bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apremilast for genital erosive lichen planus in women (the AP-GELP Study): study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Skullerud Kristin Helene , Gjersvik Petter , Pripp Are Hugo , Qvigstad Erik , Helgesen Anne Lise Ording
Published: July 2021

Background

Genital erosive lichen planus (GELP) is a genital subtype of lichen planus, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. In women, GELP is characterised by painful vulvo-vaginal mucosal erosions and scarring, often resulting in poor sexual health and reduced quality of life. Treatment options are limited and often with little effect. Apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4-inhibitor, has been shown to have a positive effect on psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. We aim to investigate the effect and safety of peroral apremilast in women with GELP in a randomised placebo-controlled double-blinded clinical trial.

Methods

We will recruit 42 adult women with characteristic clinical and/or histological features of moderate-to-severe GELP from a specialised vulva clinic in Oslo, Norway. The patients will be randomised 1:1 to either apremilast 30 mg BID (with an initial dose titration on days 1–6) or a placebo for 24 weeks. The concomitant use of topical corticosteroids will be allowed. The primary end point will be the mean GELP score, a clinical scoring system, at week 24 in the apremilast-treated patients versus the placebo-treated patients. The secondary end points will include the mean GELP score improvement from weeks 0 to 24, patient-reported use of topical steroids, the pain score on a visual analogue scale and the number of patients with GELP score improvements at weeks 16 and 24. The Physician Global Assessment , Patient Global Assessment and selected quality of life and sexual function assessments will be recorded at weeks 0, 16 and 24. The exploratory endpoints include description of immunohistochemical changes before and after apremilast therapy, assessed in vulvar or vaginal biopsies at weeks 0 and 24. Regular follow-ups for possible adverse events will be conducted.

Discussion

The study design is based on experience from studies on apremilast in other inflammatory skin diseases using equivalent apremilast doses for approved indications. The trial may provide evidence for the use of apremilast in women with this burdensome genital dermatosis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT0365666. Registered on 4 September 2018.
Characteristics and outcomes of family-practice patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a case series
Authors: Dzieciolowska Stefania , Ravi Oumeet , Grad Roland
Published: July 2021

Background

The clinical history and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 among people not hospitalized is not yet well characterized. To better inform clinical evaluation, we set out to characterize the natural history of coronavirus disease 2019 in primary health care.

Methods

Case series of all patients rostered to physicians at a university-affiliated Family Medicine clinic. Cases met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of coronavirus disease 2019 from March 1 to May 21 2020.

Results

In total, 89 patients meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for coronavirus disease 2019 were documented. Their average age was 55.6 years (range 6–95 years), and all but one was symptomatic. Fifty-seven cases (64%) had a polymerase chain reaction test for coronavirus disease 2019, of whom 77.2% tested positive. Thirty cases (33.7%) reported contact with a confirmed or probable case of coronavirus disease 2019. Based on the Charlson Comorbidity Index, 28 cases (31.5%) had no comorbid conditions. The median number of days from symptom onset to first polymerase chain reaction test was 6 days (interquartile range 2.3–11 days). The median duration of fever was 3.5 days (interquartile range 1–7 days). Twenty-four cases (27%) visited the Emergency Department, and 10 were admitted to hospital. The median number of days between symptom onset and first Emergency Department visit was 8 days (interquartile range 3.5–27 days).

Conclusions

At the start of this pandemic, the implementation of basic measures such as diagnostic testing was delayed. If we are to improve our control over the spread of coronavirus disease 2019, we will need to substantially reduce the time from symptom onset to diagnostic testing, and subsequent contact tracing. To minimize unnecessary Emergency Department visits, we propose a testable strategy for Family Medicine to engage with coronavirus disease 2019 patients in the acute phase of their illness.
Etiological profile of new-onset seizures among adult Egyptians
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Hemeida , Awad Eman Mahmoud , Mohamed Ahmed Khalil , Shafik Mohamed Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Background

New-onset seizure (NOS) is defined as the first seizure within a 24-h period ever experienced by the patient. A first-ever seizure can be the first manifestation of epilepsy. Or it may be a symptom of a brain tumor, a systemic disorder, an infection, or a syndrome that deserves special attention and treatment. This study aims to identify the etiology of NOS among different age and sex groups of adult Egyptian patients. A hundred and twenty adult Egyptian patients (> 18 years) presented with acute NOS were enrolled in a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study from the emergency room and neurology outpatient clinics of our hospitals within a time period of 6 months from March till September 2018. All patients were subjected to neurological examination, laboratory, neuroimaging, and electroencephalogram investigations.

Results

Among 120 adult patients presented with NOS, males were prevalent (63%). Older adults (age group > 55 years) were the most prevalent cohort (60%). Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) were the most common identified etiology of NOS (44.17%), followed by idiopathic epilepsy syndrome (18.33%), symptomatic mainly “metabolic” (11%), brain tumors (9.17%), post-traumatic epilepsy (6.67 %), encephalitis (5.83%), and cryptogenic (5%). Idiopathic epilepsy syndrome was the most common etiology (55.56%) of new-onset seizures among the young adult age group (< 36 years), while CVDs were the most common etiology (65.28%) among older adults (> 55 years). Also, CVDs were the most common etiology among males (43.4%) as well as females (45.4%). However, male predominance was the highest among post-traumatic seizures (87.5%). And female predominance was the highest among brain tumors identified etiology of NOS (54.5%).

Conclusion

NOS among adults are prevalent in elder males. CVDs are the most commonly identified etiology of adult NOS across males and females. Idiopathic epilepsy syndromes are the predominant etiology among younger adults.
Brain tumor surgery in the elderly: a single institution experience of short-term outcome—a retrospective case study
Authors: Tantawy Mostafa F. , Nazim Wael M.
Published: July 2021

Background

There is an evolving concern in the management of brain tumors in the elderly. The number of elderly people (aged 65 years or more) increases progressively, and there is a considerable percent of brain tumors affecting this age group. Elderly people may have one or more chronic illnesses that may render cranial surgery of high risk for mortality and morbidity. This study was carried out to evaluate the short-term (30 days) outcome of brain tumor surgery in elderly patients.

Results

This is a single-institution retrospective study of elderly patients harboring brain tumors who were managed by surgery. The study included 31 patients between 2014 and 2019. Elective and emergency cases were included. The mean age for the study population was 68.29 years. The mean functional status using the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) changed from 58.06 before surgery to 70 after surgery. Meningioma grade I and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were the most common neoplasms, 41.9 and 29%, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the mortality and GBM (P value < 0.05) while there was no correlation with concomitant diseases, KPS, or extent of resection (P value > 0.05). Preoperative concomitant diseases were found in 16 patients. Mortality occurred in 11 cases (35.4%).

Conclusions

Old age by itself should not be a risk factor alone for increasing mortality or morbidity in cranial surgery for patients with brain tumors. Glioblastoma in old patients with poor KPS carries a significant risk for mortality. Further studies with a larger number of patients and inclusion of more variables are required.
Quantitative determination of energy potential of refuse derived fuel from the waste recovered from Indian landfill
Authors: Cheela Venkata Ravi Sankar , John Michele , Dubey Brajesh
Published: July 2021

Landfills are urban stocks and resource reservoirs for potential energy recovery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amount of energy that could be recovered from aged waste (around 5–20 yr old) recovered from landfills. Investigations were conducted on the physical and chemical properties of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) prepared from recovered landfill waste (RLW) in Andhra Pradesh, India. Waste characterization studies include determination of waste composition, proximity analysis, ultimate analysis, and energy content. The moisture content ranged between 25.7 to 31.3% and no trend was observed with age. In the ultimate analysis, the percentage of carbon increased from 42.9 to 71.7% with the age of the samples, this is due to an increase in the plastic content over time. The calorific value of the recovered landfill waste ranged from 10.4 to 21.8 MJ kg− 1. From the findings, it can be summarized that the RDF can potentially be utilized as a feedstock for the recovery of energy from RLW. The results from this study will assist policy makers and local authorities in designing and developing strategies for resource and energy recovery from landfills in different urban cites across the globe.
Early results from an Egyptian transcatheter aortic valve registry (Egy-TVR)
Authors: Bahaa Hesham , Sadek Yasser , Mostafa Ahmad E. , Kamal Diaa , Baraka Mahmoud , Abdelghani Mohammad , Hassan Ahmed , Shehata Ahmed , Abdelhamid Magdy , Elguindy Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established and standard therapy for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis at moderate or high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Recently, it has proven non-inferior in patients with low surgical risk. However, due to its high cost, the availability of TAVI is variable worldwide. Our aim was to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics and short-term and long-term outcome of those patients. A medical registry is believed to be an excellent tool to perform a field analysis of patients’ course, documenting short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes. This is the first registry for patients who underwent TAVI in Egypt.

Results

Ninety-six patients were included in the study; some were retrospective, and the majority were prospective from 5 different cardiac centers from August 2012 till December 2017. The mean age of patients was 77 years SD ± 7.29; females were 52% of the patients and most of the patients were overweight (BMI 30.74, SD ± 6.83). Sixty-three percent of the patients were frail with Katz index ≤ 5. 3.5% had atrial fibrillation (AF) at presentation. General anesthesia was conducted in only 59.37% of the patients. Transfemoral access was the prevailing route of implantation (90%). The median hospital stay was 4 days. In-hospital and 30 days mortality was only 4.16%.

Conclusion

TAVI outcome in Egypt appeared to be very promising with in-hospital complication, and mortality rates being comparable to international registries (4.16% vs. 4.0% in TVT registry) denoting the procedure as safe and beneficial. Establishing a national registry is critical to highlighting strength and weaknesses as well as identifying key areas for improvements.
Bilateral proptosis: an unusual primary presentation of scurvy—a case report
Authors: S. Damini , Dixit Rashmi , Khullar Tamanna , Rajeshwari K.
Published: July 2021

Background

Scurvy is a nutritional vitamin C deficiency disease which shows classical signs on radiographs most commonly along long bones with subperiosteal hemorrhage being a classical finding. Primary presentation of scurvy with orbital hemorrhage presenting as proptosis is however uncommon.

Case presentation

We report an unusual primary presentation of scurvy in a 4-year-old boy with West syndrome and global developmental delay who presented to the emergency with complaints of bilateral proptosis and eyelid swelling (right > left) which on examination revealed bluish discolouration of bilateral eyelids. On further multimodality imaging investigation, orbital subperiosteal hemorrhages were identified as the cause, along with classical radiographic features of scurvy in bilateral lower limb long bones. The diagnosis was further bolstered by rapid resolution of periorbital ecchymosis after initiating oral vitamin C supplementation.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, primary presentation of scurvy in the form of bilateral proptosis due to orbital hemorrhages although uncommon can still be a manifestation of scurvy in addition to the more routinely detected subperiosteal hemorrhages along long bones. The significance of establishing the aetiology in such cases of orbital hemorrhage cannot be overemphasised, in view of drastic clinical recovery after starting vitamin C therapy.
Dosimetric feasibility of stereotactic irradiation of primary prostate cancer at 5x9 Gy with a method of urethral sparing
Authors: Benhmida Salim , Beneux Amandine , Udrescu Corina , Rouviere Olivier , Horn Samy , Enachescu Ciprian , Lapierre Ariane , Chapet Olivier
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The most commonly used dose for prostate cancer stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is 5 × 7.25 Gy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric feasibility of a 5 × 9 Gy SBRT regimen while still limiting the dose to the urethra to 5 × 7.25 Gy. This dosimetric study is part of the groundwork for a future Phase III randomized trial.

Methods:

The prostate, the urethra and the tumors were delineated on 20 dosimetric CT-scans with MRI-registration. The planning target volume (PTVp) was defined as a 5 mm expansion (3 mm posteriorly) of the prostate. The planning at risk volume (PRVu) was defined as a 2 mm expansion of the urethra. The tumors were delineated on the MRI (GTVt) and a 3 mm-margin was added to create a tumoral planning target volume (PTVt). IMRT plans were optimized to deliver 5 × 9 Gy to the PTVp, limiting the dose to the PRVu to 5 × 7.25 Gy. Results are presented using average (range) values.

Results:

PTVp doses were D98% = 36.2 Gy (35.6–36.8), D2% = 46.9 Gy (46.5–47.5) and mean dose = 44.1 Gy (43.8–44.5). The dose to the PRVu was within tolerance limits for all 20 patients: V34.4Gy = 99.8% (99.2–100) and D5% = 38.7 Gy (38.6–38.8). Dose coverage of PTV-PRVu was D95% = 40.6 Gy (40.5–40.9), D5% = 46.6 Gy (46.2–47.2) and mean dose = 44.6 Gy (44.3–44.9). Dose to the PTVt reached 44.6 Gy (41.2–45.9). Doses to the OAR were respected, except V36Gy ≤1 cc for the rectum.

Conclusion:

A SBRT dose-escalation to 5 × 9 Gy on the prostate while sparing the urethra + 2 mm at 36.25 Gy is feasible without compromising dose coverage to the tumor. This radiation regimen will be used for a Phase-III trial.

Advances in knowledge:

In prostate SBRT, dose optimization on the urethra is feasible and could decrease urinary toxicities.
Prostate hypofractionated radiotherapy (62Gy at 3.1Gy per fraction) with injection of hyaluronic acid: final results of the RPAH1 study
Authors: Chapet Olivier , Udrescu Corina , Bin Sylvie , Decullier Evelyne , Fenoglietto Pascal , Beneux Amandine , Segui Bruno , Enachescu Ciprian , Gaudioz Sonya , Ruffion Alain , Azria David
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

The present multicenter Phase II study evaluated the rate of late grade ≥2 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities at 3 years, after hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFR) of prostate cancer with injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) between the prostate and the rectum.

Methods:

Between 2010 and 2013, 36 patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer were treated by HFR/IMRT-IGRT. 20 fractions of 3.1 Gy were delivered, 5 days per week for a total dose of 62 Gy. A transperineal injection of 10cc of HA was performed between the rectum and the prostate. Late toxicities were evaluated between 3 and 36 months after the end of treatment (CTCAE v4).

Results:

Median pretreatment prostate-specific antigen was 8 ng ml−1. Among the 36 included patients, 2 were not evaluated because they withdrew the study in the first 3 months of follow-up, and 4 withdrew between 3 and 36 months, the per protocol population was therefore composed. Late grade ≥2 GI toxicities occurred in 4 (12%) patients with 3 (9%) Grade 2 rectal bleedings and one diarrhoea. Therefore, the inefficacy hypothesis following Fleming one-stage design cannot be rejected. None of the patients experienced late Grade 3–4 toxicities. Among the 30 patients completing the 36 months’ visit, none still had a grade ≥2 GI toxicity. Late grade ≥2 genitourinary (GU) toxicities occurred in 14 (41%) patients. The most frequent toxicities were dysuria and pollakiuria. Four patients still experienced a grade ≥2 GU toxicity at 36 months. The biochemical relapse rate (nadir +2 ng ml−1) was 6% (2 patients). Overall, HA was very well tolerated with no pain or discomfort.

Conclusion:

Despite the inefficacy of HA injection was not rejected, we observed the absence of Grade 3 or 4 rectal toxicity as well as a rate of Grade 2 rectal bleeding below 10% at 36 months of follow-up. Late urinary toxicities are the most frequent but the rate decreases largely at 3 years.

Advances in knowledge:

With an injection of HA, hypofractionated irradiation in 4 weeks is well tolerated with no Grade 3 or 4 GI toxicity and a rate of Grade 2 rectal bleeding below 10% at 36 months of follow-up.
Impact of hydrogel peri-rectal spacer insertion on seminal vesicles intrafraction motion during 1.5 T-MRI-guided adaptive stereotactic body radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Mazzola Rosario , Sicignano Gianluisa , Cuccia Francesco , Vitale Claudio , Rigo Michele , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Nicosia Luca , Figlia Vanessa , Ricchetti Francesco , Attinà Giorgio , Pastorello Edoardo , De Simone Antonio , Gurrera Davide , Naccarato Stefania , Ruggieri Ruggero , Alongi Filippo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

MR-guided daily-adaptive radiotherapy is improving the accuracy in the planning and delivery phases of the treatment. Rectal hydrogel-spacer may help in mitigating organ motion, but few data are currently available.

Methods

We aimed to assess any potential impact of the device on seminal vesicles motion by measuring translational and rotational shifts between the pre- and post-treatment MRI scans of a total of 50 fractions in the first 10 patients who underwent MR-guided prostate SBRT (35 Gy/5 fx). Of them, five patients received the hydrogel-spacer. The comparative analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test

Results

Median rotational shifts were: in anteroposterior 0° (range, 0.097°/0.112°; SD = 0.05°) vs 0° (−0.162/0.04°; SD = 0.07°) in the no-spacer subgroup (p = 0.36); lateral shifts were 0° (−0.1°/0.54°; SD = 0.28°) vs −0.85° in the no-spacer cohort (−1.56°/0.124°; SD = 0.054°; p = 0.22). Cranio-caudal shifts were 0° (−0.121°/0.029°; SD = 0.06°) in the spacer-cohort vs 0° (−0.066°/0.087°; SD = 0.69°; p = 0.53). Median translational shifts were: in anteroposterior 0.9 mm (−0.014 mm/0.031 mm; SD = 0.036 mm) in the spacer-group vs 0.030 mm (−0.14 mm/0.03 mm; SD = 0.032 mm; p = 0.8); latero-lateral shifts were −0.042 mm (−0.047 mm/0.07 mm; SD = 0.054 mm), vs −0.023 mm (−0.027 mm/−0.01 mm; SD = 0.023 mm) in the no-spacer group (p = 0.94). In cranio-caudal, statistically significant shifts were reported: 0.082 mm (0.06 mm/0.15 mm; SD = 0.04 mm) vs 0.06 mm (−0.06/0.08 mm; SD = 0.09 mm) in the no-spacer cohort (p = 0.031).

Conclusions

A favorable impact of the hydrogel-spacer on seminal vesicles motion was observed only in cranio-caudal translational shifts, although being not clinically significant. Further studies are required to fully investigate the potential contribution of this device on vesicles motion.

Advances in knowledge

MR-guided daily adaptive radiotherapy may represent a game changer for prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy, given the possibility to better visualize soft-tissues anatomy and to daily recalculate the treatment plan based on real-time conditions. The use of devices like rectal ballon or rectal gel spacers has gained interest in the last years for the possibility to better spare the rectum during prostate radiotherapy. This is one of the first experiences exploring the role of rectal spacer on seminal vesicles intrafraction motion during MR-guided SBRT for prostate cancer.
Exploring barriers and facilitators of physical distancing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Farrell Karen , Durand Hannah , McSharry Jenny , Meade Oonagh ,   The Health Psychology Public Advisory Panel, Kenny Eanna , Noone Chris , O'Connor Laura L. , Lavoie Kim L. , Byrne Molly , Mooney Robert , McGuire Brian E. , Molloy Gerard J.
Published: July 2021

Background: Physical distancing measures (e.g., keeping a distance of two metres from others, avoiding crowded areas, and reducing the number of close physical contacts) continue to be among the most important preventative measures used to reduce the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, it is important to understand barriers and facilitators of physical distancing to help inform future public health campaigns.

Methods: The current study aimed to qualitatively explore barriers and facilitators of physical distancing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic using a qualitative interpretative design. Semi-structured one-to-one phone interviews were conducted with 25 participants aged 18+ years and living in the Republic of Ireland between September and October 2020. A purposive sampling strategy was used to maximise diversity in terms of age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Analysis resulted in the development of six main themes related to barriers and facilitators of physical distancing: (1) Maintaining and negotiating close relationships; (2) Public environments support or discourage physical distancing; (3) Habituation to threat; (4) Taking risks to protect well-being; (5) Personal responsibility to control the “controllables”; and (6) Confusion and uncertainty around government guidelines.

Conclusions: Physical distancing measures were judged to be more or less difficult based on a number of internal and external psychosocial factors. Barriers to distancing included difficulties maintaining and negotiating close relationships, habituation to COVID-19-related threat, risk compensation, and confusion and uncertainty around government guidelines. Having a sense of personal responsibility to prevent COVID-19 transmission through distancing was an important facilitator. The structure of public environments was viewed as both barrier and facilitator. Barriers and facilitators may vary depending on context and life stage, which should be considered in the design of interventions to target physical distancing behaviour.
Hydrogen production via aqueous-phase reforming for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells - a review
Authors: Lakhtaria Paranjeet , Ribeirinha Paulo , Huhtinen Werneri , Viik Saara , Sousa José , Mendes Adélio
Published: July 2021

Aqueous-phase reforming (APR) can convert methanol and other oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrogen and carbon dioxide at lower temperatures when compared with the corresponding gas phase process. APR favours the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction and inhibits alkane formation; moreover, it is a simpler and more energy efficient process compared to gas-phase steam reforming. For example, Pt-based catalysts supported on alumina are typically selected for methanol APR, due to their high activity at temperatures of circa 200°C. However, non-noble catalysts such as nickel (Ni) supported on metal-oxides or zeolites are being investigated with promising results in terms of catalytic activity and stability. The development of APR kinetic models and reactor designs is also being addressed to make APR a more attractive process for producing in situ hydrogen.
Problems of Assessing the Health Status of Personnel Working in Conditions of New Technologies for Nuclear Fuel Production
Authors: Lyaginskaya A. , Shandala N. , Metlyaev E. , Kuptsov V. , Parinov O.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To identify the problem of assessing the health status of personnel working under the conditions of new technologies for the production of nuclear fuel.

Material and method: The object of the research was the general morbidity of workers in the production of mixed nitride uranium-plutonium fuel (MNUP-fuel). The material for the study was the data presented in the «Health Passports». The paper used the method of comparative analysis of the overall morbidity of workers in the production of MNUP-fuel and workers in enterprises dealing with nuclear fuel.

Results and analysis: At present, in our country, within the framework of the «Breakthrough» project, new technologies are being developed for the fabrication and refurbishment of mixed uranium-plutonium (MNUP) fuel. In the absence of radiation and hygienic standards for the content of fuel products in working rooms, in order to assess the influence of production factors, along with the radiation dose, the incidence of personnel is studied as an integral indicator of health. A study of the incidence of 50 workers in the production of MNUP fuel revealed: Relatively high incidence of general morbidity – 1122 diseases per 100 people or an average of 93.5 diseases per 100 people per year, regardless of the length of service. The leading diseases in the overall morbidity structure are diseases of the respiratory system – 26.0 %

(1st place), eyes – 13.4 % (2nd place), musculoskeletal system – 11.4 % (3rd place), circulatory system – 10,9 % (4th place), injuries and poisoning – 8.4 % (5th place), digestive organs and genitourinary system – 7.7 % and 7.0 %, respectively (6th place), which make up 84.7 % of the total morbidity. Obviously, the effective dose of 4.6 mSv/year cannot be the only reason for the high morbidity in workers in complex radiochemical production, but characterizes only the influence of one of the many nonspecific factors of production. The existing system for assessing the health of personnel working in radiochemical production, in addition to analyzing the risks of deterministic and stochastic effects, should include an assessment of the overall morbidity of personnel.
Rock: Symbol of Self in the Process of Individualization - Alchemy Transformation in Sandplay Therapy -
Authors: An Eun Sun
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the process leading to individuation by examining the symbolism of rocks that emerged from sandplay therapy for a middle-aged woman from the perspective of analytical psychology and alchemy. The rock symbolizes an unchangeable life force, nurturing, recovery, source of living water, grave, and place in contact with spiritual energy. The alchemical process of creating new substances using existing substances proceeds in the order of calcification, dissolution, solidification, sublimation, decay, separation, and unity. In this study, the client expressed her unconscious through the rocks in the sand tray, which corresponded to the calcification of alchemy. Afterwards, the client expressed feelings such as despair and sadness that existed deeply within her, which were linked to the process of dissolution and coagulation of alchemy. Finally, the client could proceed with the process of individuation through self-integration with her shadow by accepting the suppression and wounds of her heart that were suppressed for a long time in consciousness, which is connected with the process of sublimation, corruption, separation, and unity in alchemy. The process of individuation involves completing the true Self by integrating the Self that exists inside the individual. We can integrate these processes through a confrontational dialogue between consciousness and the unconscious through symbols.
Face the waves of emotion in the sea of the unconscious: Focusing on the symbolism of the sea and the waves
Authors: Ji So Hyun
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the symbolism of the sea and waves, focusing on these symbols in the dreams and sand trays during the female client’s sandplay therapy. The client had dreamt about the sea repeatedly since childhood, so her repetitive dreams about the sea were analyzed during the sandplay sessions. She realized that the deep abyss of the sea was linked to her unconsciousness. Through the dynamic fluctuation of the waves, the emotions that she had suppressed became shaken, and it brought out her anger. As becoming aware of her suppressed emotions, she was able to heal herself. The repeated appearance of the sea in the sand trays connected her to the unconscious and led her to integration and wholeness. She made the choice of recharging her energy for love in the sea and returning to her life. The researcher could understand that it was the message of the sea to love herself and her life and live an authentic life of self-care proudly.
An Arts-based research on group sandplay therapy for children in local children's centers who are overly dependent on internet and smartphones experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Park Sung Min , Jo Yun , Jung Hyun Kyoung
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to find a clue of psychological intervention in group sandplay therapy for children in local children's centers who are overly dependent on internet and smartphones experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic era. Art is a process of expressing imagination, and it is in line with the fact that play is a symbolic and creative activity. Therefore, it can be said that children's imaginary play scenes and imaginary stories appearing in sandplay therapy are a form of art. Sandplay enables non-verbal expression, and the unconscious contents expressed by children are useful in understanding children's emotions. In this process, the researcher understands the client through imagination which is the intersubjective method and experiences an accepting relationship where healing and change occur. However, previous studies have limitations in that they approached children's dependence on the Internet and smartphones based on language. Therefore, these researchers conducted an arts-based study from an analytical psychology perspective to understand the experiences of children in local children's centers who are overly dependent on the Internet and smartphones through the group sandplay therapy process. To this end, co-researchers attending the doctoral program in child counseling and psychotherapy have categorized and discussed four themes: ‘wanting to be loved’, ‘suffering from anxiety’, ‘tolerating being alone/not communicating’, ‘trying to protect oneself’. Finally, it was intended to alleviate the psychological difficulties of children in local children's centers who are overly dependent on internet and smartphones, and to provide an open method for resolving the Internet and smartphone dependence phenomenon.
Should central venous catheters be routinely replaced in adults?
Authors: Morzaria Priti , Carle Coralie
Published: July 2021

Central venous catheters are sited for a variety of reasons in the adult critically ill patient. There is clear guidance for indications and maintenance of central venous catheters, but there is no clear guidance on how long a central venous catheter should remain in situ. This article looks at evidence to answer this question.
An X–FEM Technique for Modeling the FRP Strengthening of Concrete Arches with a Plastic–Damage Model; Numerical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Khoei Amir R. , Ahmadpour Tahmaz , Navidtehrani Yousef
Published: July 2021

In this paper, an enriched–FEM method is presented based on the X-FEM technique by applying a damage–plasticity model to investigate the effect of FRP strengthening on the concrete arch. In this manner, the damage strain is lumped into the crack interface while the elastic and plastic strains are employed within the bulk volume of element. The damage stress–strain relation is converted to the traction separation law using an acoustic tensor. The interface between the FRP and concrete is modeled using a cohesive fracture model. The X-FEM technique is applied where the FE mesh is not necessary to be conformed to the fracture geometry, so the regular mesh is utilized independent of the position of the fracture. The accuracy of the proposed plastic-damage model is investigated under the monotonic tension, compression, and cyclic tension loading. Furthermore, the accuracy of the cohesive fracture model is investigated using the experimental data reported for the debonding test. In order to verify the accuracy of the proposed computational algorithm, the numerical results are compared with those of experimental data obtained from two tests conducted on reinforced concrete arches strengthened with FRP. Finally, a parametric study is performed by evaluating the effects of high to span ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and strengthening method.
Managing Factors to Stages of the Online Customer Journey Influence on Brand Trust
Authors: Archawaporn Laksamon , Leelasantitham Adisorn
Published: July 2021

This study examines the possibilities of enhancing relationship between external factors and five main steps of the customer journey influence on brand trust. Our aim is to fill a gap of empirical studies on the online channel in Thailand. We identify four external factors that contribute to each step of customer journey base on customer journey map theory. Data collected from 400 respondents was tested against the research model using a partial least squares (PLS) approach. Our hypotheses testing the determinants set of the customer journey with a statistical inferential analysis that, show the results support 7 of the 9 hypotheses, with a significant relationship between analysed constructs (Social influencer, eWom, and Marketing campaign) which are the factors that might contribute to online customer journey at the present.
In-flight radiometric and polarimetric calibration of the Directional Polarimetric Camera onboard the GaoFen-5 satellite over the ocean
Authors: Qie Lili , Li Zhengqiang , Zhu Sifeng , Xu Hua , Xie Yisong , Qiao Rui , Hong Jin , Tu Bihai
Published: July 2021

The Directional Polarimetric Camera (DPC) is the first Chinese multi-angle polarized
Earth observation satellite sensor, which was successfully launched on
9 May 2018, onboard the GaoFen-5 satellite in the Chinese
High-Resolution Earth Observation Program. The DPC’s observation is
one of the most important space-borne multi-spectral, multi-angular
polarimetric measurements of the global Earth-atmosphere system at the
present stage. Although rigorous radiometric calibration had been
performed for the DPC before launch, its in-flight performance may
change because of the process of launch, harsh environment of space,
and aging of the sensor. Due to the absence of the onboard calibration
system, vicarious calibration methods are necessary for the DPC’s
in-flight performance monitoring and calibration. In this paper, we
adapted the Rayleigh absolute calibration method, the sun glint
inter-band calibration method, and the sun glint polarization
calibration method to the DPC sensor. First, the calibration errors of
these three methods caused by ancillary data uncertainties
(e.g.,  aerosol, chlorophyll concentration, absorption gases amount,
and wind speed) were analyzed in detail. The error budgets show that
the aerosol parameters (optical thickness and aerosol model) are some
of the critical factors affecting both the radiometric and
polarimetric calibration accuracies for the Rayleigh and sun glint
methods. The DPC radiometric and polarimetric in-flight calibration
during its commissioning phase was then implemented. The absolute
coefficients of short spectral bands (443, 490, 565, and 670 nm) were
calibrated by the well-characterized Rayleigh scattering signal over
the ocean. Using the 565 nm band as a reference band, the Rayleigh
absolute calibration was then transferred to other bands (443, 490,
670, and 865 nm) through inter-band calibration using the specular
reflection of the sun over the ocean. The polarization measurements of
the DPC at polarized bands (490, 670, and 865 nm) were calibrated with
the polarized reflection of the sun glint over ocean. The preliminary
results show that the radiometric sensitivity of the DPC changed very
little after launch at the four visible bands. The absolute
calibration coefficient differences from pre-flight calibration are
smaller than 0.5% at the 443 and 670 nm bands, while they are within

±
2

%

at the 490 and 565 nm bands. However,
a large deviation at 865 nm band of about 9% from pre-flight
calibration was indicated by the sun glint inter-band calibration. The
degree of linear polarization measurement of the DPC is validated with
high accuracy of about 0.02 at the 865 nm band, while the deviation at
490 and 670 nm bands are relatively larger, reaching 0.04. The
DPC/GaoFen-5 shows a good in-flight performance of radiometric
measurement and generally reliable polarimetric measurement after
launch.
Deep-learning-based hologram generation using a generative model
Authors: Kang Ji-Won , Park Byung-Seo , Kim Jin-Kyum , Kim Dong-Wook , Seo Young-Ho
Published: July 2021

We propose a new learning and inferring model that generates digital holograms using deep neural networks (DNNs). This DNN uses a generative adversarial network, trained to infer a complex two-dimensional fringe pattern from a single object point. The intensity and fringe patterns inferred for each object point were multiplied, and all the fringe patterns were accumulated to generate a perfect hologram. This method can achieve generality by recording holograms for two spaces (16 Space and 32 Space). The reconstruction results of both spaces proved to be almost the same as numerical computer-generated holograms by showing the performance at 44.56 and 35.11 dB, respectively. Through displaying the generated hologram in the optical equipment, we proved that the holograms generated by the proposed DNN can be optically reconstructed.
Variable mesh optimization applied to fringe pattern demodulation using a Bézier surface
Authors: Moré Iosvani , Cuevas Francisco , Jimenez Julio , Puris Amilkar , Sosa Fidel
Published: July 2021

We present a parametric method to carry out a demodulation process in complex fringe pattern images with either open or closed fringes; this method is based on the parallel demodulation algorithm and introduces a novel way, to the best of our knowledge, to approximate the phase map using the Bezier surface control points. For this study, a recently developed population meta-heuristic called Variable Mesh Optimization is introduced to implement the optimization process. The results of the proposed method improve the phase error and the run time scores in comparison with other global optimization algorithms, which address this type of problem.
Silica-based photonic crystal fiber infiltrated with 1,2-dibromoethane for supercontinuum generation
Authors: Le Van Hieu , Hoang Van Thuy , Le Canh Trung , Dinh Quang Ho , Nguyen Hue Thi , Thi Minh Ngoc Vo , Klimczak Mariusz , Buczynski Ryszard , Kasztelanic Rafał
Published: July 2021

This study proposes a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) made of fused silica glass with the core infiltrated with 1,2-dibromoethane (

C

2

H

4

B
r

2

) as a new source of supercontinuum light pulses. Due to the modifications of the PCF’s structure geometry, a number of computer simulations investigating their optimized structures has been carried out. This aimed at achieving flat near-zero dispersion and zero dispersion wavelength matching of the pump wavelength for efficient spectral broadening. Based on the obtained results, the structural geometries of two

C

2

H

4

B
r

2

-core PCFs were optimized using numerical modeling for broadband supercontinuum (SC) generation. The first fiber structure with a lattice constant 1.5 µm and filling factor 0.4 has all-normal dispersion profile. The SC with a broadened spectral bandwidth from 0.64 to 1.70 µm is generated by pump pulses centered at a wavelength of 1.03 µm, 120 fs duration, and energy of 1.5 nJ. The second proposed structure—with lattice constant 1.5 µm and filling factor 0.65—has anomalous dispersion for wavelengths longer than 1.03 µm. We obtained high coherence of the SC pulses in the anomalous dispersion range over wavelengths of 0.7–2.4 µm with the same pump pulse as the first fiber and with input energy of 0.09 nJ. These fibers would be interesting candidates for all-fiber SC sources operating with low-energy pump lasers as cost-effective alternatives to glass core fibers.
Tripartite entropic uncertainty in an open system under classical environmental noise
Authors: Haddadi Saeed , Pourkarimi Mohammad Reza , Wang Dong
Published: July 2021

The uncertainty principle is a remarkable and fundamental feature in quantum mechanics that suggests a significant lower bound to predict the results of arbitrary incompatible observables measured on a particle. In this work, we study the dynamics of a tripartite entropic uncertainty bound and quantum fidelity in a three non-interacting qubits model initially prepared in a maximally entangled pure Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger state and then subjected to classical environmental noise in different and common environments. Interestingly, we find that the dynamics of the tripartite uncertainty bound and fidelity are strongly affected by the type of system–environment interaction, and the growth speed of the uncertainty bound is strongly influenced by the disorder of the environment. Explicitly, our results show that the uncertainty bound and fidelity can be improved when the qubits are coupled to the noise in a common environment.
Spatial coherence from Nd3+ quantum emitters mediated by a plasmonic chain
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Javier , Carretero-Palacios Sol , Sánchez-García Laura , Bravo-Abad Jorge , Molina Pablo , van Hoof Niels , Ramírez Mariola O. , Rivas Jaime Gómez , Bausá Luisa E.
Published: July 2021

Controlling the coherence properties of rare earth emitters in solid-state platforms in the absence of an optical cavity is highly desirable for quantum light-matter interfaces and photonic networks. Here, we demonstrate the possibility of generating directional and spatially coherent light from Nd3+ ions coupled to the longitudinal plasmonic mode of a chain of interacting Ag nanoparticles. The effect of the plasmonic chain on the Nd3+ emission is analyzed by Fourier microscopy. The results reveal the presence of an interference pattern in which the Nd3+ emission is enhanced at specific directions, as a distinctive signature of spatial coherence. Numerical simulations corroborate the need of near-field coherent coupling of the emitting ions with the plasmonic chain mode. The work provides fundamental insights for controlling the coherence properties of quantum emitters at room temperature and opens new avenues towards rare earth based nanoscale hybrid devices for quantum information or optical communication in nanocircuits.
Measurement accuracy enhancement with multi-event detection using the deep learning approach in Raman distributed temperature sensors
Authors: Datta Amitabha , Raj Vishnu , Sankar Viswanathan , Kalyani Sheetal , Srinivasan Balaji
Published: July 2021

In this work, we present a novel deep learning framework for multi-event detection with enhanced measurement accuracy from the measured data of a Raman Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (Raman-OTDR). We demonstrate the utility of a deep learning-based approach by comparing the results from three popular neural networks, i.e. vanilla recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and gated recurrent unit (GRU). Before feeding the experimentally obtained data to the neural network, we sanitize our data through a correlation filtering operation to suppress outlier noise spikes. Based on experiments with Raman-OTDR traces consisting of single temperature event, we show that the GRU is able to provide better performance compared to RNN and LSTM models. Specifically, a bidirectional-GRU (bi-GRU) architecture is found to outperform other architectures owing to its use of data from both previous as well as later time steps. Although this feature is similar to that used recently in one dimension convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), the bi-GRU is found to be more effective in providing enhanced measurement accuracy while maintaining good spatial resolution. We also propose and demonstrate a threshold-based algorithm for accurate and fast estimation of multiple events. We demonstrate a 4x improvement in the spatial resolution compared to post-processing using conventional total variational denoising (TVD) filters, while the temperature accuracy is maintained within ± 0.5
o
C of the set temperature.
Detection statistics for coherent RMCW LiDAR
Authors: Sambridge Callum S. , Spollard James T. , Sutton Andrew J. , McKenzie Kirk , Roberts Lyle E.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an analytical model and experimental validation for the detection performance and false-alarm rates for phase-encoded random modulation continuous-wave (RMCW) LiDAR. Derivation of the model focuses on propagating the effects of relevant noise sources through the system to determine an analytical expression for the detection rate, expressed by the probability of detection. The model demonstrates that probability of detection depends only on three factors: i) the mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the measurement; ii) the measurement integration time; and iii) speckle-induced intensity noise. The predicted analytical relationship between measurement SNR and probability of detection was validated by numerical simulations and experimental demonstrations in both a controlled fiber channel and under fully-developed speckle conditions in an uncontrolled free-space channel.
Mid-infrared frequency comb with 25  pJ threshold via CW-seeded optical parametric generation in nonlinear waveguide
Authors: Roiz Mikhail , Lai Jui-Yu , Karhu Juho , Vainio Markku
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate efficient generation of mid-infrared frequency combs based on continuous-wave-seeded femtosecond optical parametric generation in nonlinear waveguides. Conversion of the near-infrared pump to signal and idler light takes place with very high efficiency (74%), and the threshold (25 pJ for 100 fs pulses) is over 300 times lower than in bulk analogs. Relative intensity noise of the mid-infrared comb is exceptionally low, below

5

×

10

−
5

(integrated from 10 Hz to 2 MHz). Furthermore, the mid-infrared bandwidth can be increased by driving the process with a broadband pump obtained via supercontinuum generation.