bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Representación de la Felicidad en la Cultura Andaluza en la Campaña ‘Con mucho acento’.
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Víctor , Palomo-Domínguez Isabel , Bellido-Pérez Elena
Published: January 2023

Este trabajo es una investigación teórica y audiovisual que cuenta con el objetivo de identificar y estudiar la presencia y representación del concepto de la felicidad en Andalucía a través de la campaña publicitaria ‘Con mucho acento’ de la marca Cruzcampo (2021). Se trata de un estudio cualitativo donde se ha aplicado una metodología exploratoriodescriptiva fraccionada en fases. Primero se ha observado el concepto desde diferentes prismas sociales y psicológicos, segundo se ha realizado un análisis audiovisual del spot, y por último, se ha analizado la comunicación de la campaña publicitaria a través de los diferentes grados de representación. Finalmente, tras el análisis, obtenemos unos resultados quereinterpretan la importancia del mito andaluz y la relación con la tradición para una nueva generación de jóvenes desde una perspectiva ideológica, cultural, social y de futuro.
La Paz como Derecho Fundamentado en la Idea de Kosmopolis y la Felicidad Universal.
Authors: Arrieta-López Milton
Published: January 2023

El pensamiento cosmopolita se origina en la Grecia antigua y desde el siglo de las luces se ha articulado con una perspectiva de paz internacional en un mundo impactado por conflictos bélicos a gran escala. El objeto de este artículo consiste en analizar desde la visión cosmopolita a la paz en el marco internacional hasta la consolidación de un concepto de paz positiva. Se ha empleado una metodología descriptiva desde el paradigma cualitativo con corte documental y bibliográfico. La importancia del estudio radica en la vigencia del impacto de la paz desde la perspectiva cosmopolita de acuerdo al análisis de los procesos que se referencian. Se concluye principalmente que si bien la era transnacional actual se encuentra impulsada por la globalización del mercado y las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, la noción de aldea global abierta implica la profundización de la idea de kosmopolis de manera que pueda concretizarse la convivencia feliz y pacífica entre los seres humanos.
Ephemeral Architectures for Celebrating Happiness: Symbolic and Persuasive Values of an Archetypal Example.
Authors: Fernández-Paradas Antonio-Rafael , Rodríguez-Martín Nuria
Published: January 2023

Tras más de medio siglo de conflictos bélicos, el anuncio del final de la Tercera Guerra Carlista supuso una verdadera explosión de felicidad y euforia colectiva en la España finisecular. El 20 de marzo de 1876 se produjo la entrada triunfal de Alfonso XII, apodado “el Pacificador”, en Madrid. La prensa de la época describe el acontecimiento como uno de los eventos más felices de la historia de España. El objetivo del presente trabajo es doble, por un lado, se pretende contextualizar y analizar la importancia que tuvieron las fiestas y decoraciones efímeras como reflejo de la felicidad social del momento, y por otro, analizar los valores simbólicos y persuasivos de una de las arquitecturas efímeras que se levantaron para la ocasión. Como resultado final se pretende evidenciar como las arquitecturas efímeras y las fiestas, fueron un potenciador de la felicidad en la maltrecha sociedad española del último tercio del siglo XIX, generando bienestar y felicidad a través del arte y de la exaltación nacionalista de la monarquía.
Entre el mito y la legalidad: el delito de destrucción del patrimonio cultural en el derecho penal internacional
Authors: Menéndez Montero Vanesa
Published: January 2023

En derecho penal internacional, el delito de destrucción del patrimoniocultural puede constituir un crimen de guerra o un crimen de lesahumanidad bajo la modalidad de persecución. Los estatutos del TribunalPenal Internacional para la ex Yugoslavia y de la Corte Penal Internacionalhan configurado este tipo delictivo de manera diversa. A través del análisiscrítico del derecho positivo y de la jurisprudencia de ambos tribunales, elpresente artículo pone en evidencia las carencias del sistema de protecciónestablecido, así como las distintas interpretaciones jurisprudenciales quehan desafiado la eficacia del principio de legalidad. A la luz de lo anterior,se sugiere la adopción de varios mecanismos con el fin de mitigar las deficienciasy reforzar la seguridad jurídica en este ámbito.
La evaluación del impacto ambiental en el esperado acuerdo para la gobernanza de la biodiversidad marina fuera de la jurisdicción nacional y su previsible aplicación a las tecnologías para la obtención de energía renovable marina
Authors: Soria Rodríguez Carlos
Published: January 2023

La evaluación del impacto ambiental (EIA) es uno de los elementos esenciales del esperado instrumento internacional jurídicamente vinculante relativo a la conservación y el uso sostenible de la diversidad biológica marina de las zonas situadas fuera de la jurisdicción nacional, que actualmente se encuentra en proceso de negociación. Teniendo en cuenta que las tecnologías para la consecución de energía renovable marina (ERM) se están desarrollando en espacios cada vez más alejados de la costa y que su desarrollo puede tener impactos medioambientales negativos en estos ecosistemas, este estudio analiza la regulación de la EIA en el esperado acuerdo, su previsible aplicación a la ERM, así como propone posibles sugerencias para fortalecer la protección medioambiental.
Balancing Agent Retention and Waiting Time in Service Platforms
Authors: Musalem Andres , Olivares Marcelo , Yung Daniel
Published: January 2023

The gig economy open a new business model in which services have access to a large pool of workers that are compensated based on their actual production, which can be useful to operate at lower levels of utilization to improve response times to customers. However, having a large pool of workers with low utilization may lower their motivation and increase employee turnover, which can hurt productivity in the long run. “Balancing Agent Retention and Waiting Time in Service Platforms” looks at this tradeoff and provides a data-driven approach to manage worker capacity in on-demand service platforms, showing evidence through a real-world application of an outbound call center with freelance agents.
Development and validation of the Iranian version of the protection motivation theory questionnaire for fall prevention in older people
Authors: Taheri-Kharameh Zahra , Bashirian Saeed , Moghadam Rashid Heidari , Poorolajal Jalal , Barati Majid , Ramezani Tahereh , Rásky Éva
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims

The protection motivation theory is a common framework illustrating the use of protective behaviours. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the protection motivation theory questionnaire for fall prevention in older people in Iran.

Methods

This study used a psychometric design. A literature review was initially performed and developed a 35-item questionnaire consisting of eight sub-constructs of the protection motivation theory. A panel of experts and a group of older people aged 60 years or above were invited to assess the content and face validity of the questionnaire. Thereafter, construct validity was evaluated by using confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the questionnaire was examined using test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Data analysis was performed using the partial least squares path modelling version three software.

Results

A total of 300 people living in retirement centres completed the questionnaire. In the expert panel review, all tasks received a content validity index above 0.90 and a content validity ratio above 0.80, representing good content validity. In total, 32 items remained in the final version of the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an acceptable eight-factor model fit of the protection motivation theory sub-constructs with factor loadings from 0.59 to 0.93. The discriminant validity was verified using the Fornell–Larcker criterion. The Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.68 to 0.90 and the test–retest reliability ranged from 0.78 to 0.90, displaying an acceptable result.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the protection motivation theory questionnaire had good validation and can be used to measure the psychological predictors of fall behaviour in older people. Further studies are needed to evaluate the validity in various settings.
Psychosocial screening for patients in the renal setting: is it feasible and acceptable to healthcare professionals and patients?
Authors: Sachar Amrit , Urquhart Alexandra , Bevin Amanda , Coyne Emma
Published: January 2023

In part two of this new series, Amrit Sachar, Alexandra Urquhart, Amanda Bevin and Emma Coyne discuss the feasibility of implementing psychosocial screening in outpatient and dialysis settings
The ethics and law of safeguarding
Authors: Ellis Hannah , Ellis Emily , Ellis Peter
Published: January 2023

Hannah Ellis, Emily Ellis and Peter Ellis discuss the ethics of safeguarding arising from the principles of healthcare ethics and consequentialism.
‘In all my years of experience working in the renal charity sector, I have never seen such levels of poverty, hardship, anxiety and distress’
Authors: MBE Sandy Lines
Published: January 2023

Sandy Lines MBE discusses the latest in the ‘cost of staying alive’ crisis
Bovine tuberculosis: slow progress
Authors: Sibley Dick
Published: January 2023

Despite a government pledge to eradicate bovine tuberculosis by 2038, progress towards this goal has been slow. This article looks at some of the reasons for this and considers ways in which all parties involved could engage to bring about a more rapid improvement in control of bovine tuberculosis.
The José Antonio Díaz Peláez Experimental Art School and the Artwork of Yasser
Garcia Rittoles
Authors: Rittoles Yasser Garcia
Published: January 2023

Photo essay featuring the work of and behind the scences photos from Rittoles.
DESCOMPASSOS DE CIUTATS MODERNES A "ANGOSTA" D’HÉCTOR ABAD: UN ESPIR DE LA METROPOLIS LATINOAMERICANA
Authors: Jaeckel Volker Karl Lothar , Pereira da Silva Artur
Published: January 2023

Aquest article pretén debatre sobre les complexes dinàmiques i desajustaments de la ciutat moderna a través de la novel·la Angosta: la ciutat del futur, de l’escriptor colombià Héctor Abad Faciolince. Per tal d’entendre la vida i les vivències dels personatges immersos en l’espai urbà caòtic i violent de la societat capitalista globalitzada, l’estudi obsolet recorre als postulats teòrics de Garramuño, Ludmer, Bourdieu, Derrida, Sarlo, Ette, entre altres autors que ajuden en la comprensió de les relacions entrellaçades entre literatura, cultura i societat. En aquesta perspectiva, comparem abordant la construcció identitària del subjecte fragmentat enmig de les inconstàncies de la ciutat i de l’imaginari urbà.
Representaciones sociales sobre las personas migrantes centroamericanas en México. Un estudio de comunidad.
Authors: García Jiménez Zurisadai , Martínez Sierra Pedro Daniel
Published: January 2023

Desde 2016, personas migrantes decidieron establecerse en la comunidad Valle de Ecatepec, Estado de México. Este fenómeno se ha presentado en diversas comunidades de México. El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar las representaciones sociales de los habitantes de la colonia Valle de Ecatepec sobre las personas migrantes centroamericanas. Está compuesto por cuatro apartados: introducción; marco conceptual sobre las representaciones sociales de Moscovici (1979); marco metodológico empleado durante de la COVID–19, con enfoque cualitativo que describe el uso y procedimiento analítico del cuestionario y entrevista; además, se presentan los resultados que denotaron sesgos discriminatorios como apatía y exclusión.
Discriminación, violencia y exclusión social. Una aproximación a la realidad de las personas en situación de sinhogarismo y exclusión residencial.
Authors: De la Fuente-Roldán Iria Noa , Sánchez-Moreno Esteban
Published: January 2023

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar el alcance y experiencias de discriminación y violencia en la realidad de las personas en situación de sinhogarismo y exclusión residencial en función de diferentes ejes de desigualdad (género, edad, origen y situación residencial). La investigación parte de un diseño metodológico mixto mediante el uso de la encuesta a través de cuestionario y la entrevista en profundidad semiestructurada. Por un lado, el cuestionario ha sido administrado a una muestra de 641 personas en situación “sin hogar”. Por otro lado, 18 personas en situación de sinhogarismo han participado en las entrevistas. Los resultados muestran que casi la mitad de las personas participantes se han sentido discriminadas y/o han experimentado experiencias de victimización a causa de encontrarse en situación de sinhogarismo y exclusión residencial. Estos resultados permiten confirmar el elevado riesgo de sufrir aporofobia y violencia por parte de las personas participantes. Asimismo, se concluye que existen realidades y experiencias concretas dentro del sinhogarismo y la exclusión residencial que generan una mayor vulnerabilidad y riesgo a sufrir violencia y discriminación, como es el caso de las mujeres y de las personas afectadas por el sinhogarismo en sentido estricto o literal (vida en la calle o en los centros específicos de atención).
Mediación intercultural en el ámbito sanitario: Contribuciones a la atención sanitaria.
Authors: Ruiz Hernández Rocío
Published: January 2023

Los sistemas sanitarios se enfrentan al desafío de atender adecuadamente las necesidades de poblaciones culturalmente heterogéneas (Mendonza et al., 2019). La pandemia ha resaltado la necesidad de garantizar el acceso a la atención sanitaria y de promover un servicio de calidad para todas las personas sin excepción (Perna y Moreno, 2021). En este escenario, la mediación intercultural sanitaria instaura un entorno de respeto mutuo y trabaja paliando las distintas barreras y factores negativos que determinan la salud de las poblaciones más vulnerables, como las poblaciones migrantes (Verrept, 2019). Así mismo, ocupa un papel esencial al prevenir y promover una atención integral sobre las diferentes necesidades sociales de los colectivos más vulnerables (Silva, 2020), garantizando la accesibilidad y la equidad del sistema sanitario (Rubio y Rubio, 2020). Este trabajo tiene como objetivos identificar el valor que aporta la mediación intercultural a la atención sanitaria y conocer cuáles son las funciones y experiencias realizadas en el ámbito. Para averiguarlo se ha elaborado una revisión narrativa, haciendo hincapié en la literatura de los últimos ocho años. Los resultados muestran la necesidad de definir la figura profesional del/la mediador/a intercultural sanitario/a dados los beneficios que aporta, al mejorar la calidad en la atención sanitaria y al promover un sistema de salud más accesible y equitativo. Más aún en situaciones de crisis sanitaria, donde se han visto acentuadas las vulnerabilidades de las poblaciones migrantes. Se refleja un largo recorrido para lograrlo lleno de desafíos y nuevos retos dada la naturaleza cambiante de nuestra sociedad.
Cartografías de la fragilidad de los cuerpos: una mirada desde el Trabajo Social.
Authors: Leone Antonella , Couselo Denise Soledad
Published: January 2023

El presente ensayo tiene como objetivo dar cuenta de las intervenciones que hemos realizado desde el campo gerontológico como profesionales del Trabajo Social con relación a la fragilidad de los cuerpos y el final de la vida. Estos conceptos se abordan como fenómenos naturales y cotidianos que nos atraviesan por nuestra condición inherente de seres humanos. Nos interesa buscar una mirada cultural acerca de la muerte y sus implicaciones, basándonos principalmente en la teoría Foucaltiana sobre el biopoder. El trabajo se sustenta en la articulación entre teoría y práctica, a partir de la investigación bibliográfica y la revisión de registros de campo. Como resultado, se pretende socializar los aportes realizados desde la disciplina del Trabajo Social para trabajar y acompañar a las personas mayores y sus referentes afectivos en el tránsito de estos escenarios. De esta manera nos proponemos repensar las prácticas situadas desde una perspectiva crítica, latinoamericana y gerontológica.
necesidad de una herramienta de apoyo de gestión cultural que mejore la accesibilidad en el turismo creativo
Authors: Barbaro Maria Nastassia
Published: January 2023

Este artículo estudia la accesibilidad a las actividades de turismo creativo, se basa en investigar las necesidades específicas de los potenciales visitantes con discapacidad y cómo adaptar estas actividades de co-creación a ellos. El objetivo principal es la elaboración de una Guía que contenga criterios de accesibilidad para estas actividades culturales creativas, asimismo refleja diversas soluciones y una formación profesional a medida para las empresas que la requieren. Para lograr el objetivo, es prioritario identificar cada eslabón de la cadena de valor de la accesibilidad, relacionado con las actividades de ocio, para comprender qué se necesita mejorar en las fases de la experiencia del visitante, en este caso el antes y durante la experiencia turística. Se entrevistaron potenciales visitantes con discapacidad y padres de niños con discapacidad; profesionales que han trabajado en diversos proyectos de accesibilidad e inclusión y se realizó un análisis de los contenidos de los manuales de accesibilidad existentes. Además, se entrevistaron a posibles visitantes con discapacidad, tras lo cual se analizaron los sitios web, de los destinos que ofrecen actividades de turismo creativo, para conocer el nivel de accesibilidad de la página web y de la actividad in situ. Finalmente, analizando los resultados obtenidos se llegó a la conclusión de que no existía un manual para actividades de turismo creativo y ni un programa de formación profesional, desde este punto, fue posible poner en marcha la creación de la guía y del programa de capacitación para actividades turísticas creativas y puede ser tenida en cuenta para adaptar todos tipos de actividades turísticas que implican el valor añadido de la co-creacion.
Estado de la cuestión sobre la gestión pública del turismo gastronómico en Ecuador: Avances al 2020 y áreas pendientes de atención para su desarrollo
Authors: Torres Cabezas Lilí
Published: January 2023

Esta investigación presenta el estado actual de la gestión pública del turismo gastronómico en Ecuador, hasta el año 2020. El marco teórico se centra en los principales avances que se han dado a nivel mundial en esta materia, destacando los liderados por la Organización Mundial del Turismo (OMT). Se realizó una investigación sobre las acciones e hitos relacionados con este tipo de turismo y el Ministerio de Turismo (MINTUR), como principal entidad pública encargada de la gestión turística a nivel nacional, cuyos resultados se presentan en orden cronológico. A esta información se suman los resultados de una encuesta dirigida a los 221 municipios, de los que se obtuvo un 56% de respuestas. El cuestionario, diseñado a partir de las encuestas realizadas por la OMT en años anteriores, abordó cuestiones de percepción, conocimiento y gestión local de la actividad en los destinos a nivel local. La información recopilada se analizó tomando como marco de referencia doce temáticas presentadas en la guía de la OMT y el Basque Culinary Center (BCC) en 2019, que fueron publicados como pautas brindadas a las Organizaciones de Gestión de Destino (OGDs) en este aspecto. Se identificó un nivel de avance inicial (intermedio bajo) en la mitad de los parámetros, mientras que una cuarta parte se califica como media y la restante como baja. Para terminar, se resumen los principales avances en cada área identificada y se mencionan los pendientes de atención, comentando la importancia de su aplicación en el caso de Ecuador.
Análisis del potencial turístico del Salento (Italia) como destino de turismo creativo
Authors: Coribello Ilaria
Published: January 2023

En el escenario turístico general, Italia se conoce por su rico patrimonio cultural material, mayoritariamente promocionado en el norte del país. Por otro lado, el sur está todavía muy vinculado a imágenes estereotipadas de mala vida y a un turismo estacional de sol y playa. En este marco, el objetivo de este artículo es analizar el potencial turístico creativo del Salento leccese, a partir de la hipótesis, según la cual este territorio posee un gran Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial (PCI) que le puede permitir convertirse en un destino de Turismo Creativo (TC). El TC es una tipología de turismo cultural muy sostenible y rentable a lo largo de todo el año. Los resultados han permitido evidenciar la relación entre los actores principales del territorio, su opinión acerca del TC, así como el diseño de un inventario del PCI salentino con potencial turístico creativo y un diagnóstico de la capacidad de los alojamientos turísticos de este territorio. En las conclusiones, se ha podido confirmar que el Salento tiene un fuerte potencial estrictamente ligado a sus recursos culturales inmateriales, como la cartapesta leccese, las mesas decoradas en honor a S. José o la técnica de encaje Punto Maglie, bienes que se pueden incluir en experiencias turísticas creativas. A partir de los resultados hallados se proponen algunos próximos pasos a seguir para lograr un turismo más sostenible.
Historic Hotel Buildings in Istanbul City
Authors: Yabanci Orhan
Published: January 2023

Heritage hotels and such tourist accommodations are considered as important elements of hospitality industry since they create emotional, cultural, and use values. Istanbul houses some of the most exceptional historic buildings some of which are employed as hotels today. Although the city exhibits important examples of heritage lodging, the research on the subject is relatively little. Therefore, this paper provides a literature review on the historical backgrounds of historic hotel buildings located in Istanbul city, such as the Galata Hotel Istanbul-MGallery, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosporus, W Istanbul, 10 Karakoy Istanbul-A Morgans Original, Pera Palace Hotel, Ajia Hotel, Tomtom Suites, Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Crowne Plaza Istanbul Old City, and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.
Holocaust tourism: education or exploitation?
Authors: Dawson Amanda , O'Leary Sinéad , O'Connor Noelle
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the ethics of holocaust tourism as a niche market which is becoming very commercialised due to the growing demand for such activities at certain locations and to examine the motivating factors for tourists visiting these destinations. Holocaust sites, a number of which were commissioned for memorial after the liberation during World War II to memorialise those lost and act as an educational resource. The main aim of this research is to explore whether holocaust tourism can be seen as education or exploitation. This will be investigated through a site visit to a holocaust tourism destination in Germany (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin) and a survey to identify those who engage in holocaust tourism, their motivations for doing so, and the outcome of their visits. Finally, this research study will provide results on the ethics of holocaust tourism and its educational value through a review of the academic research as well as the opinions of those who have or will engage in holocaust tourism. One of the main conclusions is that both primary participants and secondary authors spoke of how when visiting these sites, you create a connection to the destination and the sense of what occurred at the location is undeniable.
Smart Museums. Definition and presentation of a smart management model for museums.
Authors: Pérez Alba
Published: January 2023

The appearance of smart models for tourism management has contributed towards a more efficient administration of tourism products. However, museums are institutions that have not been explored from this angle and possess great potential for their application. This research aims to put forward a proposal of a Smart Model for museum management and define the main characteristics of a Smart Museum. Although plenty of museums are adapting their facilities and experiences through a digital transformation, there are scarcely any that adopt the Smart designation for their description, nor base their operation on existing literature on smart management. A focus group with experts in museology, smart management and heritage innovation allowed to identify the main components for smart management to take place in a museum setting. Furthermore, the data were coded, organised and analysed thematically focusing on the principal elements discussed in the group meeting. The absence of a clear definition for a smart museum was detected. Nonetheless, the contributions from the focus group, together with the findings from the literature review on existing smart models provided the necessary concepts to establish a definition and build an application model adapted to museums.
Broadband plasma spray anti-reflection coating technology for millimeter-wave astrophysics
Authors: Jeong Oliver , Plambeck Richard , Raum Christopher , Suzuki Aritoki , Lee Adrian T.
Published: January 2023

We present a broadband plasma spray anti-reflection (AR) coating
technology for millimeter-wave astrophysics experiments with
large-format, cryogenic optics. By plasma spraying alumina- and
silica-based powders, we have produced coatings of tunable index of
refraction and thickness, low loss, and coefficient of thermal
expansion matched to alumina substrates. We demonstrate two-layer AR
coatings on alumina with reflection below 5% over 82% and 69%
fractional bandwidths for 90/150 and 220/280 GHz passband
designs, respectively, and band-averaged absorption loss reduced to

∼

1
%

at 100 K for both AR coatings.
We describe the design, tolerance, fabrication process, and optical
measurements of these AR coatings.
Generation of bright–dark solitons in an Er-doped fiber laser employing InSb as a saturable absorber
Authors: Tang Shouqian , Sheng Qiuyan , Wang Yanjuan , Chen Si , Ye Faming , Yang Fuhao , Sun Shuo , Sui Zhiqi , Bai Caixun , Lu Cheng , Fu Shenggui , Zhang Huanian , Zhang Wenfei , Wang Guomei
Published: January 2023

In this paper, an indium antimonide (InSb) saturable absorber (SA) was
successfully fabricated. The saturable absorption properties of the
InSb SA were studied, and they show a modulation depth and a saturable
intensity of 5.17% and 9.23MW/cm2, respectively. By employing the InSb
SA and building the ring cavity laser structure, the bright–dark
soliton operations were successfully obtained by increasing the pump
power to 100.4 mW and adjusting the polarization controller. As
the pump power increased from 100.4 to 180.3 mW, the average
output power increased from 4.69 to 9.42 mW, the corresponding
fundamental repetition rate was 2.85 MHz, and the
signal-to-noise ratio was 68 dB. The experimental results show
that InSb with excellent saturable absorption characteristics can be
used as a SA to obtain pulse lasers. Therefore, InSb has important
potential in fiber laser generation, further applications in
optoelectronics, laser distance ranging, and optical fiber
communication, and it can be widely developed.
Radiation-induced attenuation in aluminum- and aluminum-thulium-doped optical fibers
Authors: Gallet Antoine , Caussanel Matthieu , Duval Hervé , Djama Kadar Mahamoud , Thil Stéphane , Eynard Julien , Grieu Stéphane , Trzesien Stanislaw , Ude Michèle , Dussardier Bernard
Published: January 2023

Gamma-ray-induced attenuation in Al-doped and Al/Tm-co-doped optical fibers is investigated in the visible and near-infrared domain up to 1 Gy. The behavior of radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) regarding dose and dose rate is discussed. Our results reveal high sensitivities for both types of fibers at low gamma ray doses and also reveal that Al/Tm fibers are very promising at original interrogation wavelengths for dosimetry applications.
3-dimensional quantitative phase imaging and microscopy of bio and non-bio transparent phase samples using the radial shearing interferometric set-up
Authors: Sengupta Chandan , Bhattacharya Kallol
Published: January 2023

In this exploration, we present a compact and easy-to-set imaging system to analyze quantitatively macroscopic and microscopic transparent phase samples (TPS) using interferograms created by a radial shearing interferometer (RSI). The proposed set-up employs a wire grid polarizer (WGP) as a beam-splitting optical element in a triangular cyclic interferometer (TCI) configuration to render the two counter-propagating beams linearly polarized in orthogonal directions as they emerge from the interferometer. These beams are made to pass through the TPS in a counter direction. The focusing lens to image the sample is aligned in such a way that either a p-polarized beam illuminates the phase sample in such a way that the sample is in focus with respect to the focusing lens and the other polarization fixed in focus of the lens and for s-polarized beam illumination it is far apart from its focal length. So due to this polarization phase shifting (PPS) is implemented so as to generate a three-dimensional (3-D) phase pattern which is digitally captured in a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to yield the sample phase. The proposed setup is robust, sufficiently tolerant to ambient vibrations, and shows encouraging experimental results using minimum optics.
Numerical scrutiny of a silica-titania-based reverse rib waveguide with vertical and rounded sidewalls
Authors: Butt Ali , Kozlowski Lukasz , Piramidowicz Ryszard
Published: January 2023

In this work, a modal analysis of reverse rib waveguide (RRW) structures based on a silica-titania platform is carried out. The silica-titania waveguide-films can be deposited via the sol-gel method and dip-coating technique. To combine this low-cost deposition technique with the economical fabrication method, we propose to structure the samples via wet-chemical etching. Due to the isotropic nature of wet etching, the waveguide architecture with rounded side walls is considered to model RRW. Additionally, the modal conditions and bending loss are compared with the RRW with vertical side walls. It is assumed that this study will be beneficial for comprehending the modal conditions of waveguide structures with perfectly vertical and rounded side walls.
Efficient high-power orthogonal dual-slab Yb:KGd(WO4)2 laser oscillator with TEM00 mode
Authors: Liang Xiaoyan , Tu Zhihua , Guo Jie , Gao Yongxi , Gao Zichen
Published: January 2023

We demonstrated a TEM₀₀ mode orthogonal dual-slab Yb:KG(WO₄)₂(Yb:KGW) laser oscillator with high average power. Polarization anisotropy of thermal lenses was investigated and alleviating the astigmatism based on orthogonal dual-slab. In addition, the laser polarization was directly controlled by adjusting the net gain of the two crystals. The maximum output power was highly enhanced compared with single crystal due to effective thermal distribution. For an absorbed pump power of 52.4 W, this oscillator delivered an average power of 26.5 W, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 50.6%. Meanwhile, the ellipticity of the output laser was optimized to 0.940. Nearly diffraction-limited beam quality was measured to be M_x^2 =1.19 and M_y^2=1.18.
µBRDF measurements over a tiny surface area using a goniospectrophotometer
Authors: Saha Dipanjana , Obein Gael , Frisvad Jeppe , GEVAUX Lou
Published: January 2023

The increasing use of a spatially varying bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) to describe the appearance of an object raises the important question of how BRDF values change when measured at a smaller scale. For this reason, we present a new goniospectrophotometer with an ability to measure the BRDF at the micron scale (µBRDF). The instrument produces BRDF measurements with a measurement surface diameter of 50 μm using any angular configuration on the hemisphere. This device is designed to aid in the extension of the BRDF metrological scale from centimeter to micrometer size. We support the credibility of our µBRDF measurements using a special made test sample with uniform diffuse white dots on a uniform black background. This is a sample that we can easily model with a few unknown parameters. The ability of our measurements to fit the model indicates the credibility of the measurement technique. True validation of small-scale measurements is a challenge because, currently, no similar measurement exists and so no direct comparison is possible. Comparison with larger existing beams is also problematic. We discuss this issue and propose a future effort on validation of µBRDF measurements between metrology institutes.
Changes in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in the first two years (2018 – 2020) of San Francisco’s tax: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Silver Lynn D. , Padon Alisa A. , Li Libo , Simard Bethany J. , Greenfield Thomas K.
Published: January 2023

Background

Sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes are a promising strategy to decrease SSB consumption, and their inequitable health impacts, while raising revenue to meet social objectives. In 2016, San Francisco passed a one cent per ounce tax on SSBs. This study compared SSB consumption in San Francisco to that in San José, before and after tax implementation in 2018.

Methods & findings

A longitudinal panel of adults (n = 1,443) was surveyed from zip codes in San Francisco and San José, CA with higher densities of Black and Latino residents, racial/ethnic groups with higher SSB consumption in California. SSB consumption was measured at baseline (11/17-1/18), one- (11/18-1/19), and two-years (11/19-1/20) after the SSB tax was implemented in January 2018. Average daily SSB consumption (in ounces) was ascertained using the BevQ-15 instrument and modeled as both continuous and binary (high consumption: ≥6 oz (178 ml) versus low consumption: <6 oz) daily beverage intake measures. Weighted generalized linear models (GLMs) estimated difference-in-differences of SSB consumption between cities by including variables for year, city, and their interaction, adjusting for demographics and sampling source. In San Francisco, average SSB consumption in the sample declined by 34.1% (-3.68 oz, p = 0.004) from baseline to 2 years post-tax, versus San José which declined 16.5% by 2 years post-tax (-1.29 oz, p = 0.157), a non-significant difference-in-differences (-17.6%, adjusted AMR = 0.79, p = 0.224). The probability of high SSB intake in San Francisco declined significantly more than in San José from baseline to 2-years post-tax (AOR[interaction] = 0.49, p = 0.031). The difference-in-differences of odds of high consumption, examining the interaction between cities, time and poverty, was far greater (AOR[city*year 2*federal poverty level] = 0.12, p = 0.010) among those living below 200% of the federal poverty level 2-years post-tax.

Conclusions

Average SSB intake declined significantly in San Francisco post-tax, but the difference in differences between cities over time did not vary significantly. Likelihood of high SSB intake declined significantly more in San Francisco by year 2 and more so among low-income respondents.
Timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in Sebata Hawas district, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ismael Kamaria , Charkos Tesfaye Getachew , Abdo Meyrema
Published: January 2023

Lack of timely initiating of postpartum contraceptive utilization may lead to mistimed, unintended pregnancies and even become dying as a result of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. To the best of our knowledge, we have not found enough evidence on the associated factors of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in the rural setting of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Sebat Hawas, Oromia, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to May 20, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association. A P-value <0.05 was declared as a statistically significant association. All analysis was performed using SPSS. A total of 804 participants were included in this study. Overall, the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was 38.6%. In the multivariable models, illiterate women (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35–0.94), with less than 3000 ETB monthly income (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22–0.79), counseling on family planning (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.59–8.83), Menses returned time (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15–4.72) and discussion with husband on family planning (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.61–5.84) were significantly associated with timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization. The findings of this study suggested that the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was low. Illiterate women, with low monthly income, counseling on family planning, menses returned time, and discussion with their husbands on family planning was the main determinant factors for timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization.
The impact of ABO and RhD blood types on Babesia microti infection
Authors: Jajosky Ryan Philip , O’Bryan Jane , Spichler-Moffarah Anne , Jajosky Philip G. , Krause Peter J. , Tonnetti Laura
Published: January 2023

Background

Babesiosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by intraerythrocyticBabesiaparasites that can cause severe disease and death. While blood type is known to affect the mortality ofPlasmodium falciparummalaria patients, associations between red blood cell (RBC) antigens andBabesia microtiinfection and disease severity are lacking.

Methods

We evaluated RhD and ABO blood types ofBabesia-infected (18S rRNA reactive) blood donors in 10 endemic states in the Northeastern and northern Midwestern United States. We also assessed possible associations between RhD and ABO blood types and disease severity among hospitalized babesiosis patients in Connecticut.

Results

A total of 768Babesia-infected blood donors were analyzed, of which 750 (97.7%) had detectableB.microti-specific antibodies.B.microti-infected blood donors were more likely to be RhD- (OR of 1.22, p-value 0.024) than RhD+ donors. Hospitalized RhD- babesiosis patients were more likely than RhD+ patients to have high peak parasitemia (p-value 0.017), which is a marker for disease severity. No differences in RhD+ blood type were noted between residents of the Northeast (OR of 0.82, p-value 0.033) and the Midwest (OR of 0.74, p-value 0.23). Overall, ABO blood type was not associated with blood donorB.microtiinfection, however,B.microti-infected donors in Maine and New Jersey were more likely to be blood type B compared to non-type B (OR 2.49 [p = 0.008] and 2.07 [p = 0.009], respectively), while infected donors from Pennsylvania were less likely to be type B compared to non-type B (OR 0.32 [p = 0.02]).

Conclusions

People expressing RhD antigen may have a decreased risk ofB.microtiinfection and babesiosis severity. The association of B antigen withB.microtiinfection is less clear because the antigen appeared to be less prevalent in infected Pennsylvania blood donors but more prevalent in Maine and New Jersey infected donors. Future studies should quantify associations betweenB.microtigenotypes, RBC antigens, and the frequency and severity ofB.microtiinfection to increase our understanding of humanBabesiapathogenesis and improve antibody, vaccine, and RBC exchange transfusion strategies.
Technology applications in bovine gait analysis: A scoping review
Authors: Nejati Amir , Bradtmueller Anna , Shepley Elise , Vasseur Elsa
Published: January 2023

Quantitative bovine gait analysis using technology has evolved significantly over the last two decades. However, subjective methods of gait assessment using visual locomotion scoring remain the primary on-farm and experimental approach. The objective of this review is to map research trends in quantitative bovine gait analysis and to explore the technologies that have been utilized to measure biomechanical parameters of gait. A scoping literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A search algorithm based on PICO framework generated three components–bovine, gait, and technology–to address our objectives. Three online databases were searched for original work published from January 2000 to June 2020. A two-step screening process was then conducted, starting with the review of article titles and abstracts based on inclusion criteria. A remaining 125 articles then underwent a full-text assessment, resulting in 82 final articles. Thematic analysis of research aims resulted in four major themes among the studies: gait/claw biomechanics, lameness detection, intervention/comparison, and system development. Of the 4 themes, lameness detection (55% of studies) was the most common reason for technology use. Within the literature identified three main technologies were used: force and pressure platforms (FPP), vision-based systems (VB), and accelerometers. FPP were the first and most popular technologies to evaluate bovine gait and were used in 58.5% of studies. They include force platforms, pressure mapping systems, and weight distribution platforms. The second most applied technology was VB (34.1% of studies), which predominately consists of video analysis and image processing systems. Accelerometers, another technological method to measure gait characteristics, were used in 14.6% of studies. In sum, the strong demand for automatic lameness detection influenced the path of development for quantitative gait analysis technologies. Among emergent technologies, deep learning and wearable sensors (e.g., accelerometers) appear to be the most promising options. However, although progress has been made, more research is needed to develop more accurate, practical, and user-friendly technologies.
Evaluating scientific research barriers by gender and other characteristics from the perspective of ophthalmologists in Turkey: A multicenter survey study
Authors: Erdem Burak , Obut Abdulkadir , Kay Mehmet , Gok Mustafa , Bostan Sedat
Published: January 2023

Background/Aim

The ever-increasing population and life expectancy worldwide increase the prevalence of ophthalmic diseases, and the need for ophthalmic research expands accordingly. In our study, we aimed to evaluate many aspects of the barriers, especially gender disparities, confronting ophthalmologists who aspire to conduct scientific research (SR).

Materials and methods

In this descriptive quantitative study, we distributed an online questionnaire to ophthalmologists in Turkey with 21 questions presented on a five-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions. The survey was prepared with Google forms. Participants were recruited via e-mail and social networks. A multicenter survey was conducted between January 29 and February 20, 2021, and a total of 210 valid responses were recorded.

Results

Participants’ responses were grouped into four types of barriers: motivation, time constraints, research support, and competence. Participants’ motivation to conduct research was above average (3.54±0.96), but most stated that they have time constraints (3.74±0.97). Participants did not agree that there is adequate support for research (2.35±0.76), and they self assessed their level of the required competence to be average (2.87±1.08). Women were more motivated to do SR than men (p = 0.008), but there were no statistically significant differences between women and men in terms of time constraints, research support, and level of competence (p = 0.853, p = 0.482, and p = 0.558, respectively). Although there is no statistically significant difference between men and women regarding time constraints, female physicians mentioned more about the barriers arising from their personal responsibilities (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that ophthalmologists are enthusiastic about doing SR but encounter obstacles with regard to time availability and research support. In addition, there is a need to reinforce competence in SR. Although female physicians are more motivated than men, they must deal with competing domestic responsibilities.
Is indoor environment a risk factor of building-related symptoms?
Authors: Tsumura Kayo , Nakaoka Hiroko , Suzuki Norimichi , Takaguchi Kohki , Nakayama Yoshitake , Shimatani Keiichi , Mori Chisato
Published: January 2023

The indoor environment, particularly indoor air quality (IAQ), is significantly associated with building-related symptoms (BRSs) in humans. In our previous studies, we demonstrated a significant relationship between BRSs and indoor chemical concentrations. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) guideline recommends an air quality target of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a provisional target of 400 μg/m3for total VOCs (TVOC). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between TVOC levels and the risk of BRSs using the Japanese provisional target TVOC level of 400 μg/m3. The relationship between odor intensity and BRSs while the TVOC levels were under 400 μg/m3was also examined. The study was conducted in a laboratory house (LH) on the campus of Chiba University from 2017–2019. The study included 149 participants who spent 60 minutes in the LH. The participants were asked to evaluate the IAQ of the LH. A significant relationship between the risk of BRSs and the provisional target TVOC level was observed (odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–7.35). Furthermore, a significant relationship between odor intensity and risk of BRSs in spaces with TVOC levels less than 400 μg/m3was detected (odds ratio: 6.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–30.44). In conclusion, the risk of BRSs is significantly lower in spaces with low TVOC levels and low odor intensity. Reducing the concentration of airborne chemicals and odor intensity may improve IAQ and prevent BRSs.
Questionnaire-free machine-learning method to predict depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Susanty Sri , Sufriyana Herdiantri , Su Emily Chia-Yu , Chuang Yeu-Hui
Published: January 2023

The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is widely used to screen for depressive symptoms among older populations. This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire-free, machine-learning model as an alternative triage test for the GDS-15 among community-dwelling older adults. The best models were the random forest (RF) and deep-insight visible neural network by internal validation, but both performances were undifferentiated by external validation. The AUROC of the RF model was 0.619 (95% CI 0.610 to 0.627) for the external validation set with a non-local ethnic group. Our triage test can allow healthcare professionals to preliminarily screen for depressive symptoms in older adults without using a questionnaire. If the model shows positive results, then the GDS-15 can be used for follow-up measures. This preliminary screening will save a lot of time and energy for healthcare providers and older adults, especially those persons who are illiterate.