bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on obstetric anesthesia: a systematic review
Authors: Nasr Shrief
Published: November 2021

With an increase in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) incidents around the world, it has become more important than ever to be prepared for the uncertain context of labor and delivery in obstetrics. As medical staff did not encounter such a situation previously, no prior knowledge and guidelines were present to assist them. During the care of obstetric women infected with COVID-19 as well as those who are suspected of COVID-19 infection, there are two objectives, the care of asymptomatic to severely sick pregnant and postpartum women and preventing exposure of medical professionals and others during childbirth hospitalization. The focus of this review is to provide anesthesiologists who are dealing with infected pregnant mothers with some facts or, as data is insufficient, expert opinion, with an emphasis on awareness and optimal medical obstetric anesthesia training. This review will provide possible recommendations for the obstetric anesthesiologists when treating infected obstetric women and these recommendations also help anesthesia providers to prepare themselves for future pandemics.
A spectrum of epididymis and vas deferens anomalies among children with cryptorchidism: a retrospective multi-center study
Authors: Abdelmohsen Sarah Magdy , Osman Mohamed Abdelkader , Takrouney Mohammed Hamada , El Debeiky Mohamed , Hassan Ahmed Badawe G. , Shalaby Mohamed Mahmoud Abd El-Aleem , Baky Fahmy Mohamed A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Vasoepididymal anomalies are not rare among children with cryptorchidism. They may affect fertility following orchiopexy. Herein, we describe the cases of abnormalities of the vas deferens and epididymis in children undergoing orchidopexy for cryptorchidism. Data were collected retrospectively from six centers providing care for patients with undescended testicles from September 2017 to February 2019. All patients whose congenital anomalies of the epididymis or vas deferens were discovered incidentally during operative intervention for cryptorchidism and where photographs of the anomalies were taken were included.

Results

The total incidence of congenital anomalies on the 467 testicles which had operations was 13.2%. Congenital epididymal and vas deferens anomalies were more common on the left side than the right side in patients with cryptorchidism (P = 0.038). Attachment anomalies between the epididymis and testis were the most common epididymal anomaly (36.3%), while a vanished vas deferens was the most frequent vas deferens anomaly (18%). Three patients had absent vas deferens, two had curled vas deferens, two had vas deferens separated from the epididymis, and one had a duplicated vas deferens. Three patients had an epididymal cyst, one had an enlarged appendix of the epididymis, and one had epididymal agenesis.

Conclusion

Attention must be paid during any surgery on an undescended testicle as an anomaly of the vas deferens could lead to unexpected complications. Anomalies of the vas deferens or epididymis that present in cases of cryptorchidism occur mostly on the left side.
Characterization of Faecal Enterococci from Wild Birds in Turkey and Its Importance in Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: DIREN SIGIRCI B , CELIK B , HALAC B , BASARAN KAHRAMAN B , BAGCIGIL AF , AK S
Published: November 2021

This research aimed to investigate the diversity of faecal enterococci isolated from wild birds, to detecttheir antibiotic resistance patterns and to determine their distribution of genes related to vancomycin resistance. Additionally, to investigate their virulence factors that are important in the development of the disease. One hundred seven cloacal/rectal samples were inoculated onto Enterococcus Agar, and presumptive colonies were identified and confirmed by PCR. Multiplex PCR assays were used to screen vanA, vanB, vanC1 and vanC2/3. The virulence-related genes; ace, gelE, efa and agg were determined by PCR. Among the 103 enterococci, 62 E.faecalis, 23 E.faecium 3 E.gallinarum, 2 E.durans, 1 E.casseliflavus and 12 Enterococcus spp. were identified. Of the 103 enterococci, 26 were found to be resistant against to three or more antibiotics. The highest percentages were detected for chloramphenicol (52%), tetracycline (33%) and erythromycin (30%). Two E.gallinarum isolates were harboring three virulence factors, and one isolate was carrying a single virulence factor. There is no virulence factor in the E.casseliflavus isolate. Also, vanA and vanB genes were not found. Forty-two of 103 enterococci were harboring virulence factors, more frequently in E.faecalis. Forty-two enterococci carried efa A, 31 isolates carried gel E, and ace was found in 18 isolates. Virulence gene agg was not detected. When the results of the study were evaluated in general, multiple drug resistance was described as 25%. Considering the risk of polluting the water resources of wild animals, it is suggested that the continuity of this type of epidemiological study in wildlife animals is necessary. In conclusion, the wild birds may act as substantial reservoirs carrying antimicrobial resistance among enterococci and estimate the potential risk for man, pets and farm animals.
The anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Buxus hyrcana in the pentylenetetrazole kindled rat
Authors: AZIZI V , ALLAHYARI F , HOSSEINI A
Published: November 2021

Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is a chemical substance which largely used for induction of seizure and epilepsy in the animal model, and it can also, disrupts free radicals balance and causes oxidative stress in the body with a negative impact on behavioral statuses like anxiety and depression. In this study, the medicinal plant Buxus hyrcana, was used to evaluate its effect on oxidative stress, anxiety and depression caused by PTZ in the rat. Twenty-four male rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups: control negative under treatment with PTZ (sub-threshold dose 35 mg/kg for one month), control positive under treatment with phenobarbital (PB-30 mg/kg), and two PTZ groups under treatment with B. hyrcana extract (BHE-300, and -600 mg/kg). For anxiety parameters, the elevated plus maze (EPM) was used. The forced swim test (FST) and rotarod test were employed to assess the antidepressant and balance potential, respectively. After behavioral evaluation, rats were anesthetized, brains were removed, and following preparation of brain homogenates, oxidative stress was evaluated using specified methods. BHE administered at the doses of 300, and 600 mg/kg, reduced immobility time in the FST exerting antidepressant-like activity. In the EPM test, BHE at the same doses, produced the anxiolytic-like effect. Also, the rats which received BHE had a significant improvement in rotarod test in contrast to control groups. In addition, brain catalase activity and superoxide dismutase level were significantly greater versus PTZ group BHE-300 treated PTZ group was significantly lower and. BHE could prevent anxiety and depression and ameliorate oxidative stress in PTZ-kindled rats.
Age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls
Authors: BELKHIRI Y , BENBIA S , DJAOUT A
Published: November 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls during their sexual development. A total of 36 bulls were selected and divided into four groups (n=9 in each) according to their age. Bulls included in Groups I, II, III and IV were 10, 12, 14 and 16 months old respectively. Left testes of bulls were subjected to histomorphometry after slaughter. Statistical analysis revealed that the secondary spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. Likewise, both sertoli and leydig cell numbers increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. However, the number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes did not change (P>0.05) due to age. The mean tubular diameter increased from 200.70±5.45 μm (10 months of age) to 227.30±9.16 μm (16 months of age) and the total volume of seminiferous tubule per testis from 69.63±1.50 % (10 months of age) to 84.64±2.53 % (16 months of age). A positive linear relationship (P<0.05) was found between meiotic index (Y) and the age (X, in month), which was characterized by the equation 0.048X+3.135 and a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.396. The correlation between age and sertoli cell efficiency was 0.482 with a regression equation Y= 0.141X+7.696. It is concluded that histomorphometric parameters of the bulls’ testes and spermatogenic activity are correlated with the age, so these parameters provide a reliable tool for the assessment of the reproductive state and sperm production capacity of a bull in a breeding program.
Screening of AmpC-/ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates from livestock for STEC/EHEC virulence genes
Authors: PEHLIVANOGLU F
Published: November 2021

Livestock is an important reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (STEC/EHEC) strains and acts as a significant source of transmission to humans. In addition to the virulence of STEC/EHEC isolates, antibiotic resistance is also an escalating problem in these bacteria and increases the risk to public health. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore E. coli O157:H7 serotype and STEC/EHEC virulence genes in AmpC- and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates from cattle, chicken and sheep. A total of 61 confirmed AmpC- or ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were screened for the virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eae, ehxA, espP, katP and saa) and E. coli O157 (rfbO157) and H7 (fliCH7) genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). None of the ESBL-producing E. coli was positive for these genes, but six multidrug-resistant AmpC-producing E. coli were positive for the fliCH7 gene only. When considering the function of the H7 flagellar antigen of E. coli, it may be concluded that the development of ESBL/AmpC beta-lactamase production in the E. coli isolates with H7 flagella, which reside in the chicken intestine, may be potentially important for public health regarding both virulence and antimicrobial resistance.
First study on oxyuriosis in horses from Algeria: Prevalence and clinical aspects
Authors: KOUIDRI M , BOUMEZRAG A , SELLES SIDI MOHMMED A , TOUIHRI Z , SASSI A , CHIBI AS
Published: November 2021

The present study was carried out the Tiaret region, on horses belonging to the Chaouchaoua National Haras, ONDEEC and on two private farms during the period from February 05th to April 17th, 2019. It aims to assess the overall prevalence of equine oxyuriosis in the area and to describe the most dominant clinical signs of this parasite infection. Scotch tape test was applied on 176 horses randomly selected and the microscopic observation of slides was carried out at the parasitology laboratory of the Veterinary institute of Tiaret. The overall prevalence of Oxyuris equi was 38.64% with females being more infected (37.04%) than males (20.45%). The prevalence of oxyuriosis was higher in fillies (70%) than in foals (48.39%).The high prevalence of Oxyuris equi was recorded in the private farms with a percentage of 85% and 44% in farm 1 and 2, respectively. The more commonly clinical signs were tail rubbing in 42% and scratching in 32% of positive horses.Equine oxyuriosis is a common infection in the study area and requires the application of hygienic measures with more therapeutic and preventive care.
PEGS: An efficient tool for gene set enrichment within defined sets of genomic intervals
Authors: Briggs Peter , Hunter A. Louise , Yang Shen-hsi , Sharrocks Andrew D. , Iqbal Mudassar
Published: November 2021

Many biological studies of transcriptional control mechanisms produce lists of genes and non-coding genomic intervals from corresponding gene expression and epigenomic assays. In higher organisms, such as eukaryotes, genes may be regulated by distal elements, with these elements lying 10s–100s of kilobases away from a gene transcription start site. To gain insight into these distal regulatory mechanisms, it is important to determine comparative enrichment of genes of interest in relation to genomic regions of interest, and to be able to do so at a range of distances. Existing bioinformatics tools can annotate genomic regions to nearest known genes, or look for transcription factor binding sites in relation to gene transcription start sites. Here, we present PEGS (Peak set Enrichment in Gene Sets). This tool efficiently provides an exploratory analysis by calculating enrichment of multiple gene sets, associated with multiple non-coding elements (peak sets), at multiple genomic distances, and within topologically associated domains. We apply PEGS to gene sets derived from gene expression studies, and genomic intervals from corresponding ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq experiments to derive biologically meaningful results. We also demonstrate an extended application to tissue-specific gene sets and publicly available GWAS data, to find enrichment of sleep trait associated SNPs in relation to tissue-specific gene expression profiles.
Externalist and Internalist Interpretations of Aristotle’s De Anima 3.5. The Psychology of Alexander of Aphrodisias As a Possible Remedy to the Thomistic Monopoly. Introductory Considerations
Authors: Kamińska Sonia
Published: November 2021

This paper is devoted to Alexander of Aphrodisias, the Exegete, whose theory is gaining popularity among Aristotelian scholars as a possible solution to manifold interpretation problems created by Aristotle’s De Anima 3.5 due to its brevity and obscurity. I recommend Alexander’s solution as a remedy for two main predicaments concerning the notorious second intellect called enigmatically nous poietikos: the mysterious (if any) function of active intellect, and Thomistic monopoly in the field of Aristotle’s psychology (and theology). In other words, I believe that the externalist interpretations which identify nous poietikos with the Deity or a noetic sphere are more appropriate than the internalist ones that include the productive mind in our mental apparatus (Aquinas being the most famous partisan of this view). This is why I believe Alexander (an externalist), who remains rather unknown to scholars focused outside ancient philosophy, should be introduced to the broader public, especially because he inspired the Arabic philosophy, which is also an alternative to internalism (often overlapping with theistic readings). This introduction, alongside shedding light on some psychological issues, is the main aim of my paper.
Hear, hear for ultrasound
Authors: Convery Cormac
Published: November 2021

Ultrasound technology is finally being used outside of the hospital setting. The simple, non-invasive and radiation-free imaging modality is now a reality in the medical aesthetic clinic. Ultrasound has been recognised as a suitable investigation in aesthetic complications since 2008 and recommended in practice since 2013. Technological advances have enabled professionals to deliver imaging in any environment. In treatment planning, delivery and aftercare, patient outcomes can be optimised. Ultrasound imaging allows reliable dermal filler identification, vascular mapping, management of vascular compromise and nodules, real-time rheology and measurement in relation to treatment outcomes. The challenges that remain relate to underpinning availability and enthusiasm with education and support. At the time of writing, there are no such mechanisms or educational programmes.
How aesthetic practitioners can learn from a blockbuster director
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: November 2021

Film production has many commonalities between starting and running a business. In this article, Jason Ratcliffe discusses some of the techniques used by film director James Cameron to produce blockbuster hits that can be applied to our thinking when growing an aesthetic clinic's brand
The ambulance service advanced practitioner's role in supporting care homes: a qualitative study of care staff experiences
Authors: Harvey Chris , Froggatt Simon , Lightowler Bryan , Hodge Andrew
Published: November 2021

Background/aims

The demand from care homes on NHS services continues to rise, with little evidence of ambulance service contribution in this area. The Yorkshire Ambulance Service provides an advanced practitioner model to support care homes in Sheffield, as an alternative to calling 999. This study investigated the experiences and needs of the care home staff who use the ambulance service advanced practitioner model.

Methods

This qualitative study conducted semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 19 staff members from 10 different care home settings. Thematic analysis using a combination of NVivo and manual coding was undertaken.

Results

The three key themes from the interviews were variations in service demand, the service user's expectations and experience, and benefits to residents. Participants reported that good community services reduced the need to call 999, empowering carers to support residents to remain in the community.

Conclusions

Care homes require comprehensive services that meet their needs. The advanced practitioner model provided by the ambulance service supports this, preventing unnecessary 999 calls and fitting with other community service provision.
Antibacterial Activity and DNA Binding Properties of Bivalent Metal Complexes of Cuminaldehyde Acetoylhydrazone
Authors: Nagamani Y.B. , Reddy K. Hussain , Srinivasulu K. , Dhanalakshmi D. , Anuja K.
Published: November 2021

Metallo-hydrazones having the formula [M(IBAH)2] (where, M = Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); IBAH = p-Isopropylbenzaldehyde acetoylhydrazone) are prepared and confirmed on the basis of physico-chemical and spectral analyses. Conductivity data revealed that the complexes are non-electrolytes. Metal-DNA interactions are investigated using absorption spectrophotometry. Binding constant (Kb) data revealed that the copper complex interact DNA more strongly than other complexes. Antibacterial activity studies indicated higher activity for complexes than the metal free hydrazone ligand. The copper compound displays higher activity. DNA binding constants are correlated with the activity of metal compounds in this article.
Synthesis of some Novel Mixed Ligand Complexes of Ni(II) and their Characterization
Authors: Saleem Mohd , Riaz Mohd
Published: November 2021

A new series of metal Complexes were prepared by refluxing nickel chloride with hot methanolic solution mixture of 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Schiff bases(L1-L6). Schiff base ligands were synthesised by the condensation of 4-aminopheno, 4-aminosalicylic acid, 2-aminobenzthiazole with salicylaldehyde and vanillin. The metal complexes have been characterised by gravimetric metal analysis, magnetic moment,conductivity measurement, 1HNMR and IR analysis.
A Validated Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Quantification of Cilnidipine in Bulk and in Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Gholve Rameshwar , Pekamwar Sanjay
Published: November 2021

A stability indicating RP-HPLC method has been developed for quantification of Cilnidipine in bulk and in tablet dosage form. The chromatographic analysis was accomplished at ambient temperature on Xttera RP18 (100 x 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm) column and 1 mL/min flow rate by using Eluent composed of 10 mM phosphate buffer pH 2.6 with Acetonitrile (300:700, v/v). The UV detection at the wavelength of 240 nm was carried out using 20 µL injection volume. The Cilnidipine retention time was found to be 3.029 min. The method in the range of 40.0573 – 120.1719 µg/mL was found to be linear (R2 = 0.999) with a detection limit and quantitation limit of 1.2038 and 3.6478 μg/mL, respectively. The mean recovery % over the three tested levels of 50, 100, and 150% were found to be 98.74, 99.60, and 98.23%, respectively. The mean % assay of 99.29 for method repeatability and 98.82 for intermediate precision were found with % RSD of 0.68 and 0.31, respectively. Cilnidipine drug substance and their product exposed to acid, alkali, oxidative, thermal, photolytic, and humidity stress conditions. The acid, alkali, and photolytic induced stress studies signifying the formation of a variety of degradants and their peaks were well resolved from that of active analyte peak. Hence, it is recommended that the Cilnidipine drug substance, as well as drug product, should be store in a tightly closed container protected from light. The method as per ICH guidelines was validated for specificity, linearity, detection limit, quantitation limit, precision, accuracy, robustness, solution stability, and can be effectively used for routine analysis.
Congo Red and Nigrosine Dye Degradation using Dimethyl Dioxirane as an Oxidising Agent
Authors: Vinotha S. , Rose A.Leema
Published: November 2021

The advanced oxidation of Congo red (CR) and Nigrosine (NI) using the combined action of dimethyl dioxirane as an oxidising agent is described in this study. The effects of several parameters, such as the concentration of the oxidising agent, the initial dye concentration, and the pH, have been investigated. At room temperature, the oxidising agent dimethyl dioxirane was employed to test the degradation of CR and NI dyes. On the degradation efficiency of CR and NI, pH’s effects, oxidising agent, and initial dye concentration were examined. The absorbance of CR and NI dyes before and after degradation was measured using UV-visible spectroscopy. The functional group existing in the dyes before and after degradation was determined using FT-IR spectroscopy.
Study of Rheological Behavior of Olive Oil Used as Biodegradable Lubricant
Authors: Stanciu Ioana
Published: November 2021

In this article, based on experimental data, we obtained three dependence relations of dynamic viscosity versus temperature by polynomial and exponential fitting. The correlation coefficients have values close to unity which proves that the obtained relations accurately describe the non-Newtonian behavior of olive oil.
Medical Image of the Month: Cavitating Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia
Authors:   Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Prescot Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, Kildaze Grigory
Published: November 2021

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. A 56-year-old woman presented with cough and shortness of breath to hospital. She had a temperature of 39.2°C and had recently completed course of steroids and antibiotics for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She was an active smoker of 15 cigarettes/day for about 40 years. No other past medical history was noted. On examination she had left-sided crepitations and oxygen saturations of 90% on room air. Chest x-ray (CXR) (Fig 1:A) showed features of background emphysema with upper lobe peripheral bullae, larger on the left. Dense left peri-hilar consolidation was also described. SARS-CoV-2 swab was negative. White blood cells (WBC) were raised at 16.9x109/L and C-reactive protein (CRP) at 331 mg/L. The rest of the blood tests were unremarkable. CURB-65 score was zero but treatment was commenced with intravenous (IV) amoxicillin & oral clarithromycin in view of level of CRP and CXR findings. On Day 4 of admission …
Denoising of the multi-slit streak tube imaging LiDAR system using a
faster non-local mean method
Authors: Li Wenhao , Guo Shangwei , Zhai Yu , Liu Fei , Lai Zhengchao , Han Shaokun
Published: November 2021

Combined with the characteristic of the multi-slit streak tube imaging LiDAR (MS-STIL)
system where the imaging areas corresponding to each slit do not
interfere with each other, we denoised the streak images by an
improved fast non-local mean filtering algorithm. Experiments were
performed to investigate the effectiveness of the method. The
experimental results show that the spatial resolution of the system is
improved from 22 to 16 mm; the relative distance error is reduced by
an average of 22.76%; and the intensity accuracy improved
significantly when the distance is 10 m. Additionally, the overall
denoising effect is comprehensively verified by long-range target
imaging. The mean square error of the reconstructed depth image and
intensity image are reduced from 0.0836, 0.0067 to 0.0433, 0.0037,
respectively. The applicability of the proposed method was verified
through comparative experiments in different environments.
Single-path electro-optic coefficients measurement approach using multiple reflection interference
Authors: Zhao Weigang , Chen Hui , Fu Xiaotian , Qiu Fusheng , Wei Xiaoyong , Xu Zhuo
Published: November 2021

An electro-optic coefficient (EOC) is an important optical property of optical crystals. In this work, a single-path multiple reflection interferometer is proposed to measure the components of signed EOCs with high precision. With the help of the normalization method, the influence of incident light was removed, and repeatability of the experimental results was improved. The signed EOCs of a congruent

L
i
N
b
O

3

crystal were determined under a small external electric field as

γ

31

=
+
9.6
±
0.3

p
m

/

V

and

γ

33

=
+
29.5
±
0.5

p
m

/

V

. This study may contribute to the development of potential anisotropic devices of optical crystals.
Historical development of FINCH from the beginning to single-shot 3D confocal imaging beyond optical resolution [Invited]
Authors: Brooker Gary , Siegel Nisan
Published: November 2021

We chronicle a 15-year development effort of Fresnel incoherent correlation holography (FINCH) since its first description to its current 3D current microscopic wide-field or confocal imaging that doubles optical resolution beyond the Rayleigh limit to about 100 nm in a single snapshot. The path from the original demonstration of FINCH [Opt. Lett. 32, 912 (2007) OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.32.000912] to its current picture-perfect imaging of multicolor fluorescent biological specimens and reference test patterns by fluorescence or reflected light imaging is described.
Spatial cage solitons—taming light bullets
Authors: Mei Chao , Babushkin Ihar , Nagy Tamas , Steinmeyer Günter
Published: November 2021

Multimode nonlinear optics is used to overcome a long-standing limitation of fiber optics, tightly phase locking several spatial modes and enabling the coherent transport of a wave packet through a multimode fiber. A similar problem is encountered in the temporal compression of multimillijoule pulses to few-cycle duration in hollow gas-filled fibers. Scaling the fiber length to up to 6 m, hollow fibers have recently reached 1 TW of peak power. Despite the remarkable utility of the hollow fiber compressor and its widespread application, however, no analytical model exists to enable insight into the scaling behavior of maximum compressibility and peak power. Here we extend a recently introduced formalism for describing mode locking to the analog scenario of locking spatial fiber modes together. Our formalism unveils the coexistence of two soliton branches for anomalous modal dispersion and indicates the formation of stable spatiotemporal light bullets that would be unstable in free space, similar to the temporal cage solitons in mode-locking theory. Our model enables deeper understanding of the physical processes behind the formation of such light bullets and predicts the existence of multimode solitons in a much wider range of fiber types than previously considered possible.
Freeform OST-HMD system with large exit pupil diameter and vision correction capability
Authors: Cheng Dewen , Duan Jiaxi , Chen Hailong , Wang He , Li Danyang , Wang Qiwei , Hou Qichao , Yang Tong , Hou Weihong , Wang Donghua , Chi Xiaoyu , Jiang Bin , Wang Yongtian
Published: November 2021

Compactness and light weight, large exit pupil diameter and distance, small distortion for virtual image, and see-through light paths are pivotal factors to achieve a better, wearable experience of optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMDs). In addition, light efficiency of the virtual image light path is an important factor for heat dissipation in HMD devices. This paper presents a new type of OST-HMD optical system that includes three wedge-shaped freeform prisms and two symmetric lenses. Based on a 0.71 in. microdisplay, an OST-HMD prototype with a diagonal field of view (FOV) of 45.3°, an F-number (F/#) of 1.8, an exit pupil size of

12
 
mm
×
8
 
mm

, and an eye relief of 18 mm is demonstrated. The maximum value of distortion of the final system is 0.6% and 0.4% for virtual image and see-through light path, respectively. The overall dimension of the optical system per eye is no larger than

30
  
mm
 
(
width
)
×
40
  
mm
 
(
height
)
×
14
  
mm

(thickness), and the weight of the optical module including lenses, holder, and microdisplay is 12.8 g. The light efficiency of the virtual image light path is up to 50% higher than those of other OST-HMD optical solutions.
Mid-infrared quasi-BIC resonances with sub-wavelength slot mode profiles in germanium-based coupled guided-mode resonance structures
Authors: Lal Krishna A. S. , Menon Sruti , Prosad Asish , Raghunathan Varun
Published: November 2021

We experimentally demonstrate a novel quasi-bound state in the continuum (BIC) resonance in the mid-infrared wavelength region with the resonant electric field confined as a slot mode within a low-refractive-index medium sandwiched between high-index layers. The structures studied here comprise coupled amorphous germanium guided-mode resonance (GMR) structures with a top one-dimensional grating layer and bottom uniform layer separated by a low-index silicon nitride layer. The slot-mode profile within the silicon nitride layer with mode field confinement

>
30
%

is achieved as a solution to the electromagnetic wave propagation through the coupled GMR structure with the dominant field component being perpendicular to the layers. The quasi-BIC resonance in symmetric 1D grating structures can be observed even at normal incidence when considering a realistic excitation beam with finite angular spread. The measured transmission peak is found to redshift (remain almost unchanged) under classical (full-conical) mounting conditions. The highest quality factor of

∼
400

is experimentally extracted at normal incidence under a classical mounting condition with a resonance peak at 3.41 μm wavelength. Such slot-mode GMR structures with appropriately chosen low-index intermediate layers can find applications in resonantly enhanced sensing and active photonic devices.
The burden of zoonoses in Paraguay: A systematic review
Authors: Noguera Zayas Liz Paola , Rüegg Simon , Torgerson Paul
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Underestimation of zoonoses is exacerbated in low and middle-income countries due mainly to inequalities with serious consequences in healthcare. This is difficult to gauge and reduce the impact of those diseases. Our study focuses on Paraguay, where the livestock industry is one of the major components of the country’s economy. Therefore, the rationale of this study was to develop a case study in Paraguay to estimate the dual impact of zoonotic diseases on both the human health and animal health sector and thus determine the societal burden of such diseases.

Methodology/Principal findings

We conducted a systemic review (including a meta-analysis) to assess the burden of zoonoses in Paraguay, including official reports and grey literature of disease incidence and prevalence. We estimated the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and Zoonosis Disability Adjusted Life Years (zDALYs) to measure the difference between the current health status and the desired health situation of animals and the Paraguayan population based on 50 zoonotic diseases suggested by the WHO (World Health Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and the National Health in Paraguay. The total DALYs represent 19,384 (95% CI: from 15,805 to 29,733), and zDALYs, 62,178 (95% CI: from 48,696 to 77,188). According to the results, the priority pathogens for DALYs are E. coli, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp, and Toxoplasma gondii. When we include the additional animal health burden, the most important pathogens are Brucella spp, E. coli, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Fasciola hepatica for zDALYs.

Conclusion/Significance

This is the first study to integrate DALYs and zDALYs with important clues related to the health status of Paraguay. Through DALYs and zDALYs, our perspective becomes more complete because we consider not only human health but also animal health. This is important for setting priorities in disease control, especially in a society where livestock contribute significantly to the economy and to human well-being.
The relative effectiveness of law enforcement policies aimed at reducing illegal trade: Evidence from laboratory markets
Authors: Jones Ritten Chian , Bastian Christopher , Phillips Owen
Published: November 2021

Despite recent emphasis and implementation of national and international anti-money laundering policies, illegal product markets, and their associated illicit profit remain a global problem. In addition to law enforcement aimed at reducing money-laundering, enforcement also takes place during (1) the production (e.g. crop eradication) and (2) sale (e.g. seizure of products during transportation that interrupts buyer and seller transactions) of the illegal product. Since funds for enforcement come from limited budgets, understanding where in this production-trade-laundering cycle law enforcement is most impactful becomes a global question. Using laboratory experimental markets and a seizure rate of 20%, we find that law enforcement focused on seizing laundered profits does little to reduce illegal market activity when compared to no law enforcement, suggesting that focusing law enforcement on money laundering will likely be ineffective at reducing crime. Results further show the amount of illicit trade is nearly 32% lower when law enforcement is focused at the point of sale, and there may be additional economic incentives that reduce illicit trade in the long run when compared to no law enforcement. Enforcement at the point of production also reduces market activity, but not as effectively as enforcement at the point of sale. Lastly, the empirical findings deviate from equilibrium predictions, suggesting law enforcement policy based on theory alone may lead to inefficient allocation of limited law enforcement resources.
Children’s fiction and anime: The case of Shōkōjo Sēra
Authors: Oltolini Maria Chiara
Published: November 2021

This article considers the case of Shōkōjo Sēra (1985), a Japanese animated series based on the novel A Little Princess, within the context of the World Masterpiece Theater, a television staple that popularized the practice of adapting classic children’s books into long-running anime. The analysis identifies the changes occurring in the adaptation, casting a light on the creative and productive choices undertaken by the Japanese staff. In doing so, the original novel and its reception in Japan are taken into account, with regard to the role of translated literature for local children’s and girls’ fiction. The study thus demonstrates that the alterations found in the series are both genre-related and explicable in terms of cultural-filtered interpretations, as can be seen in the negotiation of the protagonist as a Christian damsel-in-distress, combining melodramatic tropes, a signifier of westernization and a domesticating rationale of her alleged passivity.
The deliberated decision in children’s mainstream cinema: On socialization in the discourse of freedom
Authors: Plana Marc
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this article is to highlight a trend in the narrative use of decisions that reinforces a widely accepted discourse of freedom. Through a discursive analysis focusing on contemporary mainstream screenwriting, it explores the relationship between the protagonist’s decision and the climax of the story. This relationship is shaped by the need for a change between the darkest moment and the climax, and causality between the events and the conflict that triggers them. The decision is a standardized possibility compatible with these principles, reproducing a discourse of freedom upheld by numerous social institutions despite the problems and dysfunctions pointed out by its critics. This freedom is underpinned by the notion of individual authenticity, which promises that anything can be achieved as long as nothing hinders the individual or his/her power to make decisions. Specifically, the article highlights a channel through which this discourse influences the sector of the public that is most sensitive to socialization processes: children and youth. With the normalized practice of screenwriting and without necessarily being aware of the fact, screenwriters can reproduce this discourse of freedom and thereby take part in reinforcing its social legitimacy.
Backwards & In Heels: The Past, Present and Future of Women Working in Film, Alicia Malone (2017)
Authors: Shelton James L.
Published: November 2021

Review of: Backwards & In Heels: The Past, Present and Future of Women Working in Film, Alicia Malone (2017)

Coral Gables, FL: Mango Publishing Group, 242 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-63353-617-3, p/bk, £12.99
A Method of Extracting High-Accuracy Elevation Control Points from ICESat-2 Altimetry Data
Authors: Li Binbin , Xie Huan , Liu Shijie , Tong Xiaohua , Tang Hong , Wang Xu
Published: November 2021

Due to its high ranging accuracy, spaceborne laser altimetry technology can improve the accuracy of satellite stereo mapping without ground control points. In the past, full-waveform ICE, CLOUD, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser altimeter data have been
used as one of the main data sources for global elevation control. As a second-generation satellite, ICESat-2 is equipped with an altimeter using photon counting mode. This can further improve the application capability for stereo mapping because of the six laser beams with high along-track
repetition frequency, which can provide more detailed ground contour descriptions. Previous studies have addressed how to extract high-accuracy elevation control points from ICESat data. However, these methods cannot be directly applied to ICESat-2 data because of the different
modes of the laser altimeters. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a method using comprehensive evaluation labels that can extract high-accuracy elevation control points that meet the different level elevation accuracy requirements for large scale mapping from the ICESat-2 land-vegetation
along-track product. The method was verified using two airborne lidar data sets. In flat, hilly, and mountainous areas, by using our method to extract the terrain elevation, the root-mean-square error of elevation control points decrease from 1.249–2.094 m, 2.237–3.225 m, and 2.791–4.822
m to 0.262–0.429 m, 0.484–0.596 m, and 0.611–1.003 m, respectively. The results show that the extraction elevations meet the required accuracy for large scale mapping.
Colectivos vulnerables en el sistema de asilo. Una aproximación a las necesidades de la infancia, personas LGTBI+ y víctimas de trata
Authors: Castaño Reyero María José , Díez Velasco Isabel , Barrio Lema Clara Isabel
Published: November 2021

La finalidad del informe es dar voz a las personas especialmente vulnerables en el sistema de asilo, concretamente infancia, las personas LGTBI+ y las víctimas de trata, con el objetivo de entender mejor cuáles son las condiciones que garantizan una evaluación más adecuada y de calidad de las solicitudes de asilo, así como sus necesidades específicas de acogida.
Rethinking the One Button Studio: An Alternative Solution
Authors: McCorkle Sarah , Strycker Jesse
Published: November 2021

This design case focuses on the development of an alternative to Penn State’s One Button Studio, but with a do-it-yourself mentality and a substantially smaller budget. The development of our one button video kiosk began as a class project but is part of a larger design-based research project. Video production is not something that all faculty, staff, or students are comfortable with. Our one button video kiosk is intended to minimize barriers and concerns with such productions by helping users produce video content as quickly and easily as possible. The case focuses on the design, development, and initial testing of the kiosk. By freely sharing these details, it is the hope of the authors that readers will join the conversation by sharing their revisions or new designs for such kiosks or alternative solutions.
Modelo simple y generalizado para estimar la conductividad térmica de líquidos iónicos
Authors: Cardona-Palacio Luis-Fernando
Published: November 2021

En este trabajo se generaliza un modelo empírico para predecir la conductividad térmica de líquidos iónicos. Inicialmente se realiza una recopilación de datos experimentales con diferentes tipos de aniones y cationes. En total, se evalúan 38 líquidos iónicos (28 sustancias para correlación y 10 sustancias para predicción) que corresponden a 265 datos experimentales. Los rangos de temperatura varían entre 273 K y 390 K a presión atmosférica (1 atm). Los parámetros del modelo son generalizados, utilizando 215 datos experimentales y las desviaciones promedio son de 4.72 %. Posteriormente, se evalúan las capacidades predictivas en 50 datos experimentales con desviaciones promedio de 3.48 %. El modelo generalizado es extendido a mezclas binarias utilizando una regla de mezcla simple con un parámetro de interacción y la desviación absoluta es de 0.77 %. Finalmente, el modelo es comparado con otros en la literatura y los resultados estadísticos muestran que proporciona resultados aceptables.
Hotel Employees’ Burnout and Turnover Intentions
Authors: Ahmad Amri , Barakbah Syed Munir Barakbah Syed Faozi , Majdi Ahmad Akram
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to explore the employees’ burnout issues and the employees’ intention to leave in a selected hotel. A descriptive case study design was used to provide the framework for the research investigation and used as a guide in the data collection process, the development of instruments and scale, and the analysis of data or information. The findings indicated that there was a close association between employee burnout variable with the employee turnover intentions variable. Where appropriate, findings from previous research had been included to support or refute the results from this study. However, since the purpose of the study was to explore the employees’ situation at one hotel, the results had to be taken cautiously. Regardless, however, the study did highlight aspects that should be of concern to the hotel management since the condition of work, work scheduling and the matching of job with the employees’ capabilities had to be considered to minimize the burnout problems.
A Systematized Review on Rationale and Experience to Develop Advanced Logistics Center System in Vietnam
Authors: Bui Viet Duc , Nguyen Hoang Phuong
Published: November 2021

Logistics is the activity of optimizing the storage, two-way transportation of resources, finance, information... from supplier to warehouse, through the production process, factories, warehouses, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. In essence, logistics are activities serving the production and circulation of goods born and associated with businesses' production for hundreds of years. Logistics is increasingly developing at a higher level, including more diversified and complex activities specialized in an independent service industry. It is a new issue of the world economy that has attracted businesses and governments' special attention from the last decades of the 20th century to the present. The research on investment in building a port logistics center is in line with the world trend of improving service quality. It creates added value for goods through the port, so most major ports focus on planning and building super large logistics centers. This article focuses on systematizes and supplements some theoretical issues about logistics and logistics centers. At the same time, they evaluated the research on models of developing logistics centers in some countries worldwide, thereby giving lessons for Vietnam.
Intellectual Capital Dimension Important Measurement in Industrial Project
Authors: Yassin Dr. Alla Talal
Published: November 2021

The knowledge available in the organization has become a competitive advantage that distinguishes it from other industrial organizations, and the knowledge is represented by the availability of individuals who have information, stored knowledge, and different technologies. The grace of reason and through it thinking is now the most powerful and influential weapon most objective to determine the progress of societies, countries and industrial organizations, so most countries and industrial organizations have worked to take advantage of these capabilities that humans enjoy by investing in it, which leads to obtaining several benefits. The dimensions of intellectual capital management in industrial organizations, or what are called the main areas of their work, are determined to (strategic leadership in industrial organizations, planning intellectual capital, owning, developing, and retaining talent, the organizational culture of industrial organizations geared to results). From the above, the research problem can be formulated in a major question: Which of these four dimensions is the most important dimension, and what is the arrangement of dimensions in terms of importance? The aim of the research is to shed light on the intellectual capital and depend on a clear of a researcher with the aims that it seek to achieves, a descriptive analytical approach has been use, and a research has reaches the sets of result, a most impertinent of which: that after a strategic leadership of a educational institution achieved higher importance in terms of averages followed by the dimension Regarding the organizational culture of industrial organizations, in light of the research results, it is recommended to carry out a broader comprehensive survey of all members of the industrial organization and classify the members according to the affiliation in order to find the differences in the philosophical concept of the importance of removing intellectual capital.