bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Συγκριτική μελέτη της φθορίζουσας χολαγγειογραφίας με πράσινο της ινδοκυανίνης σε σχέση με την κλασσική κατά την λαπαροσκοπική χολοκυστεκτομή
Authors: Συμεωνίδης Σάββας
Published: April 2024

Εισαγωγή: Η λαπαροσκοπική χολοκυστεκτομή αποτελεί την μέθοδο εκλογής για την αντιμετώπιση της συμπτωματικής και της επιπλεγμένης χολολιθίασης, ενώ σήμερα είναι η συχνότερα εκτελούμενη επέμβαση στη γενική χειρουργική. Οι δύο πιο επίφοβες διεγχειρητικές επιπλοκές που μπορεί να παρουσιαστούν κατά τη λαπαροσκοπική χολοκυστεκτομή είναι οι παραμονή λίθων στο χοληφόρο δέντρο και οι ιατρογενείς κακώσεις των χοληφόρων. Ειδικότερα για την τελευταία έχει αναπτυχθεί εδώ και δεκαετίες η διεγχειρητική χολαγγειογραφία, κατά την οποία καθετηριάζεται ο κυστικός πόρος και δύναται να ελεγχθούν πιθανές κακώσεις στα εξωηπατικά χοληφόρα. Τα τελευταία χρόνια έχει διαδοθεί ιδιαίτερα το πράσινο της ινδοκυανίνης (ICG), μια δισουλφιδική επταμεθυλινική ινδοκυανίνη που μεταβολίζεται στο ήπαρ και εκκρίνεται στη χολή. Το ICG χορηγείται συνηθέστερα ενδοφλεβίως, και η διαθέσιμη βιβλιογραφία συνηγορεί υπέρ της ασφάλειάς του και υπέρ της αποτελεσματικότητάς του στην απεικόνιση της ανατομίας της και στην πρόληψη κακώσεων στο χοληφόρο δέντρο. Ελάχιστη μελέτη έχει πραγματοποιηθεί βιβλιογραφικά που να εξετάζει την απευθείας χορήγηση ICG εντός της χοληδόχου κύστης αντί εντός της συστηματικής κυκλοφορίας. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Στην παρούσα προοπτική μελέτη συμμετείχαν συνολικά 240 ασθενείς, τυχαιοποιημένοι σε τρεις ομάδες των 80 ατόμων. Στην πρώτη ομάδα (Α) έγινε κλασική χολαγγειογραφία. Στην ομάδα (Β) έγινε ενδοφλέβια φθορίζουσα χολαγγειογραφία με πράσινο της ινδοκυανίνης που χορηγήθηκε σε δόση 0,3 mg/mL/Kg 6(έξι) ώρες πριν από την έναρξη της χειρουργικής επέμβασης. Τέλος, στην τρίτη ομάδα (Γ) πραγματοποιήθηκε διεγχειρητική χολαγγειογραφία με απευθείας χορήγηση πράσινου της ινδοκυανίνης σε δόση 0,03 mg/ml/Kg στη χοληδόχο κύστη. Για κάθε ασθενή καταγράφηκε ο χρόνος που απαιτείται για την πραγματοποίηση της επέμβασης καθώς και οι διεγχειρητικές επιπλοκές που σχετίζονται ή όχι με τη χολαγγειογραφία (αιμορραγία, χολόρροια και κάκωση χοληφόρων). Αξιολογήθηκαν παράμετροι τοξικότητας των μεθόδων με αξιολόγηση ηπατικών δοκιμασιών, πηκτικού μηχανισμού, νεφρικής λειτουργίας, δεικτών φλεγμονής και δεικτών φλεγμονώδους αντίδρασης (TNFa, Il6). Στα πλαίσια του προεγχειρητικού ελέγχου και της μετεγχειρητικής παρακολούθησης μέσω των αιμοληψιών έγινε η συλλογή και καταγραφή των εργαστηριακών τιμών των αναφερόμενων παραμέτρων. Αποτελέσματα: Δεν ανιχνεύθηκαν ανεπιθύμητες ενέργειες από τη χορήγηση του ICG ενδοφλεβίως ούτε από την απευθείας έγχυση αυτού εντός της χοληδόχου κύστης. Η διάρκεια χολαγγειογραφίας ήταν σημαντικά μεγαλύτερη στην ομάδα Α, σε σύγκριση με τις ομάδες Β και Γ. Συμπεράσματα: H φθορίζουσα κλασικής χολαγγειογραφίας εμφανίζει σημαντική υπεροχή σε σύγκριση με την κλασική χολαγγειογραφία, όσον αφορά την οπτικοποίηση του ενδο και εξωηπατικού χοληφόρου δένδρου, καθώς και την ευκολία διενέργειας της χολαγγειογραφίας από τον χειρουργό.
Loukianos Hassiotis, “Γεια σας, εγγλεζάκια!” Βρετανοί στρατιώτες στην Ελλάδα (1941–1945) [Welcome, English lads! British soldiers in Greece, 1941–1945]
Authors: Syriatou Athena
Published: April 2024

Review of Loukianos Hassiotis, “Γεια σας, εγγλεζάκια!” Βρετανοί στρατιώτες στην Ελλάδα (1941–1945) [Welcome, English lads! British soldiers in Greece, 1941–1945]. Athens: Metaixmio, 2019. 392 pp.
Gender and Expertise in the Mixed Economy of Mental Welfare in Greece
Authors: Kritsotaki Despo
Published: April 2024

The late 1970s and the 1980s were a time of political and social change in Greece, following the collapse of the seven-year military dictatorship, as well as a time of rupture in mental healthcare: new approaches were being developed, including those implemented by the Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health, a voluntary, nonprofit scientific association, founded in 1981 (officially in 1986). This article places the initiatives undertaken by the society within the international context of postwar mental healthcare, and within the national postdictatorship framework. It uses the analytical concept of the “mixed economy of welfare”, demonstrating that the society’s work was based on the synergy between the private and the public. Furthermore, the article discusses how concepts of gender were embedded in and shaped by the work of the society in the 1980s, arguing that the society reproduced the traditional gender hierarchies of the mental health field while reworking the hierarchies within its personnel – psychiatrists and other professionals, experts and nonexperts, and, by extension, to some degree at least, men and women mental healthcare providers.
Case Report: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of tongue
Authors: Rai Dolly , Shukla Deepankar , Bhola Nitin
Published: April 2024

Surgery is the primary treatment approach for head and neck cancers, while radiotherapy is considered for advanced tumors in higher T-stages and as an adjunct therapy for cases with positive histopathological margins. Some authors argue that radiotherapy represents the sole option for managing advanced and unresectable cancers. This report focuses on the impact of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the tongue. ACC is a malignant tumor originating from the salivary glands, characterized by slow progression, perineural invasion, and a likelihood of local recurrence. It accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of all head and neck malignancies, primarily affecting the minor salivary glands in the palate. The incidence rate of ACC in the base of the tongue is 8.8%. Our case report involves a patient diagnosed with ACC of the tongue, specifically presenting a lesion on the left side of the base of the tongue. The treatment modality employed was concomitant chemo-radiotherapy, and a follow-up assessment was conducted one month after completing the treatment. The objective of this report is to enhance prognostic outcomes and improve the quality of life for the patient undergoing chemoradiotherapy as a treatment for ACC involving the base of the tongue.
Morphometry of the thyroid cartilage, epiglottis and piriform sinus: An anatomical study
Authors: Vadgaonkar Rajanigandha , Rai Ashwin R. , Kumar Chettiar Ganesh , Murlimanju B.V. , Pai Mangala M. , Prabhu Latha V. , Agrawal Amit
Published: April 2024

Background The goal was to measure the piriform sinus, epiglottis, and thyroid cartilage in our sample population. Methods This study included 22 adult embalmed cadavers available in the Department of Anatomy. Dimensions were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. Results The mean height of the thyroid laminae was 27 ± 1.4 mm at the right side and 25.5 ± 1.4 mm at the left side. Mean width of the thyroid lamina was 27.1 ± 1.3 mm at the right side and 27.4 ± 0.9 mm at the left side. The mean thickness of thyroid cartilage was found to be 4.4 ± 0.4 mm and 3.9 ± 0.5 mm over the right and left sides. The mean length, width and thickness of the epiglottis were 29.1 ± 0.5 mm, 22.2 ± 0.6 mm and 2.6 ± 0.3 mm correspondingly. The height, width and thickness of the right piriform sinus were 25 ± 0.5 mm, 14.2 ± 0.5 mm and 12.6 ± 0.5 mm, the same parameters were 25.3 ± 1.3 mm, 15.1 ± 0.7 mm and 13.3 ± 0.4 mm for the left side. Conclusions The height and thickness of the thyroid cartilage were greater on the right side than on the left side (p<0.05). It was statistically observed that the width and thickness were greater on the left side than on the right side (p < 0.05). The data about the height, width and thickness of the thyroid cartilage, epiglottis and piriform sinus are essential during the laryngeal and other neck surgeries. They guide in the preoperative positioning, predicting the difficulty of intraoperative exposure and retractor pulling.
Prescription writing quality of psychotropic agents in MBBS interns in a private medical college hospital in Mangaluru
Authors: Bakshi Poorva , Shetty Sharanya B. , Bera Shreya , D'Souza Priyanka Renita , Pai Keshava
Published: April 2024

Background Rational prescription writing is an important skill to master during internship. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to understand the state of prescription writing among interns posted in the Department of Psychiatry, analyze the causes responsible for errors in prescription writing and bring about a change in the current practice. Methods The MBBS interns are posted in the Department of Psychiatry for 15 days. During day 1 to day 5 of their posting, a pre intervention phase was conducted wherein prescriptions written by interns in the Department of Psychiatry were collected. The prescriptions were scored based on 14 criteria which were selected based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and Medical Council of India (MCI) ideal prescription format. During PDSA (Plan Do Study Act) Cycle 1, an educational handout was distributed to the interns containing the MCI ideal prescription format and WHO guidelines regarding prescription writing. The brochure was also verbally explained to the interns. From day 7 to day 15 of their posting, prescriptions written by the interns were collected. The prescriptions were scored using the same criteria. Results During the pre intervention phase the mean total score of prescriptions was 9.54 ± 1.003. There was a significant improvement in the mean total score to 10.26 ± 0.746. There was a 7.54% improvement. There was also a significant improvement in several individual criteria. Conclusions The first PDSA cycle was successful in improving the quality of prescription writing among interns posted in the Department of Psychiatry. There is a need to implement more PDSA cycles to improve the quality still further.
Using Odih-Score (Modified Klotz Score) for quality of defecation after anorectal malformation following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP): Study of validation
Authors: Wahid Tubagus Odih Rhomdani , Astuti Dwi Putri Ratu , Ismar Ismar
Published: April 2024

Abstract* Objective The diagnostic scale or score is a clinical assessment tool used to determine diagnosis and evaluate further therapy results. The Klotz Score is a previous score modified to create a new instrument, the Odih-score. This new instrument is specifically designed to evaluate the quality of defecation success after operative anorectal malformation and is expected to be simpler and easier to apply in research hospitals. Its primary use is to evaluate the quality of defecation in post-PSARP anorectal malformation patients. Method The study conducted between 2016 and 2021, a longitudinal prospective study was conducted at RSUD Arifin Achmad Pekanbaru Riau Indonesia. The study aimed to validate the reliability of the Odih-Score (Modified Klotz Score) research instrument for evaluating defecation quality in post-PSARP anorectal malformation patients. Pearson validation test and Cronbach alpha reliability test were used as parameters for the validation, while the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests were evaluated using research instrument (IBM SPSS Statistics version 25) The research was approved by the Ethical Clearance Board of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Riau, under reference number No.031/UN.19.5.1.1.8/UEPKK/2019. Results The analysis of the validation test results indicates that the Odih-Score is statistically significant (Sig.<0.05) and has a greater r-count value (0.573-0.790) than the r-table value (0.202). The research reliability test also shows a high level of reliability (Cronbach alpha 0.814) for all five items of the Odih-Score instrument. Further, the sensitivity and specificity test as a diagnostic test resulted in an AUC value of 0.798, with an Odih-Score cut-off point of 11. Conclusion Odih-Score (Modified Klotz’s score) is considered valid and reliable and can be used as a diagnostic test instrument to evaluate the quality of post-anorectal Malformation defecation with PSARP.
Wspomnienia z misji ONZ MONUA w Angoli (Saurimo, 19 maja – 7 września 1998)
Authors: Paściak Andrzej
Published: April 2024

Using the retrospective relation method, the author presents his participation in three successive peacekeeping missions conducted by the United Nations at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. The description of his personal experiences serves as a pretext to present the process of training UN military observers, and the conditions of their service. Personal experiences are integrated into a series of events in the mission’s mandate areas and often confronted with information contained in official UN documents and publications regarding the described events. The attached fragment relates to participation in the UN mission in Angola (MONUA), particularly to the events in the spring and summer of 1998, when the author served as the operational officer at the Regional Command in Saurimo, Lunda Sul province. It includes descriptions of the rebel attack on the Cafunfo airport and the search and rescue action for a missing MONUA military observer patrol in the Malanje province, detailed presentations of accommodation, food, and service conditions at the Mission headquarters in Saurimo, recalling dramatic events from the ongoing civil war, and reports on various types of actions conducted by UN officers in the rapidly worsening political-military situation in Angola and the planned “ultimate attack” by government forces on UNITA rebels, which was supposed to bring an end to the conflict and physically eliminate UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.
„Bitwa, której nie było”. Psie Pole i Krzywousty w oczach Jana Długosza (na marginesie twórczości Jubilata)
Authors: Cetwiński Marek
Published: April 2024

The article contributes to the issue of “historical policy” in the work of Jan Długosz. The author presents the reasons for differences between the descriptions of the course and significance of the legendary battle of Psie Pole by Czech and Silesian chroniclers and the narrative of the Krakow canon. These differences stem from the desire to defend King Bolesław III Wrymouth against moral accusations made by Czech and Silesian authors.
Afectaciones del conflicto armado en el sistema escolar de la educación rural colombiana
Authors: Cuesta Moreno Óscar Julián , Lara Salcedo Luz Marina
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo aborda las afectaciones que el conflicto armado ha causado en el sistema escolar de la educación rural colombiana. La clasificación de las afectaciones presentadas surge de una revisión documental realizada en bases de datos públicas, abarcando trabajos publicados en Colombia entre 1991 y 2020. Por lo tanto, no busca ser un estudio exhaustivo de las afectaciones, sino una primera aproximación basada en fuentes secundarias. Es esencial mencionar la necesidad de complementar este estudio con datos empíricos, relatos biográficos y estadísticas que reflejen los efectos del conflicto armado a nivel nacional. En este contexto, es relevante destacar el documento “No es un mal menor. Niños, niñas y adolescentes en el conflicto armado”, que forma parte del Informe final de la Comisión para el esclarecimiento de la verdad, la convivencia y la no repetición (2022), ya que uno de sus capítulos se centra en las repercusiones del conflicto en las comunidades educativas.
Technology-Enabled Agent Choice and Uptake of Social Assistance Programs: Evidence from India’s Food Security Program
Authors: Allu Rakesh , Ganesh Maya , Deo Sarang , Devalkar Sripad K.
Published: April 2024

Problem definition: Beneficiaries of social assistance programs with transfers of undifferentiated commodities often have a designated agent to collect their entitlements from. This gives monopoly power to agents over beneficiaries. When coupled with weak government monitoring, agents do not have incentives to adhere to stipulated operating guidelines, leading to reduced uptake by beneficiaries. Some governments are attempting to break the monopoly by allowing beneficiaries to choose agents. However, the impact of choice on uptake may be limited by lack of alternate agents in beneficiaries’ vicinities, restricted ability of agents to compete with undifferentiated commodities, and collusion among agents. Methodology/results: Using a reverse difference-in-differences framework on data from a food security program in two neighboring states in India, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, we find that providing agent choice results in a 6.6% increase in the quantity of entitlements collected by the beneficiary households. We also find that increase in uptake is about four times higher in regions with high agent density compared with those with low agent density. This emphasizes the importance of having an alternate agent in the vicinity for choice to be effective. Nearly all of the increase in uptake is attributable to new beneficiaries collecting entitlements from their preassigned agent. This is suggestive of agents improving adherence to operating guidelines in response to choice. We find associative evidence for this response in the number of days agents keep their shops open. Managerial implications: Governments executing in-kind transfers of undifferentiated commodities are piloting interventions to provide choice to their beneficiaries. Replacement of in-kind transfers with cash, an increasingly popular intervention, may be challenging in volatile markets, as the magnitude of the transfer needs to be periodically adjusted. Our results indicate that alternate designs of providing choice even in a limited form, that is, the place where the beneficiaries can collect their entitlements with products and prices fixed, can present a viable alternative.

Funding: This research was partially supported by a grant from the Omidyar Network to the Digital Identity Research Initiative at the Indian School of Business.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0528 .
Integrated psychological intervention programme for frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study
Authors: Frigola-Capell Eva , Fabregas Laura , Juanola Marta , Soms Mercè , Hernández Marta , Grau Roser , Alarcón Noelia , Colomer Neus , Cid Jordi , Cuartero-Barbanoj Andrés , Garcia Jordi
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic put at risk the resilience of healthcare professionals by exposing them to high levels of stress. Our aim was to identify key elements for implementing the STEP  programme, a psychological support service for healthcare professionals.
Methods: qualitative design.  The study participants were hospital healthcare staff. Anonymous questionnaires and transcriptions  of group interventions and focus groups were used to  identify professionals’ preferences to receiving psychological support, needs, concerns, resilience (STEP1.0); constrained emotions and associated thoughts (STEP1.5); perception of self-efficacy on managing emotions (STEP2.0); and the professionals’ profile requiring individual therapy.
Results: Three hundred professionals participated in the study, 100.0% in STEP 1.0 , 27.3% in STEP 1.5, 2.7% in STEP 2.0, and 10.0% in individual interventions. Two hundred and three (67.7%) participants reflected in the survey that they would prefer access to a face-to-face psychological service during working hours. Three consecutive phases with specific needs and concerns were identified: The “cognitive” phase, at the beginning of the pandemic, when infection and self-efficacy were major concerns, the “ventilation” phase, when constrained emotions associated with several factors were expressed; and the “recovery” phase, when the clinical overload decreased and professionals were able to focus on emotion management training. Several personal characteristics associated with referral to individual therapy were identified. 
Conclusions: The key characteristics of a psychological support service are proximity, face-to-face interaction during working shifts, and a chronological phase system adapted to different emerging needs.
British Sign Language and its Role in Dentistry
Authors: Caga Daniel , Caga Danielle
Published: April 2024

Hearing impairments affect up to 1.57 billion individuals globally, and 11 million people within the UK. Worldwide, 60% of hearing loss in children is due to preventable causes. Types of hearing loss vary in their aetiology and severity; however, all can negatively affect an individual's quality of life. The general health of those within the deaf population has been shown to be poorer than that of the general population, with under-diagnosis and under-treatment of chronic conditions putting individuals at risk of preventable ill-health. Deaf individuals experience greater problems in accessing healthcare, with a lack of British Sign Language (BSL), deafness awareness training and other communication aids being identified as barriers in such settings. With respect to dental health, deafness can result in poorer oral hygiene and greater dental caries. Communication issues faced at the dentist include being called from the waiting room, communicating with the dental team, mask wearing and background noise in the surgery. British Sign Language is a visual and spatial language, using movements of the hands, body, face and head. With its own grammar, syntax, idioms and regional variations, it is recognized as an official language in England, Wales and Scotland. This article provides a general background on hearing loss, its influence on general and dental health, an introduction to BSL, and hopes to encourage the general dental practitioner to seek further training in BSL.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: To aid in effective communication with patients who have hearing loss, a knowledge of BSL would be helpful.
Redescription of Graphomya adumbrata (Wiedemann, 824) (Diptera: Muscidae), including male and female terminalia
Authors: SINHA SHUVRA KANTI , JANA NANDAN , HAZARI PRAVAS
Published: April 2024

We provide a detailed redescription of Graphomya adumbrata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Muscidae) with its terminalia and dimorphism of the mesonotum stripe pattern of both sexes. Habitat and geographical distribution of the species are also discussed.
Two new species of grass flies (Diptera, Chloropidae) from Sweden
Authors: RAILE RICCARDI PAULA
Published: April 2024

This study implements an integrative taxonomy approach to describe two new species of Swedish grass flies Aphanotrigonum palpalis sp. nov. and Tricimba atipica sp. nov. Morphological and molecular diagnoses plus illustration of key morphological features are included, and amended keys to the Fennoscandian species of both genera are given.
Shallow pedagogies as epistemic injustice: how uncritical forms of learning hinder education’s contribution to just and sustainable development
Authors: Balarin María , Rodríguez María Fernanda
Published: April 2024

This paper draws on findings from the JustEd study to discuss the shallow pedagogies that have emerged in Peru in the context of learner-centred and outcomes-based reforms that have been poorly implemented in a context with many limitations in terms of policy orientations, resources, and teacher training and support. These pedagogies promote little to no critical thinking, are disconnected from students’ experiences and do not encourage them to problematise reality nor to grasp complexity. Such pedagogies constitute a form of epistemic injustice in that they do not help to develop students’ capacity to participate as equals in the consumption and production of knowledge. Through this, these pedagogies also limit education’s potential contributions to justice, peace and sustainability. Our discussion of shallow pedagogies leads us to articulate some more positive elements of what rich and just pedagogies might entail.
Correlation and polarization singularities of a radially polarized Gaussian Schell-model vortex beam propagating in oceanic turbulence
Authors: Xu Qian , Xu Yonggen , Liu Wenli , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2024

The correlation and polarization singularities as the important parameters of a radially polarized Gaussian Schell-model vortex beam propagating in oceanic turbulence have been investigated in detail. On the one hand, the correlation singularity of the beam will first split, and then generate new correlation singularities, and finally vanish in pairs. The longer the propagating distance, the larger the rate of dissipation of mean-square temperature, and the lower initial correlation lengths reduce the stability of correlation singularities. On the other hand, polarization singularities also split during transmission. The different initial correlation lengths cause the uneven distribution of polarization singularities, and the high order topological charge leads to the generation of new polarization singularities at short distances. Our numerical findings may be of great significance for detection and imaging of the oceanic optical telecommunication links.
Field correlations of multimode optical beams in underwater turbulence
Authors: Baykal Yahya , Gökçe Muhsin C. , Ata Yalçın , Gerçekcioğlu Hamza
Published: April 2024

For multimode optical beams, field correlations at the receiver plane are found in underwater turbulence. Field correlations of single high order beams in underwater turbulence are special cases of our formulation. Variations of field correlations against the underwater turbulence parameters and the diagonal length from various receiver points are examined for different multimode and single high order beams. Stronger underwater turbulence is found to reduce the field correlations of multimode and single high order optical beams. The results will be of help in heterodyne detection analysis and fiber coupling efficiency in an underwater medium experiencing turbulence.
Wavelength selective beam-steering in a dual-mode multi-layer plasmonic laser
Authors: Ahamed Mahin , Afroj Md. Nasim , Shahid Shadman , Talukder Muhammad Anisuzzaman
Published: April 2024

Due to its improved localization and confinement of light in single or multiple wavelength modes, nanolasers based on plasmonic crystals have grown in popularity in recent years. However, the lasing modes are not spatially separated, making applying different modes to different applications difficult. This work demonstrates an effective technique for spatially separating the two modes of a merged lattice metal nanohole array-based dual-mode plasmonic laser. A flat dielectric metasurface-based beam-splitter that exploits phase gradient profiles on the interfaces has been added to the laser to separate the modes into distinct spatial beams. The proposed structure successfully separates two modes by ∼23°, and the separation can be raised to ∼63° by tuning structural parameters such as the radius of the nanocylinders and the number of supercell rows. In addition, multiple beams can be generated, allowing for manual beam steering. This approach has a high emission output with a narrow linewidth, clarity, and a substantial degree of future tunability potential. The proposed integrated structure will provide a novel means of device miniaturization and may also serve advanced optical applications such as optical communication, quantum optics, interferometry, spectroscopy, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR).
Foveated pancake lens design for improved optical performance and eye rotation support
Authors: Jeong Youngmo , Choi Myongjo , Choi JongChul , Kwak Kyusub
Published: April 2024

We propose a novel, to our knowledge, approach to address the limitations of traditional pancake lenses for virtual reality headsets, such as low image contrast and poor performance when eyes rotate. The design leverages the foveated nature of human vision, achieving a superior modulation transfer function in the foveal area to enhance optical performance significantly. Furthermore, the pancake lens design is presented that considers the rotation of the user’s pupil position, maintaining optimal image quality even when the user’s eye rotates. The proposed method presents the parameters and optimization of a novel pancake lens that utilizes the characteristics of the human visual system and accounts for the rotation of the pupil position of the user, leading to improvements in image quality and user experience. The lens design and image simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Wavelength and polarisation dependence of pump-induced loss in Ti:sapphire
Authors: Simpson Niall , Lee Martin , Kemp Alan J.
Published: April 2024

We use pump beam wavelength and polarisation to demonstrate that the phenomenon of pump-induced loss in Ti:sapphire is linked to simultaneous excitation of two separate absorption bands: the Ti3+ pump band and the parasitic 400 nm residual absorption. We find that the degree of pump-induced loss is linked to the relative absorption strengths of the residual absorption band and the Ti3+ pump band at the wavelength(s) of excitation.
Extant interspecific hybridization among trematodes within the Schistosoma haematobium species complex in Nigeria
Authors: Ajakaye Oluwaremilekun G. , Enabulele Elisha E. , Balogun Joshua B. , Oyeyemi Oyetunde T. , Grigg Michael E.
Published: April 2024

Background

Natural interspecific hybridization between the human parasite (Schistosoma haematobium [Sh]) and bovine parasites (Schistosoma bovis [Sb], Schistosoma curassoni [Sc]) is increasingly reported in Africa. We developed a multi-locus PCR DNA-Seq strategy that amplifies two unlinked nuclear (transITS, BF) and two linked organellar genome markers (CO1, ND5) to genotype S. haematobium eggs collected from infected people in Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo, Ondo State (an agrarian community) and Kachi, Jigawa State (a pastoral community) in Southwestern and Northern Nigeria, respectively.

Principal findings

Out of a total of 219 urine samples collected, 57 were positive for schistosomes. All patients from Jigawa state possessed an Sh mitochondrial genome and were infected with a genetic profile consistent with an Sh x Sb hybrid based on sequences obtained at CO1, ND5, transITS and BF nuclear markers. Whereas samples collected from Ondo state were more varied. Mitonuclear discordance was observed in all 17 patients, worms possessed an Sb mitochondrial genome but one of four different genetic profiles at the nuclear markers, either admixed (heterozygous between Sh x Sc or Sh x Sb) at both markers (n = 10), Sh at BF and admixed at transITS (Sh x Sc) (n = 5), admixed (Sh x Sc) at BF and homozygous Sc at transITS (n = 1) or homozygous Sh at BF and homozygous Sc at transITS (n = 1).

Significance

Previous work suggested that zoonotic transmission of S. bovis in pastoral communities, where humans and animals share a common water source, is a driving factor facilitating interspecific hybridization. However, our data showed that all samples were hybrids, with greater diversity identified in Southwestern Nigeria, a non-pastoral site. Further, one patient possessed an S. bovis mitochondrial genome but was homozygous for S. haematobium at BF and homozygous for S. curassoni at transITS supporting at least two separate backcrosses in its origin, suggesting that interspecific hybridization may be an ongoing process.
Endemic status of urogenital schistosomiasis and the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel treatment in unmapped rural farming communities in Oyo East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Odaibo Alexander B. , Komolafe Adenike K. , Olajumoke Taiwo O. , Diyan Kanyinsola D. , Aluko Damilare A. , Alagbe Oluwatunmininu A. , Ajagbe Oluwafemi A. , Olarinloye David B.
Published: April 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria, and the treatment is largely concentrated on children enrolled in schools. Consequently, the coverage of non-enrolled school-aged children is often neglected. Ajagba and Awosan are two communities in Nigeria that have never had any control intervention. Hence, this survey was designed to determine the endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis and to evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel in the communities.

Methods

Urine sample (10 mL) of each participant from Ajagba and Awosan communities was filtered through 12μm polycarbonate filter. The filter was placed on a microscope slide, and stained with a drop of 1% Lugol iodine solution. The stained slides were examined under the microscope and the numbers of S. haematobium eggs were counted. Water contact sites were searched for snail hosts and the snails collected were shed for Schistosoma cercariae. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and the significance level was set at 95%.

Results

The overall prevalence of infection in the Ajagba community was 45.6% with a mean intensity of 61.1 ± 144.5 eggs/10 mL of urine, while the prevalence of infection in the Awosan community was 5.7% with a mean intensity of 1.4 ± 6.8 eggs/10 mL of urine. The school-aged children had a prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 73.1% and 111.6 ± 177.9 eggs/10 mL of urine, respectively. Following treatment, women had a higher egg reduction rate than men (p = 0.0283). Bulinus globosus were found in Ajagba but not in Awosan, with 5.7% shedding Schistosoma spp, cercariae.

Conclusion

Urogenital schistosomiasis was hyperendemic in the Ajagba community, and hypoendemic in the Awosan community. The presence of Bulinus globosus supported the transmission of the schistosomiasis in the Ajagba community. Communities where schistosomiasis is still actively transmitted in Nigeria should be identified for effective intervention through the MDA programs.
Ginkgo biloba attenuated detrimental inflammatory and oxidative events due to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in mice treated with melarsoprol
Authors: Wendo Janet Khatenje , Mbaria James Mucunu , Nyariki James Nyabuga , Isaac Alfred Orina
Published: April 2024

Background

The severe late stage Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T.b.r) is characterized by damage to the blood brain barrier, severe brain inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage. Melarsoprol (MelB) is currently the only treatment available for this disease. MelB use is limited by its lethal neurotoxicity due to post-treatment reactive encephalopathy. This study sought to assess the potential of Ginkgo biloba (GB), a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, to protect the integrity of the blood brain barrier and ameliorate detrimental inflammatory and oxidative events due to T.b.r in mice treated with MelB.

Methodology

Group one constituted the control; group two was infected with T.b.r; group three was infected with T.b.r and treated with 2.2 mg/kg melarsoprol for 10 days; group four was infected with T.b.r and administered with GB 80 mg/kg for 30 days; group five was given GB 80mg/kg for two weeks before infection with T.b.r, and continued thereafter and group six was infected with T.b.r, administered with GB and treated with MelB.

Results

Co-administration of MelB and GB improved the survival rate of infected mice. When administered separately, MelB and GB protected the integrity of the blood brain barrier and improved neurological function in infected mice. Furthermore, the administration of MelB and GB prevented T.b.r-induced microcytic hypochromic anaemia and thrombocytopenia, as well as T.b.r-driven downregulation of total WBCs. Glutathione analysis showed that co-administration of MelB and GB prevented T.b.r-induced oxidative stress in the brain, spleen, heart and lungs. Notably, GB averted peroxidation and oxidant damage by ameliorating T.b.r and MelB-driven elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, kidney and liver. In fact, the co-administered group for the liver, registered the lowest MDA levels for infected mice. T.b.r-driven elevation of serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, uric acid and urea was abrogated by MelB and GB. Co-administration of MelB and GB was most effective in stabilizing TNFα levels. GB attenuated T.b.r and MelB-driven up-regulation of nitrite.

Conclusion

Utilization of GB as an adjuvant therapy may ameliorate detrimental effects caused by T.b.r infection and MelB toxicity during late stage HAT.
Food safety and personal hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Jordanian mothers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Al-Maseimi Ola D. , Abbas Muna , Elsahoryi Nour A. , Qutob Maysoun S.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: Foodborne illnesses have shaken mothers' defense worldwide because poor knowledge and unsafe food handling practices can jeopardize their children. In Jordan, there are no reliable data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of mothers regarding food safety when the COVID-19 pandemic occurs. Therefore, this study evaluated Jordanian mothers' understanding, beliefs, and behaviors by examining their KAPs during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on food safety KAPs of mothers living in Jordan following the COVID-19 pandemic. A reliable and accurate survey with 55 questions was distributed among mothers through social media. A total of 376 mothers completed the questionnaire.

Results: The results showed a remarkable awareness among the participants of how to keep food safe. However, there is still a significant gap in the implementation of this information in everyday life. This research emphasizes the need for focused interventions in the context of COVID-19 to bridge the gap between Jordanian mothers' KAPs on food safety and personal cleanliness.

Conclusion: Efforts should be made, such as public health campaigns and educational programs, to empower mothers, guaranteeing a consistent and comprehensive approach to food safety and personal hygiene in families. These results provide important insights for policymakers and health professionals who want to improve public health initiatives and community resilience during public health crises.

Keywords: food safety, foodborne illness, Jordan, knowledge, attitudes and practices, personal hygiene.
Simulation of single-effect and triple-effect evaporator for fruit juice concentration using Aspen HYSYS
Authors: Hameed Khalid W. , Khadom Anees A. , Mahood Hameed B.
Published: April 2024

One of the most popular methods of fruit juice preservation is concentration since it offers a variety of advantages, like decreased volume, weight, packing, simpler transportation and handling, and a longer shelf life. The present paper studied the evaporation of fruit juice in single- and triple-effect evaporators using Aspen HYSYS software. The amount of juice was 3000 kg/h, and its concentration was raised from 10 to 50 °Brix. Four evaporator layouts were estimated and optimized: single-effect, modified single-effect, forward triple-effect, and triple-effect in parallel. It is a study of the effect of the temperature of saturated steam (120–300 °C) used to concentrate the juice and the pressure of the product (15–50 kPa) on the mass flow rate of steam required, economy, and overall heat transfer coefficient times area (UA) of the evaporator. The best operating conditions for each type of evaporation system were 15 kPa of the product’s pressure for all types of evaporators, 192, 240, 182, and 210 °C of the single-effect, modified single-effect, forward triple-effect, and parallel triple-effect, respectively. These operating conditions are equivalent to the steam required, economy, UA, and steam cost as follows: for each type, they were (3075, 338.4, 1224, and 1100 kg/h), (0.78, 7.1, 1.96, and 2.15), (40,182, 74,505, 539,987, 152,173 kJ/°C h), and (12.68 × 103, 12.76 × 103, 12.65 × 103, and 12.73 × 103 $/h), respectively.
An experimental approach to the study of amber processing in the Neolithic: technical analysis of the Siliņupe amber assemblage, 4
th
mill. BC, Latvia
Authors: Čakare Agnese
Published: April 2024

Amber appears in the archaeological material of the Eastern Baltic region in the Middle Neolithic and continues in intensive use until the end of the Neolithic. Four major amber-working centres are known in the Eastern Baltic, the least studied of which is the settlement of Siliņupe (4th mill. BC). Not yet widely applied in research on Stone Age amber technologies, but very promising, is an analytical approach combining experimental archaeology and traceology to study processing choices made in specific production stages (i. e., individual technological elements), revealing that fine-grained sandstone was favoured for surface grinding, while flint tools were most widely used for shaping and surface treatment, distinguishing three techniques, namely shaving, scraping and pressure flaking, each identifiable by characteristic features. The study suggests that amber and flint processing were largely intertwined, as pressure flaking along with indirect percussion (used for splitting amber) derive from flint processing, and in the case of pressure flaking, required specific know-how.
Advanced synthetic routes of metal organic frameworks and their diverse applications
Authors: Iram Ghazala , Ateeq-Ur-Rehman  , Iqbal Muhammad Adan , Zafar Ayesha , Majeed Adnan , Hayat Sofia , Nawaz Maubashera
Published: April 2024

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials characterized by their porous structures, formed through coordination bonding between metal ions/clusters and multidentate organic linkers. MOFs have emerged as a significant class of materials with applications in energy storage, CO2 adsorption, and catalysis. This study serves as a brief introduction to the currently available synthesis methods of MOFs, aimed at acquainting beginners in the field of chemical engineering with the ongoing developments in MOF research. The discussed synthesis methods encompass traditional solvothermal/hydrothermal approaches, microwave synthesis of MOFs, one-pot synthesis, MOF nanocomposites, isothermal synthesis, and fluid-fluid synthesis. Notably, the MOF/NH2/Fe3O4 combination exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity of 618 mg/g and retained an efficiency of over 90 %. This study displays a valuable technique for designing functional MOF hybrid composites. By combining MOFs with specific materials, numerous advantages can be achieved in the newly created compounds (MOF composites), including synergistic effects beneficial in catalytic applications, and overcoming the challenges associated with using bare MOFs.
Reliability and measurement error of exercise-induced hypoalgesia in pain-free adults and adults with musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review
Authors: Aron Vladimir , Strul David , Vaegter Henrik Bjarke , Pitance Laurent , Armijo-Olivo Susan
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We systematically reviewed the reliability and measurement error of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in pain-free adults and in adults with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PSYCINFO from inception to November 2021 (updated in February 2024). In addition, manual searches of the grey literature were conducted in March 2022, September 2023, and February 2024. The inclusion criteria were as follows: adults – pain-free and with MSK pain – a single bout of exercise (any type) combined with experimental pre-post pain tests, and assessment of the reliability and/or measurement error of EIH. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, assessed their Risk of Bias (RoB) with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) RoB tool, and graded the individual results (COSMIN modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Results

We included five studies involving pain-free individuals (n = 168), which were deemed to have an overall “doubtful” RoB. No study including adults with MSK pain was found. The following ranges of parameters of reliability and measurement error of EIH were reported: intraclass correlation coefficients: 0–0.61; kappa: 0.01–0.46; standard error of measurement: 30.1–105 kPa and 10.4–21%; smallest detectable changes: 83.54–291.1 kPa and 28.83–58.21%.

Conclusions

We concluded, with a very low level of certainty, that the reliability and measurement error of EIH is, in pain-free adults, respectively, “insufficient” and “indeterminate.” Future studies should focus on people with MSK pain and could consider using tailored exercises, other test modalities than pressure pain threshold, rater/assessor blinding, and strict control of the sources of variations (e.g., participants’ expectations).
Effects of bleed pressure on shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions in a transonic compressor stator with suction holes
Authors: Li Bai , Zhou Xun , Luo Lei , Du Wei
Published: April 2024

This paper numerically investigated the influence of bleed pressure on the shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction in a transonic compressor stator with a row of suction holes. These suction holes are arranged on the suction surface in the spanwise direction. Six different bleed pressure ratios are studied at an inlet Mach number of 1.0. Results show that the reduction in the pressure loss increases as the bleed pressure decreases, and the maximum relative decline is 36.4 % when the flow loss caused by the suction flow path is taken into account. The bleeding of suction holes changes the shock wave structure, and the modified shock wave structure is three-dimensional. As the bleed pressure decreases, the tangential momentum of boundary layer increases. A strong spanwise variation in the boundary layer is observed downstream of the suction hole. Turning the flow direction and creating a favorable pressure gradient are key reasons for controlling boundary layer separation.
TAZE DİLİMLENMİŞ MEYVELERDE SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM’UN FAJLARLA BİYOKONTROLÜ
Authors: Encu Şeyma Betül , Yıldırım Aslı , Akbaş Selin , Çakır İbrahim , Acar Soykut Esra
Published: April 2024

Gıda kaynaklı hastalıklar dünya çapında halk sağlığı açısından büyük bir sorun olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir. Mikrobiyel kaynaklı gıda zehirlenmelerinin başında ise patojenik Salmonella serotipleri gelmektedir. Bu çalışmada dilimlenmiş meyvelerde de rastlanan Salmonella Typhimurium’un fajlar ile inhibisyonu hedeflenmiştir. Bunun için atık su, çiğ süt ve tavuk eti örneklerinden izole edilen Salmonella Typhimurium fajlarının EcoRV ve XbaI enzimleri ile RFLP analizi yapılmış 9 fajdan 4’ünün genomik olarak birbirinden farklı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Tek aşamalı gelişme eğrileri çıkarılan bu fajların latent dönemleri kısa (5-15 dk), patlama büyüklükleri ise 25-111 PFU/hücre aralığında bulunmuştur. Fajların farklı cins bakterilere karşı litik etkisi incelenmiş fakat Salmonella dışındaki Gram pozitif ve Gram negatif bakterilere karşı litik etkisi saptanmamıştır. Fajlardan hazırlanan kokteyl ile kavunda S. Typhimurium sayısında MOI 1000 ve 10000 değerlerinde 2 log KOB/g azalış; ananas örneklerinde ise MOI 10 ve 100 değerlerinde 1 log KOB/g azalış tespit edilmiştir. Hazırlanan faj kokteylinin gıda endüstrisinde Salmonella kontrolü için kullanılabilecek stratejiler arasında olabileceği ortaya konmuştur.
AYÇİÇEĞİ PROTEİNİ-ARABİK GAM KONJUGATLARININ BAZI TEKNO-FONKSİYONEL ÖZELLİKLERİ
Authors: Korkmaz Fatma
Published: April 2024

Bu araştırmada, arabik gam ile farklı sürelerdeki konjugasyon işleminin ayçiçek proteininin tekno-fonksiyonel özelliklerine etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Ayçiçek proteinine arabik gam ile 90 °C’de 4 farklı sürede (0, 30, 60, 120 dakika) konjugasyon işlemi uygulanmış ve örneklerin yüzey hidrofobikliği, çözünürlük, su tutma ve yağ bağlama kapasitesi, köpürme ve emülsiyon özelliklerindeki ve en düşük jelleşme konsantrasyonundaki değişimler incelenmiştir. Uygulanan konjugasyon işlemleri ayçiçek proteininin yüzey hidrofobikliğinin ve pH 2-7 aralığındaki çözünürlüğünün artmasını sağlamıştır. Arabik gam ile konjugasyonu sonucu ayçiçek proteininin su tutma kapasitesinin azaldığı, yağ bağlama kapasitesinin ise arttığı görülmüştür. Konjugasyon işlemi süresinin artmasıyla birlikte ayçiçek proteininin köpürme kapasitesinde %1.73-6.73, emülsiyon kapasitesinde %17.11-31.00 aralığında artış olmuştur. Ayçiçek proteininin en düşük jelleşme konsantrasyonu konjugasyon işlemiyle %6 düzeyinde artmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre arabik gam ile konjugasyon işleminin ayçiçek proteininin belirli tekno-fonksiyonel özelliklerinin geliştirilmesinde kullanılabileceği değerlendirilmiştir.