bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective cohort study on the association between waterpipe tobacco smoking and gastric cancer mortality in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Le Hung Xuan , Truong Dung Thi Thuy , Tran Long Bao , Le Phuoc Hong , Pham Binh Uyen Duong , Wada Koji , Ikeda Shunya , Garidkhuu Ariuntuul , Van Phan Can , Le Ngoan Tran
Published: July 2022

Tobacco consumption, as a worldwide problem, is a risk factor for several types of cancer. In Vietnam, tobacco consumption in the form of waterpipe tobacco smoking is common. This prospective cohort study aimed to study the association between waterpipe tobacco smoking and gastric cancer mortality in Northern Vietnam. A total of 25,619 eligible participants were followed up between 2008 and 2019. Waterpipe tobacco and cigarette smoking data were collected; semi-quantitative food frequency and lifestyle questionnaires were also utilized. Gastric cancer mortality was determined via medical records available at the state health facilities. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). During 314,992.8 person-years of follow-up, 55 men and 25 women deaths due to gastric cancer were identified. With never-smokers as the reference, the risk of gastric cancer mortality was significantly increased in participants who were ever-smoking (HR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.35–4.36). The positive risk was also observed in men but was not significantly increased in women. By types of tobacco use, exclusive waterpipe smokers showed a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer mortality (HR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.67–6.21) but that was not significantly increased in exclusive cigarette smokers (HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 0.88–4.07). There was a significant positive association between tobacco smoking and gastric cancer death for indicators of longer smoking duration, higher frequency per day, and cumulative frequency of both waterpipe and cigarette smoking. Waterpipe tobacco smoking would significantly increase the risk of gastric cancer mortality in the Vietnamese population. Further studies are required to understand the waterpipe tobacco smoking-driven gastric cancer burden and promote necessary interventions.
A Southeast Asian expert consensus on the management of major depressive disorder with suicidal behavior in adults under 65 years of age
Authors: Chee Kok Yoon , Muhdi Nalini , Ali Nor Hayati , Amir Nurmiati , Bernardo Carmina , Chan Lai Fong , Ho Roger , Ittasakul Pichai , Kwansanit Patanon , Mariano Melissa Paulita , Mok Yee Ming , Tran Duy Tam , Trinh Thi Bich Huyen
Published: July 2022

Background

The high prevalence of suicidal behavior among individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Southeast Asia (SEA) underscores the need for optimized management to address depressive symptoms, reduce suicide risk and prevent suicide in these individuals. Given the lack of clear guideline recommendations for assessing and managing these patients, regional consensus-based recommendations which take into account diverse local contexts across SEA may provide useful guidance for clinical practice.

Methods

A narrative literature review and pre-meeting survey were conducted prior to the consensus meeting of an SEA expert panel comprising 13 psychiatrists with clinical experience in managing patients with MDD with suicidal behavior. Utilizing the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, the expert panel developed consensus-based recommendations on the assessment and treatment of adult patients with MDD with suicidal behavior under 65 years.

Results

Screening of adult patients under 65 years with MDD for suicide risk using both a validated assessment tool and clinical interview is recommended. An improved suicide risk stratification – incorporating both severity and temporality, or using a prevention-focused risk formulation – should be considered. For a patient with an MDD episode with low risk of suicide, use of antidepressant monotherapy, and psychotherapy in combination with pharmacological treatment are both recommended approaches. For a patient with an MDD episode with high risk of suicide, or imminent risk of suicide requiring rapid clinical response, or for a patient who had received adequate AD but still reported suicidal behavior, recommended treatment strategies include antidepressant augmentation, combination use of psychotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy with pharmacological treatment, and inpatient care. Suicide-specific psychosocial interventions are important for suicide prevention and should also be part of the management of patients with MDD with suicidal behavior.

Conclusions

There are still unmet needs in the assessment of suicide risk and availability of treatment options that can deliver rapid response in patients with MDD with suicidal behavior. These consensus recommendations on the management of adult patients with MDD with suicidal behavior under 65 years may serve as a useful guidance in diverse clinical practices across the SEA region. Clinical judgment based on careful consideration of individual circumstances of each patient remains key to determining the most appropriate treatment option.
Barriers and facilitators to utilisation of public sexual healthcare services for male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW-MSM) in The Netherlands: a qualitative study
Authors: Peters Charlotte Merel Marije , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole Helena Theodora Maria , Evers Ymke Joline , Hoebe Christian Jean Pierre Antoine
Published: July 2022

Background

Male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW-MSM) are a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STI) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Provision of sexual services by MSW-MSM has shifted to the internet. Consequently, MSW-MSM have become hidden to care for providers of sexual healthcare services (SHS). The aim of this study was to 1) assess characteristics of the MSW-MSM population and 2) assess MSW-MSM’s perceived barriers and facilitators to utilise SHS provided free and anonymously by the public health STI clinic in The Netherlands.

Methods

For this qualitative study, semi-structured individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 MSW-MSM who worked home-based in the Dutch province of Limburg. Participants were recruited from November 2018 to June 2019 by purposive sampling until saturation was reached via 1) five websites and smartphone applications commonly used by MSW-MSM, 2) STI clinic, 3) two gay saunas. A theory-informed interview guide was developed including themes such as sexuality, sex work, SHS and barriers and facilitators to SHS utilisation. The interviews’ recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed by inductive and deductive coding with Atlas.ti 8.

Results

The interviewed MSW-MSM were diverse in age (range: 18 – 66; median: 39.5) and mostly western European (85%). Identified barriers to SHS utilisation were lack of self-identification as homosexual and sex worker, perceived stigma on sex work and MSM, the lack of awareness of SHS and a low STI risk perception. Identified facilitators were trust in and positive attitude towards SHS, awareness of SHS’s anonymous, confidential and free-of-charge nature, high STI risk perception and knowledgeable about STI/HIV. MSW-MSM-identified implications for SHS-providers were promotion of SHS on online MSW-MSM and general platforms (e.g. Facebook), offering one-on-one online and informal communication with an SHS-provider (e.g. STI clinic nurse) and providing STI (testing) information.

Conclusion

The MSW-MSM population’s diversity and identified barriers, facilitators and implications should be taken into account to optimize accessibility and utilisation of SHS for MSW-MSM in Western Europe. SHS-providers could facilitate sex work disclosure by personally asking patients about sex in exchange for money or goods in a non-judgmental manner and explaining the medical relevance of disclosure.
Reducing the number of EMG electrodes during online hand gesture classification with changing wrist positions
Authors: Pelaez Murciego Luis , Henrich Mauricio C. , Spaich Erika G. , Dosen Strahinja
Published: July 2022

Background

Myoelectric control based on hand gesture classification can be used for effective, contactless human–machine interfacing in general applications (e.g., consumer market) as well as in the clinical context. However, the accuracy of hand gesture classification can be impacted by several factors including changing wrist position. The present study aimed at investigating how channel configuration (number and placement of electrode pads) affects performance in hand gesture recognition across wrist positions, with the overall goal of reducing the number of channels without the loss of performance with respect to the benchmark (all channels).

Methods

Matrix electrodes (256 channels) were used to record high-density EMG from the forearm of 13 healthy subjects performing a set of 8 gestures in 3 wrist positions and 2 force levels (low and moderate). A reduced set of channels was chosen by applying sequential forward selection (SFS) and simple circumferential placement (CIRC) and used for gesture classification with linear discriminant analysis. The classification success rate and task completion rate were the main outcome measures for offline analysis across the different number of channels and online control using 8 selected channels, respectively.

Results

The offline analysis demonstrated that good accuracy (> 90%) can be achieved with only a few channels. However, using data from all wrist positions required more channels to reach the same performance. Despite the targeted placement (SFS) performing similarly to CIRC in the offline analysis, the task completion rate [median (lower–upper quartile)] in the online control was significantly higher for SFS [71.4% (64.8–76.2%)] compared to CIRC [57.1% (51.8–64.8%), p < 0.01], especially for low contraction levels [76.2% (66.7–84.5%) for SFS vs. 57.1% (47.6–60.7%) for CIRC, p < 0.01]. For the reduced number of electrodes, the performance with SFS was comparable to that obtained when using the full matrix, while the selected electrodes were highly subject-specific.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the number of channels required for gesture classification with changing wrist positions could be decreased substantially without loss of performance, if those channels are placed strategically along the forearm and individually for each subject. The results also emphasize the importance of online assessment and motivate the development of configurable matrix electrodes with integrated channel selection.
Depth-based geolocation processing of multi-year striped marlin archival tag data reveals residency in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Lam Chi Hin , Nasby-Lucas Nicole , Ortega-Garcia Sofia , Offield Paxson , Domeier Michael L.
Published: July 2022

Background

The first successful application of implanted archival tags on striped marlin showed great potential in obtaining long-term tracks for an improved understanding of movement ecology, which is important for informing fisheries management decisions. Ten tags were physically recovered from fish tagged in the Eastern Pacific between 2008 and 2016, but unfortunately due to the failure of the external sensor stalk which houses the light sensor, full records of daily fish position could not be attained.

Results

Depth-based geolocation, which exploits the diel swimming patterns of striped marlin, was applied to derive position estimates for archival tagged fish up to 7.7 years. Reconstructed tracks revealed tagged striped marlin remained in the Eastern Pacific throughout the tracked duration. Trans-equatorial movements were also documented for the first time for striped marlin in this region, as were extended occupancy of  > 1 year in pelagic waters.

Conclusions

Striped marlin connected both coastal and offshore habitats with seasonal runs, likely in fulfillment of their life history requirements from foraging to reproduction. Circadian rhythms in billfish and other pelagic fishes are well-established, and could provide a viable, alternative means to position an individual in a low or no light environment, and situations with sub-optimal or limited bio-logging capabilities. Depth-based geolocation, however rudimentary, has revealed variability in striped marlin horizontal movements over the multi-year observation period, and offered a unique spatiotemporal perspective that was unavailable to scientists and fisheries managers until now.
Microplastics in food: scoping review on health effects, occurrence, and human exposure
Authors: Udovicki Bozidar , Andjelkovic Mirjana , Cirkovic-Velickovic Tanja , Rajkovic Andreja
Published: July 2022

With most of the plastics ever produced now being waste, slowly degrading and fragmenting in the environment, microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging concern regarding their presence in food and influence on human health. While many studies on marine ecotoxicology and the occurrence of MPs in fish and shellfish exist, research on the occurrence of MPs in other foods and their effect on human health is still in early-stage, but the attention is increasing. This review aimed to provide relevant information on the possible health effect of ingested MPs, the occurrence, and levels of MPs contamination in various foods and estimated exposure to MPs through food. Potential toxic consequences from exposure to MPs through food can arise from MPs themselves, diffused monomers and additives but also from sorbed contaminants or microorganisms that colonise MPs. Recent publications have confirmed widespread contamination of our food with MPs including basic and life-essential constituents such as water and salt providing the basis for chronic exposure. Available exposure assessments indicate that we ingest up to several hundred thousand MPs particles yearly.
Effectiveness of distance-based suicide interventions: multi-level meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Schmeckenbecher Jim , Rattner Katrin , Cramer Robert J. , Plener Paul L. , Baran Anna , Kapusta Nestor D.
Published: July 2022

Background

The use of distance-based interventions (DBIs) to reduce suicidal ideation and behaviours are an increasingly relevant form of intervention. DBIs are more affordable, scalable and available than traditional face-to-face interventions, helping to narrow the gap between needed and provided care.

Aims

To evaluate the overall effectiveness of DBIs against suicidal ideation and behaviours.

Method

We systematically searched Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed for all DBIs primarily aimed at reducing suicidal ideation and behaviours. Data were analysed with a robust variance estimation corrected, multi-level meta-analysis.

Results

We found 38 studies, reporting 110 outcomes. Effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation was low (standardised mean difference −0.174, 95% CI −0.238 to −0.110). DBIs were significantly less effective against suicidal behaviours than against suicidal ideation, although still effective (standardised mean difference −0.059, 95% CI −0.087 to −0.032). Human involvement had no significant effect on effectiveness.

Conclusions

Despite low effectiveness, DBIs might play a role in large-scale prevention efforts against suicidal ideation within a stepped care approach. Further, DBIs may be helpful in expanding mental health services in low- and middle-income countries with otherwise limited access to mental healthcare. Although the evidence for DBIs efficacy is well grounded, the technical and scientific evaluation of DBIs regarding their set up, functionality and components needs to be addressed in future studies.
COLUMBUS 5-Year Update: A Randomized, Open-Label, Phase III Trial of Encorafenib Plus Binimetinib Versus Vemurafenib or Encorafenib in Patients WithBRAFV600–Mutant Melanoma
Authors: Dummer Reinhard , Flaherty Keith T. , Robert Caroline , Arance Ana , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Garbe Claus , Gogas Helen J. , Gutzmer Ralf , Krajsová Ivana , Liszkay Gabriella , Loquai Carmen , Mandalà Mario , Schadendorf Dirk , Yamazaki Naoya , di Pietro Alessandra , Cantey-Kiser Jean , Edwards Michelle , Ascierto Paolo A.
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

Combination treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has demonstrated benefits on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and is a standard of care for the treatment of advanced BRAF V600–mutant melanoma. Here, we report the 5-year update from the COLUMBUS trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01909453 ).

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic BRAF V600–mutant melanoma, untreated or progressed after first-line immunotherapy, were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to encorafenib 450 mg once daily plus binimetinib 45 mg twice daily, vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily, or encorafenib 300 mg once daily. An updated analysis was conducted 65 months after the last patient was randomly assigned.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy-seven patients were randomly assigned: 192 to encorafenib plus binimetinib, 191 to vemurafenib, and 194 to encorafenib. The 5-year PFS and OS rates with encorafenib plus binimetinib were 23% and 35% overall and 31% and 45% in those with normal lactate dehydrogenase levels, respectively. In comparison, the 5-year PFS and OS rates with vemurafenib were 10% and 21% overall and 12% and 28% in those with normal lactate dehydrogenase levels, respectively. The median duration of response with encorafenib plus binimetinib was 18.6 months, with disease control achieved in 92.2% of patients. In comparison, the median duration of response with vemurafenib was 12.3 months, with disease control achieved in 81.2% of patients. Long-term follow-up showed no new safety concerns, and results were consistent with the known tolerability profile of encorafenib plus binimetinib. Interactive visualization of the data presented in this article is available at COLUMBUS dashboard.

CONCLUSION

In this 5-year update of part 1 of the COLUMBUS trial, encorafenib plus binimetinib treatment demonstrated continued long-term benefits and a consistent safety profile in patients with BRAF V600–mutant melanoma.
Modern University Management
Authors:   Moscow City Teachers' Training University, Dikikh Vadim
Published: July 2022

This textbook summarizes the historical, theoretical and practical information that is necessary to obtain the necessary knowledge about the mechanisms of management of a modern university. The course examines the concepts, key prerequisites for the formation and development of a modern university management system, its structure; management models, administrative structure and decision-making conditions in modern universities are studied; analyzes trends and prospects for digitalization of management systems of modern universities; the conditions for ensuring effective internal and external communication of a modern university are specified. At the end of each section there are questions and practical tasks for self-control. The manual complies with the requirements of the federal state educational standard of higher professional education. Designed for students studying in the areas of study "Economics" (38.04.01) and "Management" (38.04.02), aimed at a managerial career and (or) development of their own projects in the field of higher education.
The effect of COVID-19 on international trade: the case of Spain
Authors: González-Ferriz Fernando
Published: July 2022

International Trade, as part of the global economy, has suffered the consequences of the crisis originated by the pandemic. This paper pretends to analyze the effects on the exports and imports of products and services in Spain. The conclusions show that, the drastic falls in some sectors had a temporary component in most cases (especially sanitary and esential goods), but other industries (like tourism, hospitality and leisure) are still suffering the consequences. Although the trade of goods are going back to normal, touristic services still remain behind. The lack of visitors from other countries has also had an impact on the reduction of foreign capital inflows, which are registered in the Balance of Payments. However, perspectives for the coming months are positive, as most of the restrictions associated to COVID are gradually disappearing and international air traffic is increasing, bringing foreign tourists back to Spain
Las medidas de reducción del contagio por Covid-19 como certificación de seguridad en el sector turístico español
Authors: Sánchez-Arcediano Sandra , Babinger Frank
Published: July 2022

La pandemia del Covid-19 ha transformado el mundo en general, y la actividad turística en particular, por lo que los destinos turísticos han hecho grandes esfuerzos para integrar la gestión del riesgo. En este nuevo marco, la cooperación se ha mostrado esencial para afrontar el virus. Por tanto, el objetivo principal de la investigación consiste en identificar las principales medidas llevadas a cabo por y para el sector turístico con el fin de hacer frente al Covid-19 y comprobar si han sido elaboradas como posible certificación. La metodología de la investigación se ha basado, en primer lugar, en la revisión de la literatura existente en torno a los conceptos de gobernanza turística, cooperación y colaboración, política turística y normalización. Por otra parte, se han seleccionado y analizado las medidas llevadas a cabo a nivel nacional para el sector turístico; asimismo, se han analizado los organismos que han participado en la elaboración de dichas medidas. El resultado alcanzado es que las medidas llevadas a cabo a nivel nacional para el sector turístico han demostrado ser eficaces, pues han derivado en un estándar para los destinos turísticos españoles, y cuya implantación se está promoviendo a nivel internacional.
Model Complexity and Accuracy: A COVID-19 Case Study
Authors: Small Colin , Bickel J. Eric
Published: July 2022

When creating mathematical models for forecasting and decision making, there is a tendency to include more complexity than necessary, in the belief that higher-fidelity models are more accurate than simpler ones. In this paper, we analyze the performance of models that submitted COVID-19 forecasts to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and evaluate them against a simple two-equation model that is specified using simple linear regression. We find that our simple model was comparable in accuracy to highly publicized models and had among the best-calibrated forecasts. This result may be surprising given the complexity of many COVID-19 models and their support by large forecasting teams. However, our result is consistent with the body of research that suggests that simple models perform very well in a variety of settings.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Decision Analysis Special Issue on Emerging Topics in Health Decision Analysis.

Funding: This work was supported by Sandia National Laboratories [Cockrell School of Engineering’s Engineering Foundation Endowed Professorship No. 1].
Adaptive Design of Personalized Dose-Finding Clinical Trials
Authors: Delshad Saeid , Khademi Amin
Published: July 2022

A key and challenging step toward personalized/precision medicine is the ability to redesign dose-finding clinical trials. This work studies a problem of fully response-adaptive Bayesian design of phase II dose-finding clinical trials with patient information, where the decision maker seeks to identify the right dose for each patient type (often defined as an effective target dose for each group of patients) by minimizing the expected (over patient types) variance of the right dose. We formulate this problem by a stochastic dynamic program and exploit a few properties of this class of learning problems. Because the optimal solution is intractable, we propose an approximate policy by an adaptation of a one-step look-ahead framework. We show the optimality of the proposed policy for a setting with homogeneous patients and two doses and find its asymptotic rate of sampling. We adapt a number of commonly applied allocation policies in dose-finding clinical trials, such as posterior adaptive sampling, and test their performance against our proposed policy via extensive simulations with synthetic and real data. Our numerical analyses provide insights regarding the connection between the structure of the dose-response curve for each patient type and the performance of allocation policies. This paper provides a practical framework for the Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical companies to transition from the current phase II procedures to the era of personalized dose-finding clinical trials.

Funding: This research is supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant 1651912].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2022.0306 .
Econometric Assessment of Azerbaijan's Logistics Capabilities in Terms of Relations with Turkic-Speaking States
Authors:   Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University, Maharramov S.
Published: July 2022

Modern world grows very fast every day. The main arrow of every state economy is logistics sector, which is increasing very dynamically. The Turkic Speaking States are locating on the Historical Great Silk Road. The total of territory and population of those countries are 4 732 082 km2 and 157 949 505 people. After collapsing the USSR, the five Turkic Speaking States get independence (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan), economy and political policy of those states have been changed to the modern market rules. The most of those countries economy base on the raw materials, gas and petroleum. For exporting of all those raw materials the States need strong logistics systems. The article illustrates the economic development of logistics sectors and trade over between Turkic Speaking States. This research will help to open the problems and find out the solution, implementation of the logistics policy for all of them. Using strong and different fundamental databases, such as statistic of those countries, trade balance, logistics relations, import and export dates, different correlation methods and economic models, the international resource and powerful academic literature help to describe the potential of economy relation and real situations, perspectives, problems and logistics power of the Turkic Speaking States.
Antimonopoly Legislation of Ukraine: Problems and Prospects
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Serdiuk O. , Petrova I. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the state of development of institutions aimed at curbing destructive competition in Ukraine. Quantitative and qualitative indicators characterizing the level of destructive competition in Ukraine are analyzed. It was found that there is a tendency to reduce the total number of violations of legislation on protection of economic competition for 2014-2020. Among the most common violations of destructive competition are abuse of monopoly, anti-competitive actions, anticompetitive concerted actions and unfair competition. The analysis of the regulation of destructive competition shows that Ukraine's antimonopoly law needs further development, despite the positive feedback from leading EU and USA lawyers. It was revealed that the new stage of development of institutional support to overcome destructive competition requires improvement of antitrust legislation and the practice of its law enforcement. The directions of improvement of institutes of restraint of destructive competition in Ukraine according to the best international experience, and also essential increase of efficiency of activity of antimonopoly bodies at the expense of functional and structural delimitation of powers of Antimonopoly committee of Ukraine with use of cross-control are offered.
Lavrivchanin Grigoriy Melnyk (1893–1938 (1939) (?)) – one of the fundators of the Ukrainian Autocephalian Orthodox Church in interwar Czechoslovakia (1918–1939)
Authors:   Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Zubko Olha
Published: July 2022

This article covers the biography of Hryhoriy Melnyk (1893–1938 (1939) (?)) – a native of Lavrivka in Podillya – a military and religious figure, teacher, enlightener, priest, conductor, member of the Ukrainian Military Club named after Hetman Pavlo Polubotko, member of the All-Ukrainian Church Council (Kyiv), Ukrainian Garrison Council in Odessa, All-Ukrainian Church Council, Chaplain (Panotets) 4th Kyiv Cavalry Regiment of the UPR Army, cornet (lieutenant, ensign) of the UPR Army; former ensign of the Russian army. Hryhoriy Melnyk was forced to flee to Poland After the Church Council in 1921. For 9 months the priest served in 9 parishes in Pinsk region and later went to Czechoslovaczczyna through the Kalisz camp. According to some data, he studied at the Ukrainian Higher Pedagogical Institute named after M. Drahomanov in Prague, after others – at the Podebrady Academy of Economics. In Podebrady, Hryhoriy Melnyk was the head of the autocephalous parish named after Saints Cyril and Methodius from 1925 to 1938. The Podebrady parish was autocephalous therefore was subordinated to Archbishop Savatius and the Patriarch of Constantinople. The parish was not built on an empty site. Professor Vasyl Bidnov (1874–1935) established the Church Brotherhood named after Saints Cyril and Methodius as early as the beginning of 1924. Fraternity numbered up to 300 people, 100 of whom were teachers at the Academy of Economics (among them Ivan Shovgeniv, Otton Eichelman, Olexander Lototsky, Borys Martos, Yuri Rusov, Modest Levitsky, Mykhailo Yeremiyiv, Vasily Ivanis, Sergi Borodaevsky, Ivan Omelyanovych-Pavlenko; 182 students). With the beginning of the Second World War, Father Hryhoriy went to Zakarpattia to Korolev over the Tysa (now urban-type settlement in the Berehiv district of the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine). He worked at the Sevlyuska Teachers’ Seminary in Korolevo. According to unconfirmed reports, he died in battle with the Hungarians.
Ukrainian Soviet children and the festive culture of totalitarianism in 1929–1939
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Hohokhiia Nani
Published: July 2022

The influence of the Soviet culture of mass holidays of the totalitarian era on the formation of the Soviet identity of children in Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s is analyzed. The content of the transformation of traditional and creation of new forms of celebration is revealed. The process of involving children in the culture of the new Bolshevik holidays and its connection with the main tasks of the authorities in the field of education of conscious and loyal citizens is demonstrated. Examples of the celebration of May Day, Aviation Day, the anniversary of the October Revolution, and other dates associated with the establishment of Bolshevik government highlighted the basic elements of the celebration rituals, the different planes of the symbolic space of Soviet holidays, and the place of children. The peculiarities of the process of politicization and militarization of children’s holidays and the evolution of the gradual transformation of individual holidays into entertainment events, which were designed to demonstrate the Soviet government’s concern for childhood, are analyzed.
An exploration of setting healthy personal boundaries as a veterinary professional. Part 2: how to set and maintain personal boundaries
Authors: Green Krissy
Published: July 2022

Personal boundaries are the metaphorical behavioural and emotional walls we erect to help us maintain healthy and sustainable relationships. We put boundaries in place to ensure that our needs for maintaining our physical and psychological safety are met. Clearly expressing our boundaries allows us to sustainably behave compassionately, improve our mental health, protect our physical safety and build trust in veterinary teams. Trust and compassion have positive effects on patient outcomes. We can express our boundaries through a four step boundary template. This is the second in a series of two articles discussing how to instigate and maintain healthy boundaries and how having healthy personal boundaries can benefit us in veterinary practice.
Comparison of feasibility between hypodermoclysis and intravenous hydration among palliative care patients in Thailand
Authors: Chanthong Pratamaporn , Siriwattanakul Suphawan , Srion Chawalee
Published: July 2022

Background:

Hypodermoclysis is a method of subcutaneous fluid administration. It has been used to treat palliative patients safely and effectively. However, the use of subcutaneous hydration is often overlooked.

Aim:

This study aimed to compare the feasibility, pain experience and acceptability between subcutaneous and intravenous hydration in a hospital setting.

Methods:

A prospective, randomised clinical trial was conducted. Patients requiring fluid administration were randomly allocated an intravenous or subcutaneous route. Patients’ pain score, satisfaction and acceptance levels were collected. The difficulty score of the needle insertion and acceptance scores from nurses were recorded.

Findings:

A total of 26 patients were enrolled. The difficulty scores and patients’ pain scores were significantly lower in the subcutaneous group. The satisfaction and acceptance levels of the patients and nurses were similar in both groups. No systemic side-effects were found in either group.

Conclusion:

Hypodermoclysis was acceptable and satisfying to patients and nurses. It was less painful than the intravenous route.
‘End of life’: a concept analysis
Authors: Schüttengruber Gerhilde , Halfens Ruud J. , Lohrmann Christa
Published: July 2022

Background:

The concept of end of life (EOL), as in the term end-of-life care, is used synonymously in both palliative and terminal care. Practitioners and researchers both require a clearer specification of the end-of-life concept to be able to provide appropriate care in this phase of life and to conduct robust research on a well-described theoretical basis.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to critically analyse the end-of-life concept and its associated terminology.

Method:

A concept analysis was performed by applying Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method.

Findings:

Time remaining, clinical status/physical symptoms, psychosocial symptoms and dignity were identified as the main attributes of the concept. Transition into the end-of-life phase and its recognition were identified as antecedents. This study demonstrates that end-of-life care emerged following the application of the ‘end-of-life concept’ to clinical practice.

Conclusion:

The early recognition of the end-of-life phase seems to be crucial to ensuring an individual has well-managed symptoms and a dignified death.
Research Roundup
Authors: Green Laura
Published: July 2022

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care
Isotope selective three-step photoionization of 177Lu
Authors: Suryanarayana M. V. , Sankari M.
Published: July 2022

A 540-535-618 three-step photoionization scheme has been theoretically investigated for the laser isotope separation of

177

L
u

through density matrix formalism. Equations of motion for the three-step photoionization of odd isotopes have been derived. The effects of Doppler broadening, bandwidth and peak power density of excitation lasers, number density of atoms on the degree of enrichment of

177

L
u

and production rate have been studied. Optimum conditions for the laser isotope separation of

177

L
u

for the cases of initial abundances corresponding to the irradiation of natural Lu in low, medium, and high flux reactors have been derived. Under optimum conditions, the production rates of

177

L
u

in ranges of 0.87, 14.5, and 92.5 mg/h can be achieved with degrees of enrichment of 66%, 97%, and 100%, respectively, for the cases of initial abundances corresponding to the irradiation of natural Lu in low, medium, and high flux reactors. It has also been shown that the content of

177

m

L
u

in the enriched isotope mixture will be in the range of

10

−
2

%

to

10

−
4

%

. This provides a comprehensive solution to the application of

177

L
u

for cancer therapy.
Ghost imaging via spectral multiplexing in the broadband terahertz range
Authors: Ismagilov Azat , Lappo-Danilevskaya Anastasia , Grachev Yaroslav , Nasedkin Boris , Zalipaev Victor , Petrov Nikolay V. , Tcypkin Anton
Published: July 2022

A method is proposed for accelerating measurements for ghost imaging reconstruction of objects using spectral multiplexing of speckle patterns formed by broadband terahertz (THz) radiation. The presented method aims at the challenge of a sufficiently large number of measurements, and increases the correlation between reference and reconstructed images. It is experimentally shown that unique speckle patterns for individual frequencies can be formed by broadband THz radiation while propagating through a random phase plate. It is shown by numerical simulation that these speckle patterns can be used to decrease the number of diffusers required by more than one order compared to the integrated method. The possibility of using electro-optical detection in the proposed technique reduces the number of measurements. For example, for the spectral range from 0.2 to 1.2 THz, there is a more than 20-fold decrease in the number of diffusers used.
Spatio-temporal joint oversampling-downsampling technique for ultra-high resolution fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing
Authors: Li Hao , Fan Cunzheng , Shi Zhengxuan , Yan Baoqiang , Chen Junfeng , Yan Zhijun , Liu Deming , Shum Perry , Sun Qizhen
Published: July 2022

In order to suppress the noise of the coherent fiber distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system, the spatio-temporal joint oversampling-downsampling technique is proposed. The spatial oversampling is used for artificially dense sampling, whose spacing is far less than the target spatial resolution. Then the spatial downsampling performed by the average of multiple differential sub-vectors is utilized to reduce the influence of noise vectors, which could completely eliminate the interfere fading without increasing any system complexity and introducing any crosstalk. Meanwhile, the temporal oversampling-downsampling is analyzed from the perspective of theory and simulation, demonstrating that the noise floor will decrease with the increase of downsampling coefficient. The temporal oversampling is carried out to expand the noise distribution bandwidth and ensure the correct quantization of the noise frequency. Then the temporal downsampling of differential phase reconstruction is utilized to recover the target bandwidth and reduce the out-of-band noise. The experimental results prove that the noise floor is inversely correlated with the spatiotemporal downsampling factors. The strain resolution of the DAS system with the proposed scheme can reach 2.58pε/√Hz@100Hz-500Hz and 9.47pε/√Hz@10Hz under the condition of DC-500Hz target bandwidth, as well as the probability of the large-noise sensing channels is greatly reduced from 44.32% to 0%. Moreover, the demodulated SNR of dynamic signal is improved by 20.8dB compared with the traditional method. Without any crosstalk, the noise floor is optimized 8dB lower than the averaging technique. Based on the proposed method, the high-performance DAS system has significant competitiveness in the applications with the demand of high-precision and high-sensitivity, such as passive-source seismic imaging and VSP exploration.
OptiDistillNet: Learning nonlinear pulse propagation using the student-teacher model
Authors: Gautam Naveenta , Kaushik Vinay , Choudhary Amol , Lall Brejesh
Published: July 2022

We present a unique approach for learning the pulse evolution in a nonlinear fiber using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) by solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE). Deep network model compression has become widespread for deploying such models in real-world applications. A knowledge distillation (KD) based framework for compressing a CNN is presented here. The student network, termed here as OptiDistillNet has better generalisation, has faster convergence, is faster and uses less number of trainable parameters. This work represents the first effort, to the best of our knowledge, that successfully applies a KD-based technique for any nonlinear optics application. Our tests show that even by reducing the model size by up to 91.2%, we can still achieve a mean square error (MSE) which is very close to the MSE of 1.04*10−5 achieved by the teacher model. The advantages of the suggested model include the use of a simple architecture, fast optimization, and improved accuracy, opening up applications in optical coherent communication systems.
Loss modulation assisted solitonic pulse excitation in Kerr resonators with normal group velocity dispersion
Authors: Liu Mulong , Dang Yaai , Huang Huimin , Lu Zhizhou , Wang Yuanyuan , Cai Yanan , Zhao Wei
Published: July 2022

We demonstrate an emergent solitonic pulse generation approach exploiting the externally introduced or intrinsic loss fluctuation effects. Single or multiple pulses are accessible via self-evolution of the system in the red, blue detuning regime or even on resonance with loss perturbation. The potential well caused by the loss profile not only traps the generated pulses, but also helps to suppress the drift regarding high-order dispersion. Breathing dynamics is also observed with high driving force, which can be transferred to stable state by backward tuning the pump detuning. We further investigate the intrinsic free carrier absorption, recognized as unfavored effect traditionally, could be an effective factor for pulse excitation through the time-variant loss fluctuation in normal dispersion microresonators. Pulse excitation dynamics associated with physical parameters are also discussed. These findings could establish a feasible path for stable localized structures and Kerr microcombs generation in potential platforms.
Self-healing property of the self-rotating beam
Authors: Niu Kai , Zhai Yongping , Wang Fuliang
Published: July 2022

In this study, we demonstrate the self-healing of self-rotating beams with asymmetric intensity profiles. The proposed self-rotating beam exhibits an asymmetric intensity profile and self-healing properties in free-space propagation. In addition, the rotation direction and beam intensity profile of the self-rotating beam can be adjusted using the parameters a and b in the phase function. The effects of the position and size of the obstruction on the self-healing property of a self-rotating beam were studied both experimentally and numerically. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that a self-rotating beam can overcome a block of obstacles and regenerate itself after a characteristic distance. Transverse energy flows were used to explain the self-healing properties. Moreover, the beam rotates during propagation, which can be used to capture and manipulate microscopic particles in a three-dimensional space. It is expected that these rotating beams with self-healing properties will be useful in penetrating obstacles for optical trapping, transportation, and optical therapy.
Individual and community-level determinates of risky sexual behaviors among sexually active unmarried men: A multilevel analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Diress Gedefaw , Adane Seteamlak , Linger Melese , Merchaw Abebe , Mengist Belayneh
Published: July 2022

Background

In Ethiopia, HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health problem mostly due to the high prevalence of risky sexual behaviors. However, research on risky sexual behavior and its determinants among unmarried men (never married, widowed, and divorced) who are highly vulnerable to risky sexual behavior was limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of risky sexual behavior and its determinants among non-married men using a nationally representative sample.

Methods

The analysis was done on 5680 sexually active unmarried men aged 15–59 years using data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). The main outcome variable was risky sexual behavior which defined as having at least one of the following: multiple sexual partners; initiation of sex before the age of 18 years; inconsistent condom use in the last 12 months; alcohol consumption at last sex. Multivariable generalized linear mixed-effects regression was employed to identify variables associated with risky sexual behavior.

Result

The overall magnitude of risky sexual behavior was 26.9% (95% CI; 25.7, 28.0). Currently employed (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.64–3.77), history of HIV testing (AOR = 2.51, 95% C = 1.95–3.23), drinking alcohol almost every day (AOR = 5.49, 95 CI = 2.73–11.02), and using Internet daily (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.06–3.74) increase the odds of risky sexual behavior. Whereas, primary education (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.32–0.61), secondary education level (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29–0.72) and a high proportion of community-level media exposure (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.12–0.75) decrease the odds of risky sexual behavior.

Conclusion

In general, a significant proportion of sexually active unmarried men in Ethiopia have practiced risky sexual behavior. An intervention should be designed which are against the factors found to increase the odds of risky sexual behavior to reduce the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Building a public health workforce for a university campus during a pandemic using a practicum framework: Design and outcomes
Authors: Dewa Carolyn S. , Che Zoe , Guggenbickler Andrea M. , Phan Rebecca , Pollock Bradley
Published: July 2022

Background

The reopening of college and university campuses was seen as presenting a high risk for transmission of COVID-19. Thus, these institutions faced with a new public health challenge never heretofore faced on this scale. To magnify the problem, they needed to rapidly develop and implement re-opening plans in an environment filled with uncertainty and for a population that was significantly less likely to observe COVID-19 mitigation behaviors. In response, within three weeks of opening, as part of its COVID-19 public health strategy, a West Coast university created and trained a public health workforce comprised of 282 undergraduates tasked with encouraging compliance with COVID-19 mitigating healthy behaviors.

Main objectives

This paper describes the use and outcomes of a practicum framework to quickly create a university-based public health workforce. It addresses two questions: (1) Using a practicum framework, what are important considerations in designing and building a public health workforce for a university campus? and (2) What are the benefits to the workforce in terms of public health education and professional growth?

Methods

Program administrative data were used to describe the workforce and their learning outcomes.

Results

The majority of students indicated that through the practicum, they learned new skills/developed new attitudes (71.7%) and became aware of their own strengths and opportunities for professional growth (73.7%). The types of new skills and attitudes learned included communication (49.2%), conflict management (20.4%), time management (7.5%), and open-mindedness/less judgmental attitude (14.6%). In terms of public health, they gained an understanding of infectious disease prevention (40.9%) that is multi-disciplinary (20.5%), and involves a community effort (36.8%).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate an effective way of rapidly addressing public health concerns that allowed for on the job training and opportunities for young adults to learn and grow. The practicum framework allowed the expeditious development of a public health workforce that ensured a fit between student interests and the role. This led to high retention with the majority of students continuing into the winter quarter. Only 5% of students reported not being satisfied with their position. None of the students contracted job-related COVID-19. The role gave students a sense of purpose during the pandemic’s uncertain times that helped to protect them from the negative effects of stress. The practicum structure and support fostered a safe environment in which students were able to feel part of the larger community while gaining valuable work experience and skills and serve their community.