bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solo Self-Employment and Alternative Work Arrangements: A Cross-Country Perspective on the Changing Composition of Jobs
Authors: Boeri Tito , Giupponi Giulia , Krueger Alan B. , Machin Stephen
Published: February 2020

The nature of self-employment is changing in most OECD countries. Solo self-employment is increasing relative to self-employment with dependent employees, often being associated with the development of gig economy work and alternative work arrangements. We still know little about this changing composition of jobs. Drawing on ad-hoc surveys run in the UK, US, and Italy, we document that solo self-employment is substantively different from self-employment with employees, being an intermediate status between employment and unemployment, and for some, becoming a new frontier of underemployment. Its spread originates a strong demand for social insurance which rarely meets an adequate supply given the informational asymmetries of these jobs. Enforcing minimum wage legislation on these jobs and reconsidering the preferential tax treatment offered to self-employment could discourage abuse of these positions to hide de facto dependent employment jobs. Improved measures of labor slack should be developed to acknowledge that, over and above unemployment, some of the solo self-employment and alternative work arrangements present in today’s labor market are placing downward pressure on wages.
Asylum Migration to the Developed World: Persecution, Incentives, and Policy
Authors: Hatton Timothy J.
Published: February 2020

The European migration crisis of 2015–2016 and the migrants from Central America gathering on the US border since 2017 have created headlines and presented challenges for Western governments. In this paper, I examine the trends in, and determinants of, the number of asylum seekers applying for refugee status in the developed world. This must be understood against the background of an international policy regime that evolved in response to refugee crises and geopolitical imperatives. While policy has drawn a sharp distinction between refugees and other immigrants, that difference has become increasingly blurred among asylum migrants. In this light, I examine the interplay between migration pressures, public opinion, and asylum policies in recent decades.
New measurement of the 241Am(n,2n)240Am cross section
Authors: Kalamara A. , Diakaki M. , Vlastou R. , Kokkoris M. , Nicolis N. , Tsinganis A. , Ashley S. , Axiotis M. , Lagoyannis A.
Published: February 2020

Cross section for 241Am(n,2n)240Am reaction has been measured at the VdG Tandem accelerator of NCSR “Demokritos", at neutron beam energy 10.4 MeV, using the activation technique. The high purity and high radioactivity (5GBq) Am target has been constructed at IRMM, Belgium and consisted of 40 mg Am in the form of AmO2 pressed into pellet with Al2O3 and encapsulated into Al container. The absolute flux of the beam was obtained with respect to the 27Al(n,α)24Na reference reaction. The induced gamma-ray activity of 240Am and 24Na was measured with high resolution HPGe detectors.
The Application of the High-Velocity Transient Field for the g(2^+_1) Measurement in the Neutron-rich 72Zn
Authors: Mertzimekis T. J. , GANIL E535 Collaboration For the
Published: February 2020

The first successful application of the recently developed High-Velocity Transient Field Technique (HVTF) on European soil was performed at GANIL. HVTF is an extension of the well established Transient Field (TF) technique, which utilizes immense hyperfine magnetic fields (10-100 kG) capable of inducing a spin precession of an excited nucleus. With the advent of radioactive beams, detailed explorations of such hyperfine fields have been carried out at larger-than-usual ion velocities in an effort to introduce the technique to large radioactive beam facilities. The neutron-rich radioactive 72Zn isotope is an ideal playground for HVTF. Coulomb excitation populated the 2^+_1 state in 72Zn nuclei, produced as fast secondary beams at GANIL and INFN-LNS, aiming to (a) calibrate the hyperfine field at these beam energies and (b) measure the g factor of 2^+_1 directly. The outcome of these experiments are reported and the application of the HVTF to magnetic-moment measurements are briefly described.
Phantom Experimentation on SPECT, Infrared and Optical Tomography
Authors: Rapsomanikis A.-N. , Kontos M. , Menis J. , Mikeli M. , Zioga M. , Stiliaris E.
Published: February 2020

The Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) using simple γ- radiotracers has been established as a standard technique in the physiological and functional nuclear imaging. On the other hand, accurate reconstruction of abnormalities inside biological tissues based on the detected temperature distribution obtained at the surface of the skin presents a major challenge in emission thermography. The present work focuses on the experimental study with these modalities using appropriately constructed 99Tc and thermal phantoms. Special emphasis was given to the relationship between the physical characteristics, such as the location and the emission power of an embedded heat source inside an absorbing medium and the measured temperature distribution by means of infrared imaging. Those thermal phantoms were studied at temperature 350−400C, which corresponds to mammal’s core temperature. The obtained planar information was further analyzed to reconstruct the tomographic images, and from them, the final 3D image of the phantoms. The reconstruction procedure was performed with iterative algorithms based on MLEM and accelerated ART techniques. In order to investigate scattering and absorption effects, the same reconstruction procedure has been applied to optical (fluorescence) tomography with appropriately constructed phantoms. Recon- structions results are presented in this study for different phantom depth locations and heat generation rates.
Characterization of actinide targets for fission cross section measurements
Authors: Diakaki M. , Vlastou R. , Kokkoris M. , Karadimos D. , Lagoyannis A. , Axiotis M. , Ioannides K. , Stamoulis K.
Published: February 2020

In this work the characterization of thin actinide targets ( 237Np, 238U, 235U), man- ufactured for measurements of fission cross section, will be presented. The determi- nation of the mass of the actinide content of each target has been performed via alpha spectrometry, utilizing two SSB detectors, with 50mm2 and 3000mm2 active surface, in order to combine good resolution and good statistics respectively and obtain a smaller error in the final mass result. The impurities of the targets were quantitatively estimated with the same technique. The homogeneity of the samples was examined with two independent methods. Firstly, RBS measurements were per- formed using a proton beam of 2 MeV, provided by the 5.5 MV Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator of the N.C.S.R. ”Demokritos”. The thickness of each target was quantitatively estimated at various points. Secondly, CR-39 plastic track detectors were used to measure the alpha tracks from the surface of the targets and provide an image of the activity of the surface.
In situ gamma-ray measurements of marine sediment using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Androulakaki E. , Tsabaris C. , Patiris D. L. , Eleftheriou G. , Kokkoris M. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

This work outlines the progress in developing a new method for in situ radioactivity measurements of marine sediments. The method combines the underwater gamma-ray spectrometer (a system named KATERINA based on a NaI(Tl) detector) with Monte-Carlo calculations using the MCNP5 code. This method aims at allowing for an accurate quantitative determination of activity concentrations in marine sediments (using the in situ system), which can be applied in different areas and for variable sediment structures.As a first step, the MCNP5 code has been successfully applied for the standard 4π geometry in the aquatic environment, reproducing results of the marine efficiency as previously deduced by the GEANT4 code. The experimental set up geometry was introduced in MCNP5 using detailed information for the geometry and the materials. Moreover, a first simulated estimation of the in situ efficiency for sediment measurements is presented for 40K (1460.8 keV). For this purpose a new model was constructed taking into account a typical experimental geometry set-up (with the detector being situated in close contact with the seabed). In order to validate the Monte-Carlo results, activity measurements were also performed in sediment samples collected from Basilica, Cyprus, where the in situ system was deployed. The samples were analysed using a HPGe detector for inter-calibration purposes and the obtained results are discussed.
Characterization of Nuclear Targets and Thin Films Using Ion-Beam Techniques
Authors: Kanellakopoulos A. , Lagaki V. , Mertzimekis T. J. , Paneta V.
Published: February 2020

We report on the characterization of nuclear targets and thin films using standard ion-beam techniques at the Tandem Accelerator Laboratory (TAL) of INPP, NCSR “Demokritos”. The characterization was carried out with the application of Rutherford Backscattering and standard Nuclear Reaction Anal- ysis using both large and small goniometric chambers available at TAL. Results from the measurements and simulations are presented.
Aggregate abstracts-only section (multiple authors)
Authors: No papers submitted Abstracts only
Published: February 2020

N/A
Analysis of the binding energies of the Λ- particle in hypernuclei with the RHVT approach and the Gauss potential
Authors: Efthimiou C. A. , Grypeos M. E. , Koutroulos C. G. , Petridou Th.
Published: February 2020

An analysis is carried out mainly of the ground state binding energies of the Λ-particle in hypernuclei with values of the core mass number AC between 15 and 207 (included) using, as far as possible, recent experimental data.Τhe renormalized (non- relativistic) quantum mechanical hypervirial theorem (RHVT) technique is employed in the form of s- power series expansions and a Gauss single particle potential for the motion of a Λ- particle in hypernuclei is used. Not exact analytic solution is known for the Schrödinger eigenvalue problem in this case. Thus, the approximate analytic expressions (AAE) for the energy eigenvalues which are obtained with the RHVT approach and are quite useful as long as the involved dimensionless parameter s is sufficiently small, are compared only with the numerical solution. The potential parameters are determined by a least-squares fit in the framework of the rigid core model for the hypernuclei. A discussion is also made regarding the determination of the renormalization parameter χ.
Application of Information and Complexity Measures to Neutron Stars Structure
Authors: Chatzisavvas K. Ch. , Psonis V. P. , Panos C. P. , Moustakidis Ch. C.
Published: February 2020

We apply several information and statistical complexity measures to neutron stars structure. Neutron stars is a classical example where the gravitational field and quantum behaviour are combined and produce a macroscopic dense object. We concentrate our study on the connection between complexity and neutron star properties, like maximum mass and the corresponding radius, applying a specific set of realistic equation of states. Moreover, the effect of the strength of the gravitational field on the neutron star structure and consequently on the complexity measure is also investigated. It is seen that neutron stars, consistent with astronomical observations so far, are ordered systems (low complexity), which cannot grow in complexity as their mass increases. This is a result of the interplay of gravity, the short-range nuclear force and the very short-range weak interaction.
Elastic backscattering measurments for 6,7Li+58Ni, 6,7Li+116,120Sn, 6,7Li+208Pb at near barrier energies
Authors: Zerva K. , Et al. ...
Published: February 2020

We have performed, elastic backscattering measurements for the weakly bound nuclei 6,7Li on the medium and heavy mass targets 58Ni, 116,120Sn, 208Pb at sub- and near-barrier energies (0.6 to 1.3 EC.b.). Excitation functions of elastic scattering cross sections have been measured at 160O and 170O and the corresponding ratios to Rutherford scattering and relevant barrier distributions have been extracted. These measurements will complement recent work on a 28Si target for probing the potential at sub- and near barrier energies and relevant reaction mechanisms.
Probing the 17F+p potential by means of elastic scattering at near barrier energies
Authors: Patronis N. , Et al. ...
Published: February 2020

Results from the first stage of analysis of the recently performed 17F+p experiment are presented. The experiment was performed at the EXOTIC facility of Legnaro National Laboratory (Italy, LNL-INFN), where the 17F radioactive beam is available. The measurement of elastic scattering angular distributions, in a wide angular range (θcm=20-160 deg) was taken over in order to probe the potential at two near barrier energies, namely: 3.5 AMeV and 4.3 AMeV. The present work, should be considered as the starting point of a general survey along drip line nuclei, aiming to a better understanding and mapping of the nuclear potential at near barrier energies.
What can we learn from the Interacting Boson Model in the limit of large boson numbers?
Authors: Bonatsos D. , McCutchan E. A. , Casten R. F.
Published: February 2020

Over the years, studies of collective properties of medium and heavy mass nuclei in the framework of the Interacting Boson Approximation (IBA) model have focused on finite boson numbers, corresponding to valence nucleon pairs in specific nuclei. Attention to large boson numbers has been motivated by the study of shape/phase transitions from one limiting symmetry of IBA to another, which become sharper in the large boson number limit, revealing in parallel regularities previously unnoticed, although they survive to a large extent for finite boson numbers as well. Several of these regularities will be discussed. It will be shown that in all of the three limiting symmetries of the IBA [U(5), SU(3), and O(6)], energies of 0+ states grow linearly with their ordinal number. Furthermore, it will be proved that the narrow transition region separating the symmetry triangle of the IBA into a spherical and a deformed region is described quite well by the degeneracies E(0^+_2 ) = E(6^+_1 ), E(0^+_3 ) = E(10^+_1 ), E(0^+_4 ) = E(14^+_1 ), the energy ratio E(6^+_1 )/E(0^+_2 ) turning out to be a simple, empirical, easy-to-measure effective order parameter, distinguishing between first- and second-order transitions. The energies of 0+ states near the point of the first order shape/phase transition between U(5) and SU(3) will be shown to grow as n(n+3), where n is their ordinal number, in agreement with the rule dictated by the relevant critical point symmetries studied in the framework of special solutions of the Bohr Hamiltonian. The underlying dynamical and quasi-dynamical symmetries are also discussed.
Novel radiation sources using relativistic electrons - Applications
Authors: Karabarbounis A. , Trikalinos Ch. , Papadakis I. , Sarros S.
Published: February 2020

Novel sources of radiation using relativistic electrons in periodic structures are being briefly discussed based on different mechanisms and producing radiation of very different characteristic.In this article we will focus among others on the Smith-Purcell effect and the many efforts made since their discovery 55 years ago. Especially Smith-Purcell (SP) free- electron lasers (FELs) using low energy electron beam are being seen as attractive option for a compact source of coherent terahertz radiation. The latter refers to the production of radiation in the THz gap region associated with many applications including very promi- sing and interesting results on imaging techniques in Medicine as well as applications in Biology, Molecular Physics etc. We will present calculations of Radiation Factors based on the Smith-Purcell radiation production with very interesting characteristics and discuss the possibility of calculating and designing a complete system of coherent THz radiation production based on a Smith-Purcell FEL.
Revisited solar neutrino fluxes and CNO-cycle lifetimes using recent cross-section factor data from pp-chain reactions
Authors: Karathanou G. I. , Tsikoudi V. , Liolios Th. , Kosmas T. S.
Published: February 2020

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Using the folding method for studying the nuclear response to Supernova neutrino spectra
Authors: Tsakstara V. , Kosmas T. S. , Sinatkas J. , Chasioti V. C.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Cross sections for the neutral current νe - 116Cd scattering reaction
Authors: Balasi K. G. , Kosmas T. S. , Divari P. C. , Chasioti V. C.
Published: February 2020

The cross sections for neutrino scattering off the 116Cd nucleus have been computed by utilizing the Quasi-particle Random Phase Approximation (QRPA). An- gular and initial energy dependence of the neutrino-nucleus cross sections have been calculated at low and intermediate electron neutrino energies up to 100 MeV. By solving the QRPA equations and fixing the appropriate parameters the lowest lying excitation energies spectrum was reproduced. The contributions from multipole ex- citations was examined. The obtained results could be used for studying the nuclear response of this isotope to supernova neutrino spectra.
Exactly separable version of the Bohr Hamiltonian with the Davidson potential
Authors: Bonatsos D. , McCutchan E. A. , Minkov N. , Casten R. F. , Yotov P. , Lenis D. , Petrellis D. , Yiyitoglu I.
Published: February 2020

An exactly separable version of the Bohr Hamiltonian, is obtained by using a potential of the form V (β, γ) = u(β) + u(γ)/β2, with a Davidson potential for u(β) and a stiff harmonic oscillator potential centered around γ = 0o, for u(γ).Using two parameters (β0 and the γ-stiffness parameter) the band features and B(E2) transition rates of almost all well-deformed rare-earth and actinide nuclei are reproduced, while the spectrum of the SU(3) dynamical symmetry of the Interacting Boson Model can be obtained, for the first time using the Bohr Hamiltonian.
CASTOR: A Calorimeter for Forward Physics at the CMS Experiment, CERN.
Authors: Aslanoglou X. , CMS/CASTOR group For the
Published: February 2020

In the search for Strange Quark Matter (SQM) and Exotic objects in Heavy Ion collisions at high energy, a new Electromagnetic plus Hadronic calorimeter, the CASTOR (Centauros And STrange Objects Research) calorimeter is now under construction. This calorimeter will operate in the experiment CMS at the LHC collider at CERN and is designed for the detection of Strange and Exotic objects at heavy ion collisions. Beam tests of two prototypes in the years 2003, 2004 and 2007 showed a good behavior of the instrument.
Occupational and residential radon exposure: a study in North-Western Greece
Authors: Patiris D. L. , Ioannides K. G. , Papachristodoulou C. A.
Published: February 2020

Measurements of indoor radon concentrations were performed in 44 workplaces and 87 dwellings in the region of Epirus, north-western Greece, using electret and alpha-track detectors. Radon concentrations followed a log-normal distribution with an arithmetic mean of 92 Bq/m3 in workplaces and 86 Bq/m3 in dwellings. A mean annual effective dose of 0.64 and 1.63 mSv/y was estimated for occupational and residential exposure, respectively. The reported data contribute to the assessment of radon distribution and dose estimate at the national level.
Development of a portable micro-XRF spectrometer and its application for the characterization of ancient and historical metal alloys
Authors: Kantarelou V. , Sokaras D. , Zarkadas Ch. , Karydas A.-G.
Published: February 2020

A portable micro-XRF spectrometer utilizing X-ray optics (polycapillary X-ray lens) has been developed and applied for the characterization of the surface of ancient and historical metal alloys within the Mediterranean basin. The spectrometer has been fully characterized with respect to its spatial resolution, elemental excitation efficiency and sensitivity. A dedicated quantification algorithm was also developed, whereas new analytical procedures were explored towards the optimum implemen- tation of the technique in the field of conservation.
Sequential binary decay of light nuclear systems: An assessment of statistical model codes
Authors: Nicolis N. G.
Published: February 2020

The sequential decay of excited nuclei is described as a succession of binary processes involving fragments in their ground, excited-bound and unbound states. Primary together with secondary decays lead to the final mass and charge distributions. Asymmetric mass splittings involving nucleon emission up to symmetric binary ones are treated within the Weisskopf evaporation formalism, in a unified manner. This procedure was imple- mented in the Monte-Carlo multi-step statistical model code MECO (Multisequential Evaporation COde). We study the evolution of the calculated final mass and charge distributions from 40Ar* as a function of the excitation energy, up to complete dissociation. Our results are compared with the predictions of statistical evaporation codes based on different assumptions for the compound nucleus decay.
Study of the 191Ir(n,2n)190Ir cross section
Authors: Patronis N. , Papadopoulos C. T. , Galanopoulos S. , Kokkoris M. , Perdikakis G. , Harissopulos S. , Lagoyannis A. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

The 191Ir(n,2n)190Ir cross section was measured by using of the activation technique at four neutron energies in the range 10.0-11.3 MeV. The quasimonoenergetic neutron beam was produced via the 2H(d,n)3He reaction at the 5.5 MV Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator of NCSR ”Demokritos”. After the irradiations the induced activity of the samples was measured through a 56% relative efficiency HPGe detector. The cross section for the population of the second high spin (11−) isomeric state was measured along with the sum of the reaction cross section populating both the ground (4−) and the first isomeric state (1−). The experimental data will be combared to theoretical calculations in order to deduce information for the spin dependence of the level density parameters.
A 4π γ-summing method for cross-section measurements of capture reactions
Authors: Spyrou A. , Becker H.-W. , Lagoyannis A. , Harissopulos S. , Rolfs C.
Published: February 2020

Capture reaction cross sections at energies far below the Coulomb barrier are of major importance for the understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis. Since the cross sections of the majority of these reactions are very small, the use of high efficiency detectors is essential. In this work, a new method for capture reaction cross section measurements based on a large volume 4π NaI detector is presented.
Position and Energy Resolution of a γ-Camera based on a Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube
Authors: Polychronopoulou A. , Thanasas D. , Giokaris N. , Karabarbounis A. , Maintas D. , Papanicolas C. N. , Stiliaris E.
Published: February 2020

Studies of the spatial- and energy-resolution of a small field, high resolution γ-Camera system currently being developed in our laboratory are presented here. The system is based on a cylindrical Position Sensitive Photo-Multiplier Tube (HAMAMATSU R2486) with 32 crossed-wired anodes, arranged in two orthogonal groups. The anode outputs are connected to a resistive current divider network and after pre-amplification are guided to a local digitizing system. A PCI-Analog to Digital Converter card with a maximum sampling rate of 20 MHz and the rest of the Data Acquisition System is controlled by software running on the LabVIEW environment. Position and induced charge of the incident light pulses can be easily reconstructed through a variety of offline algorithms. In the first part of this study the intrinsic response of the PMT and especially its energy and position resolution is presented. The experimental procedure utilizes the controlled pulse light output of a LED guided through fiber glass directly to the PMT’s entrance. The accumulated charge distribution and charge spread as a function of the incident number of photons is studied. In the second part, the response of the integrated γ-Camera system after the application of typical scintillation crystals for 99Tc radioactive phantoms is measured and analyzed.
Bound state effects in transverse momentum parton distributions
Authors: Maintas X. N. , Diakonos F. K. , Galanopoulos G. D. , Kaplis N. K. , Papoulias C. I. , Tsagkarakis H. E.
Published: February 2020

We use a non-gaussian intrinsic transverse momentum distribution, associated with the wavefunction of the partonic ground state inside the proton, to calculate the production of π0 with intermediate transverse momentum values in p − p collisions at high energies. It is shown that a perfect description of the experimental data for different experiments is achieved using an almost constant value for the mean transverse momentum of the initial partons, compatible with Heisenberg’s uncertainty relation (⟨kT ⟩ ≈ 0.3 GeV ). Our analysis suggests the presence of a non-vanishing, non-perturbative contribution from partonic bound states to the pp → πo(γ) + X and pp → p + X cross section.
The critical point of Bootstrap and Lattice QCD
Authors: Antoniou N. G. , Diakonos F. K. , Kapoyannis A. S.
Published: February 2020

It is shown that the hadronic matter formed at high temperatures, according to the prescription of the statistical bootstrap principle, develops a critical point at nonzero baryon chemical potential. The location of the critical point is evaluated with the use of lattice QCD pressure.
Evolution of Critical Correlations at the QCD Phase Transition
Authors: Saridakis E. N. , Antoniou N. G. , Diakonos F. K.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the evolution of the density-density correlations in the isoscalar critical condensate formed at the QCD critical point. The initial equilibrium state of the system is characterized by a fractal measure determining the distribution of isoscalar particles (sigmas) in configuration space. Non-equilibrium dynamics is induced through a sudden symmetry breaking leading gradually to the deformation of the initial fractal geometry. After constructing an ensemble of configurations describing the initial state of the isoscalar field we solve the equations of motion and show that remnants of the critical state and the associated fractal geometry survive for time scales larger than the time needed for the mass of the isoscalar particles to reach the two-pion threshold. This result is more transparent in an event-by-event analysis of the phenomenon. Thus, we conclude that the initial fractal properties can eventually be transferred to the observable pion-sector through the decay of the sigmas even in the case of a quench.
Το αθεμελίωτο της δημοκρατίας
Authors: Διδυμιώτης Ορέστης
Published: February 2020

Το άρθρο επιχειρεί να διερευνήσει τις φιλοσοφικές παραμέτρους του «αθεμελίωτου» της δημοκρατίας, καθώς επίσης να εξετάσει τις συνέπειες του σε σχέση με 1) την ανθρώπινη φύση, 2) το νόημα και την αλήθεια, και 3) το κράτος και τους θεσμούς. Θα πρέπει μάλλον να αναγνωρίσουμε ότι η δημοκρατία περικλείει, κατά τρόπο ουσιώδη, κάποιο στοιχείο «αθεμελίωτου» ή αλλιώς ότι «θεμελιώνεται» κατ’ ανάγκη πάνω στην απουσία μιας υπερβατικής αρχής, απορρίπτοντας έτσι το ενδεχόμενο μιας ούτως ειπείν «δημαρχίας». Αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι δεν υπάρχουν νόμοι, κανόνες και (αυτο)περιορισμοί, αλλά ότι η δημοκρατία είναι αναγκασμένη να εκτίθεται διαρκώς στο απρόβλεπτο της επινόησης, τουτέστιν στη διακινδύνευση μιας απροϋπόθετης ρήξης με τον ίδιο της τον εαυτό.
Η αλλαγή οργανωτικών προτύπων στη δημόσια διοίκηση: Η μεταρρύθμιση (;) των γραφειοκρατικών δομών σε συνθήκες δημοσιονομικής προσαρμογής
Authors: Λαμπροπούλου Μαντώ
Published: February 2020

Το άρθρο διερευνά τις επιπτώσεις των διοικητικών μεταρρυθμίσεων που εφαρμόστηκαν στο πλαίσιο των προγραμμάτων οικονομικής προσαρμογής της χώρας, εστιάζοντας στις αλλαγές που επήλθαν στην οργανωτική διάρθρωση της δημόσιας διοίκησης. Στο επίκεντρο βρίσκεται η διαδικασία μετασχηματισμού των παραδοσιακών γραφειοκρατικών δομών μέσω της δημιουργίας λειτουργικά αποκεντρωμένων φορέων (agencification). Υποστηρίζεται ότι η εν λόγω τάση, υπό την πίεση από-πολιτικοποίησης της διοίκησης, ενισχύθηκε στις συνθήκες της κρίσης, μεταβάλλοντας ορισμένα από τα παραδοσιακά οργανωτικά χαρακτηριστικά του διοικητικού μηχανισμού. Η εν λόγω υπόθεση ελέγχεται σε θεωρητικό και εμπειρικό επίπεδο, αναζητώντας παράλληλα ενδείξεις ευρύτερων μετατοπίσεων στη δυναμική των σχέσεων διοίκησης – πολιτικής.
Pipeline analysis of a vaccine candidate portfolio for diseases of poverty using the Portfolio-To-Impact modelling tool
Authors: Gunn Alexander , Bandara Shashika , Yamey Gavin , D´Alessio Flavia , Depraetere Hilde , Houard Sophie , Viebig Nicola K , Jungbluth Stefan
Published: February 2020

Background: The Portfolio-To-Impact (P2I) P2I model is a recently developed product portfolio tool that enables users to estimate the funding needs to move a portfolio of candidate health products, such as vaccines and drugs, along the product development path from late stage preclinical to phase III clinical trials, as well as potential product launches over time. In this study we describe the use of this tool for analysing the vaccine portfolio of the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI). This portfolio includes vaccine candidates for various diseases of poverty and emerging infectious diseases at different stages of development.

Methods: Portfolio analyses were conducted using the existing assumptions integrated in the P2I tool, as well as modified assumptions for costs, cycle times, and probabilities of success based on EVI’s own internal data related to vaccine development.

Results: According to the P2I tool, the total estimated cost to move the 18 candidates currently in the EVI portfolio along the pipeline to launch would be about US $470 million, and there would be 0.69 expected launches across all six diseases in EVI’s portfolio combined during the period 2019-2031. Running of the model using EVI-internal parameters resulted in a significant increase in the expected product launches.

Conclusions: Not all the assumptions underlying the P2I tool could be tested in our study due to limited amount of data available. Nevertheless, we expect that the accelerated clinical testing of vaccines (and drugs) based on the use of controlled human infection models that are increasingly available, as well as the accelerated approval by regulatory authorities that exists for example for serious conditions, will speed up product development and result in significant cost reduction. Project findings as well as potential future modifications of the P2I tool are discussed with the aim to improve the underlying methodology of the P2I model.
Are side effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contamination?
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Habel Stephanie , Fischer Berit , Herbi Frauke , Zerbe Yvonne , Bock Verena , Rajcic de Rezende Tabata , Walch Stephan G. , Sproll Constanze
Published: February 2020

Cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products are widely marketed as over the counter products, mostly as food supplements, to avoid the strict rules of medicinal products. Side-effects reported in anecdotal consumer reports or during clinical studies were first assumed to be due to hydrolytic conversion of CBD to psychotropic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the stomach after oral consumption. However, research of pure CBD solutions stored in simulated gastric juice or subjected to various storage conditions such as heat and light with specific liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatographic/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometric (UPLC-QTOF) analyses was unable to confirm THC formation. Another hypothesis for the side-effects of CBD products may be residual THC concentrations in the products as contamination, because most of them are based on crude hemp extracts containing the full spectrum of cannabinoids besides CBD. Analyses of 67 food products of the German market (mostly CBD oils) confirmed this hypothesis: 17 products (25%) contained THC above the lowest observed adverse effects level (2.5 mg/day). Inversely, CBD was present in the products below the no observed adverse effect level. Hence, it may be assumed that the adverse effects of some commercial CBD products are based on a low-dose effect of THC and not due to effects of CBD itself. The safety, efficacy and purity of commercial CBD products is highly questionable, and all of the products in our sample collection showed various non-conformities to European food law such as unsafe THC levels, full-spectrum hemp extracts as non-approved novel food ingredients, non-approved health claims, and deficits in mandatory food labelling requirements. In view of the growing market for such lifestyle products, the effectiveness of the instrument of food business operators' own responsibility for product safety must obviously be challenged.
Epigenetic regulation of oligodendrocyte myelination in developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Berry Kalen , Wang Jiajia , Lu Q. Richard
Published: February 2020

Oligodendrocytes are the critical cell types giving rise to the myelin nerve sheath enabling efficient nerve transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Oligodendrocyte precursor cells differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes and are maintained throughout life. Deficits in the generation, proliferation, or differentiation of these cells or their maintenance have been linked to neurological disorders ranging from developmental disorders to neurodegenerative diseases and limit repair after CNS injury. Understanding the regulation of these processes is critical for achieving proper myelination during development, preventing disease, or recovering from injury. Many of the key factors underlying these processes are epigenetic regulators that enable the fine tuning or reprogramming of gene expression during development and regeneration in response to changes in the local microenvironment. These include chromatin remodelers, histone-modifying enzymes, covalent modifiers of DNA methylation, and RNA modification–mediated mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the key components in each of these classes which are responsible for generating and maintaining oligodendrocyte myelination as well as potential targeted approaches to stimulate the regenerative program in developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
A qualitative investigation of surrogacy as a panacea for infertility in Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Oluwatobi Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background: Up until recently, adoption is the most common alternative to recommended to couples struggling to procreate. However, with the advancement in medical technology, it is now possible to procreate through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Debates continue to ensue on the contentious issues emanating from various ART procedures, for instance regarding surrogacy there are concerns that this fragments womanhood, motherhood and parenthood, and there is a dereliction of the sacredness and cultural sanctity of the family system, most especially in an African context. However, as infertility becomes more prevalent among couples trying to have children in Nigeria, it has become important that alternate mediums of reproduction be examined within the socio-cultural milieu of the country. This study set out to examine surrogacy as a panacea to infertility in Nigeria through a qualitative lens.

Methods: 15 stakeholders (traditional birth attendants, medical gynaecologists and legal professionals within the social, medico-legal framework of reproductive health) in Nigeria were engaged in an in-depth interview to unravel the challenges surrogacy might or is encountering as an ART in Nigeria.

Results: There are various social, traditional, cultural and religious beliefs that police the reproductive sphere of Nigeria, which has grave implications on fertility treatment. These socio-cultural and religious factors do not provide a fertile ground for surrogacy to thrive in Nigeria. Hence, it is important that the socio-cultural framing of reproducing in Nigeria become receptive to modern medical reproductive alternatives and innovations.

Conclusions: For surrogacy to permeate the reproductive terrain of the country there is a need to jettison several socio-cultural and religious sentimental beliefs policing reproduction in Nigeria.
Frequency and associated factors related to sexual addiction in medical students from 16 Latin American cities, 2016: a regional multicentric study
Authors: Mejia-Alvarez Christian Richard , Chacon-I Jhosselyn , Benites-Gamboa Dayanne , Pacheco-Barrios Niels , Castillo-Tarrillo Giancarlo F. , Centeno-Leguia Dercy , Wendell-Cubilla Joseph , Grandez-Urbina J.Antonio
Published: February 2020

Background: Examples of addiction problems that have been reported in growing populations are those related to sexual impulses and addictions. However, such studies have not been carried out in Latin America. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify possible associations of sexual addiction in medical students in Latin America.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among the university students of a medical school in 16 cities; students of medical schools were interviewed during the first semester of 2016. To define sexual addiction, the multi-cage cad-4 test was used, categorizing individuals as possibly or not a potential problem. Additionally, associations with several social and educational variables were obtained.

Results: In our study, 6% (221) of the 3691 respondents exhibited a possible problem of sexual addiction; men had 95% more problems (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 21-214, p=0.006), for each year of age it increased by 9% (95%CI: 1-18%, p=0.034 ), those who had a partner were 67%  more likely to exhibit sexual addiction (95%CI: 1.34-2.08%, p <0.001) and those who professed a religion present 44% less frequency (95%CI: 20-60%, p: 0.001). When adjusted for marital status, having children, year of studies, and the university where the respondent studied were not associated.

Conclusion: Although the percentage of students who had problems with sexual addiction is minimal, screening programs should be created to find students who suffer from these problems, to avoid the possible consequences that may arise.
Evaluation of a pilot program for task sharing short and long-acting contraceptive methods in Burkina Faso
Authors: Chin-Quee Dawn S. , Ridgeway Kathleen , Onadja Yentéma , Guiella Georges , Bai Guy Martial , Brennan Claire , Page Georgina
Published: February 2020

Background: The Family Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health  and Marie Stopes Burkina Faso, with implementing partners, Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-être Familial  and Equilibres & Populations  collaboratively conducted a pilot project in Burkina Faso focused on “increasing access to family planning (FP) services through task-sharing short- and long-acting family planning methods to primary care cadres.” Four cadres of providers  provided intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, while community health workers (CHWs)  provided pills and subcutaneous injectables. FHI 360 and the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population  evaluated the project’s impact on method uptake, client satisfaction, safety, acceptability and the feasibility of task sharing.

Methods: The evaluation employed FP service statistics on new users and conducted 425 client exit interviews  and 27 in-depth interviews . New FP clients, community representatives, MoH officials, and pilot project-trained FP providers from Dandé and Tougan districts participated in these interviews.

Results: Providers, community representatives and government officials all spoke favorably of the pilot project and considered it a boon to women and the communities in which they lived. FP clients were satisfied with their methods and the services they received from their respective providers, and they reported no safety concerns. However, service statistics did not show a clear and steady increase in method uptake for the four methods beyond spikes coinciding with pre-existing free contraceptive weeks.

Conclusions:  A scale-up plan for 2020-2022 is in place and will purposefully implement sensitization and demand generation activities to improve FP uptake beyond free contraceptive weeks.
Barriers and enablers to screening and diagnosing depression and diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus; protocol of a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: McGrath Niamh , McHugh Sheena , Kearney Patricia M. , Toomey Elaine
Published: February 2020

Background: Depression and diabetes distress are common in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). These conditions are independently associated with poorer T2DM outcomes and increased healthcare utilisation and costs. Questions remain regarding the most appropriate ways of initially detecting depression and diabetes distress in this group. Diabetes guidelines recommend depression screening in primary care for people with T2DM but their implementation in practice is suboptimal. As health care professionals influence detection practices, their perceptions and experiences of these guidelines can improve understanding of aspects of the guidelines that work, and those which are more difficult to implement in practice. This study describes the protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of primary care health professionals’ perceived barriers and enablers to screen for and diagnose depression and diabetes distress in people with T2DM.

Methods and analysis: Primary qualitative studies will be identified using a systematic search of electronic databases and supplementary searching. We selected ‘best-fit framework synthesis’ as the approach to synthesise primary data using the RETREAT (Review question-Epistemology-Time/Timescale-Resources-Expertise-Audience and purpose-Type of Data) framework. Quality appraisal of primary studies and confidence in the overall review findings will be determined using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) and the GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research), respectively.

Discussion: The planned review will provide the first, single point of reference of the available synthesised qualitative evidence on this topic. It will apply recommended approaches to ensure rigor and robustness of study and contribute meaningfully to understanding of how depression and diabetes distress can be initially detected in people with T2DM. This protocol is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [registration number: CRD42019145483].
Study of behavioral patterns and infection analyses in anopheline species involved in the transmission of malaria in Buriticupu and São José de Ribamar municipality, Maranhão State, Brazil
Authors: Barros Vera Lúcia Lopes de , Costa Fábio Medeiros da , Silva Antônio Rafael da , Gonçalves Eloisa da Graça Rosário , Bezerra Denilson da Silva , Lorosa Elias Seixas , Tadei Wanderli Pedro
Published: February 2020

Anopheles darlingi Root and Anopheles aquasalis Curry are the main vectors of malaria that occur in the State of Maranhão. Entomological surveys based on the behavior and infectivity of these vectors are important for the elaboration of disease control strategies. The objectives of this work were to study the behavioral patterns of mosquitoes, determining population and hematophagic peaks, dietary preferences, infectivity rate and characterization of breeding sites in two municipalities in the State of Maranhão: Buriticupu and São José of Ribamar. Larvae and pupae were collected in breeding sites and adult females in home environments. Mosquito behavior, their dietary preferences and Plasmodium spp infection rates were analyzed. The vegetation and physicochemical patterns in the breeding sites found are in agreement with those described for species from the Amazon region and the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Anopheles darlingi was the most prevalent mosquito in Buriticupu breeding and home environments. This species was found mainly fed on human blood and naturally infected with Plasmodium vivax Grassi & Feletti and Plasmodium falciparum Welch. Anopheles aquasalis was more frequent in breeding sites in São José de Ribamar, as well as in home environments, whose specimens were mainly fed with human and bird blood. The main peaks of mosquito occurrence in Buriticupu were between 6 pm to 9 pm and in São José de Ribamar we did not record a definite peak. In the first municipality A. darlingi showed dominance over Anopheles albitarsis Lynch Arribálzaga s.l., Anopheles oswaldoi Peryassú, Anopheles nuneztovari Gabaldón and Anopheles evansae Brèthes,, besides presenting a correlation with rainfall. In the second municipality, A. aquasalis was dominant over A. albitarsis s.l. and there was a correlation between these two species and the rainy season. We conclude that the collected data contribute to elucidate the dynamics of malaria transmission in the region and guide the control actions directed to the elimination of the disease in the country.
ESCOLHAS ALIMENTARES ENTRE AS BENEFICIÁRIAS DO PROGRAMA BOLSA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Rocha Tatiana Ramos da , Santos Joceli Souza , Pereira Maria Luiza Amorim Sena , Porcino Debora Cruz , Pereira Marlus Henrique Queiroz
Published: February 2020

Objetivo: Conhecer os determinantes das escolhas alimentares entre as beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família em um município do interior da Bahia. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com mulheres adultas titulares do Programa. Foram realizadas entrevistas para a aplicação do questionário de marcadores de consumo alimentar, da ficha de cadastro e acompanhamento nutricional do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional, e do questionário sobre motivo das escolhas alimentares. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 40 mulheres, todas consideradas de baixa renda, pretas e pardas (90%), com idade entre 20 e 39 anos (57,5%) e escolaridade superior a quatro anos de estudos (62,5%). Observaram-se maior consumo de feijão, frutas e bebidas adoçadas, e baixa ingestão de verduras e alimentos ultraprocessados. Os motivos das escolhas alimentares com maior grau de importância foram o apelo sensorial, a saúde e o preço dos alimentos; aqueles com menor relevância foram conveniência e humor. Conclusão: Um conjunto de determinantes é responsável pelas escolhas alimentares: alguns relacionados ao alimento, outros vinculados ao indivíduo e aqueles ainda referentes aos aspectos sociais, culturais, éticos, entre outros. Assim, conhecer os principais determinantes torna-se essencial para a compreensão do consumo alimentar das beneficiárias do Bolsa Família e as repercussões sobre o estado nutricional, auxiliando nutricionistas, demais profissionais de saúde e gestores públicos na adoção de estratégias que promovam a Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional das famílias de baixa renda.DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2020.43568
Analysis of Digital Literacy and Metaphoric Perceptions of Teacher Candidate
Authors: Dedebali Nurhak Cem
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the digital literacy skills and metaphorical perceptions of teacher candidates. The mixed approach has been used in the analysis. The quantitative dimension of the study consists of the "Digital Literacy Scale" scores collected from the teacher candidates, and the qualitative component is made up of the metaphors they have developed about the definition of digital literacy. The study was carried out with 297 prospective teachers who are pursuing their education at the Faculty of Education in Turkey. When the results of the study were analyzed, it was found that there was no significant difference between the digital literacy scores of the teacher candidates and the departments in which they were trained, but there was a significant difference in the grade and device ownership variables. The definitions were reached as a result of the study of the metaphors that were grouped under the headings "vitality," "integrity," "guidance," "complexity", and "eternity."