bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Third Molar Surgery Risk Assessment
Authors: Van der Cruyssen Fréderic , Verhelst Pieter-Jan , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: January 2024

Third molar removal complication rates can be as high as 30%. Risk assessment tools may lower these rates. Artificial intelligence (AI) driven prediction models are a promising approach to predict possible unfavourable outcomes and cone beam computed tomography imaging may play an important role. AI prediction models are showing excellent results in research settings. To be implemented in clinical practice they will need to overcome some robustness, security, liability, and practical issues. If they do, AI prediction models can be integrated in electronic patient record systems by alerting clinicians in case of an imminent unfavourable outcome so it can be avoided.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Artificial intelligence-driven risk assessment tools will lower complications in third molar surgery.
Marginal zone lymphoma with severe rashes: A case report
Authors: Bai Si-Jun , Geng Ye , Gao Yi-Nan , Zhang Cai-Xia , Mi Qian , Zhang Chen , Yang Jia-Ling , He Si-Jie , Yan Zhen-Ying , He Jian-Xia
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which is rare clinically with severe rashes as the initial symptom.

CASE SUMMARY

This study reports a case of MZL with generalized skin rashes accompanied by pruritus and purulent discharge. First-line treatment with rituximab combined with zanubrutinib had poor effects. However, after switching to obinutuzumab combined with zanubrutinib, the case was alleviated, and the rashes disappeared.

CONCLUSION

For patients with advanced stage MZL not benefiting from type I anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) combination therapy, switching to a type II anti-CD20 mAb combination regimen may be considered. This approach may provide a new perspective in the treatment of MZL.
Update on post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures
Authors: Selmene Mohamed A. , Moreau Pierre E. , Zaraa Mourad , Upex Peter , Jouffroy Pomme , Riouallon Guillaume
Published: January 2024

Aims

Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare but serious. Few studies carried out on small cohorts have reported them in the literature. The aim of this work is to describe the specific characteristics of post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures, and the outcome of their surgical treatment in terms of function and complications.

Methods

Patients with this type of fracture were identified retrospectively over a period of six years (January 2016 to December 2021). The following data were collected: demographic characteristics, date of insertion of the prosthesis, details of the intervention, date of the trauma, characteristics of the fracture, and type of treatment. Functional results were assessed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Data concerning complications of treatment were collected.

Results

Our series included 20 patients, with a mean age of 77 years (46 to 90). All the patients had at least one comorbid condition. Radiographs showed that 75% of the fractures were pure transverse fractures, and a transverse component was present in 90% of patients. All our patients underwent surgical treatment: open reduction and internal fixation, revision of the acetabular component, or both. Mean follow-up was 24 months, and HHS at last follow-up was 75.5 (42 to 95). The principal complications observed were dislocations of the prosthesis (30%) and infections (20%). A need for revision surgery was noted in 30% of patients. No dislocation occurred in patients undergoing osteosynthesis with acetabular reconstruction. We did not note either mechanical loosening of the acetabular component nor thromboembolic complications. In all, 30% of patients presented acute anemia requiring transfusion, and one death was reported.

Conclusion

Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures frequently have a transverse component that can destabilize the acetabular implant. The frequency of complications, principally dislocations, led to a high rate of revision surgery. Improvements in preoperative planning should make it possible to codify management to reduce this high rate of complications. The best results were obtained when the surgical strategy combined osteosynthesis with acetabular reconstruction.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(1):28–36.
Hecke algebras for tame supercuspidal types
Authors: Ohara Kazuma
Published: January 2024

abstract: Let $F$ be a non-archimedean local field of residue characteristic $p\neq 2$. Let $G$ be a connected reductive group over $F$ that splits over a tamely ramified extension of $F$. In~2001, Yu constructed types which are called {\it tame supercuspidal types} and conjectured that Hecke algebras associated with these types are isomorphic to Hecke algebras associated with depth-zero types of some twisted Levi subgroups of $G$. In this paper, we prove this conjecture. We also prove that the Hecke algebra associated with a {\it regular supercuspidal type} is isomorphic to the group algebra of a certain abelian group.
Mystery of the Talking Skull: Family Secrets in Southern Appalachia
Authors: Simmons Stephen
Published: January 2024

Abstract: When an out-of-town merchandiser goes missing in 1930s rural Southern Appalachia, whiskey and foul play are suspected. The small town of Woodbury, Tennessee, soon forgets and moves on, until the man's skeletal remains are uncovered three years later by two boys digging for mayapple root. Two men are immediately charged with the murder, though only one would be convicted. The trial would attract newspapers from across the state and beyond through the end of the decade. The story was lost to time and largely unknown to the descendants of those involved. The tale might have stayed buried in the past if not for a pulp fiction magazine that made its way back to the family some seventy years later.
High sensitivity Sagnac interferometric temperature sensor using stress region refractive index modulation
Authors: Ruan Juan , Li Xin , Yang Ziqin , Li Haiping , Hu Junhui , Chen Jianjun , Xu Zhangliang
Published: January 2024

An all-fiber temperature sensor employing intentional refractive index modulation is experimentally demonstrated. The sensor consists of four sections of polarization maintaining fiber (FPMF) sandwiched between multi-mode fiber (MMF). The stress region of two sections of polarization maintaining fibers (PMFs) is aligned and then anti-clockwise rotates one PMF in 10 deg angles while the other keeps still. Finally, the discharge proceeds. The remaining two PMFs are fusion spliced with the same method. Then the prepared FPMF-MMF structure is connected to the 3 dB coupler to construct a Sagnac loop. The temperature sensitivity reaches 1.49 nm/°C for a temperature range from 16°C to 55°C. The proposed temperature sensor with easy fabrication and good linearity in measuring temperature can be a promising candidate for various applications in environmental monitoring and industrial production.
Overlap correction function based on multi-angle measurements for an airborne direct-detection lidar for atmospheric sensing
Authors: Adam Mariana , Marenco Franco
Published: January 2024

We estimate the overlap function (accounting for near-field effects) for an airborne nadir-mounted lidar, based on multi-angle measurements of an atmospheric scene obtained during two flights. For each atmospheric layer, a regression on the logarithm of the range-corrected signal versus the secant of the off-nadir angle allowed evaluation of the optical depth and the backscattering coefficient multiplied by the lidar constant. These quantities allow for computation of the lidar signal unaffected by the overlap effect, and then for determination of the overlap correction function. Its evolution over time can also help to detect changes in the alignment. The method is easy to implement as long as a scanning capability is available, and it can be applied in aerosol-free or aerosol-laden conditions, the requirement being a constant and horizontally homogeneous atmosphere during the measurements. For multichannel lidars, the method can be applied separately for each channel.
Optical cryptosystem based on computational ghost imaging and nonlinear authentication
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wang Xiaogang , Zhou Qingming , Xue Jidong , Xu Bijun
Published: January 2024

We propose an optical encryption system that combines computational ghost imaging (CGI) with image authentication to enhance security. In this scheme, Hadamard patterns are projected onto the secret images, while their reflected light intensities are captured using a bucket detector (BD). To further strengthen the security of the collected secret data, we encrypt it as a series of binary matrices serving as ciphertext. During the authentication key generation, these encoded binary matrices serve as illumination patterns in the CGI system for a non-secret image, which is used as a reference image for authentication. The data captured by the BD is then binarized to generate the authentication key. Upon successful authentication, the receiver obtains the decryption keys. This method achieves both data compression for secret images and enhanced security during information transmission. We validate the feasibility of this method through computer simulations and optical experiments.
Multiresonant all-dielectric metasurfaces based on high-order multipole coupling in the visible
Authors: Allayarov Izzatjon , Evlyukhin Andrey B. , Calà Lesina Antonio
Published: January 2024

In many cases, optical metasurfaces are studied in the single-resonant regime. However, a multiresonant behavior can enable multiband devices with reduced footprint, and is desired for applications such as display pixels, multispectral imaging and sensing. Multiresonances are typically achieved by engineering the array lattice (e.g., to obtain several surface lattice resonances), or by adopting a unit cell hosting one (or more than one) nanostructure with some optimized geometry to support multiple resonances. Here, we present a study on how to achieve multiresonant metasurfaces in the visible spectral range by exploiting high-order multipoles in dielectric (e.g., diamond or titanium dioxide) nanostructures. We show that in a simple metasurface (for a fixed particle and lattice geometry) one can achieve triple resonance occurring nearly at RGB (red, green, and blue) wavelengths. Based on analytical and numerical analysis, we demonstrate that the physical mechanism enabling the multiresonance behavior is the lattice induced coupling (energy exchange) between high-order Mie-type multipoles moments of the metasurface’s particles. We discuss the influence on the resonances of the metasurface’s finite size, surrounding material, polarization, and lattice shape, and suggest control strategies to enable the optical tunability of these resonances.
Er3+:YLiF4 channeled waveguide laser near 2.7–2.8 µm fabricated by femtosecond laser inscription
Authors: Ayevi Berke , Morova Yagız , Tonelli Mauro , Sennaroglu Alphan
Published: January 2024

We report, for the first time to our knowledge, a demonstration of robust waveguide lasing near 2.7–2.8 µm in an erbium-doped fluoride host. Femtosecond laser inscription was employed to fabricate 50- and 70-µm diameter channeled waveguides inside an Er3+:YLiF4 crystal. The best power performance was obtained with the 70-µm diameter waveguide and 16% transmitting output coupler. The propagation loss and refractive index contrast were measured as 0.23 dB/cm and 7.1 × 10−4, respectively, for the 70-µm diameter waveguide. Both self-Q-switched (SQS) and continuous-wave (CW) operations could be obtained. During the SQS operation, as short as 240-ns pulses with average power of 51 mW, repetition rate of 368 kHz, and power slope efficiency of 15.2% were generated at the wavelength of 2717 nm with 465 mW of the pump power. During the CW operation, as high as 66 mW of output power was achieved at 2808 nm by using 460 mW of pump power at 798 nm, with a power slope efficiency of 19.6%.
Investigation on gallium doping Ge-As-S chalcogenide glass and glass ceramics
Authors: Liu Ziqiang , Gu Jierong , Jia Guang , Zheng Wenfeng , Xie Shuangquan , Shen Xiang , Liu Zijun
Published: January 2024

In this work, bulk chalcogenide glasses (Ge35As10S55)100-xGax (x = 0,1,3,5,7,9) were prepared using the traditional melt quenching method, and glass ceramics were prepared to improve the mechanical properties through heat treatment. Optical, thermal and mechanical properties of the glass and glass ceramic samples were measured by FTIR, DSC and Vickers hardness analysis. Results indicate that glass samples exhibited about 70% IR-transmission around 3–12 µm. The hardness of these pure glasses increased from 231 to 282 kgf/mm2 through gallium doping and improvement of melt-quenching conditions. The type of nanocrystals precipitated in the glass ceramics were characterized by XRD. Existence of a γ-Ga2S3 crystal phase enhanced the hardness of the glass. Also, the size and distribution of nanocrystals in the microstructure of the glass ceramics were investigated by SEM. The hardness of (Ge35As10S55)93Ga7 glass reached to 302.6 kgf/mm2 by precipitation of nanocrystals with diameter smaller than 500 nm.
Salmonella manipulates the host to drive pathogenicity via induction of interleukin 1β
Authors: Zigdon Mor , Sawaed Jasmin , Zelik Lilach , Binyamin Dana , Ben-Simon Shira , Asulin Nofar , Levin Rachel , Modilevsky Sonia , Naama Maria , Telpaz Shahar , Rubin Elad , Awad Aya , Sawaed Wisal , Harshuk-Shabso Sarina , Nuriel-Ohayon Meital , Krishnamohan Mathumathi , Werbner Michal , Koren Omry , Winter Sebastian E. , Apte Ron N. , Voronov Elena , Bel Shai
Published: January 2024

Acute gastrointestinal infection with intracellular pathogens like Salmonella Typhimurium triggers the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β). However, the role of IL-1β in intestinal defense against Salmonella remains unclear. Here, we show that IL-1β production is detrimental during Salmonella infection. Mice lacking IL-1β (IL-1β -/-) failed to recruit neutrophils to the gut during infection, which reduced tissue damage and prevented depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing commensals. Changes in epithelial cell metabolism that typically support pathogen expansion, such as switching energy production from fatty acid oxidation to fermentation, were absent in infected IL-1β -/- mice which inhibited Salmonella expansion. Additionally, we found that IL-1β induces expression of complement anaphylatoxins and suppresses the complement-inactivator carboxypeptidase N (CPN1). Disrupting this process via IL-1β loss prevented mortality in Salmonella-infected IL-1β -/- mice. Finally, we found that IL-1β expression correlates with expression of the complement receptor in patients suffering from sepsis, but not uninfected patients and healthy individuals. Thus, Salmonella exploits IL-1β signaling to outcompete commensal microbes and establish gut colonization. Moreover, our findings identify the intersection of IL-1β signaling and the complement system as key host factors involved in controlling mortality during invasive Salmonellosis.
A mathematical, classical stratification modeling approach to disentangling the impact of weather on infectious diseases: A case study using spatio-temporally disaggregated Campylobacter surveillance data for England and Wales
Authors: Lo Iacono Giovanni , Cook Alasdair J. C. , Derks Gianne , Fleming Lora E. , French Nigel , Gillingham Emma L. , Gonzalez Villeta Laura C. , Heaviside Clare , La Ragione Roberto M. , Leonardi Giovanni , Sarran Christophe E. , Vardoulakis Sotiris , Senyah Francis , van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , Nichols Gordon
Published: January 2024

Disentangling the impact of the weather on transmission of infectious diseases is crucial for health protection, preparedness and prevention. Because weather factors are co-incidental and partly correlated, we have used geography to separate out the impact of individual weather parameters on other seasonal variables using campylobacteriosis as a case study. Campylobacter infections are found worldwide and are the most common bacterial food-borne disease in developed countries, where they exhibit consistent but country specific seasonality. We developed a novel conditional incidence method, based on classical stratification, exploiting the long term, high-resolution, linkage of approximately one-million campylobacteriosis cases over 20 years in England and Wales with local meteorological datasets from diagnostic laboratory locations. The predicted incidence of campylobacteriosis increased by 1 case per million people for every 5° (Celsius) increase in temperature within the range of 8°–15°. Limited association was observed outside that range. There were strong associations with day-length. Cases tended to increase with relative humidity in the region of 75–80%, while the associations with rainfall and wind-speed were weaker.

The approach is able to examine multiple factors and model how complex trends arise, e.g. the consistent steep increase in campylobacteriosis in England and Wales in May-June and its spatial variability. This transparent and straightforward approach leads to accurate predictions without relying on regression models and/or postulating specific parameterisations. A key output of the analysis is a thoroughly phenomenological description of the incidence of the disease conditional on specific local weather factors. The study can be crucially important to infer the elusive mechanism of transmission of campylobacteriosis; for instance, by simulating the conditional incidence for a postulated mechanism and compare it with the phenomenological patterns as benchmark. The findings challenge the assumption, commonly made in statistical models, that the transformed mean rate of infection for diseases like campylobacteriosis is a mere additive and combination of the environmental variables.
Sea otter recovery buffers century-scale declines in California kelp forests
Authors: Nicholson Teri E. , McClenachan Loren , Tanaka Kisei R. , Van Houtan Kyle S.
Published: January 2024

The status of kelp forests and their vulnerability to climate change are of global significance. As the foundation for productive and extensive ecosystems, understanding long-term kelp forest trends is critical to coastal ecosystem management, climate resiliency, and restoration programs. In this study, we curate historical US government kelp canopy inventories, develop methods to compare them with contemporary surveys, and use a machine learning framework to evaluate and rank the drivers of change for California kelp forests over the last century. Historical surveys documented Macrocystis and Nereocystis kelp forests covered approximately 120.4 km2 in 1910–1912, which is only slightly above surveys in 2014–2016 (112.0 km2). These statewide comparisons, however, mask dramatic regional changes with increases in Central California (+57.6%, +19.7 km2) and losses along the Northern (-63.0%, -8.1 km2), and Southern (-52.1%, -18.3 km2) mainland coastlines. Random Forest models rank sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population density as the primary driver of kelp changes, with benthic substrate, extreme heat, and high annual variation in primary productivity also significant. This century-scale perspective identifies dramatically different outcomes for California’s kelp forests, providing a blueprint for nature-based solutions that enhance coastal resilience to climate change.
Assessing the impact of the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief on all-cause mortality
Authors: Gaumer Gary , Luan Yiqun , Hariharan Dhwani , Crown William , Kates Jennifer , Jordan Monica , Hurley Clare L. , Nandakumar Allyala
Published: January 2024

This study estimated the impacts of PEPFAR on all-cause mortality (ACM) rates (deaths per 1,000 population) across PEPFAR recipient countries from 2004–2018. As PEPFAR moves into its 3rd decade, this study supplements the existing literature on PEPFAR ‘s overall effectiveness in saving lives by focusing impact estimates on the important subgroups of countries that received different intensities of aid, and provides estimates of impact for different phases of this 15-year period study. The study uses a country-level panel data set of 157 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 1990–2018, including 90 PEPFAR recipient countries receiving bilateral aid from the U.S. government, employing difference-in-differences (DID) econometric models with several model specifications, including models with differing baseline covariates, and models with yearly covariates including other donor spending and domestic health spending. Using five different model specifications, a 10–21% decline in ACM rates from 2004 to 2018 is attributed to PEPFAR presence in the group of 90 recipient countries. Declines are somewhat larger (15–25%) in those countries that are subject to PEPFAR’s country operational planning (COP) process, and where PEPFAR per capita aid amounts are largest (17–27%). Across the 90 recipient countries we study, the average impact across models is estimated to be a 7.6% reduction in ACM in the first 5-year period (2004–2008), somewhat smaller in the second 5-year period (5.5%) and in the third 5-year period (4.7%). In COP countries the impacts show decreases in ACM of 7.4% in the first period attributed to PEPFAR, 7.7% reductions in the second, and 6.6% reductions in the third. PEPFAR presence is correlated with large declines in the ACM rate, and the overall life-saving results persisted over time. The effects of PEFAR on ACM have been large, suggesting the possibility of spillover life-saving impacts of PEPFAR programming beyond HIV disease alone.
Prevalence and health consequences of nonmedical use of tramadol in Africa: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Boun Saidou Sabi , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Yaya Sanni
Published: January 2024

Tramadol is a widely prescribed painkiller around the world. As a synthetic opioid, it offers a valuable substitute for morphine and its derivatives in African countries. However, the adverse health effects of tramadol use resulting from illicit trafficking, like those caused by fentanyl and methadone in North America, have not been well-documented in Africa. This scoping review aims to shed light on the nature and scope of the nonmedical use (NMU) of tramadol in Africa and its associated health consequences. To carry out our scoping review, we used Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-step approach for exploratory analysis and followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews to ensure systematic and replicable studies. We then searched six databases: Medline, Global Health (EBSCO), Scopus, Web of Science, the African Journals online database, and for grey literature via Google Scholar without any time restriction. The articles were imported into Covidence and reviewed by two independent researchers. Eighty-three studies on NMU of tramadol’s prevalence or health consequences were selected from 532 titles/abstracts screened, including 60 cross-sectional and six qualitative studies from 10 African countries. Findings from the included studies highlighted five distinct groups significantly affected by the NMU of tramadol. These groups include: 1) young adults/active populations with varying degrees of prevalence ranging from 1.9% to 77.04%, 2) professionals, where drivers exhibit a relatively high prevalence of tramadol NMU, ranging from 7.2% to 35.1%, and commercial motorcyclists, with a prevalence of 76%, 3) patients, who have a high rate of tramadol NMUs, with prevalence rates ranging from 77.1% to 92%, 4) academics, with a considerable rate of tramadol misuse among substance-using undergraduates (74.2%) and substance-using high school students (83.3%), and 5) other individuals impacted in various ways. The health consequences are classified into four distinct types: intoxication, dependence syndrome, withdrawal syndrome and other symptoms. Despite providing a comprehensive global overview of the phenomenon described in the African literature, this systematic scoping review’s main limitations stem from the relatively limited exploration of various consequences of the NMU of tramadol, notably those of a social and economic nature. Our review shows that tramadol misuse affects diverse populations in Africa. The prevalence of misuse varies within sub-populations, indicating the complexity of the issue. Professional and academic groups have different rates of misuse across regions. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address unique challenges contributing to tramadol misuse. Future studies should focus on the social and economic costs of abuse on households to better understand the impact on well-being.

Systematic review registration:Open Science Framework:https://osf.io/ykt25/.
An evaluation of the ecological niche of Orf virus (Poxviridae): Challenges of distinguishing broad niches from no niches
Authors: Nair Rahul Raveendran , Nakazawa Yoshinori , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: January 2024

Contagious ecthyma is a skin disease, caused by Orf virus, creating great economic threats to livestock farming worldwide. Zoonotic potential of this disease has gained recent attention owing to the re-emergence of disease in several parts of the world. Increased public health concern emphasizes the need for a predictive understanding of the geographic distributional potential of Orf virus. Here, we mapped the current distribution using occurrence records, and estimated the ecological niche in both geographical and environmental spaces. Twenty modeling experiments, resulting from two- and three-partition models, were performed to choose the candidate models that best represent the geographic distributional potential of Orf virus. For all of our models, it was possible to reject the null hypothesis of predictive performance no better than random expectations. However, statistical significance must be accompanied by sufficiently good predictive performance if a model is to be useful. In our case, omission of known distribution of the virus was noticed in all Maxent models, indicating inferior quality of our models. This conclusion was further confirmed by the independent final evaluation, using occurrence records sourced from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. Minimum volume ellipsoid (MVE) models indicated the broad range of environmental conditions under which Orf virus infections are found. The excluded climatic conditions from MVEs could not be considered as unsuitable owing to the broad distribution of Orf virus. These results suggest two possibilities: that the niche models fail to identify niche limits that constrain the virus, or that the virus has no detectable niche, as it can be found throughout the geographic distributions of its hosts. This potential limitation of component-based pathogen-only ENMs is discussed in detail.
Effects of first year COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice in three major Arab Countries: Sub-Analysis of a survey by Arab association of urology research group
Authors: Elmohamady Basheer , Omar Mohamed , El-Dakhakhny Amr S. , Sayedahmed Khalid , Ghazwani Yahia , Bin Hamri Saeed , Alkhayal Abdullah , Alrabeeah Khalid , Kamal Wissam , Abbasy Mohamed , Farahat Yasser , Noureldin Yasser A.
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on March 11, 2020. The health care system faced tremendous challenges in providing ethical and high-quality care. The impact of COVID-19 on urological practices varied widely worldwide, including in Arab countries. This study aimed to compare the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice in Egypt, the KSA, and the UAE during the first year of the pandemic.

Methods

This sub-analysis assessed the demographics and COVID-19’s effects on urological practice in terms of adjustments to hospital policy, including outpatient consultations, the management of elective and urgent surgical cases, and the continuation of education across the three countries. The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and urologists’ emotional, physical, and verbal intimidation during COVID-19 were also compared.

Results

Regarding the impact on hospital policy, consultations replaced by telemedicine were significantly higher in the KSA (36.15%), followed by the UAE (33.3%), then Egypt (10.4%) (P = 0.008). Elective cases requiring ICU admission were 65.1% in Egypt, 45.2% in the KSA, and 58.2% in the UAE and were performed only in high-risk patients. PPE was freely available in 20.8% of the Egyptian hospitals compared to 83.3% in the KSA and 81.8% in the UAE. Online courses were significantly higher in Egypt (70.8%), followed by the UAE (53%) and the KSA (41.7%) (P = 0.02). Emotional intimidation was higher than verbal intimidation, representing 80%, 75.9%, and 76% in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt, respectively.

Conclusion

This sub-analysis outlined significant hospital policy changes across the three Arab countries. Exposure to emotional, verbal, and physical intimidation was observed. The development of teleconsultations and online platforms for educational purposes was observed.
Calibration of pedestrian ingress model based on CCTV surveillance data using machine learning methods
Authors: Pálková Martina , Uhlík Ondřej , Apeltauer Tomáš
Published: January 2024

Machine learning methods and agent-based models enable the optimization of the operation of high-capacity facilities. In this paper, we propose a method for automatically extracting and cleaning pedestrian traffic detector data for subsequent calibration of the ingress pedestrian model. The data was obtained from the waiting room traffic of a vaccination center. Walking speed distribution, the number of stops, the distribution of waiting times, and the locations of waiting points were extracted. Of the 9 machine learning algorithms, the random forest model achieved the highest accuracy in classifying valid data and noise. The proposed microscopic calibration allows for more accurate capacity assessment testing, procedural changes testing, and geometric modifications testing in parts of the facility adjacent to the calibrated parts. The results show that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance on a violent-flows dataset. The proposed method has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of input model predictions and optimize the operation of high-capacity facilities.
The impact of environmental regulatory instruments on agribusiness technology innovation—A study of configuration effects based on fsQCA
Authors: Xia Jinglin , Zhang Liguo , Song Yuwei
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the complex causal relationships between various types of environmental regulatory instruments (ERI) and agri-firms’ technological innovation employing fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The study finds a well-designed set of ERI can promote technological innovation in agribusiness; control-command ERI cannot promote technological innovation in agribusiness solely, market-incentivized ERI is indispensable in promoting firms’ innovation performance, implicit ERI plays an important role in promoting firms’ innovation and voluntary ERI does not play a significant role in promoting firms’ technological innovation. The government should coordinate among various types of ERI and improve the design of ERI to achieve a win-win situation for both economic and environmental performance in the agriculture sector.
Protecting democracy from disinformation: Implications for a model of communication
Authors: Sánchez Lydia , Villanueva Baselga Sergio
Published: January 2024

This article analyses the consequences that disinformation phenomena have for a model of communication, focusing on the dangers that disinformation poses to democratic societies, especially when it is disseminated by the media. Disinformation is examined here from the perspective of social cognitive psychology, with special attention to the role played by motivated reasoning and confirmation bias in human cognition. From this perspective, disinformation phenomena should be studied not only through an analysis of how the media operate, but also through an understanding of how we process information and what we use it for from a social cognitive point of view. This article emphasizes the role that intuition and affective persuasion play in communication processes, as key elements of motivated reasoning, and argues that once this cognitive dimension is integrated into communication theory, preventive strategies can be designed to protect democracies from the dangers caused by disinformation. Ideological polarization and a lack of consensus are highlighted here as being among the biggest dangers, preventing agreement on issues that affect the proper functioning of democracy. While a certain conception of communication posits reasoning, the media and education as the tools for resolving conflicts and preventing disagreements, this article concludes that the success of disinformation phenomena points to the need for a model that includes the cognitive elements mentioned above.
Atheism and spirituality in the USSR: Can atheists be spiritual?
Authors: Fell Elena
Published: January 2024

Is atheist spirituality an oxymoron and, if so, did Soviet citizens brought up in a definitively atheist environment have no spiritual pursuits? The author asks this question, drawing on Dostoyevsky’s dark prophecy and interrogating Yuri Levada’s model of a Soviet simple person as a distinct anthropological type. Taking on board Riegel’s concept of political religion and testing Marxism–Leninism as a source of wisdom for the Soviet nonbelievers, the author seeks to uncover a version of spirituality compatible with Soviet-style atheism. The discussion also involves the examination of Russian literary tradition and Borodina’s philosophical theory of spirituality, which accords with Sharafutdinova accounting for the phenomenon of inner exile in the late Soviet period and Bekmetov’s reminder that Buddhist world-view had a significant influence on Russian cultural metalanguage.
Ethical humans: Sounds, bodies, sufferings and aliveness
Authors: Seidler Victor Jeleniewski
Published: January 2024

This article explores the way sound, music, rhythm and movement reflect experiences of suffering, trauma and aliveness by reflecting on colonializing and decolonializing modes of understanding the role played by sounds and music in living through suffering, displacement, cultural devastation and illness. Music and sound practices offer people ways of connecting life narratives and coping mechanisms to deal with loss and suffering. A peculiar aliveness of the body is mediated by sound and rhythm. The experiences with personal and cultural suffering of Richard Wilhelm, Simone Weil, Ludwig Wittgenstein and people in the author’s life are read against the background of the ethical and communicative dimensions of sound and music, in an ethnographic and auto-ethnographic as much a philosophical study.
The visual terms of state violence in Israel/Palestine: An interview with Rebecca L. Stein
Authors: Stein Rebecca L. , Levin Noa , Fisher Andrew
Published: January 2024

This interview with media anthropologist, Rebecca L. Stein, conducted by Noa Levin and Andrew Fisher in Spring 2023, takes her recent book Screenshots: State Violence on Camera in Israel and Palestine (2021) as its starting point in order to explore issues of state violence and the militarization of social media in Israel/Palestine. This book marks the culmination of a decade-long research project into the camera dreams introduced by digital imaging technologies and the fraught histories of their disillusionment. Stein discusses the way her research has critically conceptualized the recent history of hopes invested in the digital image in this geopolitical context, by the occupier as much as the occupied, and charts the failures and mistakes, obstructions and appropriations that characterize the conflicted visual cultures of Israel/Palestine.
Lyotard and Critical Practice, Kiff Bamford and Margaret Grebowicz (eds) (2023)
Authors: Paganelli Mattia
Published: January 2024

Review of: Lyotard and Critical Practice, Kiff Bamford and Margaret Grebowicz (eds) (2023)

London: Bloomsbury, 238 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35019-202-7, h/bk, GBP 85.00
The impact of drying on the structure and photosynthesis of boreal peatland vegetation
Authors:   University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Forest Sciences, Kokkonen Nicola A.K.
Published: January 2024

Boreal peatlands harbour large stores of carbon as peat below their surfaces. Climate change is expected to cause drying in northern peatlands, which will in turn impact the carbon balance of these ecosystems that is maintained by high water tables and the hydrologically sensitive plants growing there. This study aims to quantify how vegetation will be structured (I) and photosynthesize (II, III) in a future climate as emulated by long-term water level drawdown (WLD). To do this, changes in the vegetation and its photosynthesis after WLD are linked, and the response of Sphagnum mosses to periodic drought is investigated. Field measurements were done at a long-term WLD field experiment that contained a rich (mesotrophic) fen, a poor (oligotrophic) fen and a bog (ombrotrophic) site. Measurements included vegetation surveys from existing permanent sample plots and leaf-level carbon dioxide exchange measurements. For an experiment in controlled conditions peatland surface cores from this field experiment were transported to a greenhouse where the photosynthesis of lawn Sphagna during and after an experimental periodic drought was measured. The field study revealed that the response of peatland vegetation to WLD depend on peatland type. The species composition in the rich fen was the most impacted by WLD, while the bog vegetation demonstrated stability. Similarly, large increases in photosynthesis occurred following WLD on the vascular plant-covered rich fen, while changes were negligible on the Sphagnum-carpeted bog. The vegetation on the two fens shifted from an open sedge-, or sedge and Sphagnum-dominated ecosystem, to a tree-dominated ecosystem. Canopy development following WLD further accelerated vegetation changes by shading and sheltering the understorey vegetation. Vascular plants were the most likely to increase productivity from WLD as they are best suited to utilize the nutrients made available by peat mineralization, while Sphagnum moss photosynthesis was impacted little. The greenhouse study revealed that lawn Sphagnum mosses exposed to long-term WLD were more vulnerable to drought compared to those from wet sites. Large capitula typical to fen Sphagnum species appeared to be beneficial for surviving periodic drought. This work demonstrated that climate change as emulated by long-term WLD will have a large impact on the vegetation composition of northern peatlands and increase photosynthetic function of these ecosystems, fens in particular. To better predict climate feedbacks from these changes, carbon dynamics including peatland vegetation dynamics should be updated in global process models. Future research to better understand the tipping point of different peatland types after WLD in different climatic regions will help us to predict changes in these diverse and globally important systems.
Effect of Perceived Stress, Resilience, and Attitudes toward Mental Illness on Mental Health in Nursing Students
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Park Jeongmi , Kim Kyunghea
Published: January 2024

This study was attempted to identify the perceived stress, resilience, attitude toward mental illness, and the degree of mental health of nursing students and their relationship, as well as the factors affecting mental health. The subjects were 200 nursing students from a university located in D City who participated from March 23 to April 10, 2023, and the collected data were analyzed by SPSS/Win 23.0. As a result of the study, the degree of mental health of nursing students was negatively correlated with perceived stress, and resilience and attitude toward mental illness were positively correlated. Perceived stress and resilience were the factors affecting the mental health of nursing students, and resilience was found to have the greatest impact on the mental health of nursing students, and explanatory power was 56.8% (F=88.132, p<.001). Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop and apply a mental health management program for nursing students and follow-up studies on various factors affecting the mental health of nursing students.
Influencing Factors on Blood Donors’ Intention to Select Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation Based on SEM
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Park Kye-Tae , Won Jeong-Hun
Published: January 2024

This study investigated factors influencing individuals' preference for Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation(VNRD) to promote its adoption. Motivational factors, social responsibility perception, and blood donation frequency were identified as determinants of VNRD choice. A survey involving 378 public officials and 1,646 individuals from the general public was analyzed using a structural equation model. The results showed that self-satisfaction, altruism, profit pursuit, and blood donation drive positively influenced the choice of VNRD. Moreover, heightened awareness of social responsibility among local governments was associated with increased VNRD preference. The study advocates active engagement with local governments through a local community-centric public-private partnership system to boost blood donation. Regarding the influence of the frequency of blood donation participation on the choice of VNRD, it was found that, in the case of public officials, the frequency of blood donation participation did not significantly impact the motivation for choosing VNRD.
A Study on Overcrowd Accidents Based on a Crisis Management Perspective
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Mun Bo Gyeong
Published: January 2024

In October 2022, a tragic incident occurred in Itaewon as a large crowd gathered ahead of Halloween. This unfortunate disaster once again highlighted the importance of proper crowd management. Prior to this incident, instances of stampedes caused by large crowds have been a constant issue. Even in modern times, crowd-related accidents continue to happen around the world, especially during pilgrimages, festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Governments responsible for managing such crowds have been successful in preventing such accidents by taking precautions and being prepared. In the case of Korea, it is imperative that the government and relevant organizations take action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. This study aims to recommend improvements in crowd management by analyzing the plans implemented by foreign governments to prevent such accidents from a crisis management perspective.
Utilizing Drones in Landslide-prone Areas: A Case Study on Mountain Roads
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Oh Chae Yeon , Jun Kye Won
Published: January 2024

Recently, there has been a notable surge in landslides due to heavy rainfall, resulting in increasing devastation to residential areas and downstream transportation networks. In regions prone to landslides, proactive disaster mitigation through continuous monitoring is of utmost importance. Drones offer a distinct advantage, as they can capture high-resolution images efficiently and at a low cost, even in challenging terrains such as steep slopes or hard-to-reach areas, enabling precise terrain analysis. In this study, in order to investigate mountain road slopes where landslides frequently occur, drone surveys were conducted on road slopes in Dogye-eup, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, and orthoimages and 3D models expressed as digital surface models(DSM) were generated. In addition, the digital map and drone terrain data were compared, and in the case of slope, the drone data were analysed as 43°, which was very similar to the trend of 44° shown on the digital map. As a result of the comparative analysis of the drone orthophotos and recent aerial photographs, it was confirmed that the surface sliding area has increased.
Comparing Leadership and Teamwork Skills in CRM Competency Based on Civil Aviation First Officer’s Followership Type
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Jang Sung-Chan , i i
Published: January 2024

It has been observed that approximately 70% of aviation accidents are closely linked to human factors within the cockpit crew. To address this critical issue, the aviation industry has implemented CRM as an operational frameork. For the effective execution of CRM, it is vital for pilots to possess 5 non-technical skills. Among these, leadership and teamwork skills are crucial components, and it is not solely reliant on the captain's leadership but also influenced significantly by the quality of followership. Followership can be classified into various types, including pragmatic and exemplary followership, among others. This research hypothesized that these different followership types would have varying impacts on leadership and teamwork skill competency. The experimental results confirmed that the pragmatic followership was more conductive to enhancing leadership and teamwork skill competency compared to the exemplary followership. Furthermore, it was identified that pragmatic followership exhibited a slight tendency towards higher communication skill competencies in comparison to the exemplary followership.