisms for dealing with customer complaints, and the resolution of disputes with the participation of a professional mediator were studied. It was determined that in world practice, two main models of financial ombudsmen are usually distinguished: British and German. It is substantiated that the introduction of the insurance ombudsman institute in Ukraine as an alternative platform for considering complaints will have advantages for all participants of the insurance market.It has been proven that the activities of such an institution can consider disputes related to settlement of claims, wrongful sale, payment of insurance premiums, legal registration of the policy, delay of settlements, failure to issue insurance documents, etc. Such an insurance ombudsman institution will be responsible for protecting the interests and handling policyholder complaints, and the main purpose of the ombudsman’s activities is to handle policyholder complaints outside the court system in a cost-effective and impartial manner

Synthetic dimensions in optical cavities and their analogies to two-dimensional materials

A method to produce synthetic dimensions in an optical cavity is presented. The system is obtained by coupling two one-dimensional optical cavities by means of a moving mirror. Its translation generates a new synthetic dimension resulting in a transmittance pattern that corresponds to the energy dispersion of electrons in a two-dimensional lattice: in this case a strained triangular lattice. We elucidate the analogy between these two systems by relating the distribution of transmittances of the optical cavity to the density of states of the two-dimensional lattice and the Bragg diffraction modes to the Van Hove singularities. Our mapping makes the coupled optical cavity a simulator for lattice Hamiltonians found in solid-state physics, providing an easier alternative platform to access some of their properties, as for example, the electronic conductivity, which is found here using the Boltzmann formula. Moreover, it is proved that the truly synthetic behavior appears only when the two cavities have an irrational length ratio as modes resonant on one cavity are never resonant in the other. Mathematically, wave phase differences act independently as they are given by a function that behaves as a pseudorandom number generator. This provides an elegant way to study synthetic dimensions without the need to move the central mirror, i.e., in a single, fixed geometry device. Thus, our work establishes a bridge between the fields of optical cavities, synthetic dimensions, and two-dimensional materials.

Design of photonic crystal fiber to excite surface plasmon resonance for highly sensitive magnetic field sensing.

To improve the sensing performance of optical fiber magnetic field sensor based on magneto-refractive effect, a D-shaped photonic crystal fiber-surface plasmon resonance (PCF-SPR) sensor based on magneto-refractive effect is proposed and its magnetic field sensing characteristics are investigated. The designed D-shaped PCF has a core-analyte-gold structure. Within the D-shaped PCF, the side polishing surface is coated with the gold film and the special hole is sandwiched between the core and the gold film. To realize the high magnetic field sensitivity for the fiber SPR magnetic field sensor, the special hole is filled with magnetic fluid (MF). In this paper, we analyze the mode transmission characteristics and magnetic field sensing characteristics of this fiber sensor by finite element method. We also obtain a general rule for the optimization of PCF-SPR sensors by analyzing the dispersion curves, the energy of the surface plasmon polariton mode and the core mode on the sensing performance of the designed fiber sensor. The maximum refractive index sensitivity and magnetic field sensitivity of the optimized fiber are 59714.3 nm/RIU and 21750 pm/mT (50-130 Oe), respectively. Compared with optical fiber magnetic field sensors based on magneto-refractive effect reported previously, the magnetic field sensitivity in this paper is nearly two orders of magnitude higher and it can initially achieve nT magnitude magnetic field resolution and testing capability. The proposed fiber sensor has the advantages of simple structure, easy production, high sensitivity, and strong environmental adaptability. It not only improves the sensing performance of optical fiber magnetic field sensors, but also provides an ideal alternative platform for biosensors like microfluidics because of its high refractive index sensitivity and the special structure.

DNA-Vaccine-Induced Immune Response Correlates with Lower Viral SARS-CoV-2 Titers in a Ferret Model.

The COVID-19 pandemic is entering a new era with the approval of many SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. In spite of the restoration of an almost normal way of life thanks to the immune protection elicited by these innovative vaccines, we are still facing high viral circulation, with a significant number of deaths. To further explore alternative vaccination platforms, we developed COVID-eVax—a genetic vaccine based on plasmid DNA encoding the RBD domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Here, we describe the correlation between immune responses and the evolution of viral infection in ferrets infected with the live virus. We demonstrate COVID-eVax immunogenicity as means of antibody response and, above all, a significant T-cell response, thus proving the critical role of T-cell immunity, in addition to the neutralizing antibody activity, in controlling viral spread.

Quantification of Idua Enzymatic Activity Combined with Observation of Phenotypic Change in Zebrafish Embryos Provide a Preliminary Assessment of Mutated idua Correlated with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an inherited autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutation of the α-l-Iduronidase (IDUA) gene. New unknown mutated nucleotides of idua have increasingly been discovered in newborn screening, and remain to be elucidated. In this study, we found that the z-Idua enzymatic activity of zebrafish idua-knockdown embryos was reduced, resulting in the accumulation of undegradable metabolite of heparin sulfate, as well as increased mortality and defective phenotypes similar to some symptoms of human MPS I. After microinjecting mutated z-idua-L346R, -T364M, -E398-deleted, and -E540-frameshifted mRNAs, corresponding to mutated human IDUA associated with MPS I, into zebrafish embryos, no increase in z-Idua enzymatic activity, except of z-idua-E540-frameshift-injected embryos, was noted compared with endogenous z-Idua of untreated embryos. Defective phenotypes were observed in the z-idua-L346R-injected embryos, suggesting that failed enzymatic activity of mutated z-Idua-L346R might have a dominant negative effect on endogenous z-Idua function. However, defective phenotypes were not observed in the z-idua-E540-frameshifted-mRNA-injected embryos, which provided partial enzymatic activity. Based on these results, we suggest that the z-Idua enzyme activity assay combined with phenotypic observation of mutated-idua-injected zebrafish embryos could serve as an alternative platform for a preliminary assessment of mutated idua not yet characterized for their role in MPS I.

Online Assessment amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring EFL Lecturers’ Practices and Perception

Assessment is a part of everyday life in education, and it takes many forms for many different aims and levels. Measuring the students' progress, competency, and accountability was necessary during the learning process. This study aims to learn about lecturers' opinions and practices about using online assessment during Covid-19 in the context of ELT classrooms. The research method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. It was conducted in the Economics and Business Faculty of the University of Muhammadiyah Jambi. Participatory observation and interviews are used to acquire data. It found some crucial points; online media used by lecturers to assess students and the positive and negative sides of lecturers' online assessment practices. They choose online text messages like Whats App Group and Telegram Group for interactive assessment. For neat task submission, they chose Google Classroom. And for assessing speaking, Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube became alternative platforms. There are benefits and drawbacks that lecturers have encountered, such as effectiveness and efficiency in correcting students' tasks as its benefits, plagiarism, student cheating, and extending submission tasks as its drawbacks.

Teachers’ Feedback on Using Discord as an Online Learning Platform

The COVID-19 pandemic has called for a shift in the teaching and learning landscape from conventional classes to e-learning. This propels the use of a range of online learning and distance learning platforms massively, notably MS Teams, Zoom US, and Google Classroom. However, the fact that the aforementioned require a monetary subscription to unlock their full potential proves detrimental to the accessibility to education during the pandemic, i.e., not all students and/ or educational institutions have the available means. This paper thus seeks to affirm the capability of Discord as an alternative online learning platform that is not only efficient in its own right but also comes at no expense. To this end, a handful of English teachers who had been teaching online via either of the three platforms above were offered to switch to Discord for a fixed amount of time. They received instructions and support from the research team concerning the platform along the way and were asked to participate in a survey afterward. With the use of SPSS for statistical data analysis, the paper pointed out that Discord achieved a high compatibility level for both parties in use, namely the teachers and the students.

The Role of Podcast as a Distance Learning Media during Covid-19 in Higher Education

The Covid-19 pandemic that hit the world has changed human life in all areas of life, including education. In education, learning and instruction are important to higher education students. Covid-19 affected learning design from face-to-face learning in the class become distance learning. Distance learning is an institution-based formal education in which students and instructors are located in separate locations, thus requiring an interactive telecommunication system to connect the two and the various resources required in it. Many things need to be fixed and updated in terms of materials and platforms used. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method to show the need for distance learning innovation by using podcast media as an additional alternative platform to answer distance learning challenges. The results showed that the podcast system in the form of recordings made it easier for students to listen to the material presented by the instructor. Podcasts made students enthusiastic about learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.