bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of Formation of Radar-Tracking and Optical Images in a Mobile Test Stand of Radio-Vision Systems of a Car
Authors: Ananenkov Andrey , Konovaltsev Anton , Kukhorev Alexey , Nujdin Vladimir , Rastorguev Vladimir , Sokolov Pavel
Published: April 2024

In the report the features of formation of radar images (RI) and optical images (OI) in the mobile test stand of radiovision systems (RVS) of a car are presented. The radiovision system of a car (CRVS) of the millimeter-wavelength with frequency modulation is considered. Features of formation and processing of the radar-tracking image in CRVS are discussed, in particular: the sizes of the image, system of coordinates, primary and secondary processing of RI, requirements for speeds of transfer of figures in real time of processing, for subsystem of display of RI and synchronization. The structure of the mobile test stand of CRVS is described. This stand consists of: CRVS, a video camera, the module of formation, recording and display of RI and of optical images, the module of control of a stand, the power supply unit. Features of formation and display OI are considered, in particular: the coordination of scale and shortening of images, creation of time synchronization at display and records of OI, and questions of synchronous fusion of RI and OI also.
Setting an Upper-Wavelength Limit to the Supercontinuum Generated in a Photonic Crystal Fibre
Authors: Tartara Luca , Degiorgio Vittorio , Cherif Rim , Zghal Mourad
Published: April 2024

We report about a novel kind of supercontinuum generation in a photonic crystal fibre in which the spectral broadening occurs only on the blue side of the pump wavelength. As a consequence a limit to the extent of the supercontinuum is set and thus a way for tailoring the broadened spectrum according to a peculiar application is provided. We present a theoretical explanation along with experimental data which are supported by the results of a set of numerical simulations.
RoFnet – Reconfigurable Radio over Fiber Network Architecture Overview
Authors: Medeiros Maria C. R. , Avó Ricardo , Laurˆencio Paula , Correia Noélia S. , Barradas Alvaro , Da Silva Henrique J. A. , Darwazeh Izzat , Mitchell John E. , Monteiro Paulo M. N.
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces the basic operational concepts of the RoFnet – reconfigurable radio over fiber network, which is a project supported by the Portuguese Foundation forScience and Technology. This project proposes an innovative radio over fiber optical access network architecture, which combines a low cost base station (BS) design, incorporating reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers, with fiber dispersion mitigation provided by optical single sideband modulation techniques. Optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) techniques are used to simplify the access network architecture allowing for different BSs to be fed by a common fiber. Different wavelength channels can be allocated to different BSs depending on user requirements. Additionally, in order to improve radio coverage within a cell, it is considered a sectorized antenna interface. The combination of subcarrier multiplexing with WDM, further simplifies the network architecture, by using a specific wavelength channel to feed an individual BS and different subcarriers to drive the individual antenna sectors within the BS.
Methods of Step-Size Distribution Optimization Used in S-SSFM Simulations of WDM Systems
Authors: Jaworski Marek
Published: April 2024

Brief review of methods used for simulation of signal propagation in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM)links is presented. We propose two novel methods of stepsize distribution optimization used to improve symmetrized split step Fourier method (S-SSFM) numerical efficiency: presimulated local error S-SSFM (PsLE S-SSFM) and modified logarithmic (ML S-SSFM). The PsLE S-SSFM contains two stages: in the initial stage step-size distribution optimization is carried out by combining local error method and presimulation with signal spectrum averaging; in the second stage conventional SSFM is used by applying optimal step-size distribution obtained in the initial stage. The ML S-SSFMis generalization of logarithmic method proposed to suppress spurious FWM tones, in which a slope of logarithmic step-size distribution is optimized. Overall time savings exceed 50%, depending of a simulated system scenario.
Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Analysis of Rapid Thermal Annealing Effect on MBE Grown GaAs1−x−Nx
Authors: Sedrine Nebiha Ben , Rihani Jaouher , Harmand Jean-Christophe , Chtourou Radhouane
Published: April 2024

We report on the effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) on GaAs1−x−Nx layers, grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), using room temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). A comparative study was carried out on a set of GaAs1−x−Nx as-grown and the RTA samples with small nitrogen content (x = 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.5%). Thanks to the standard critical point model parameterization of the GaAs1−x−Nx extracted dielectric functions, we have determined the RTA effect, and its nitrogen dependence. We have found that RTA affects more samples with high nitrogen content. In addition, RTA is found to decrease the E1 energy nitrogen blueshift and increase the broadening parameters of E1, E1+Δ1, E′0 and E2 critical points.
Network Topology Effect on QoS Delivering in Survivable DWDM Optical Networks
Authors: Kavian Yousef S. , Rashvand Habib F. , Leeson Mark S. , Ren Wei , Hines Evor L. , Naderi Majid
Published: April 2024

The quality of service (QoS) is an important and considerable issue in designing survivable dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) backbones for IP networks. This paper investigates the effect of network topology on QoS delivering in survivable DWDM optical transport networks using bandwidth/load ratio and design flexibility metrics. The dedicated path protection architecture is employed to establish diverse working and spare lightpaths between each node pair in demand matrix for covering a single link failure model. The simulation results, obtained for the Pan-European and ARPA2 test bench networks, demonstrate that the network topology has a great influence on QoS delivering by network at optical layer for different applications. The Pan-European network, a more connected network, displays better performance than ARPA2 network for both bandwidth/load ratio and design flexibility metrics.
Fusion Splicing and Testing of Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Borzycki Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Properties of two different photonic crystal fibers (PCF) were characterized, enabling comparisons. Properties investigated included spectral attenuation, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), optical time domain reflectometer characteristics, elastooptic factor describing transmission delay induced by axial strain plus effects of temperature cycling and fiber twist on PMD and loss. In particular, temperature and twist dependence of PMD was different for each fiber tested. For optical measurements, fibers were fusion spliced to pigtails with standard telecom single mode fibers. PCF splicing procedures and solutions adopted to minimize collapse of holes during arc fusion and splice loss are presented. It was found that fusion splicing procedure must be individually tailored to each combination of fibers.
Percolation Driven Flooding for Energy Efficient Routing in Dense Sensor Networks
Authors: Vakulya Gergely , Simon Gyula
Published: April 2024

Simple flooding algorithms are widely used in ad hoc sensor networks either for information dissemination or as building blocks of more sophisticated routing protocols. In this paper a percolation driven probabilistic flooding algorithm is proposed, which provides large message delivery ratio with small number of sent messages, compared to traditional flooding. To control the number of sent messages the proposed algorithm uses locally available information only, thus induces negligible overhead on network traffic. The performance of the algorithm is analyzed and the theoretical results are verified through simulation examples.
Multiobjective Design of Wireless Ad Hoc Networks: Security, Real-Time and Lifetime
Authors: Karakehayov Zdravko
Published: April 2024

This paper deals with the tradeoffs between security, real-time and lifetime performance. Due to the multihop nature of communication wireless ad hoc networks are very vulnerable to attacks. Malicious nodes included in a routing path may misbehave and organize attacks such as black holes. Scaling the number of hops for a packet delivery we trade off energy efficiency against security and real-time communication. To study the multihop communication we propose a hierarchical communication model. The REWARD (receive, watch, redirect) algorithm for secure routing is employed as a main example for corrective actions. Symmetrical routing is a distinguish feature of protocols such as REWARD and we outline the threshold of conflict between power-efficient partitioning of communication links and symmetrical routing.
A Method of Mobile Base Station Placement for High Altitude Platform Based Network with Geographical Clustering of Mobile Ground Nodes
Authors: Song Ha Yoon
Published: April 2024

High altitude platforms (HAPs) such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which can be deployed as stratospheric infrastructures enable a sort of new configurations of wireless networks. Ground nodes must be clustered in multiple sets and one dedicated UAV is assigned to each set and act as an mobile base station (MBS). For the intra-set nodes, UAVs must communicate each other in order to establish network links among intra-set nodes. Here we find a geographical clustering problem of networking nodes and a placement problem of MBSs. The clustering technique of mobile ground nodes can identify the geographical location of MBSs as well as the coverage of MBSs. In this paper we proposed a clustering mechanism to build such a configuration and the effectiveness of this solution is demonstrated by simulation. For a selected region with a relatively big island, we modeled mobile ground nodes and showed the result of dynamic placement of MBSs by our clustering algorithm. The final results will be shown graphically with the mobility of ground nodes as well as the placement of MBSs.
A Framework for Detection of Selfishness in Multihop Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Konarski Jerzy , Orlikowski Rafał
Published: April 2024

The paper discusses the need for a fully-distributed selfishness detection mechanism dedicated for multihop wireless ad hoc networks which nodes may exhibit selfish forwarding behavior. The main contribution of this paper is an introduction to a novel approach for detecting and coping with the selfish nodes. Paper describes a new framework based on Dempster-Shafer theory-based selfishness detection framework (DST-SDF) with some mathematical background and simulation analysis.
Laser Beam Attenuation Determined by the Method of Available Optical Power in Turbulent Atmosphere
Authors: Dordov ́a Lucie , Wilfert Otakar
Published: April 2024

This work is focused on the atmospheric turbulence effect and a new method for determining optical signal attenuation caused by turbulence is presented here. A new method of power budget of optical links comes from optical intensity distribution in a laser beam after the beam passed through turbulent atmosphere. Results given by this method are compared with Rytov approximation which is nowadays the most frequently used method for determining turbulent attenuation. Results for communication wavelength of 850 nm and 1550 nm are presented as well as the results for a wavelength of 633 nm.
The Design of 4×4 Multimode Interference Coupler Based Microring Resonators on an SOI Platform
Authors: Le Trung-Thanh , Cahill Laurence W.
Published: April 2024

This paper would like to propose a novel microring resonator based on 4 ×4 multimode interference (MMI) couplers. The device acts as two separate microring resonators just in one structure. The transfer matrix method and the three dimensional beam propagation method (3D-BPM) are used to verify the working principle of the device. The device is then designed on silicon on insulator (SOI) technology. This device may be a very promising building block for optical switches, filters, add-drop multiplexers, delay lines and modulators.
Linux Scheduler Improvement for Time Demanding Network Applications, Running on Communication Platform Systems
Authors: Hasse Marcin , Nowicki Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Communication platform systems as, e.g., advanced telecommunication computing architecture (ATCA) standard blades located in standardized chassis, provides high level communication services between system peripherals. Each ATCA blade brings dedicated functionality to the system but can as well exist as separated host responsible for servicing set of task. According to platform philosophy these parts of system can be quite independent against another solutions provided by competitors. Each system design can be different and can face with many computer systems design problems. One of the most difficult design problems to solve is system integration with a set of components running on different operating system levels. This paper presents Linux scheduler improvement possibility to make user space application classified as time demanding (required to be serviced by CPU in given amount of time) running in user space together with complicated kernel software structure in the system.
Simple Dynamic Threshold Decryption Based on CRT and RSA
Authors: Nakielski Bartosz , Pomykała Jacek
Published: April 2024

In the paper we present a simple threshold decryption system based on the RSA cryptosystem. Our model avoids the application of the Shamir secret sharing protocol and is based only on the Chinese reminder theorem. The flexibility in the threshold level is attained due to the suitable preparation of the input data. The second part of the article describes a modification of the basic model, which admits the sender’s impact on the choice of the real receiver’s group.
Generating Pseudorandom S-Boxes – a Method of Improving the Security of Cryptosystems Based on Block Ciphers
Authors: Mroczkowski Piotr
Published: April 2024

The paper presents a general framework for improving the security of the cryptosystem based on the symmetric block cipher. The main idea is based on possibility of chancing substitution boxes (called S-boxes) in encryption/decryption algorithm. In order to make it possible, it is necessary to generate identical boxes by an encryption and decryption party. This is the main reason, why deterministic methods of generating substitution boxes based on the pseudorandom sequences will be presented.
Decision Support under Risk by Optimization of Scenario Importance Weighted OWA Aggregations
Authors: Ogryczak Włodzimierz , Śliwiński Tomasz
Published: April 2024

The problem of evaluation outcomes under several scenarios to form overall objective functions is of considerable importance in decision support under uncertainty. The fuzzy operator defined as the so-called weighted OWA (WOWA) aggregation offers a well-suited approach to this problem. The WOWA aggregation, similar to the classical ordered weighted averaging (OWA), uses the preferential weights assigned to the ordered values (i.e., to the worst value, the second worst and so on) rather than to the specific criteria. This allows one to model various preferences with respect to the risk. Simultaneously, importance weighting of scenarios can be introduced. In this paper we analyze solution procedures for optimization problems with the WOWA objective functions related to decisions under risk. Linear programming formulations are introduced for optimization of theWOWA objective representing risk averse preferences. Their computational efficiency is demonstrated.
Path Diversity Protection in Two-Layer Networks
Authors: Dzida Mateusz , Śliwiński Tomasz , Zagożdżon Michał , Ogryczak Włodzimierz , Pióro Michał
Published: April 2024

The paper addresses an optimization problem related to dimensioning links in a resilient two-layer network. A particular version of the problem which assumes that links of the upper layer are supported by unique paths in the lower layer is considered. Two mixed-integer programming formulations of this problem are presented and discussed. Direct resolving of these formulations requirespre-selection of “good” candidate paths in the upper layer of the network. Thus, the paper presents an alternative approach which is based on decomposing the resolution process into two phases, resolved iteratively. The first phase subproblem is related to designing lower layer path flows that provide the capacities for the logical links of the upper layer. The second phase is related to designing the flow patterns in the upper layer with protection assured through diversity of paths. In this phase we take into account the failures of the logical links that result from the failures of the lower layer links (so called shared risk link groups).
Hierarchical Multiobjective Routing in MPLS Networks with Two Service Classes – A Meta-Heuristic Solution
Authors: Gir ̃ao-Silva Rita , Craveirinha Jos ́e , Cl ́ımaco Jo ̃ao
Published: April 2024

The paper begins by reviewing a two-level hierarchical multicriteria routing model for MPLS networks with two service classes (QoS and BE services) and alternative routing, as well as the foundations of a heuristic resolution approach, previously proposed by the authors. Afterwards a new approach, of meta-heuristic nature, based on the introduction of simulated annealing and tabu search techniques, in the structure of the dedicated heuristic, is described. The application of the developed procedures to a benchmarking case study will show that, in certain initial conditions, this approach provides improvements in the final results especially in more “difficult” situations detected through sensitivity analysis.
Propagation Path Loss Modeling in Container Terminal Environment
Authors: Katulski Ryszard J. , Stefański Jacek , Sadowski Jarosław
Published: April 2024

This paper describes novel method of path loss modeling for radio communication channels in container port area. Multi-variate empirical model is presented, based on multidimensional regression analysis of real path loss measurements from container terminal environment. The measurement instruments used in propagation studies in port area are also described.
Model for Balancing Aggregated Communication Bandwidth Resources
Authors: Pałka Piotr , Kołtyś Kamil , Toczyłowski Eugeniusz , Żółtowska Izabela
Published: April 2024

In this paper we present a multicommodity bandwidth exchange model for balancing aggregated communication bandwidth resources (BACBR) that allows us to aggregate similar offers. In this model offers submitted to sell (or buy) the same, similar, or equivalent network resources (or demands for end-to-end connections) are aggregated into single commodities. BACBR model is based on the balancing communication bandwidth trade (BCBT) model. It requires much less variables and constraints then original BCBT, however the outcomes need to be disaggregated. The general model for disaggregation is also given in the paper.
Incorporating Customer Preference Information into the Forecasting of Service Sales
Authors: Rzepakowski Piotr
Published: April 2024

Customers change their preferences while getting more familiar with services or being motivated to change their buying habits. Different sources of motivation induce customers to change their behavior: an advertisement, a leader in a reference group, satisfaction from services usage and other experiences, but usually those reasons are unknown. Nevertheless, people vary in susceptibility to suggestions and innovations, and also in preference structure change dynamics. Historical information about the preference structure gives additional information about uncertainty in forecasting activity. In this work the conjoint analysis method was used to find customer preference structure and to improve a prediction accuracy of telecommunication services usage. The results have shown that prediction accuracy increases about by one percent point, what results in a 20 percent increase after using proposed algorithm modification
Multiobjective Approach to Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Marks Michał , Niewiadomska-Szynkiewicz Ewa
Published: April 2024

Wireless sensor network localization is a complex problem that can be solved using different types of methods and algorithms. Nowadays, it is a popular research topic. What becomes obvious is that there are several criteria which are essential when we consider wireless sensor networks. Our objective is to determine accurate estimates of nodes location under the constraints for hardware cost, energy consumption and computation capabilities. In this paper the application of stochastic optimization for performing localization of nodes is discussed. We describe two phase scheme that uses a combination of the trilateration method, along with the simulated annealing optimization algorithm. We investigate two variants of our technique, i.e., centralized and distributed. The attention is paid to the convergence of our algorithm for different network topologies and trade-off between its efficiency and localization accuracy.
Comparative Study of Wireless Sensor Networks Energy-Efficient Topologies and Power Save Protocols
Authors: Niewiadomska-Szynkiewicz Ewa , Kwaśniewski Piotr , Windyga Izabela
Published: April 2024

Ad hoc networks are the ultimate technology in wireless communication that allow network nodes to communicate without the need for a fixed infrastructure. The paper addresses issues associated with control of data transmission in wireless sensor networks (WSN) – a popular type of ad hoc networks with stationary nodes. Since the WSN nodes are typically battery equipped, the primary design goal is to optimize the amount of energy used for transmission. The energy conservation techniques and algorithms for computing the optimal transmitting ranges in order to generate a network with desired properties while reducing sensors energy consumption are discussed and compared through simulations. We describe a new clustering based approach that utilizes the periodical coordination to reduce the overall energy usage by the network.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN CRISIS ECONOMY
Authors: George, Yebimodei Esther  , Odubo, Agonimi
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to critically analyze the significance of organizational resilience on employee performance, especially during crisis situation, such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic that keep all the nations and business organizations in a state of chaos It could be seen that firms all over the world are crying wolf due to the loss of manpower, low profitability, low productivity, poor service delivery and so on, as a result of the Covid-19. The cause of the low performance could be attributed to not being pro-active by the employees, or non-anticipation of perturbations, inability to learn from experience, inability to adapt and dynamic capability to work in any given environment and changes in policies and programmes as the situation demand to achieve organizational sustainability. Therefore, organizational resilience is the ability of organizations to prepare, absorb shock or develop resistance in the face of perturbations within its environment, and surmount all insurmountable to move to a better next level. The study concluded that organizational learning, adaptive capacity and dynamic capability have significant relationship with employee performance. Hence, the study recommended that management should foster conducive organizational learning, adaptive capacity and dynamic capability, as these will equip the employees to remain with the organization, and put up their best work effort for increased productivity and profitability.
Molecular approaches for hexavalent chromium bioremediation: Stanford Medical Center
Authors: Ackerley David
Published: April 2024

​
Bodyweight and obesity perceptions among adults in Bahrain
Authors: Barakat Omar , Babili Mazhar , AlFaraj Nazha , Almusalam Rashed , Swartz Sydney , Al-Hussain Bader N , Flood John , Ali Khawla F
Published: April 2024

Background: One-third of the Bahraini population is classified as obese; however, research on the public perceptions of obesity in the country is limited. Aim: This study evaluated perceptions of obesity among adults attending public healthcare clinics in Bahrain. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study combined questionnaires from 2 previously published obesity surveys to obtain data on the anthropometric measurements of weight and height from 356 participants in Bahrain. The combined questionnaire was administered to adults attending 8 randomly selected, geographically distributed public healthcare centres from the 4 governorates of Bahrain. The data was then analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: Overall obesity prevalence among the participants was 41.4%. Participants with normal or higher body mass index more often believed that obesity was a lifestyle choice and a risk factor rather than a disease. Conversely, underweight respondents more often perceived obesity as a disease. Of the obese participants, only 49% perceived themselves as obese and 49% perceived themselves as slightly overweight. Sixty-five percent thought that their overall health was good to very good. The older the overweight participants were, the less likely were they to perceive themselves as overweight. Of all the respondents, 45.8% perceived obesity as a disease. Conclusion: Despite public acknowledgement of obesity as a health risk, many (46.4%) of our study participants did not perceive it as a disease. There is a need for targeted national programmes to educate the older and younger populations in Bahrain about the implications for health of overweight and obesity and how to prevent or control them early.
Experiences and lessons from using digital technology for noncommunicable disease services during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Elrayah Eglal Elamin , Fouad Heba , Mandil Ahmed , Nour Mohamed , Hammerich Asmus
Published: April 2024

Background: Harnessing digital technology for health service provision is inevitable, especially after the dramatic increase in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and the observed global disruption of health services especially for People Living with Noncommunicable Diseases (PLWNCDs). Aims: To document and share experiences, challenges and lessons learned from the use of digital health interventions (DHIs) for noncommunicable disease (NCD) service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods: We conducted a documentary research on the use of DHIs for continuity of NCD services during the COVID-19 pandemic in EMR. We collected our data using a questionnaire that was developed and administered by email to WHO NCD focal persons at the ministries of health of all EMR countries. Using the WHO classification of DHIs we then mapped the various interventions and the stakeholders involved. Results: Seven countries – Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and United Arab Emirates – shared their documentations. Documented DHIs used by countries to overcome the disruption of services during the pandemic were mostly on the use of client-to-provider telemedicine for NCD services. The level of implementation varied between countries. NCD and mental health helplines and COVID-19 prevention awareness campaigns for PLWNCDs were the most mentioned interventions. Conclusions: DHIs for NCD service provision were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in all settings: highmiddle- and low-income countries in the EMR. There is a high potential for incorporating DHIs within health systems to increase access to health services beyond the pandemic. Documentation, regulation and national capacity-building for mainstreaming DHIs in public health services in the EMR are strongly encouraged, based on each country’s needs.
Electronic medical record redesign to improve patient safety and use of non-medication orders by clinicians
Authors: Yassoub Rami , Elshehabi Nader , Alyafei Khalid
Published: April 2024

Background: Electronic medical records (EMRs) have become highly customizable. Although customization allows changes for workflow optimization, such changes can result in a less standardized system and create barriers due to individual preferences. Aim: This was a documentation of the efforts of a greenfield academic medical centre in Qatar to improve patient safety, physician operational efficiency and revenue capture by standardizing the design of the non-medication orders and associated revenue of the EMR . Methods: A multi-disciplinary group reviewed and revamped the design and workflow for non-medication orders, including redistributing orders into order catalogues, standardizing their naming, assigning them billing codes, and reviewing other order details. Measurement of project performance followed cross-sectional and prospective cohort designs. Results: The redesign improved clinicians’ satisfaction with the EMR and reduced patient safety incidents and other technical issues. Improvements in the organization’s operations and staff performance were noticeable across multiple areas. The proportion of clinicians finding it difficult to navigate and select orders reduced from 31% to 21%. The proportion of clinicians who believed the orders to be clear and accurate increased from about 16% to 31%. The estimated percentage of clinicians reporting a technical issue with an order during the last month reduced from 52% to 41.94%, and physicians’ dissatisfaction with the overall organization of non-medication orders in the EMR reduced from about 32% to 23%. The average number of technical issues and change requests sent monthly to the technology team for non-medication orders reduced from 30 to 1.4 technical issues and 3.2 change requests. Conclusion: EMR performance improvement projects that consider and address staff input, patient safety and performance metrics can uplift an organization’s clinical and financial performance.
Satisfaction of women with telehealth services during COVID-19 paves the way for wider implementation
Authors: Alhaidari Taghreed , Shubber Lamees , Ibrahim Shaimaa , Majeed Asmaa , Abdul Rana , Kraidi Mustafa , Al Hilifi Thamer , Tappis Hannah
Published: April 2024

Background: Although underdeveloped in Iraq, telehealth was one tool used to continue health service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To assess women’s experiences and satisfaction with gynaecological and obstetric telehealth services in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Free telehealth services were provided by 4 obstetrician-gynaecologists associated with private clinics in 2020–2021. All patients who accessed the services between June 2020 and February 2021 were invited to complete a postconsultation survey on their experience and satisfaction with services. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 151 (30.2%) women responded to the survey. Two-thirds (61.6%) of them were between the ages of 19 and 30 years. Some 50.3% learned about telehealth through social media. Gynaecological consultations accounted for 48.3% of all visits, obstetric consultations 42.4% and consultations for both gynaecological and obstetric care 9.3%. Overall, 57.0% of the women were satisfied, 7.9% were dissatisfied and 35.1% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Some 82.7 % intended to continue using telehealth after the pandemic. Conclusion: The high-level satisfaction of women with telehealth for gynaecological and obstetric services during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that telehealth may be a valuable complement to in-person services. Strengthening telehealth systems could be a promising strategy for increasing access to, and efficiency of, select health services beyond the pandemic.
Assessment of compliance to packaging laws in Pakistan by local and international tobacco manufacturing companies
Authors: Askary Syed Hussain , Jamshed Abdul Ahad , Askary Gulrukh , Sheikh Ali Raza
Published: April 2024

Background: Tobacco control law is one of the most effective means of controlling the widespread use of tobacco. However, enforcement of this law in Pakistan is weak. Aim: To analyse compliance to cigarette packaging laws by tobacco brands in Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in August and September 2022. We collected data on tobacco packaging of 100 cigarette brands from 24 outlets selling cigarettes in different parts of Karachi, Pakistan. To assess compliance, we scored the products on a scale of 0–5, based on regulations issued by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordinations. Results: Fifty-five of the 100 assessed brands were manufactured locally and 45 were imported. Only 28% of the brands fully complied to the packaging law. Although 54.5% of the brands had a 4/5 score for the presence of pictorial warnings on the packaging, the sizes of pictorial warnings did not cover up to 60.0% of the total package area in most cases. More than 85.0% of the brands severely lacked the placement of a small health warning on the side of the box, and 5 products did not have this warning at all. Conclusion: Adherence to tobacco packaging law in Pakistan is poor, as majority of the brands lacked at least one component of the regulations. Pakistani authorities need to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the law to ensure compliance by tobacco manufacturing companies.
Naturalness and Artificiality Revisited Through Natural Infinity
Authors: Romportl Jan
Published: April 2024

Discussions about naturalness, artificiality and unnaturalness in this article are motivated by the field of Human Cognitive Enhancement (HCE) because of its potential for altering human personality and identity. This article at first proposes a concept of human naturalness as interaction between physis and logos. Then it presents an intuitive understanding of naturalness in terms of the inherent inability of language to fully describe all attributes of an object that is natural. The analytical core of the article proposes a formal model of naturalness utilising Vopenka's phenomenologically grounded Alternative Set Theory (AST), comprising and formalising the concept of natural infinity. A brief introduction to AST is presented as well. Naturalness and artificiality are modelled as two structurally different naturally infinite semisets within AST. This key structural difference is then analysed and applied back to the domain of HCE.
Odpověď na komentáře
Authors: Matějčková Tereza
Published: April 2024

Autorka v pojednání odpovídá na čtyři reflexe své knihy Hegelova fenomenologie světa. V první části se věnuje základním pojmům, tak jak je komentuje Pirmin Stekeler, který vyzdvihuje především vztah pojmu světa ke svému vlastnímu pojmu životních forem. Vypořádává se rovněž s odlišnými interpretacemi vztahu sebevědomí na straně jedné a boje na život a na smrt na straně druhé. V závěru tohoto oddílu se zaměřuje na Stekelerovu koncepci Fenomenologie ducha jako mundiceje. V této souvislosti se autorka obrací k tématu náboženství, které je stěžejní pro příspěvek Olgy Navrátilové. Autorka odmítá návrh Olgy Navrátilové chápat Hegelovu řeč o konci náboženství jako anticipaci zániku náboženství. Zdůrazňuje, že Hegel usiluje o podržení všech tří momentů ducha, které jsou na symbolické rovině vyjádřeny jako Otec – Syn – Duch Svatý. Přestože vychyluje dynamiku směrem k Duchu, netvrdí, že by pojem transcendence, tak jak jej na úrovni náboženství ztělesňuje Bůh, měl být překonán ve smyslu jeho zničení. V reakci na pojednání od Josefa Vojvodíka zdůrazňuje autorka důležitost děl romantiků pro Hegelovu filosofii, především ironie a humoru, avšak vždy v jejich objektivních, nikoliv subjektivních podobách. Ironie není vlastností subjektivního ducha, ale objektivní skutečnosti. V poslední části se autorka věnuje reflexi Tomáše Kordy, který vznáší nárok radikální aktualizace: podle autora by bylo záhodno domyslet Fenomenologii a promítnout její tezi, resp. Hegelovu filosofii vůbec do naší současnosti, a tak sledovat, do jaké míry se duch vzdělával i po Hegelově době. Tento typ aktualizace autorka odmítá a navrhuje, že aktualizovat je možné Hegelův styl, méně již jeho pojem dějin.
COVID-19 PANDEMİ SÜRECİNDE ZORUNLU UZAKTAN EĞİTİM VE AKADEMİSYENLERİN UYUM SÜRECİ
Authors: Çağırkan Barış , Albaş İlayda
Published: April 2024

COVID-19 Pandemi döneminde küresel çapta yaklaşık bir buçuk milyar öğrenci, hazırlıksız bir şekilde, geleneksel yüz yüze eğitimden zorunlu uzaktan eğitime geçmiştir. Zorunlu uzaktan eğitim sürecinde, akademisyenlerin eğitim-öğretim anlayışı bölüm, fakülte, yüksekokul, teorik veya uygulamalı ders gibi çeşitli faktörlerden etkilenmiştir. Bu makale, COVID-19 pandemi sürecinde uygulanan zorunlu uzaktan eğitim modeli ve akademisyenlerin bu yeni öğretim modeline uyum süreçlerini ele almaktadır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma desenlerinden fenomenoloji kullanılmıştır. Amaçlı örnekleme kullanılarak bir devlet üniversitesinde Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi ve Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu’nda görev yapan 20 akademisyen seçilmiştir. Çalışma verileri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığıyla toplanmış ve betimsel analiz tekniği kullanılarak çözümlenmiştir. Akademisyenlerin zorunlu uzaktan eğitim süreci deneyimleri ve uyum pratiklerine ait bulgular; “gündelik yaşam pratikleri, motivasyon ve belirsizlik, uzaktan eğitim ve bilgi teknolojileri kullanımı” dört farklı kategori üzerinden sunulmuştur. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, akademisyenlerin zorunlu uzaktan eğitim süreci ile birlikte çalışma saatlerinin belirsiz hale geldiği ve zaman yönetimi konusunda zorlandıkları görülmüştür. Bu durum iş ve özel hayat ayrımının ortadan kalkmasına ve akademisyenlerin sürekli çalışıyor hissine kapılmalarına neden olmuştur. Ders işlemedeki belirsizlikler, akademisyenlerin motivasyonlarını etkilemiş ve uzaktan eğitime uyum sürecini yavaşlatmıştır. Ayrıca öğrencilerin derslere katılımının düşük olması, kamera ve mikrofonlarını kapalı tutmaları uzaktan eğitimin kalitesini düşürmüştür. Akademisyenler öğrencilerin derslere aktif katılımını artırmak için çeşitli stratejiler denemiştir. Zorunlu uzaktan eğitim sürecinde öğrenci ve akademisyenlerin temel bilgi teknolojilerini kullanma düzeyi artırmış ve zaman içinde yeni program ve uygulamalar öğrenmişlerdir. Akademisyenlerin bilgi teknolojileri kullanımının artması ve ders materyallerinin çeşitlenmesi uzaktan eğitimin olumlu katkılarıdır. Öneriler; öğrenci ve akademisyenlerin bilgi teknolojileri kullanım becerilerinin arttırılması ve düzenli bir program halinde sunulması uzaktan eğitimin kalitesini arttırmaktadır. Uzaktan eğitimde akademisyenler, ders içeriğini daha etkileşimli ve ilgi çekici hale getirmek için farklı öğretim yöntemleri kullanmalıdır. Ayrıca, akademisyenlerin uzaktan eğitim sürecine uyumunu kolaylaştıracak deneyim ve stratejilerini meslektaşlarıyla paylaşmaları onlara rehberlik edecektir.
DELEUZE AND INFINITE REPRESENTATION: CONTRADICTION VERSUS SUFFICIENT REASON
Authors: Baykal Erdem
Published: April 2024

The relationship between Deleuze and Hegel and Deleuze’s obvious anti-Hegelianism manifests itself mainly in the Difference-in-Itself section of Difference and Repetition. The issue in this first part of Difference and Repetition consists of the critique of traditional metaphysics as a system of representation. Traditional metaphysics tries to represent existing things, instead of problemtising their genesis. It presents them by making them organized and suitable for the human eye. Traditional philosophy does this by subordinating difference to identity. Ultimately, for philosophy, difference is merely a means to guarantee the structure of the representational system based on identity and on harmony. However, Deleuze’s philosophy is a system of thought about the origin of the existence of things. Here, difference becomes the constitutive element. At this point, our aim will be to reveal the general structure of various representational systems. Our first subject will be Aristotle’s Organic Representational system, in which the limit of beings is well determined. After this system, we will move on to the infinite representational system, where the purpose of the limit is not the restriction but to enable the finite to pass beyond itself. According to Deleuze, the Philosophical systems that are similar to the latter are exemplified by Hegel and Leibniz. Essentially, in this section, Deleuze shows himself to be on the side of Leibniz and criticizes Hegelian dialectics. This criticism here shows that individual and unconscious creation is the basic question at the core of Deleuze’s system, which is based on the problem of origin. Deleuze’s aim is to build a system of philosophy based on Leibnizian philosophy, purified from old metaphysics defects and a reinterpretation of Kantian experience.
TERS YÜZ ÖĞRENME İLE YAPILANDIRILMIŞ OKUL DIŞI FEN EĞİTİMİNİN 8. SINIF ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN AKADEMİK BAŞARILARINA ETKİSİ: OYUN PARKI ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Ünlütürk Ayşe Özlem , Bakioğlu Büşra
Published: April 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, 8. sınıf “basit makineler” ünitesi kazanımlarının bir çocuk parkında ters yüz öğrenme modeli ile yapılandırılmış okul dışı öğrenme ortamı etkinlikleri ile desteklenerek öğretilmesinin öğrencilerin akademik başarılarına etkisinin belirlenmesidir. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ön test-son test kontrol gruplu yarı deneysel desen kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemi, 2020- 2021 eğitim-öğretim yılının ikinci yarıyılında, Karaman il merkezindeki bir devlet ortaokulunda öğrenim gören 8. sınıf düzeyindeki 44 öğrenciden oluşmaktadır. Araştırma verileri, 8. sınıf “basit makineler” ünitesine yönelik başarı testi ile toplanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda ters yüz öğrenme ile yapılandırılmış okul dışı öğrenme destekli fen eğitimi ve okul dışı öğrenme destekli fen eğitiminin öğrencilerin akademik başarılarını artırdığı tespit edilmiştir. Fen derslerinin ters yüz öğrenme ile yapılandırılmış okul dışı öğrenme etkinlikleri ile desteklenerek işlenmesi, okul dışı öğrenme etkinliklerinin ters yüz öğrenme ile yapılandırılması gibi önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN İŞ DÜNYASINDA ARANAN YETERLİLİKLERE İLİŞKİN ALGILARININ İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Sağır Dilber , Kirazcı Furkan , Büyükgöze-kavas Ayşenur
Published: April 2024

İçinde bulunulan yüzyıl iş dünyasında hızlı değişimleri tetiklemektedir. Bu hızlı değişimlere ayak uydurabilmek için ise kişilerin çeşitli yeterliliklere sahip olması gerekmektedir. Bu kapsamda, okuldan işe geçiş sürecinde olan gençlerin, özellikle işverenler tarafından aranan 21. yy yeterliliklerine sahip olmasının iş dünyasına girişlerini ve iş gücü piyasasında tutunabilmelerini önemli ölçüde kolaylaştıracağı söylenebilir. Fakat alanyazında mezun olan öğrencilerin sahip olduğu yeterlilikler ile işverenlerin mezunlarda aradığı yeterlilikler arasında bir boşluk olduğuna yönelik bulgular önemli bir soruna işaret etmektedir. Bu bağlamda mevcut araştırmada okuldan işe geçiş sürecinde olan üniversite öğrencilerinin işverenler tarafından aranan 21. yy yeterliliklerine ilişkin algıları ve bu yeterliliklerle ilgili bilgi düzeylerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Tarama deseninin kullanıldığı bu araştırma kapsamında yedi farklı fakültede öğrenim gören toplamda 712 öğrenciden veriler toplanmıştır. Verilerin toplanmasında çeşitli raporlar ve araştırmalara dayalı olarak belirlenen 13 yeterliliğe ilişkin soruların bulunduğu bir anket kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre öğrencilerin söz konusu yeterliliklere ilişkin bilgi düzeylerinin ve bu yeterliliklere sahip olma düzeylerinin ortalama olduğu görülmüştür. Bu sonuca ek olarak öğrencilerin söz konusu yeterliliklere ilişkin ortalama puanlarında da cinsiyet ve öğrenim gördükleri fakültelere göre çeşitli farklılıkların bulunduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Elde edilen bu sonuçlar alanyazın ışığında tartışılarak hem üniversite idarecilerine hem de üniversitelerin kariyer merkezi yöneticilerine çeşitli önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
ŞEYH GÂLİB’İN “EYLER SEMÂ” REDİFLİ GAZELİNİ ŞERH DENEMESİ
Authors: Demirbağ Abdulsamet
Published: April 2024

On sekizinci yüzyılın mümtaz şahsiyetlerinden biri olan Şeyh Gâlib, klasik Türk şiiri sahasına damgasını vurmuş Mevlevi şairlerdendir. Şairin şiirleri incelendiğinde kendisine has üslubu, kullanmış olduğu sembolleri ve hayalleri ile şiirlerinin derin manalar içerdiği görülmektedir. Şiirlerindeki bu özelliklerin yanı sıra şairin aynı zamanda bir Mevlevi şeyhi olmasının etkileri de şiirlerinde vücut bulmuştur. Şairin çalışmaya konu olan eyler semâ redifli gazeli de bu özellikleri bünyesinde barındırmaktadır. Dolayısıyla Mevleviliğe dair bazı hususiyetler ve tasavvufi imgeler diğer şiirlerinde olduğu gibi bu gazelde de bir estetik unsuru olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Çalışmanın giriş bölümünde şairin hayatı, Mevlevilik, zikir ve sema konularından bahsedilmiştir. Sonrasında ise yedi beyitten oluşan gazelin şerhine geçilmiştir. Şerhi yapılan bu şiirde genel manada ilahi aşkın tesiriyle varlık âlemindeki her nesnenin cezbe hâlinde olduğu düşüncesi işlenmiş, bu hâl Mevlevi zikri olan sema ile ilişkilendirilerek verilmiştir. Zengin çağrışımların söz konusu olduğu bu gazelin şerhini yaparak hem şairin edebî yönüne hem de şerh alanına katkı sunmaya çalışılmıştır.
YETİŞKİNLERLE ÇALIŞAN TERAPİSTLERİN KARŞI AKTARIM DENEYİMLERİ
Authors: Erdem Metin
Published: April 2024

Karşı aktarım tanımı, literatürde geniş yelpazeye sahiptir. Bu durum uygulamada da kendini göstermektedir. Dolayısıyla uygulamada karşı aktarımın kullanımına dair belirsizlik bulunmaktadır. Kavramın tarihsel sürecine bakıldığında bu belirsizlik anlaşılmaktadır. Freud'la başlayan bu kavramın tarihsel süreci öncelikle olumsuz olarak ele alınmıştır. Dolayısıyla Freud'a göre karşı aktarım baş edilmesi gereken bir durum olarak ele alınmıştır. Sonrasında ise kavramın olumsuz intibaı farklılaşarak olumluya dönüşmüştür. Ortaya çıktığı ilk dönemlerde olumsuz ve terapi sürecinde terapistin baş etmesi gereken bir kavram iken günümüze doğru gelindiğinde olumlu ve iyileştirici tarafına vurgu yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’de yetişkinlerle çalışan terapistlerin bu kavramı nasıl ele aldığı ve uygulamada nasıl çalışıldığını incelemektir. Bu bağlamda aktif olarak yetişkin danışan alan 16 terapistle görüşülmüştür. Bu görüşme sonucunda beş ana tema oluşturulmuştur. Bu temalar “karşı aktarımının tanımı”, “karşı aktarımının tetikleyicileri”, “karşı aktarımının terapide yansımaları”, “hangi kategori” ve “terapistlerin önerileri” şeklinde oluşturulmuştur. Bu verilerin sonucunda terapistlerin karşı aktarımı geniş yelpazede kullandığına ulaşılmıştır. Ancak katılımcıların ekseriyetinin karşı aktarımı tanımlarken çağdaş yaklaşımı esas aldıkları; uygulamada ise klasik yaklaşımı önceledikleri sonucuna varılmıştır.