bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamentalismo ideolÃ³gico, intolerancia social, neolengua y culto al agravio. Una revisiÃ³n de la â€œDoctrina wokeâ€ como factor de alteraciÃ³n del orden constitucional
Authors: SansÃ³-Rubert Pascual Daniel
Published: February 2023

El artÃ­culo, sin Ã¡nimo de llevar a cabo una minuciosa retrospectiva histÃ³rica acerca de los inicios, recorrido y actualidad de la evoluciÃ³n de la denominada como â€œDoctrina wokeâ€, la evoluciÃ³n y el cariz de los acontecimientos protagonizados por sus defensores y simpatizantes en la Ãºltima dÃ©cada, plantea algunas reflexiones que permitan entender de dÃ³nde parte y en quÃ© se ha transformado este fenÃ³meno. BÃ¡sicamente, al albur de los hechos, trata de dilucidar cÃ³mo y en quÃ© medida este planteamiento ideolÃ³gico y sus principales ramificaciones inciden negativamente en aspectos fundamentales del orden democrÃ¡tico constitucional.
Optimal Relative Performance Criteria in Mean-Field Contribution Games
Authors: Zhou Zhou
Published: February 2023

We consider mean-field contribution games, where players in a team choose some effort levels at each time period and the aggregate reward for the team depends on the aggregate cumulative performance of all the players. Each player aims to maximize the expected reward of her own share subject to her cost of effort. To reduce the free-rider issue, we propose some relative performance criteria (RPC), based on which the reward is redistributed to each player. We are interested in those RPCs that implement the optimal solution for the corresponding centralized problem, and we call such RPC an optimal one. That is, the expected payoff of each player under the equilibrium associated with an optimal RPC is as large as the value induced by the corresponding problem where players completely cooperate. We first analyze a one-period model with homogeneous players and obtain natural RPCs of different forms. Then, we generalize these results to a multiperiod model in discrete time. Next, we investigate a two-layer mean-field game. The top layer is an interteam game (team-wise competition), in which the reward of a team is impacted by the relative achievement of the team with respect to other teams; the bottom layer is an intrateam contribution game where an RPC is implemented for reward redistribution among team members. We establish the existence of equilibria for the two-layer game and characterize the intrateam optimal RPC. Finally, we extend the (one-layer) results of optimal RPCs to the continuous-time setup as well as to the case with heterogenous players.
Research on the Basis of Developing an Effective Development Strategy Based on Innovation
Authors:   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Klius Yu. , Striuk O. ,   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University
Published: February 2023

The article examines two opposing views of the understanding of development strategy, gives examples of strategies of the first and second type. It provides a proper idea about the purpose of the external and internal development of the industrial enterprise, the consequences of the development of the enterprise's technical and technological standards systems. First of all, it means the generation of new ideas for the economic development of an industrial enterprise, which allow to fully or partially develop an industrial enterprise internally and externally. It was determined that the main goal of the development of the personnel management system is to create conditions for voluntary intensification of work and mobilization of the employee's potential for the benefit of the industrial enterprise. The role of the concept of strategic management in the creation of strategic and long-term goals set by the enterprise is highlighted. It has been proven that the concept of strategic management is important in that it helps to enrich the principles of development of an industrial enterprise. The definition of the company's development strategy is given and its elements (goals, policy, plans) are highlighted, and the relationship between them is investigated. First of all, the strategy refers to the system of goals, which includes a strategic and long-term goal, the goal of external development of the enterprise, the goal of internal development of the enterprise. Another element of strategy is policy or a set of specific rules of organizational actions aimed at achieving set goals. The third element of the strategy is plans, that is, a system of concrete actions for the implementation of the adopted policy, designed to solve the task of resource allocation. Yes, resources can be directed, first of all, to solving the most important and urgent problems for the enterprise, or allocated in proportion to needs, or given to all divisions equally, if they are close in size and engaged in similar activities. The first of the mentioned approaches is more appropriate at critical moments of the company's activity, when there is a need to concentrate forces on decisive areas of activity. The second and third are during the period of calm development. The strategic task of the company's activity has been defined and ways to solve it have been developed. The solution to this task is desirable and reflects an opportunity that has arisen in the external environment, which should be taken advantage of.
Research of Social and Ecological Losses from the War in Ukraine
Authors:   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Latysheva O. , Rovenska V. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Smirnova I. ,   TU "Metinvest Polytechnic", Mikheev O. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy
Published: February 2023

The article analyzes the social, economic and environmental consequences of hostilities in Ukraine. It has been established that the manifestation of the terrible consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war in Ukraine primarily consists of significant direct human losses, colossal destruction, the further danger of constant shelling, deterioration of the quality of life of the population and forced migration. It is established how the forced migration of Ukrainians to safer cities affects the national economy and the economy of other countries. The dynamics of the level of quality of life were analyzed and the factors affecting the indicators of this criterion were determined. The changes in social indicators were analyzed, the dynamics of environmental pollution parameters were assessed, and the nature and number of environmental crimes from hostilities in Ukraine were clarified. It has been proven that the urgency of the problem of overcoming negative crisis phenomena requires the unification of the efforts of the international community, country governments, businesses and citizens, specialists in various branches of the economy, volunteers, activists, "opinion leaders", scientists, etc. It has been proven that the country's government is already adopting the country's reconstruction programs to reduce the level of socio-economic and environmental risks. A review of the adopted programs to reduce the existing risks in Ukraine to overcome the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war in the future was conducted.
Community paramedic outreach support for people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Taplin John , Dalgarno Dana , Smith Michele , Eggenberger Ty , Ghosh Sumantra Monty
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the implementation phase of a community paramedic program focused on individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with a high prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders.

Methods:

A manual chart review was performed to characterise patients of the City Centre Team (CCT). A survey was performed of health professionals and partners for allied agencies that interacted with the CCT in the first 6 months of program implementation.

Findings:

There were 832 patient events involving 365 unique patients. Mental health and substance use disorders accounted for 75% of the events. The survey results were positive with 85% agreeing that the CCT reduced the reliance on emergency services.

Conclusion:

The community paramedics address the health and social needs of IEH while working in a multidisciplinary setting. The CCT is an innovative program that can inform future health service design in similar settings.
Specialist paramedics' perceptions of their transition to primary care
Authors: Lafitte Naomi , Mold Freda , Magnusson Carin
Published: February 2023

Background:

Many specialist paramedics are moving from the ambulance service to primary care. There is a lack of empirical literature regarding this transition.

Aims:

This study aims to improve support for specialist paramedics undertaking the transition by ascertaining factors that may hinder or facilitate the process.

Methods:

The study used semi-structured interviews with eight specialist paramedics working in primary care in England. An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used to analyse data, and this was informed by a review of theoretical and empirical literature.

Findings:

Facilitators and barriers to transition were found, along with information regarding the transition. Five facilitators were identified: previous clinical experience; mentorship; support; clear role parameters; and opportunity to develop. Four barriers were identified: role misunderstanding; changing scope of clinical practice; time pressures; and gaps in education and knowledge.

Conclusion:

This study contributes to a limited field of research by highlighting barriers and facilitators to the transition of specialist paramedics to primary care. Practical steps can be taken to smooth this transition.
NI Launches 4GHz Vehicle Radar Test System
Authors: Tyler Neil
Published: February 2023

NEW VRTS PROVIDES RELIABLE, REPEATABLE TEST CAPABILITY FOR THE LATEST AUTOMOTIVE RADAR SENSORS.
Instant Karma
Authors: Garrett Scott
Published: February 2023

High-speed direct enforcement, governed by an international standard, is seen by many as the Holy Grail of weigh-in-motion (WIM). Now, with the revision of OIML R134 underway, the quest may be nearly complete. Anthony James examines the potential benefits – and asks what pitfalls may lie on the road ahead
Easing the Load
Authors: Fawcett Cynthia
Published: February 2023

WIRELESS CONTROL TECHNOLOGY THAT HELPS TO SPEED UP HOPPER UNLOADING CAN ALSO BE USED IN OFF-ROAD INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES
Battery Safety and Reliability
Authors: Soergel Pascal
Published: February 2023

ONE BATTERY FIRM'S NEW PLATFORM OFFERS FULL IMPLEMENTATION FROM CELL-TO-PACK FOR OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
Making that Connection
Authors: Seghieri Matteo
Published: February 2023

A WORLD LEADER IN COUPLINGS TURNS 70 THIS YEAR, AND ITS ‘EASIER TO CONNECT' SLOGAN REMAINS THE FOCUS - EVEN MORE SO SINCE BEING BECOMING PART OF HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP
Protected Display
Authors: Bromley Cody
Published: February 2023

A NEW HMI SOLUTION BRINGS CONTROL TO ANY APPLICATION WITH A SUNLIGHT-READABLE LCD, FULLY SEALED WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE AND GLOVE-FRIENDLY TOUCHSCREEN
Tested for Perfection
Authors: Emily Jordan
Published: February 2023

A NEW PORTFOLIO OF ACTUATORS OFFERS RELIABILITY, LONGEVITY AND STRONG PERFORMANCE EVEN IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS
The Indise Story
Authors: McCullough Chris
Published: February 2023

COMBINE HARVESTERS DO WORK THAT DEMANDS SOME OF THE LONGEST HOURS ON ANY FARM, SO THEIR CABS ARE AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT. IVT TAKES A LOOK AT THREE OF THE BEST
Customizable Controls
Authors: Riedl Martin
Published: February 2023

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES ARE INCREASINGLY POPULAR IN ALL KINDS OF VEHICLE, BUT WHEN FUNCTIONS ARE COMPLEX YOU NEED SOFTWARE WITH THE FLEXIBILITY TO PERSONALIZE ALL THE CONTROLS
Small Wonders
Authors: Roper Jack , Stone Tom
Published: February 2023

MINI-EXCAVATORS MAY BE AMONG THE SMALLEST CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES ON THE MARKET, BUT THEY ALSO REPRESENT THE HIGHEST VOLUME OF GLOBAL SALES AND, AS CATERPILLAR IS PROVING, ARE ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OEMS TO ROLL OUT NEW, GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGY
Handling the Heat
Authors: Mariotti Ida
Published: February 2023

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEMS IS FEASIBLE WITH CORRECT HANDLING OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURES INVOLVED
Making Connections
Authors: Allevi Matteo
Published: February 2023

USING THE CORRECT QUICK HYDRAULIC COUPLINGS IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SAFE, STREAMLINED OPERATION AND ONE THAT IS BURDENSOME
The Power of Hydraulics
Authors: Boote John
Published: February 2023

ENTERING A NEW MARKET, AND REACHING A LARGER CLIENT BASE, IS A SMART WAY TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF A PRODUCT
Aluminum nitride photonic integrated circuits: from piezo-optomechanics to nonlinear optics
Authors: Liu Xianwen , Bruch Alexander W. , Tang Hong. X.
Published: February 2023

The commercial success of radio-frequency acoustic filters in wireless communication systems has launched aluminum nitride (AlN) as one of the most widely used semiconductors across the globe. Over recent years, AlN has also been investigated as an attractive photonic integrated platform due to its excellent characteristics, such as enormous bandgaps (∼6.2 eV), quadratic and cubic optical nonlinearities, Pockels electro-optic effects, and compatibility with the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology. In parallel, AlN possesses outstanding piezoelectric and mechanical performances, which can provide new aspects for controlling phonons and photons at the wavelength scale using nanophotonic architectures. These characteristics pose AlN as a promising candidate to address the drawbacks in conventional silicon and silicon nitride platforms. In this review, we aim to present recent advances achieved in AlN photonic integrated circuits ranging from material processing and passive optical routing to active functionality implementation such as electro-optics, piezo-optomechanics, and all-optical nonlinear frequency conversion. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future prospects existing in AlN nanophotonic chips.
Employing channel probing to derive end-of-life service margins for optical spectrum services
Authors: Kaeval Kaida , Slyne Frank , Troia Sebastian , Kenny Eoin , Grobe Klaus , Griesser Helmut , Kilper Daniel C. , Ruffini Marco , Pedreno-Manresa Jose-Juan , Patri Sai Kireet , Jervan Gert
Published: February 2023

Optical spectrum as a service (OSaaS) spanning over multiple transparent optical network domains can significantly reduce the investment and operational costs of the end-to-end service. Based on the black-link approach, these services are empowered by reconfigurable transceivers and the emerging disaggregation trend in optical transport networks. This work investigates the accuracy aspects of the channel probing method used in generalized signal-to-noise ratio (GSNR)-based OSaaS characterization in terrestrial brownfield systems. OSaaS service margins to accommodate impacts from enabling neighboring channels and end-of-life channel loads are experimentally derived in a systematic lab study carried out in the Open Ireland testbed. The applicability of the lab-derived margins is then verified in the HEAnet production network using a 400 GHz wide OSaaS. Finally, the probing accuracy is tested by depleting the GSNR margin through power adjustments utilizing the same 400 GHz OSaaS in the HEAnet live network. A minimum of 0.92 dB and 1.46 dB of service margin allocation is recommended to accommodate the impacts of enabling neighboring channels and end-of-life channel loads. A further 0.6 dB of GSNR margin should be allocated to compensate for probing inaccuracies.
Graphene coated micro-channel fiber sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Zhang Jingao , Yuan Jinhui , Qu Yuwei , Qiu Shi , Mei Chao , Zhou Xian , Yan Binbin , Wu Qiang , Wang Kuiru , Sang Xinzhu , Yu Chongxiu
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a novel localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based micro-channel photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor is proposed. The LSPR-PCF sensor is designed with the three micro-channels, and the metal nanostraps and graphene are coated onto the PCF as the sensing elements. To realize high refractive index (RI) sensitivity, the influence of different plasmon materials, structure parameters, and graphene layers on the sensing performance of the LSPR-PCF sensor is investigated. The maximum wavelength sensitivity and amplitude sensitivity of the optimized LSPR-PCF sensor are up to 45800 nm/RIU and 1818RIU−1, respectively, when the RI changes from 1.35 to 1.42. Furthermore, the proposed LSPR-PCF sensor achieves the maximum figure of merit of 594.8, alone with a resolution of 2.18×10−6RIU. Because of its simple structure and excellent sensing performance, the proposed LSPR-PCF sensor has potential applications in biochemistry and environmental science.
Non-Hermitian coupling of orbital angular momentum modes in optical waveguides
Authors: Wang Chensheng , Zhang Zhijie , Wang Zhenhua , Xiong Wei , Deng Leimin
Published: February 2023

We investigate the optical coupling of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes in a multimode waveguide assisted by a lossy single-mode waveguide. By utilizing coupled mode theory, we show that the coupling coefficients between two OAM modes with opposite rotation directions become imaginary-valued in cylinder waveguides, which further gives rise to polarization-locked wave dynamics. Any injections with different polarizations finally evolve into linear polarization (LP) modes, as the output modes are synthetized by antisymmetric supermodes of two OAM modes. In addition, non-Hermitian asymmetric couplings are induced in elliptical waveguides, which stem from the interaction between synthetical gauge fields and dissipation. By increasing the ellipticity of waveguides, the degree of asymmetric coupling increases, and the system experiences a phase transition, which can be reflected from propagation characteristics of OAM modes. The study provides a promising approach for controlling modal coupling of OAM modes and may find potential applications in OAM generation and polarization conversion.
Light transport through a magneto-optical medium: simple theory revealing fruitful phenomena
Authors: Pan Jianbo , Zheng Yidong , Chen Jianfeng , Li Zhi-Yuan
Published: February 2023

Electromagnetic wave transmission in a magneto-optical (MO) medium is a basic and old topic but has raised new interest in recent years, because MO medium plays a vital role in optical isolator, topological optics, electromagnetic field regulation, microwave engineering, and many other technological applications. Here, we describe several fascinating physical images and classical physical variables in MO medium by using a simple and rigorous electromagnetic field solution approach. We can easily obtain explicit formulations for all relevant physical quantities, such as the electromagnetic field distribution, energy flux, reflection/transmission phase, reflection/transmission coefficients, and Goos-Hänchen (GH) shift in MO medium. This theory can help to deepen and broaden our physical understanding of basic electromagnetics, optics, and electrodynamics in application to gyromagnetic and MO homogeneous medium and microstructures, and might help to disclose and develop new ways and routes to high technologies in optics and microwave.
Secondary Raman and Brillouin mode suppression in two- and three-mirror-cavity diamond Raman lasers
Authors: Li Muye , yang Xuezong , Sun Yuxiang , Jiang Huawei , Mildren Richard P. , Kitzler Ondrej , Spence David J. , feng Yan
Published: February 2023

We report an investigation into secondary mode suppression in single longitudinal mode (SLM) 1240 nm diamond Raman lasers. For a three-mirror V-shape standing-wave cavity incorporating an intra-cavity LBO crystal to suppress secondary modes, we achieved stable SLM output with a maximum output power of 11.7 W and a slope efficiency 34.9%. We quantify the level of χ(2) coupling necessary to suppress secondary modes including those generated by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). It is found that SBS-generated modes often coincide with higher-order spatial modes in the beam profile and can be suppressed using an intracavity aperture. Using numerical calculations, it is shown that the probability for such higher-order spatial modes is higher for an apertureless V-cavity than in two-mirror cavities due its contrasting longitudinal mode-structure.
Evolution of the point defects involved under the action of mechanical forces on mechanically machined fused silica surfaces
Authors: Yang Dinghuai , Cheng Jian , Zhao Linjie , Chen Mingjun , Liu Henan , Wang Jinghe , Han Chengshun , Liu Zhichao , Wang Shengfei , Geng Feng , Sun Yazhou , Xu Qiao
Published: February 2023

Point defects with different species are concentrated on most mechanically machined fused silica optical surfaces with surface defects, which would sharply decrease the laser damage resistance under intense laser irradiation. Various point defects have distinct roles in affecting the laser damage resistance. Especially, the proportions of various point defects have not been identified, posing the challenge in relating the intrinsic quantitative relationship among various point defects. To fully reveal the comprehensive effect of various point defects, it is necessary to systematically explore the origins, evolution laws and especially the quantitative relationship among point defects. Herein, seven types of point defects are determined. The unbonded electrons in point defects are found to tend to be ionized to induce laser damage and there is a definite quantitative relationship between the proportions of oxygen-deficient point defects and that of peroxide point defects. The conclusions are further verified based on the photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra and the properties (e.g., reaction rule and structural feature) of the point defects. On basis of the fitted Gaussian components and electronic-transition theory, the quantitative relationship between PL and the proportions of various point defects is constructed for the first time. E’-Center accounts for the highest proportion among them. This work is beneficial for fully revealing the comprehensive action mechanisms of various point defects and providing new insights in elucidating the defect-induced laser damage mechanisms of optical components under intense laser irradiation from the atomic scale.
High-performance vector torsion sensor based on high polarization-dependent in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Zhao Rong , Liu Hanyuan , Shu Xuewen
Published: February 2023

We propose a high-performance vector torsion sensor based on an in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), which consists of a straight waveguide inscribed in the core-cladding boundary of the SMF by a femtosecond laser in only one step. The length of the in-fiber MZI is 5 mm, and the whole fabrication time does not exceed 1 min. The asymmetric structure makes the device have high polarization dependence, and the transmission spectrum shows a strong polarization-dependent dip. Since the polarization state of the input light entering the in-fiber MZI varies with the twist of the fiber, torsion sensing can be achieved by monitoring the polarization-dependent dip. Torsion can be demodulated by both the wavelength and intensity of the dip, and vector torsion sensing can be achieved by setting the appropriate polarization state of the incident light. The torsion sensitivity based on intensity modulation can reach 5763.96 dB/(rad/mm). The response of dip intensity to strain and temperature is weak. Furthermore, the in-fiber MZI retains the fiber coating, so it maintains the robustness of the complete fiber structure.
Stray light control for the space-agile optical system with pointing mirror
Authors: Peixian Han , Guo JunLi , Zhang Meili , Xue Rongrong , ge ren , Liu Yong
Published: February 2023

The space-agile optical composite detection system with pointing mirror possesses flexible and fast response ability. Just like other space telescopes, if the stray light is not properly eliminated, it may result in a false response or noise flooding the real light signal due to the low illuminance and large dynamic range of target. The paper shows the optical structure layout, the decomposition of the optical figure profile and roughness profile index, the stray light suppression requirements, and the detailed stray light analysis process. Pointing mirror and ultra-long afocal optical path increase the difficulty of stray light suppression in space-agile optical detection system. This paper will present the design method of special shaped aperture diaphragm and heterosexual entrance baffle, black baffle surface testing, simulating and selection, and stray light suppression analysis process. The special-shaped entrance baffle has a significant effect on the suppression of stray light, and reduced dependence on platform posture.
Unsupervised learning reveals interpretable latent representations for translucency perception
Authors: Liao Chenxi , Sawayama Masataka , Xiao Bei
Published: February 2023

Humans constantly assess the appearance of materials to plan actions, such as stepping on icy roads without slipping. Visual inference of materials is important but challenging because a given material can appear dramatically different in various scenes. This problem especially stands out for translucent materials, whose appearance strongly depends on lighting, geometry, and viewpoint. Despite this, humans can still distinguish between different materials, and it remains unsolved how to systematically discover visual features pertinent to material inference from natural images. Here, we develop an unsupervised style-based image generation model to identify perceptually relevant dimensions for translucent material appearances from photographs. We find our model, with its layer-wise latent representation, can synthesize images of diverse and realistic materials. Importantly, without supervision, human-understandable scene attributes, including the object’s shape, material, and body color, spontaneously emerge in the model’s layer-wise latent space in a scale-specific manner. By embedding an image into the learned latent space, we can manipulate specific layers’ latent code to modify the appearance of the object in the image. Specifically, we find that manipulation on the early-layers (coarse spatial scale) transforms the object’s shape, while manipulation on the later-layers (fine spatial scale) modifies its body color. The middle-layers of the latent space selectively encode translucency features and manipulation of such layers coherently modifies the translucency appearance, without changing the object’s shape or body color. Moreover, we find the middle-layers of the latent space can successfully predict human translucency ratings, suggesting that translucent impressions are established in mid-to-low spatial scale features. This layer-wise latent representation allows us to systematically discover perceptually relevant image features for human translucency perception. Together, our findings reveal that learning the scale-specific statistical structure of natural images might be crucial for humans to efficiently represent material properties across contexts.
Optimizing cardiovascular risk assessment and registration in a developing cardiovascular learning health care system: Women benefit most
Authors: Groenhof T. Katrien J. , Haitjema Saskia , Lely A. Titia , Grobbee Diederick E. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Bots Michiel L. ,   on behalf of the UCC-CVRM and UPOD Study groups
Published: February 2023

Since 2015 we organized a uniform, structured collection of a fixed set of cardiovascular risk factors according the (inter)national guidelines on cardiovascular risk management. We evaluated the current state of a developing cardiovascular towards learning healthcare system–the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort Cardiovascular Risk Management (UCC-CVRM)—and its potential effect on guideline adherence in cardiovascular risk management. We conducted a before-after study comparing data from patients included in UCC-CVRM (2015–2018) and patients treated in our center before UCC-CVRM (2013–2015) who would have been eligible for UCC-CVRM using the Utrecht Patient Oriented Database (UPOD). Proportions of cardiovascular risk factor measurement before and after UCC-CVRM initiation were compared, as were proportions of patients that required (change of) blood pressure, lipid, or blood glucose lowering treatment. We estimated the likelihood to miss patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated HbA1c before UCC-CVRM for the whole cohort and stratified for sex. In the present study, patients included up to October 2018 (n = 1904) were matched with 7195 UPOD patients with similar age, sex, department of referral and diagnose description. Completeness of risk factor measurement increased, ranging from 0% -77% before to 82%-94% after UCC-CVRM initiation. Before UCC-CVRM, we found more unmeasured risk factors in women compared to men. This sex-gap resolved in UCC-CVRM. The likelihood to miss hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated HbA1c was reduced by 67%, 75% and 90%, respectively, after UCC-CVRM initiation. A finding more pronounced in women compared to men. In conclusion, a systematic registration of the cardiovascular risk profile substantially improves guideline adherent assessment and decreases the risk of missing patients with elevated levels with an indication for treatment. The sex-gap disappeared after UCC-CVRM initiation. Thus, an LHS approach contributes to a more inclusive insight into quality of care and prevention of cardiovascular disease (progression).
The incremental cost of implementing the world health organization Package of essential non-communicable (PEN) diseases interventions in Iran
Authors: Azmin Mehrdad , Mohebi Farnam , Yoosefi Moein , Ahmadi Naser , Shirazi Saeed , Modirian Mitra , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: February 2023

World-Health-Organization’s PEN package proposes a minimum set of cost-effective interventions for early diagnosis and management of Non-Communicable-Disease (NCD). IraPEN (the PEN package implemented in Iran), adopted from PEN and Iran National Action Plans for NCDs, addresses challenges regarding NCD prevention and control. IraPEN was piloted in four districts of Iran. In this research, we estimate incremental per-capita cost of IraPEN program implementation in two of the pilot districts. We utilized a bottom-up, ingredient-based costing approach. Institutional expenditure data was collected via information forms. Information pertaining to personnel costs was gathered by performing task time measurements using Direct Observation Method. An individual-level survey was conducted in under-study districts to determine program coverage and its users’ demographic information via systematic random cluster sampling. Sampling of districts was based on systematic random cluster sampling. In each district, 250 families in 25 clusters proportional to urban or rural populations were randomly selected by postal codes. All family members eligible for the program were interviewed. Interviews were organized and conducted in each district by NCD experts in provincial Universities of Medical Sciences. Costs were re-categorized into fixed and variable costs based on their dependency on the program’s coverage. Fixed and variable costs were, respectively, divided by total eligible populations and covered populations in each district to calculate cost per-capita for each protocol. Total per-capita cost per-service was then calculated for each protocol and whole program by adding these figures. All costs are reported in US$ 2015–2016. The incremental costs of IraPEN implementation per user, with and without introduction cost, were US$24.90 and US$25.32, respectively. Total incremental cost per-capita for each protocol ranged between US$1.05 to US$7.45. The human resources and supplies had the highest contribution in total program cost (74.97% and 15.76%, respectively). The present study shows that IraPEN program implementation to be a high-cost package within Iranian context, that necessitates cautions in other similar contexts for implementation. It is, however, difficult to make decisions on implementation of NCD prevention and control programs purely based on their cost. Informed decision making requires assessment of a programs’ effectiveness and justifications and alterations to the current package could reduce the costs, leading to increased efficiency of the program.
Patterns and drivers of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Pernambuco (Brazil) from 2007 to 2018
Authors: Machado Carolina Angélica Libório , Valle Denis , Horta Mauricio Claudio , Meiga Ana Yoko Ykeuti , Sevá Anaiá da Paixão
Published: February 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the second most common protozoosis that affects people around the world. The aim of this study is to understand how environmental and socioeconomic factors, as well as VL control and surveillance interventions, influence the spread and detection of VL cases in Pernambuco state (Brazil). A novel model was developed to analyze cases of VL between 2007 and 2018, enabling the quantification of the association of these variables with two processes: the probability of “invasion” (emergence of new cases) at municipalities by VL, and the probability of detecting cases not reported in municipalities that have already been invaded. Pernambuco state identified 1,410 cases of VL between 2007 and 2018, with an average of 128 cases per year and average incidence of 1.28/100 thousand people. These cases were distributed in 77.1% (142/184) of the municipalities, and 54.8% (773/1,410) of them were autochthonous. Our model reveals that the proportion of agriculture was positively associated with VL invasion probability. We also find that municipalities that are closer to notification centers and/or that have received technical training and support tend to have higher detection rates of VL cases. Taken together, these results suggest that a municipality with almost no agriculture and that received technical training, located close to a notification center, is unlikely to be invaded if no cases have ever been detected. On the other hand, a municipality that is far from the notification center, with no technical training, with a large agricultural area might have already been invaded but the surveillance system might have routinely failed to detect VL cases due to low detection probability. By disentangling the processes of invasion and detection, we were able to generate insights that are likely to be useful for the strategic allocation of VL prevention and control interventions.
Long-term visual prognosis and characteristics of recurrent retinal detachment after silicone oil removal
Authors: Park Wookyung , Kim Mirinae , Kim Rae Young , Kim Joo Young , Kwak Jae Hyuck , Park Young-Gun , Park Young-Hoon
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Silicone oil (SO) is commonly used for tamponade purposes in retinal detachment (RD) surgery, but the long-term visual prognosis after removal of the oil, and in particular, what is known about the recurrence of RD after SO removal, remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term vision prognosis after SO removal, and to understand the frequency and characteristics of RD recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 1017 eyes of patients with a diagnosis of RD who had a pars plana vitrectomy with SO tamponade between January 2009 and December 2018. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obatained before and after vitrectomy and also at the last visit. After SO removal, the group who showed improvement in visual acuity and the group who did not were compared. The anatomical results were compared between the group in which the retina was detached again after SO removal and the group in which the retina was not detached. To determine whether the duration of SO tamponade affects RD recurrence, further analysis was performed by dividing subgroups according to SO tamponade duration. RD recurrence, visual acuity, SO tamponade period were investigated.

Results

Mean follow-up period was 56.65 ± 72.02 months. An average SO tamponade period was 6.68 ± 11.39 months. The average logMAR BCVA was 1.75 ± 0.91 before SO injection, 1.60 ± 0.75 before SO removal and 1.29 ± 0.96 after the removal. After SO removal, 926 of the 1017 (91.1%) patients had well attached retina without recurrence. There was no significant difference in visual acuity before SO removal in re-detachment group compared to no re-detachment group, but visual acuity of re-detachment group was worse than no re-detachment group after SO removal (p<0.001). The SO tamponade period in the group with improved vision after SO removal was 5.09 ± 9.87 months, and the period was significantly shorter than the 9.09 ± 13.05 months in the group not showing vision recovery (p = 0.005). The occurrence of corneal opacity was significantly higher in the group with SO over 6 months, than those of the two groups with SO tamponade duration of less than 3 months and between 3 and 6 months (p = 0.038). The longest tamponade group showed the worst final vision after SO removal (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prognosis for final vision is generally good when performing surgery using SO in RD, but considering the complications that arise after surgery, long-term retention of SO is not recommended and the timing of SO removal should be considered.
Development and cross-validation of a veterans mental health risk factor screen
Authors: Carlson Eve B. , Palmieri Patrick A. , Vogt Dawne , Macia Kathryn , Lindley Steven E.
Published: February 2023

Background

VA primary care patients are routinely screened for current symptoms of PTSD, depression, and alcohol disorders, but many who screen positive do not engage in care. In addition to stigma about mental disorders and a high value on autonomy, some veterans may not seek care because of uncertainty about whether they need treatment to recover. A screen for mental health risk could provide an alternative motivation for patients to engage in care.

Method

Data from samples of veterans and traumatic injury survivors were analyzed to identify mental health risk factors that are characteristics of individuals or stressors or of post-trauma, post-deployment, or post-military service resources, experiences, or responses. Twelve risk factors were strongly related to PTSD (r > .50): current PTSD, depression, dissociation, negative thinking, and emotional lability symptoms, life stress, relationship stress, social constraints, and deployment experiences of a difficult environment, concerns about life and family, perceived threat, and moral injury. Items assessing each of these risk factors were selected and their validity to prospectively predict PTSD and/or depression 6 months later was assessed in a new sample of 232 VA primary care patients.

Results

Twelve items assessing dissociation, emotional lability, life stress, and moral injury correctly classified 86% of those who later had elevated PTSD and/or depression symptoms (sensitivity) and 75% of those whose later symptoms were not elevated (specificity). Performance was also very good for 110 veterans who identified as members of ethnic/racial minorities.

Conclusions

Mental health status was prospectively predicted in VA primary care patients with high accuracy using a screen that is brief, easy to administer, score, and interpret, and fits well into VA’s integrated primary care. When care is readily accessible, appealing to veterans, and not perceived as stigmatizing, information about mental health risk may result in higher rates of engagement than information about current mental disorder status.
Implementation process and challenges of index testing in Côte d’Ivoire from healthcare workers’ perspectives
Authors: Mugisha Nancy , Tirera Fatoumata , Coulibaly-Kouyate Naraba , Aguie William , He Yao , Kemper Kathryn , Robinson Julia , N’Goran Luc , Tuho Moïse , Kouyate Seydou , Doumbia Yacouba , Gloyd Stephen , Kone Ahoua
Published: February 2023

A major limiting factor in combatting the HIV epidemic has been the identification of people living with HIV. Index testing programs were developed to face that challenge. Index testing is a focused HIV testing service approach in which family members and partners of people living with HIV are offered testing. Despite the implementation of index testing, there is still a gap between the estimated number of people living with HIV and those who know their status in Côte d’Ivoire. This study aimed to understand the implementation process of index testing in Côte d’Ivoire and to identify implementation challenges from healthcare workers perspectives. In January and February 2020, we conducted a qualitative study through 105 individual semi-structured interviews regarding index testing with clinical providers (physicians, nurses, and midwives) and non-clinical providers (community counselors and their supervisors) at 16 rural health facilities across four regions of Côte d’Ivoire. We asked questions regarding the index testing process, index client intake, contact tracing and testing, the challenges of implementation, and solicited recommendations on improving index testing in Côte d’Ivoire. The interviews revealed that index testing is implemented by non-clinical providers. Passive referral, by which the index client brought their contact to be tested, and providers referral, by which a healthcare worker reached out to the index client’s contact, were the preferred contact tracing and testing strategies. There was not statistically significant difference between immediate and delayed notification. Reported challenges of index testing implementation included index cases refusing to give their partner’s information or a partner refusing to be tested, fear of divorce, societal stigma, long distances, lack of appropriate training in index testing strategies, and lack of a private room for counseling. The recommendations given by providers to combat these was to reinforce HIV education among the population, to train healthcare workers on index testing strategies, and to improve infrastructure, transportation, and communication resources. The study showed that the elements that influenced the process of index testing in Côte d’Ivoire were multifactorial, including individual, interpersonal, health systems, and societal factors. Thus, a multi-faceted approach to overcoming challenges of index testing in Côte d’Ivoire is needed to improve the yield of index testing.
Effect of an extension speech training program based on Chinese idioms in patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pei Sun , Weiwei Li , Mengqin Zhang , Xiaojun He
Published: February 2023

Background

Chinese idioms have potential to act as preliminary training material in studies on post-stroke aphasia.

Objective

To explore an extension speech training program that takes Chinese idioms as context and expands them into characters, words, sentences and paragraphs and evaluate the effects of this program in patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial. We recruited patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2021 to January 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to group I and group II. Patients in group I had treatment with extension speech training based on Chinese idioms, and those in group II had treatment with conventional speech rehabilitation training. The training period in both groups was 40 min daily for 2 weeks.

Results

A total of 70 patients (group I, n = 34; and group II, n = 36) completed the trial and were analyzed according to protocol. There were no significant differences in baseline values between both groups. After intervention, the scores of oral expression, comprehension, and reading in the Aphasia Battery Of Chinese scale and the scores of the Comprehensive Activities of Daily Living questionnaire significantly improved in both groups (P <0.05), with group I benefiting more (P <0.05).

Conclusion

This extension speech training program based on Chinese idioms can improve the language function and daily communication ability of the patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial RegistryChiCTR2000031825.
Human cytomegalovirus pUL97 upregulates SOCS3 expression via transcription factor RFX7 in neural progenitor cells
Authors: Wang Xian-Zhang , Wen Le , Zhou Yue-Peng , Huang Sheng-Nan , Yang Bo , Cheng Shuang , Zeng Wen-Bo , Mei Meng-Jie , Sun Jin-Yan , Jiang Xuan , Cheng Han , Luo Min-Hua
Published: February 2023

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes severe damage to the fetal brain, and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Cytokine signaling is delicately controlled in the fetal central nervous system to ensure proper development. Here we show that suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), a negative feedback regulator of the IL-6 cytokine family signaling, was upregulated during HCMV infection in primary neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with a biphasic expression pattern. From viral protein screening, pUL97 emerged as the viral factor responsible for prolonged SOCS3 upregulation. Further, by proteomic analysis of the pUL97-interacting host proteins, regulatory factor X 7 (RFX7) was identified as the transcription factor responsible for the regulation. Depletion of either pUL97 or RFX7 prevented the HCMV-induced SOCS3 upregulation in NPCs. With a promoter-luciferase activity assay, we demonstrated that the pUL97 kinase activity and RFX7 were required for SOCS3 upregulation. Moreover, the RFX7 phosphorylation level was increased by either UL97-expressing or HCMV-infection in NPCs, suggesting that pUL97 induces RFX7 phosphorylation to drive SOCS3 transcription. We further revealed that elevated SOCS3 expression impaired NPC proliferation and migration in vitro and caused NPCs migration defects in vivo. Taken together, these findings uncover a novel regulatory mechanism of sustained SOCS3 expression in HCMV-infected NPCs, which perturbs IL-6 cytokine family signaling, leads to NPCs proliferation and migration defects, and consequently affects fetal brain development.
Structural relationship of Ankara and lace fabrics in Nigeria
Authors: Adeoti Adeola Abiodun
Published: February 2023

Ankaraand lace fabrics have been in use for some years by many tribes in Nigeria. These two local fabrics are dynamic and unique to Africa in general. Despite the uniqueness of these two fabrics, there is a dearth of in-depth study on them. This study presents a comparative analysis of the physical structures of lace andAnkarafabrics through direct field research using a qualitative method to analyse the data with random sampling. This study was conducted with the aim of giving insight into the growth of the arts so as to preserve the designs and styles for future development through the understanding of the two fabrics. The study reveals that the fabrics are texturally good in the body and therefore widely used by the low, middle and high-class personalities in Nigeria.
A small comparison of various content based image retrieval approach
Authors: Lowanshi Vinay , Rai Dr. Kalpana
Published: February 2023

-Image retrieval is one of the most interesting and fastest growing research areas in the field of digital image processing as well as for the information retrieval from web contents. In most Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) systems, an image is represented by a set of different level of visual features, by which can manage large databases.CBIR is used in many areas for retrieving images of simillar type from large database Most of the popular database removes the highlevel semantic information.