bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Scattering Contribution to Photoacoustic Signal
Authors: Yasa Zafer A. , Jackson Warren B. , Amer Nabil M.
Published: February 2023

Insensitivity to scattering has generally been accepted as an inherent characteristic of photoacoustic detection. The physical reasoning underlying this assumption has been that the photoacoustic signal arises from the heat generated following optical absorption, and thereby is a measure of the cross section of such absorption. However, the thermal energy generated by the absorption of light is a function of the intensity distribution within the sample, which depends on its scattering characteristics. Consequently, deviation from Beer's Law should, in principle, affect the thermal signal generated. We will show that for highly scattering media, the photoacoustic signal is strongly dependent on the scattering parameters. On the other hand, for optically thin solids and liquids the photoacoustic signal is insensitive to light scattering up to a scattering coefficient (λα) of ~1/ℓ where ℓ is the sample thickness, λ is the fraction of light scattered, and α is the total attenuation coefficient of a coherent beam.
Application of PAS on the Investigation of Human Skin
Authors: Kölmel K. , Niss R. , Giese K.
Published: February 2023

Applications of photoacoustic spectroscopy (UV and visible spectral range) in the field of dermatological research are discussed. The spectral properties of the various layers of the skin are studied and examples are given for their modification under some pathological conditions and by topically applied pharmaceutics.
Laser-Induced Photoacoustic Detector for High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Sawada Tsuguo , Oda Shohei
Published: February 2023

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has several advantages over gas chromatography (GC). For example, HPLC enables thermally unstable and nonvolatile compounds to be analyzed. However, a detector for HPLC has not fully been advanced. Recently, mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, coupled with HPLC, have been used for qualitative analysis, whereas UV absorption spectrometry has been widely used for trace detection in liquid chromatographic effluents. Recently, the use of laser excitation in fluorescence analysis has opened up new possibilities for ultra sensitive detection. However, the rejection of scattered excitation light is still a tedious problem. In the present paper, laser-induced photoacoustic spectroscopy (LIPAS) is applied to monitoring of HPLC effluents. We have designed a flow cell for coupling LIPAS with HPLC and have tested detection limit, stability, reproducibility, and linearity of the LIPAS detector.
Non-Radiative Quenching in Iodine Vapor at 514.5 and 488 nm
Authors: Leslie Daniel H.
Published: February 2023

The previous paper discussed the optoacoustic characteristics of a simple spectrophone cell containing Iodine vapor, in a room air background. Here we discuss the unique effects of oxygen in the background gas as revealed in the spectrophone data, and we relate some results concerning the use of the spectrophone in analyzing non-radiative phenomena in the excited states of molecular Iodine.
Development and Turbomachinery Applications of a Laser Velocimeter System Based on Burst Triggered Photon Correlation
Authors: Wiseall S. S. , Jones D. G. , Parker R. J. , Butler P. , Thomas R.
Published: February 2023

The design and development of a high-speed automatic Laser Doppler Anemometer system will be described for applications on multi-stage compressor rigs. The constraints from such rigs are imposed by their high running cost, the need to operate in backscatter due to single ended access and the high optical noise environment due to scattering from nearby static and moving surfaces. Contamination of the rig windows can also pose problems. These factors, especially the high rig running cost have greatly influenced the design of the complete system. Flow velocity measurements have been made to map out the flow pattern between the stages of the rotating blade rows of the compressor. This has included flow velocity profiles closer than 0.5 mm from metal surfaces. At typical flow speeds of 200 ms-1 and turbulence levels up to 20 % sub-micron seeding particles are used to ensure flow following.
Optimal Signal Processing for the Laser Doppler Velocimeter
Authors: Edwards Robert V. , Toole Patrick M.
Published: February 2023

A signal processing algorithm is being developed for use with a commercially available compact LDV system. Due to its size and weight, low power consumption and lack of any need for user calibration of the optics, this system is ideal for making velocity measurements in microgravity fluid and combustion processes where the nature of the experiment environments typically places severe restrictions on the above features. Maximum likelihood based techniques are being investigated in the development of an algorithm that is insensitive to variations in the number of scatterers in the measurement volume and their scattering cross-sections. A significant improvement over existing processors can be achieved by allowing past measurement information to influence the current velocity estimate. This is similar in principle to the way a PLL-based tracking processor operates. The discrete nature of the algorithm makes it applicable both to the classical photodetector signal and the photon- resolved signal arising from low scattered light levels. In addition, the algorithm will be suitable for implementation on a single-chip digital signal processor and the resulting instrument will be of minimal size and weight so as not to negate the advantages gained from using a compact LDV system.
Statistical Fitting Accuracy in Photon Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Shaumeyer J. N. , Briggs Matthew E. , Gammon Robert W.
Published: February 2023

We have been investigating how the accuracy of results from our photon correlation experiments depend on integration time of the correlogram and on the specific fitting technique we use to extract the decay rate from single-exponential correlograms. Understanding how to obtain the maximum information from correlation functions measured in the least amount of time is important for experiments whose duration is limited, such as Zeno, our project to build a photon-correlation light-scattering instrument for a Space Shuttle mission. That experiment measures the decay rates of critical fluctuations in xenon near its liquid-vapor critical point.[1] Specifically, we wish to obtain decay rate measurementsaccurateto 1%.
A New Surface Light Scattering Instrument with Autotracking Optics
Authors: Taylor Thomas W. , Mann J. Adin , Lading Lars , Meyer William V. , Tin Padetha , Rogers Richard B. , Cheung H. Michael
Published: February 2023

Surface light scattering provides a way to non-invasively measure surface tension and viscosity. It can also be used for non-contact temperature and surface tension gradient measurements at the surface of a fluid interface. The fluid interface can be either liquid-liquid or liquid-vapor and may include a monolayer. Conventional optical tables are sufficient for traditional surface light scattering work only if the environment is quiet. The effects of building vibration and sound noise from the environment can degrade the signal to noise ratio substantially unless the cell is carefully isolated. Even with cell isolation, low frequency driven waves, which we call slosh, are hard to suppress.
Picosecond Integrated Optics
Authors: Alferness R. C. , Korotky S. K. , Eisenstein G. , Tucker R. S.
Published: February 2023

We review the principles, current status, and potential applications of high-speed Ti:LiNbO optical waveguide switch/modulators as well as the use of such devices as intracvity elements for semiconductor laser mode locking.
GaAs Integrated Circuit Technology for High Speed Analog and Digital Electronics
Authors: Nuzillat Gerard , Castagne Rene
Published: February 2023

Some guidelines for the understanding of the technological trends in GaAs IC'S can be found in a brief recall of device and interconnect behaviour under scaling down. Let us recall that the device control parameters are the internal charge Qt carried by the electrons in the control region end the electron transit time tt. When N identical devices are driven by N interconnexions, each having the same length and carrying the same charge QL, the switching time is aproximately given by tpd = N tt (1+QL/Qt). The local speed will then be improved by reducing both tt and ql/qt. as long as QL/Qt is greater than one, a common practice is to increase the control region width (say the gate width). Here Qt is increased, tt remaining constant. But it is well known that the counterpart of such an improvement for the current driving capabilities of the device is poundered by an increase in power dissipation. On the other hand, reducing the length of the control region (for instance the gate length of a MESFET) leads to a reduction of tt and Qt. So that in order to be effective, one should also scale down the interconnects width of the same quantity.
Picosecond Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Photodetectors with Sub-100-nm Finger-Width and Finger-Spacing in GaAs
Authors: Chou S.Y. , Liu Y. , Wang Y. , Fischer P.B.
Published: February 2023

Metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors are very attractive for optical fiber communication systems and future high-speed chip-to-chip connections. MSM photodetectors not only have high-speed, but also their fabrication technology is compatible with the technology of large scale FET integrated circuits. Generally, the recombination time of carriers in a semiconductor is a key factor that limits the speed of a MSM photodetector. However, as the finger-spacing of a MSM detector is reduced into submicron range, the transit time of photon-generated carriers between two interdigitated metal fingers can be much smaller than the recombination time, and therefore the speed of the photodetector is not limited by the recombination time but the transit time. Thus, high speed MSM photodetectors can be fabricated on a thin layer of high-quality semiconductor which has very long recombination time and high mobility. Moreover, carrier velocity-overshoot effect due to the ultra-small finger­spacing can be utilized to further increase the speed of the detector. We have fabricated high­speed MSM photodetectors with sub-100 nm finger-width and finger-spacing in GaAs. The smallest finger-width and finger-spacing of these MSM photodetectors are 30nm respectively and are, we believe, the smallest ever reported in literature. A 400nm thick p-type GaAs layer was grown on a semi-insulating GaAs substrate. The thickness of the GaAs layer was kept thin for increasing operation speeds of the MSM detectors. Ti/Au Schottky interdigitated gate fingers of sub-100 nm width and spacing were defined using a high resolution electron beam lithography system and a lift-off process. The following figure shows a scanning electron micrograph of a GaAs MSM photodetector of a 40nm finger-width and a 160nm finger-spacing. The MSM photodetectors were characterized by a laser system of a pulse width of 70ps and a wavelength of 800nm. Preliminary results show that the FWHM of pulse response of the MSM photodetectors of sub-100nm finger-width and finger-spacing are well below 25ps, limited by our measuring system (25ps is the resolution of sampling oscilloscope). The actual response time of the detector should be a few picoseconds or less, since the electron transit time between the 30nm finger spacing is less than 0.2ps.
Optimizing Photonic Variable-Integer-Delay Circuits
Authors: Thompson Richard A.
Published: February 2023

We present photonic circuits for temporal processing of photonic signals by a controlled variation in the delay of a photonic signal path. Since they provide variable delay in increments of some fixed elementary value, we call them variable integer delays. We present three structures, called parallel, series re-entrant, and series feed-forward. One application is in a photonic time-slot interchanged Pl in which all the data from an input time-slot experience the appropriate delay to emerge in the assigned time-slot in the output. We optimize two parameters: the total number of switches in the structure (roughly proportional to cost) and the number of switches through which any photonic signal must pass (roughly proportional to insertion loss).
A Photonic Switch Architecture Utilizing Code Division Multiplexing
Authors: Rzeszewski T. S. , Lentine A. L.
Published: February 2023

Code-Division Multiplexing (CDM) is a technique that can be used in
photonic switching architectures. CDM can be used to make each optical
input channel orthogonal to every other input channel so that the sum
of all the orthogonalized input channels can be presented to a decoder
at each output port of the switch. The actual output signal on each
port can be selected to be anyone of the input signals by using the
appropriate code for selection. This is possible because of the
correlation property of an orthogonal code family.
ϕ
i
, and ϕ
j
are
members of the code family that are used to orthogonalize the input
bits, and T is the duration of any code sequence and the duration of
any input bit. This is the means by which any input signal can be
switched to any or all outputs (customers). Therefore, the resultant
switch is non-blocking with broadcast capability. The basic structure
of a switch that uses an orthogonal code family is shown in Figure
1.
Optical Switching in Coherent Lightwave Systems
Authors: Fujiwara M. , Suzuki S. , Emura K. , Kondo M. , Manome K. , Mito I. , Kaede K. , Shikada M. , Sakaguchi M.
Published: February 2023

Broad-band networks providing various kinds of services, such as video and high speed data communications, have received increasing attention in not only local-area networks(LANs) but also wide-area networks(WANs). Recent progress in optical fiber transmission has already made worldwide point-to-point transmission links possible. Coherent lightwave technology would further make evolution in transmission length and information capacity. Optical switch would be a key technology for achieving all optical broad-band WANs, where switching and routing functions will be accomplished in optical domain as well as transmission. A possible architecture of global WAN is illustrated in fig.1. Optical communication utilizing both inland and under-sea optical fiber transmissions, together with satellite communication, will play an important role in broad-band global WANs. With these networks, broad-band communication/distribution services will be offered to all over the globe.
Geometrical Analysis of 3-D Optical Interconnections
Authors: Giglmayr Josef
Published: February 2023

In photonic systems the free space light beams for the interconnection of arrays are the important elements. Projective geometry deals with elements which are invariant with respect to the projection. These elements are points, lines and planes. The motivation for the ongoing work in this field is the systematic and efficient design of photonic systems on the process and algorithm level. For this purpose (amongst others) ideas are applied which have been suggested already one century ago by F. Klein (Erlanger Programm), J. Pfluecker and H. Grassmann.1
2D reconfigurable interconnect in a planar optics configuration
Authors: Collings N. , Prongué D. , Herzig H.P.
Published: February 2023

The constraining of an optical beam within a glass block using total internal reflection (HR) offers a number of advantages for optical system construction: namely, compactness; mechanical stability; lack of turbulence; and no transmission through glass/air interfaces. The optical devices are placed on the surface of the block at the spots of TIR, and index-matched to the block. If the sources are similarly mounted, then there is the potential to define the whole arrangement of devices on one face of the block with microlithographic precision. Because of the power of this concept for optical computing, a special term has been coined "three-dimensional planar optics" [1].
Acoustooptic Modulator Correction by Holograms in the Photorefractive Crystalls
Authors: Gnatovskii A. , Kukhtarev N. , Maglevanii V. , Pigida A. , Verbitskii V.
Published: February 2023

Possibility of holographic correction of the aberration caused by the acoustooptic modulation was demonstated using photorefractive crystals as holographic recording media. Correction was realised using simple two-wave mixing scheme which allow to wash out aberrations but save useful information which may be carried by acoustical wave.
Dynamic Holography in Kiev (Roots and Development History)
Authors: Soskin Marat
Published: February 2023

Summary not available
Multistability by Two Counterpropagating Waves in Photorefractive Media
Authors: Jian Wang , Jianquan Yao
Published: February 2023

It has been shown that two-wave coupling in photorefractive media may result in energy transference between the two waves without phase crosstalk. The model might be used to show optical bistability with the feedback of one of the output beams into the input of the other beam.
Operator-Lattice Treatment of Two-Beam Coupling in Photorefractive Media
Authors: Anderson Dana Z. , Saxena R.
Published: February 2023

Two-beam coupling in photorefractive media is treated with a lattice of rotation operators. Dynamics, transverse profiles and depletion effects are taken into account.
An Optical Cell Synchronizer for Packet Switched Nodes
Authors: Burzio M. , Cinato P. , Finotti R. , Gambini P. , Puleo M. , Vezzoni E. , Zucchelli L.
Published: February 2023

Future high bit rate optical packet switched networks will be based on single or multiwavelength technology for transport, while the switching nodes, working in the optical domain, will operate on a cell basis, in a synchronous way. This will allow a fair resolution of contentions, through the use of optical buffers, and proper routing to the destination by means of space switching.
Integrated Optics: A Key Enabler for WDM Transport Networks
Authors: Alferness Rod
Published: February 2023

The current generation of transport systems being deployed for point-to-point transoceanic and terrestrial applications has been made possible by key integrated optic devices, particularly modulators, wavelength multiplexers/demultiplexers and polarization scramblers. To realize the full potential of wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) to build reconfigurable transport networks will require a family of optical network elements, including configurable add/drop multiplexers and cross-connects, that will depend even more critically upon the high level of optical functionallity, compactness and potential for low cost offered by integrated optics technology.
Multilayer Growth Dynamics: Experimental Optimization of Interface Structures
Authors: Savage D. E.
Published: February 2023

The evolution of interfacial roughness in multilayer films is examined by varying deposition parameters. X-ray scattering results from W/C will be compared with growth models.
Stress in Multilayers and Thin Films
Authors: Volkert C. A. , Windt D. L. , Waskiewicz W. K. , Liddle J. A. , Huggins H. A.
Published: February 2023

Thin films and multilayers are typically under stresses that are large enough to deform substrate surfaces by up to several nanometers. The origins of these stresses and measurement techniques will be discussed.
Quantum Fluctuation Effects in Photon Confinement
Authors: Rivlin L.A.
Published: February 2023

We consider the field evolution in a waveguide with mirror walls during adiabatic variation of its cross-section starting from the free unbounded space. The rigorous calculation shows that the energy of a cut-off frequency quantum is equal to the work performed in this confinement process in opposition to the radiation pressure of zero-point vacuum fluctuations, having the initial frequency equal to zero. This statement lends the clear physical meaning to known analogy between the cut-off frequency and the photon rest mass in a waveguide put forward by de-Broglie: the rest mass is an equivalent of mentioned energy (work) and ultimately come from the simplest form of electromagnetic matter - the static fluctuation field of vacuum. The cut-off wavelength is merely the Compton wavelength of a photon confined in a waveguide.
Exciton Dynamics, Laser Action, and Cooperative Emission in Conducting Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Vardeny Z.V.
Published: February 2023

Picosecond dynamics of exciton emission and absorption have been studied in neat thin films of a variety of poly (phenylene-vinylene) derivatives. We found that the stimulated emission band of 120 nm width and ~ 1 ns duration, which is observed at low exciton density, n, collapses at n > 1017cm-3 into a much narrower band of 7 nm width and lifetime τ « 10 ps. Based on its excitation intensity dependence, polarization, lifetime, illuminated area, and film thickness dependencies, we assign this narrow band to superfluorescence rather than to amplified spontaneous emission.
Radiationless Stimulated Exciton Emission
Authors: Benson E. , Fortin E. , Mysyrowicz A.
Published: February 2023

Experiments investigating the process of Bose-Einstein condensation of excitons in Cu2O will be reviewed. The exciton flux reaching the back surface of mm thick single crystals is investigated following creation of a high density of excitons close to the front surface with a pulsed laser. An anomalous propagation regime is observed at. sufficiently low crystal temperatures and sufficiently high particle densities, in the form of a ballistic packet progressing at a velocity close to the crystal sound velocity. The ballistic packet is attributed to an excitonic superfluid, the result of a Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC). Conditions for appearance of the ballistic excitonic transport are found to be in good agreement with the predictions of the weakly interacting Bose gas model.
Femtosecond Spectroscopy of Non-thermal Carrier Distributions in GaAs Quantum Wells
Authors: Knox Wayne H.
Published: February 2023

Our understanding of elementary carrier scattering processes in semiconductors on the femtosecond timescale has advanced remarkably in the past few years. Improvements in femtosecond optical pulse generation and detection techniques have allowed us to probe on shorter timescales with better sensitivity at carrier densities where complicated many-body interactions are manifest. We describe experiments in which non-thermal distributions of carriers are excited and studied in GaAs quantum wells. By modulation-doping, we introduce excess carrier populations which are thermalized to the lattice and study the effects of excess populations of electrons and holes alternately on the femtosecond thermalization. We obtain information on the effects of excess populations on inelastic carrier-carrier scattering rates, bandgap renormalization and electron-phonon coupling.
Keynote Address
Authors: Holloway Paul
Published: February 2023

Good evening! I would like to thank President William Harvey, Dr. Demetrius Venable, Dr. Arlene Maclin, and the organizing committee for inviting me to speak at this banquet.
Transform Spectroscopy
Authors: Farmer B.
Published: February 2023

Summary not available.
The PNL/KPNO Telluric Spectrum Program
Authors: Stokes G.M. , Brault J. , Testerman L.
Published: February 2023

For more than a year we have obtained monthly spectra of the earth s atmosphere in the 1.0-2.5μm region using the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) at the McMath Solar Telescope of Kitt Peak National Observatory. At the present time the spectra are obtained over a range of airmasses ranging between 1 and 10 airmasses. The individual spectra cover the entire 1.0-2.5μm region in a single observation with a resolution of 9.5 mK. The signal-to-noise ratios are generally greater than 1000 for all but the 10 airmass spectra.
Infrared Emission Spectroscopy of Atmospheric Atoms and Molecules*
Authors: Johansson Ron , Peltola Martti , Sakai Hajime
Published: February 2023

In recent years many studies have been focused on the problems associated with the infrared radiation observable in the upper atmosphere. Identification of the spectral features in the observed radiation is a key to improving our understanding of the physical and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere. In our laboratory experimental program we study the infrared emission features of various atmospheric species, atomic and molecular, using the technique of Fourier spectroscopy.
Lifetimes and Quenching Rate Constants Relevant to Remote Sensing of Hydroxyl Radicals with 308nm Excitation (XeCℓ)
Authors: McDermid I. Stuart , Laudenslager James B.
Published: February 2023

To date, frequency doubled tunable dye lasers operating near 282nm have been used as the excitation source in the majority of determinations of atmospheric hydroxyl radical concentrations. However, excitation at 308nm using a tunable xenon-chloride excimer laser has significant advantages over present methods. Some of these advantages are summarized below.
Report on the Tenth IEEE International Semiconductor Laser Conference
Authors: Kaminow Ivan P.
Published: February 2023

The IEEE International Semiconductor Laser Conference has been a forum for current semiconductor laser research for 20 years. Traditionally, the meeting consists of contributed papers only, without concurrent sessions or invited talks. The emphasis has been on fostering discussion among the active researchers throughout the world. The meeting has been held every other year in Las Vegas (11/67), Mexico City (12/69), Boston (5/72), Atlanta (11/74), Nemo-no-sato, Japan (9/76), San Francisco (10/78), Brighton, England (9/80), Ottowa (9/82) and Rio de Janeiro (9/84). The tenth biennial conference will be held in Kanazawa, Japan, October 14-17, 1986.
Performance of a High Reliability Low Threshold InGaAsP Ridge Waveguide Lasers Emitting at 1.3µm
Authors: Rashid A.A.M. , Butlin R.S. , Janssen A.P. , Stockton T.E.
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the structure and performance of a High Reliability Ridge Waveguide Laser, suitable for very high bit rate transmission. The device is grown on an Inp substrate using planar LPE with Ge doped Inp. Ridge structure is formed by etching two channels as shown in the schematic diagram (Figure 1).
Hidden variable models reveal the effects of infection from changes in host survival
Authors: Ferguson Jake M. , González-González Andrea , Kaiser Johnathan A. , Winzer Sara M. , Anast Justin M. , Ridenhour Ben , Miura Tanya A. , Parent Christine E.
Published: February 2023

The impacts of disease on host vital rates can be demonstrated using longitudinal studies, but these studies can be expensive and logistically challenging. We examined the utility of hidden variable models to infer the individual effects of infectious disease from population-level measurements of survival when longitudinal studies are not possible. Our approach seeks to explain temporal deviations in population-level survival after introducing a disease causative agent when disease prevalence cannot be directly measured by coupling survival and epidemiological models. We tested this approach using an experimental host system (Drosophila melanogaster) with multiple distinct pathogens to validate the ability of the hidden variable model to infer per-capita disease rates. We then applied the approach to a disease outbreak in harbor seals (Phoca vituline) that had data on observed strandings but no epidemiological data. We found that our hidden variable modeling approach could successfully detect the per-capita effects of disease from monitored survival rates in both the experimental and wild populations. Our approach may prove useful for detecting epidemics from public health data in regions where standard surveillance techniques are not available and in the study of epidemics in wildlife populations, where longitudinal studies can be especially difficult to implement.
Sexual and reproductive health service utilization among adolescent girls in Kenya: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Embleton Lonnie , Braitstein Paula , Di Ruggiero Erica , Oduor Clement , Wado Yohannes Dibaba
Published: February 2023

We examined the association between adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service utilization in the past 12 months and structural, health facility, community, interpersonal, and individual level factors in Kenya. This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data collected in Homa Bay and Narok counties as part of the In Their Hands intervention evaluation from September to October 2018. In total, 1840 adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years were recruited to complete a baseline survey. We used unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression to model factors associated with SRH utilization across the social-ecological framework levels. Overall, 36% of participants reported visiting a health facility for SRH services in the past 12 months. At the structural level being out-of-school (AOR: 2.12 95% CI: 1.60–2.82) and not needing to get permission to go (AOR: 1.37 95%CI: 1.04–1.82) were associated with SRH service utilization. At the interpersonal level, participants who reported being able to ask adults for help when they needed it were more likely to report using SRH services in the past 12 months (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.09–3.78). At the individual level, having knowledge about where to obtain family planning (AOR = 2.48 95% CI: 1.74–3.57) and receiving information on SRH services in the past year (AOR: 1.44 95% CI:1.15–1.80) were associated with SRH service utilization. Our findings demonstrate the need for interventions, policies, and practices to be implemented across structural, health facility, community, interpersonal, and individual levels to comprehensively support adolescent girls to access and use SRH services.
Informal sector employment and the health outcomes of older workers in India
Authors: Chowdhury Poulomi , Mohanty Itismita , Singh Akansha , Niyonsenga Theo
Published: February 2023

A large proportion of the older population in India constitutes an undeniable share of workforce after the retirement age. This stresses the need to understand the implications of working at older ages on health outcomes. The main objective of this study is to examine the variations in health outcomes by formal/informal sector of employment of older workers using the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. Using binary logistic regression models, the results of this study affirm that type of work does play a significant role in determining health outcomes even after controlling socio-economic, demographic, life-style behaviour, childhood health and work characteristics. The risk of Poor Cognitive Functioning (PCF) is high among informal workers, while formal workers suffer greatly from Chronic Health Conditions (CHC) and Functional Limitations (FL). Moreover, the risk of PCF and/or FL among formal workers increases with the increase in risk of CHC. Therefore, the present research study underscores the relevance of policies focusing on providing health and healthcare benefits by respective economic activity and socio-economic position of older workers.
The value of donkeys to livelihood provision in northern Ghana
Authors: Maggs Heather C. , Ainslie Andrew , Bennett Richard M.
Published: February 2023

Increased demand for the supply of donkey hides for use in the Traditional Chinese Medicine e’jiao, is leading to a re-appraisal of donkeys’ contributions to livelihoods across the world. This research aimed to understand the utilitarian value donkeys provide to poor small holder farmers, especially women, in their efforts to make a living in two rural communities in northern Ghana. Uniquely, children and donkey butchers were interviewed for the first time about their donkeys. A qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken of data disaggregated by sex, age and donkey-ownership. The majority of protocols were repeated during a second visit, ensuring comparative data between one wet, and one dry season. Donkeys are more important in people’s lives than had previously been recognised and are highly valued by their owners for their help in reducing drudgery and the multi-functional services they offer. Hiring out donkeys to generate income is a secondary role for people who own donkeys, especially women. However, for financial and cultural reasons the way donkeys are kept results in the loss of a certain percentage of the animals to the donkey meat market, as well as the global hides trade. Increasing demand for donkey meat, coupled with increasing demand for donkeys for farming, is leading to donkey price inflation and theft of donkeys. This is putting pressure on the donkey population of neighbouring Burkina Faso and pricing resource-poor non-donkey owners out of the market. E’jiao has put the spotlight on the value of dead donkeys for the first time, especially to governments and middlemen. This study shows that the value of live donkeys to poor farming households is substantial. It attempts to understand and document this value thoroughly, should the majority of donkeys in West Africa be rounded up and slaughtered for the value of their meat and skin instead.
An evaluation of trace elements and oxidative stress in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Günizi Hüseyin , Savaş Hasan Basri
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Vertigo and Dizziness are a common complaint among the reasons for applying to the ear nose throat clinic. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of perpheric vertigo. Oxidative stress is caused by the formation of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, which are reactive oxygen derivatives (ROS). The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between complaints and serum trace element and oxidative stress levels in patients with BPPV.

Methods

This study was conducted with 66 adult patients who presented to the ENT policlinic with the complaint of vertigo and were diagnosed with BPPV between May 2020 and September 2020. Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with BPPV to measure serum Zn and Cu levels and oxidative stress levels during an attack.

Results

The mean ages of the study patients and healthy controls were 45.7 ± 15.1 and 44.7±13.2. Female / Male ratio were 28(42.5%)/38(57.5%) and 32(48.5%)/34(51.5%) in study and control group. We found serum Cu levels were lower in the patient group (p <0.05). Serum Total Thiol and Native Thiol values were lower in patients with BPPV. Total Thiol results were statistically significant.(p<0.05) Disulfide values were significantly higher in the disease group. (P <0.05). Thiol Oxidized / Thiol Reduced ratio (2243.6±6.7/343.8±125.3) was higher in control group. (p<0.05)

Conclusion

Serum oxidative stress and trace elements play a role in the pathophysiology of BPPV. We present the cut-off values for Cu and Zn in vertigo patients for the first time in the literature. We think that these cut-off values of the trace elements and thiol/disulfide hemostasis can be used clinically by physicians in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
Prevented cases of neural tube defects and cost savings after folic acid fortification of flour in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Viviane Belini , Silva Everton Nunes da , dos Santos André Marques , Santos Leonor Maria Pacheco
Published: February 2023

Anencephaly, encephalocele, and spina bifida are congenital neural tube defects and are the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and impose a heavy economic burden on health systems. This study to estimates the direct costs of neural tube defects from the perspective of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and the prevented cases and cost savings during the period in which mandatory folic acid fortification was in effect in the country (2010–2019). It is a top-down cost-of-illness oriented study based on the prevalence of the disorders in Brazil. Data were collected from the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s outpatient and hospital information system databases. The direct cost was estimated from the total patient-years, allocated by age and type of disorder. Prevented cases and cost savings were determined by the difference in the prevalence of the disorders in the pre- and post-fortification periods based on the total number of births and the sum of outpatient and hospital costs during the period. The total cost of outpatient and hospital services for these disorders totaled R$ 92,530,810.63 (Int$ 40,565,896.81) in 10 years; spina bifida accounted for 84.92% of the total cost. Hospital costs were expressive of all three disorders in the first year of the patient’s life. Between 2010 and 2019, mandatory folic acid fortification prevented 3,499 live births with neural tube defects and resulted in R$ 20,381,586.40 (Int$ 8,935,373.25) in hospital and outpatient cost savings. Flour fortification has proved to be a valuable strategy in preventing pregnancies with neural tube defects. Since its implementation, there has been a 30% decrease in the prevalence of neural tube defects and a 22.81% decrease associated in hospital and outpatient costs.
Long term temporal trends in synoptic-scale weather conditions favoring significant tornado occurrence over the central United States
Authors: Elkhouly Mohamed , Zick Stephanie E. , Ferreira Marco A. R.
Published: February 2023

We perform a statistical climatological study of the synoptic- to meso-scale weather conditions favoring significant tornado occurrence to empirically investigate the existence of long term temporal trends. To identify environments that favor tornadoes, we apply an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to temperature, relative humidity, and winds from the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2) dataset. We consider MERRA-2 data and tornado data from 1980 to 2017 over four adjacent study regions that span the Central, Midwestern, and Southeastern United States. To identify which EOFs are related to significant tornado occurrence, we fit two separate groups of logistic regression models. The first group (LEOF models) estimates the probability of occurrence of a significant tornado day (EF2-EF5) within each region. The second group (IEOF models) classifies the intensity of tornadic days either as strong (EF3-EF5) or weak (EF1-EF2). When compared to approaches using proxies such as convective available potential energy, our EOF approach is advantageous for two main reasons: first, the EOF approach allows for the discovery of important synoptic- to mesoscale variables previously not considered in the tornado science literature; second, proxy-based analyses may not capture important aspects of three-dimensional atmospheric conditions represented by the EOFs. Indeed, one of our main novel findings is the importance of a stratospheric forcing mode on occurrence of significant tornadoes. Other important novel findings are the existence of long-term temporal trends in the stratospheric forcing mode, in a dry line mode, and in an ageostrophic circulation mode related to the jet stream configuration. A relative risk analysis also indicates that changes in stratospheric forcings are partially or completely offsetting increased tornado risk associated with the dry line mode, except in the eastern Midwest region where tornado risk is increasing.
Predicting areas important for ecological connectivity throughout Canada
Authors: Pither Richard , O’Brien Paul , Brennan Angela , Hirsh-Pearson Kristen , Bowman Jeff
Published: February 2023

Governments around the world have acknowledged that urgent action is needed to conserve and restore ecological connectivity to help reverse the decline of biodiversity. In this study we tested the hypothesis that functional connectivity for multiple species can be estimated across Canada using a single, upstream connectivity model. We developed a movement cost layer with cost values assigned using expert opinion to anthropogenic land cover features and natural features based on their known and assumed effects on the movement of terrestrial, non-volant fauna. We used Circuitscape to conduct an omnidirectional connectivity analysis for terrestrial landscapes, in which the potential contribution of all landscape elements to connectivity were considered and where source and destination nodes were independent of land tenure. Our resulting map of mean current density provided a seamless estimate of movement probability at a 300 m resolution across Canada. We tested predictions in our map using a variety of independently collected wildlife data. We found that GPS data for individual caribou, wolves, moose, and elk that traveled longer distances in western Canada were all significantly correlated with areas of high current densities. The frequency of moose roadkill in New Brunswick was also positively associated with current density, but our map was not able to predict areas of high road mortality for herpetofauna in southern Ontario. The results demonstrate that an upstream modelling approach can be used to characterize functional connectivity for multiple species across a large study area. Our national connectivity map can help governments in Canada prioritize land management decisions to conserve and restore connectivity at both national and regional scales.
Concussion knowledge, attitudes, and norms: How do they relate?
Authors: Nedimyer Aliza K. , Chandran Avinash , Kossman Melissa K. , Gildner Paula , Register-Mihalik Johna K. , Kerr Zachary Y.
Published: February 2023

Background

Relationships between the constructs of concussion-related knowledge, attitudes, and norms and their influence on observed care-seeking behaviors have previously been examined. Current models posit that these constructs serve as potential mediators of care-seeking behaviors; however, the dynamics between them have yet to be reconciled.

Methods

A cross-sectional, online survey explored relationships among the latent constructs of concussion-related knowledge, attitudes, and norms in parents of middle school children who participate in sports in multiple settings. A just-identified and two overidentified path models were explored and compared in an effort to understand such relationships.

Results

A total of 426 parents of United States middle school students were surveyed and included in analyses (mean age = 38.7±9.9 years; 55.6% female; 51.4% white/non-Hispanic; 56.1% with at least a bachelor’s degree). All parents had middle school aged children who participated in sport in both the club and school settings. The best fitting model was a just-identified model with concussion-related norms influencing concussion-related knowledge and attitudes, and concussion-related knowledge influencing attitudes. This model accounted for 14% of the variance in attitude and 12% of the variance in knowledge.

Conclusions

Study findings suggest that the constructs of concussion-related knowledge, attitudes and norms are directly related to one another, yet the dynamics of such relationships may be complex. As such, a parsimonious interpretation of these constructs may not be appropriate. Future research should work to further reconcile the dynamics between these constructs, and the impact these dynamics may have in influencing care-seeking behaviors beyond serving as mediators.
Life-seeking approaches in eco-artistic practices: A proposal for a radical cultural change through language
Authors: Ferreira-Norman Inês
Published: February 2023

This article developed in three parts the precursory practice-based research, through a phenomenological framework, to the following yet-to-be-resolved core question: is it possible for the artistic (and ritualistic) object to be imbued with what we consider to be the essence of life? The research arrives at this question by exploring how silence and sound can contribute to the perception of life, highlighting language as a driver for cultural change and advancing the use of a new pronoun assigned to those who bear life.
‘So you want to be a #GIRLBOSS?’ Millennial femininity and entrepreneurial selfhood in Girlboss and The Girlfriend Experience
Authors: Fradley Martin
Published: February 2023

The cultural politics of The Girlfriend Experience (2016–present) and Girlboss (2017) are symptomatic of intersecting discourses surrounding millennial femininity and neo-liberal enterprise culture. Featuring aggressively individualistic, White, twenty-something female protagonists, both shows interrogate the slender ideological crevice that separates economic libertarianism from social pathology. Girlboss and The Girlfriend Experience critically explore the ontological dissonance experienced by a millennial cohort schooled exclusively in the mythologies of a stubbornly resilient neo-liberal culture. As such, these young women are best understood as ideological avatars that expose the entropic conjunction of gendered individualism and entrepreneurial selfhood in a ‘post’-recessionary United States.
Resentment and ressentiment as motivating forces in Better Call Saul
Authors: Pierson David
Published: February 2023

This article argues that the philosophical and psychological concepts of resentment and ressentiment serve as compelling motivational forces in the lives and actions of the central characters that comprise the American TV seriesBetter Call Saul(2015–22). For Nietzsche and Scheler, ressentiment involves the internalization of hostile affects that tend to reinforce a sense of powerlessness and feelings of inferiority. Unlike ressentiment, which can linger for a long time, resentment is an active and immediate mode of resistance that supports its stance against the conformist tendencies of passive or reactive forces. Resentment, if properly directed externally, can serve as an empowering and a creative, active force in a character’s life. For Jimmy McGill, resentment functions as a primary catalyst for his eventual transformation into the unethical, yet prosperous, criminal attorney Saul Goodman. Resentment, if directed inwards, can produce debilitating effects such as Jimmy’s older brother Chuck’s incapability to move past his hatred and envy over his younger brother’s past actions and successes as a lawyer. This article illuminates the role and character of resentment and ressentiment as affective forces for characters in television melodramas.
‘They’re so predictable … but, I love them’: Analysing the appeal of Hallmark Christmas movies
Authors: Robinson Tom , Church Scott Haden , Callahan Loy Clark , Pollock Lucia , Silva Lauren
Published: February 2023

With 60 per cent of American households reporting watching at least one Christmas movie between Halloween and New Year’s Day, the Hallmark Movie Channel has enjoyed a remarkable amount of success. In 2021, the Hallmark channel produced 41 new Christmas movies that drew a remarkable 85 million viewers. The purpose of this study was to identify the different perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of Hallmark Christmas movie fans, by using Q methodology, to determine why people love these movies so much. Our sample was selected from the attendees at the first-ever Christmas Con in 2019, sponsored, in part, by Hallmark. Participants in the study self-identified as true Hallmark Christmas movie fans who were then asked to sort through a group of statements based on the question: ‘Why I love Hallmark Christmas movies?’ The results revealed three factors or groups of like-minded thinkers, the Season’s Greeters, who are the Christmas enthusiasts who watch the movies as a way to celebrate the season; the Rudolphs, who watch to escape the troubles of the world and their busy lives and the Carolers, who watch simply for a wholesome story with happy endings.