bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing roles: When an optometrist becomes the patient
Authors: Walker Sandra
Published: October 2022

Sandra Walker offers a personal insight into her experience of accessing the eye care pathway, both as a practitioner and then as a patient
Clinical Trials: Meeting patient needs
Authors: Jubin Philippe , Buch John , Nankivil Derek
Published: October 2022

Linked to their article on visual satisfaction, Philippe Jubin, John Buch and Derek Nankivil report on a clinical trial looking at this approach to investigating vision with the Acuvue Oasys lenses
Case Study: Artery occlusions
Authors: Patel Kirit
Published: October 2022

Kirit Patel describes two cases of arterial occlusion, one of transient global amnesia with cilioretinal artery occlusion and another of central retinal artery occlusion and subsequent stroke
World wakes up to problem after 700 years – poor vision
Authors: Chen James
Published: October 2022

James Chen reflects on the progress the Clearly campaign made in 2018 and the challenges ahead in 2019
Black and white: not shades of grey
Authors: Baker David
Published: October 2022

David Baker finds a connection between Pingelap, a coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean with abnormal rates of achromatopsia and rock band Steppenwolf
Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing — part 7
Authors: Black Peter , Black Tina Arbon
Published: October 2022

In the next in our comprehensive series looking at all aspects of ophthalmic dispensing, Peter Black and Tina Arbon Black take a look at the adjustments needed to ensure optimum fit and best correction.
In focus: Lack of hard evidence on screen time prevents action
Authors: Rai-Roche Sean
Published: October 2022

A dearth of actionable evidence on screen time has hamstrung the industry. And, caught in a quagmire of mixed messages and uncertain advice, what do practitioners say to patients about screen time and its effects? Sean Rai-Roche reports
In focus: GOC's business standards and first equality report
Authors: Rai-Roche Sean
Published: October 2022

The 230th meeting of the GOC saw new standards released for optical businesses but also shed light on equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry, with some troubling results presented. Sean Rai-Roche reports
In focus: Overlays - do ECPs and SEN teachers need more training?
Authors: Wickens Zoe
Published: October 2022

Zoe Wickens spoke to a member of the Colour and Visual Stress Group to find out if education assessors should use colorimetry to help students with visual stress or refer them to an optometrist
Eye care in the community
Authors: Patel Kirit
Published: October 2022

Kirit Patel continues his series with a discussion of two cases of connective tissue disease with ocular complications; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome presenting with dry eye disease and lens dislocation with Marfan syndrome
The contact lens that knows light
Authors: Buch John , Hammond Billy R , Ruston David
Published: October 2022

John Buch, Billy R Hammond, David Ruston introduce a new contact lens
Dry eye 3 – Aqueous deficient dry eye
Authors: Farrant Sarah
Published: October 2022

In the last of three case studies looking at dry eye presentations from different points on the dry eye sub-type continuum, Sarah Farrant considers a case of dry eye disease primarily caused by insufficient tear production
Refractive surgery survey 2019
Authors: Optician
Published: October 2022

With advanced techniques improving outcomes and younger patients than ever before showing interest, Optician assesses the current state of the refractive surgery market in 2019 with its annual survey
Patients and the Punjab
Authors: Mackie Scott
Published: October 2022

Scott Mackie reports on a recent UK optometry project to Northern India
Better cataract recovery
Authors: Harvey Bill , Charlesworth Emily
Published: October 2022

Bill Harvey finds out about a new study at Bradford University with the aim of improving refractive management after cataract extraction – and which you can help to support
Cause for worry in children's eye health research findings
Authors: Wickens Zoe
Published: October 2022

Research suggests many parents lack awareness about children's eye tests while another study looks at whether excessive screen time may be behind a sharp rise in teenage myopia. Zoe Wickens reports
Eye care in the community: Part 8 – Field loss
Authors: Patel Kirit
Published: October 2022

This month, community-based optometrist Kirit Patel describes two cases of patients suffering field loss due to impact upon the visual pathway
In Focus: A bumpy year for eyewear heavyweights
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Andrew McClean looks at the third quarter and nine-month financial results published by EssilorLuxottica and Safilo
SCONe: Unlocking the retina
Authors: Pead Emma
Published: October 2022

Dr Emma Pead introduces the Scottish Collaborative Optometry-Ophthalmology Network e-research, an exciting new initiative in Scotland, and explains how readers might get involved
Systemic side effects of ocular medication – 4
Authors: Gherghel Doina
Published: October 2022

Dr Doina Gherghel concludes her review of the adverse effects of ophthalmic drugs with a further look at intravitreal drugs and those used during surgical procedures (C 76604, one distance learning CET point suitable for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists)
AI in eye care; an introduction to how neural networks work
Authors: Pead Emma
Published: October 2022

Dr Emma Pead looks at the development of an artificial intelligence system for the detection of age-related macular degeneration (C76731, one distance learning point suitable for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Virtual conference, real life
Authors: Harvey Bill , Hale Mike
Published: October 2022

Bill Harvey and Mike Hale report on the recent BCLA online event.
My new gadget: the MYAH
Authors: Farrant Sarah
Published: October 2022

Sarah Farrant tells of her experience using a new instrument aimed at assisting with myopia management as well as dry eye assessment.
Planning for the future
Authors: Kotoulas Yiannis
Published: October 2022

Yiannis Kotoulas reports on the release of the College's Inspiring and Supporting Excellence strategy.
Future of Optics: Refractive surgery
Authors: Naroo Shehzad
Published: October 2022

Shehzad Naroo introduces Optician's Future of Optics coverage, which revisits predictions made for 2020 at the turn of the millennium and then assesses the state of refractive surgery now and in the future.
Future of Optics: In the consulting room
Authors: Rumney Nick
Published: October 2022

A time travelling Nick Rumney writes from the year 2040 on the consulting room of our future.
Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing – part 8: Spectacle repairs
Authors: Black Tina Arbon , Black Peter
Published: October 2022

Tina Arbon Black and Peter Black explore how practices can act to prevent the need for repairs in the first place, and how, when repairs are necessary, they can be carried out efficiently and to a high standard.
IPL photo-biomodulation for optometrists
Authors: Matheson Andrew
Published: October 2022

In the latest in our series looking at new developments and advanced techniques in anterior eye management, Andrew Matheson considers intense pulsed light or IPL therapy.
Ocular side effects of systemic drugs 3 - Central nervous system agents
Authors: Gherghel Doina
Published: October 2022

Dr Doina Gherghel continues our series looking at the potential ocular adverse impact of a range of commonly prescribed systemic drugs with a look at those used in treating diseases, both mental and physical, affecting the central nervous system.
Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing – part 9: Properties of lens materials
Authors: Black Tina Arbon
Published: October 2022

Tina Arbon Black takes a look at the optical, physical and mechanical properties of ophthalmic lens materials
A clean break
Authors: Kotoulas Yiannis
Published: October 2022

Yiannis Kotoulas considers the importance of in-practice cleaning and disinfection procedures as patients return to practice
Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing 10: Single vision lens design – part 1
Authors: Black Peter , Black Tina Arbon
Published: October 2022

Peter Black and Tina Arbon Black take a look at lens form and aberrations in single vision lenses, how lens designers and manufacturers seek to minimise aberrations and how poor refraction and dispensing can negate the benefits of high quality lens designs by reintroducing or increasing unwanted aberrations
Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing – part 11: Single vision lens design part 2
Authors: Black Peter , Arbon Black Tina
Published: October 2022

In the second of their discussions of single vision lens design, Peter Black and Tina Arbon Black take a look at single vision aspheric and reduced aperture lens forms and consider related practical dispensing issues including field of view (C 76149, one distance learning CET point suitable for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Systemic side effects of ocular medication: Intravitreal and intravenous drugs – part 3
Authors: Gherghel Doina
Published: October 2022

Dr Doina Gherghel continues her review of adverse effects of ophthalmic drugs with a focus upon intravitreal and intravenous drugs used to treat posterior segment conditions associated with neovascularisation and inflammation (C76327, one distance learning CET point suitable for optometrists and therapeutic optometrists)
Photochromics: Change for the better
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: October 2022

Mike Hale identifies some of the best photochromic products on the UK market.
Advancing the treatment of myopia in children: part 3: Risk to benefit comparison of myopia controlling contact lenses
Authors: Gifford Kate
Published: October 2022

Dr Kate Gifford offers an analysis of the safety of myopia controlling contact lens wear in childhood compared to the lifetime risks of eye disease and vision impairment associated with myopia.
Animal vision: Eight-eyed marvels
Authors: Daly Ilse
Published: October 2022

Ilse Daly finds much appealing about the jumping spider and its visual system.
In Focus: Securing services
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Andrew McClean finds out how emergency funding has enabled vital sight loss charity services to continue during lockdown.
Seven Ways: Steps to improve toric contact lens fittings
Authors: Cameron Ian
Published: October 2022

Ian Cameron identifies how toric contact lenses can best be used in practice.
Torics: Get astigmatism covered
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: October 2022

Mike Hale rounds up the top contact lenses available for patients with astigmatism.
In Focus: The future of GOS
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Andrew McClean reports on the findings from Optician's survey.
In Focus: Finding the right fit
Authors: Andrew McClean
Published: October 2022

Andrew McClean speaks to Royston Bayfield about the independent group's national acquisition programme and instilling its culture in new practices
Covid-19 and contact lenses: Keeping it simple in the ‘new normal’
Authors: Walsh Karen , Jones Lyndon
Published: October 2022

Karen Walsh and Professor Lyndon Jones examine how Covid-19 has affected routine contact lens practice and what that means for both eye care practitioners and their patients.
EssilorLuxottica's GrandVision acquisition approved
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Andrew McClean reports on the conditions detailed in the European Commission's review of the proposed takeover
Post pandemic perception
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: October 2022

The GOC’s annual public perception research is set against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic
In Focus: A sign of the times
Authors: Kotoulas Yiannis
Published: October 2022

Yiannis Kotoulas explores the findings of a survey on the current mood of the optical profession
In Focus: Regulating the regulator
Authors: Kotoulas Yiannis
Published: October 2022

A recent PSA review of the sector's regulator has been welcomed by the GOC. Yiannis Kotoulas reports
Pathway to profit
Authors: Hutchison Graham
Published: October 2022

Graham Hutchison assesses how the challenge posed to independent practices by chains is best approached
In Focus: Cataract collaboration
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Jonathan Bhargava tells Andrew McClean how new guidance can help streamline pathways for patients undergoing cataract surgery
Working in the SSECS programme
Authors: Rughani Sonal
Published: October 2022

In the second of her regular opinion pieces commenting on eye health matters, Sonal Rughani tells why involvement in the rapidly evolving special schools programme might be a good career move
Low vision without equipment
Authors: Crossland Michael
Published: October 2022

In this series of case reports, optometrist Dr Michael Crossland shows how low vision care can be provided without specialist equipment
The risks of no reward
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: October 2022

Adam Bernstein highlights the important role incentives and rewards can play in busy optical practices
Realising a vision
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Justin Kellett tells Andrew McClean about creating an experience at his practice's new home
In Focus: Tender procurement sparks row
Authors: Kotoulas Yiannis
Published: October 2022

Croydon LOC has complained of unfair treatment during a competitive tender process.
In Focus: Time for changes
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: October 2022

New requirements for the education and training of optometrists and dispensing opticians have been published. Mike Hale reports
Back to School: Term time trends
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: October 2022

Ahead of the back to school retail period, Mike Hale looks at what children's frames could enhance a practice's offering
HR File: Closing the gender pension gap
Authors: Stewart-Smith Laura
Published: October 2022

The gender pension gap currently exceeds the gender pay gap by some margin
Essential contact lens practice 13: The future of contact lenses
Authors: Hiscox Rachel , Nagra Manbir
Published: October 2022

In the final article in our major series about modern contact lens practice edited by Dr Rachel Hiscox, Dr Manbir Nagra takes a look at some of the exciting developments in contact lens practice likely to impact on eye care in the future.
Low vision cases without a case full of equipment - 3
Authors: Crossland Michael
Published: October 2022

The third in a series of case reports in which optometrist Dr Michael Crossland shows how low vision care can be provided without specialist equipment
Small adjustments, big difference
Authors: Kotoulas Yiannis
Published: October 2022

Yiannis Kotoulas finds out how practitioners can better provide eye care to children with learning disabilities and related conditions
Generation Next brings down the MC hammer
Authors: Bennett Chris
Published: October 2022

Nothing encapsulates the opportunity for encouraging Generation Next into your practice as neatly as myopia control, Chris Bennett investigates
Books: Clinical procedures in primary care
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: October 2022

Bill Harvey finds the extensive new digital content with the latest version of Professor Dave Elliott's seminal text makes it a must for practising clinicians
Presbyopia and multifocal contact lenses 1: Attitudes and beliefs
Authors: Dumbleton Kathy , Laughton Debbie , Palombi Jennifer
Published: October 2022

In the first of two articles discussing multifocal contact lenses, Professor Kathy Dumbleton, Dr Debbie Laughton and Dr Jennifer Palombi provide an overview of current attitudes and beliefs relating to presbyopia and contact lens correction. (C 78718, one distance learning CET point suitable for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians)
Making a point of care
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: October 2022

Bill Harvey highlights the use of a point of care test in diagnosing dry eye.
The evolution of clinical vision assessment 2
Authors: Thomson David
Published: October 2022

In the second of a two-part discussion of the various ways of assessing vision and visual acuity, Professor David Thomson focuses upon the measurement of near acuity and then focuses on some newer developments in the way vision may be assessed that make use of the latest technology.
Pharmacovigilance 2
Authors: Gherghel Doina
Published: October 2022

In the second of two articles offering an overview of pharmacovigilance and its relevance to eye care practice, Dr Doina Gherghel focuses on the essential role of clinical trials in establishing the evidence base to support the evolution of practice strategy.
CPD: In with the new
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: October 2022

In the next in our series of articles looking at the introduction of the new GOC CPD scheme, Bill Harvey focuses on two newly introduced features; domains and self-directed CPD.
A major step forward for the profession
Authors: Johnson Michael
Published: October 2022

Just before the end of last year, UK optometrists took part in a course where they were trained in a number of new and advanced therapeutic techniques. The event was the first of its kind in the UK, but likely to be remembered as a watershed moment for optometry. In the first of two reviews, we hear the opening address from co-organiser of the event, Dr Michael Johnson.
In Focus: From correction to management
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Andrew McClean explores the WCO's latest professional guidance on managing myopia.
Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing 23: Presbyopia 2
Authors: Black Peter , Black Tina Arbon
Published: October 2022

Modern presbyopes have a huge selection of vision correction options from which to choose. In this article Tina Arbon Black and Peter Black discuss the ‘old-fashioned’ options of two separate pairs and segmented lenses which still have an important place in the optician's armoury.
Cycloplegia interactive
Authors: Tang Sosena , Harvey Bill
Published: October 2022

Following on from last week's distance learning feature looking at cycloplegic refraction, Sosena Tang and Bill Harvey present an interactive exercise on the subject which aims to stimulate discussion about how best to use cycloplegia in community practice.
Foreign aid cuts put sight at risk
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: October 2022

Orbis has criticised government cuts after it supported plans to eliminate trachoma.
CLs: Time to specialise
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: October 2022

Simon Jones talks to Shelly Bansal about how First Contact Opticians approaches specialist contact lenses and serving patients.
Getting to grips with soft contact lens handling
Authors: Retallic Neil , Nagra Manbir
Published: October 2022

Neil Retallic and Dr Manbir Nagra discuss the results of a major survey of patients concerning their challenges in handling soft contact lenses and consider how this may influence our initial instructions to patients to ensure future successful wear.
Alzheimer's disease and vision
Authors: Tooth Cirta
Published: October 2022

Cirta Tooth describes the impact of Alzheimer's disease upon vision and offers two case studies illustrating how both basic and higher function can be affected..
CPD case studies
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: October 2022

Bill Harvey introduces a new format for readers to send in their case studies and have the opportunity to earn an interactive CPD point.
Radiofrequency surgery in optometry
Authors: Johnson Michael
Published: October 2022

Dr Michael Johnson describes a procedure that will allow optometrists to remove benign lid lesions in practice.
Dispensing interactive 1
Authors: Black Peter
Published: October 2022

In the first of a series of interactive exercises aimed at encouraging discussion about dispensing skills, Peter Black describes a case of intolerance to a recently dispensed pair of progressive power lenses.
Using Monte Carlo Simulations to Achieve the Best Response From Nitrogen on Grazed Pasture Under a Legislated Nitrogen Cap in New Zealand: A Review
Authors: Grafton Miles Crispin Ellis , Bishop Peter A. , Bretherton Michael
Published: October 2022

Highlights

The benefits of split applications (or more applications at lower application rates) of N fertilizer on pasture have often been espoused without the support of statistical evidence.

Provides some clarity on the benefits of split applications of N fertilizer.

Explains why low application rates work in situations where accurate spreading is not required.

Abstract. Pastoral and crop farming systems have traditionally used the application of nitrogen (N) to achieve an optimal economic production response. This nitrogen response is estimated from an exponential function that approaches an asymptote, which is typical of most fertilizer response curves. The optimal economic N response is often achieved when application rates are greater than plant utilization rates, often resulting in leaching, nitrogen run-off, and volatilization of nitrogenous compounds. These losses can have an impact on freshwater quality and contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In New Zealand, urine from N-fertilized pasture grazed by dairy cattle has been shown to be the most problematic source of N losses. As part of New Zealand’s National Environmental Standards (NES), a synthetic N cap of 190 kgN ha-1yr-1 on grazed pasture and crops has been implemented to reduce nutrient enrichment of fresh water. This study reviewed the use of multiple split applications of N to improve N fertilizer use efficiency and pasture response and used Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate improved response to split N applications rather than a single optimal application based on economic response. In addition, spreading accuracy also became less important as all the low-application variation occurred along the steepest part of the response curve where this variation results in added yield. Keywords: Dairy cattle, Fertilizer cap, Monte Carlo simulations, Nitrogen use efficiency, Nutrient management.
Hydrothermal Response of Wood Pellets to Internal Heat Generation Due to Hygroscopic Wetting
Authors: Lee Jun Sian , Lau Anthony K. , Lim Jim , Bi Xiaotao , Rezaei Hamid , Panah Fahimeh Yazdan , Sokhansanj Shahab
Published: October 2022

Highlights

A unique model representing transient heat of wetting along with the dimensional expansion of wood pellets exposed to humid environment was developed.

The model was validated by placing a pellet inside a controlled humidity chamber and continuously recorded the pellet’s temperature and moisture.

The performance of the model for predicting the pellet’s cross-over temperature above the surrounding temperature was tested for a range of humid conditions from 0% to 95% RH.

Abstract. Wood pellets are exposed to incidental humid conditions during postproduction and handling. It is well known that the heat of moisture adsorption contributes to the self-heating of the pellets. The aim of this research is to quantify the temperature rise of the pellets due to the heat of wetting. The modeling was accomplished by developing and validating a set of mass and energy conservation equations for solid, liquid, and vapor fractions. An exponential function represents the heat of wetting as a function of adsorbed moisture. A nonlinear model describes the increase in the pellet’s diameter. For model validation, the center temperature of a pellet was recorded in a humidity chamber set at 33°C. The model successfully predicted the pellet’s temperature increase from the initial 25°C to a maximum temperature of 36°C, surpassing 33°C after about 5 minutes. Keywords: Heat of moisture adsorption, Heat transfer, Moisture transfer, Self-heating, Wood pellet.
Impact of Torrefaction and Alkali Pretreatment on Glucose Production From Wheat Straw
Authors: Ciolkosz Daniel , Memis Berrak , Richard Tom L.
Published: October 2022

Highlights

Glucose yield from torrefied wheat straw is improved when samples are subjected to alkaline pretreatment.

Torrefaction time, temperature, and alkaline treatment all impact yields.

Glucose yield from torrefied material, on a “per treated gram” basis, approaches that of raw feedstock in some cases.

Optimized process and plant design could make torrefied feedstock a viable option for biofuel production.

Abstract. The impact of torrefaction, alkaline pretreatment, and their combination on enzymatic hydrolysis was explored in terms of their effect on glucose yield from wheat straw. Samples were ground and torrefied at varying degrees of process severity, subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, and analyzed for glucose yield. While glucose yield from raw biomass averaged 190.1 mg per g of dry raw biomass, the yield from torrefied samples was lower, ranging from 0.0 to 63.8 mg g-1, depending on the duration and temperature of the torrefaction process. Alkaline pretreatment increased the glucose yield of raw biomass to an average of 354.9 mg g-1. The highest glucose yield of 359.1 mg glucose g-1 was achieved for samples that were pretreated with a 1% NaOH solution. Alkaline pretreatment after torrefaction but prior to hydrolysis results in glucose yields ranging from 1.2 to 318.2 mg g-1, which are higher than the yields from torrefied-only samples but lower than those of raw, alkaline pretreated samples. When measured on a “per torrefied g” basis, yields of torrefied, alkaline pretreated samples approach those of raw biomass. These results indicate that there may be potential to use torrefaction and hydrolysis together when combined with an alkaline solution pretreatment. Keywords: Alkaline Pretreatment, Enzymatic hydrolysis, Lignocellulosic waste, Torrefaction, Wheat straw.
Effective half-wavelength pitch optical phased array design for aliasing-free 2D beam steering
Authors: Lei Yufang , Zhang Lingxuan , Xue Yulong , Ren Yangming , Zhang Qihao , Zhang Wenfu , Sun Xiaochen
Published: October 2022

We present
a
method to design an optical
phased array (OPA) simultaneously realizing both narrow beam width and
aliasing-free 2D beam steering without the need to arrange the
antennas at actual half-wavelength pitch. The method realizes an
effective half-wavelength pitch in one direction formed by location
projection of the antennas. The distances between the antennas in the
other direction can be sufficiently large to form an effective large
aperture realizing narrow beam width without needing a long grating.
The presented method is proven by both theory and numerical
simulations to achieve an equivalent grating-lobe-free far field of an
ordinary half-wavelength pitch design. One design example exhibits
180° steering with a minimal beam width of
0.4° * 0.032° and a sidelobe suppression
ratio of

>

13

d
B

.
Chiral liquid crystal based holographic reflective lens for spectral detection
Authors: Stebryte Migle , Nys Inge , Beeckman Jeroen , Neyts Kristiaan
Published: October 2022

Flat optics based on chiral liquid crystal (CLC) can be achieved using holographic polarization recording with the help of a photoalignment technique to vary the orientation of the optical axis in a thin CLC layer. A variety of reflective diffractive optical components with high efficiency and polarization selectivity can be realized employing this technique. In this work we discuss the use of CLC diffractive lenses in a spectrometer. The functionalities of two mirrors and a linear grating used in a traditional spectrometer are combined into a single holographic CLC component. Circularly polarized light entering through the slit can be reflected and projected onto a linear detector by the CLC component, with over 90% efficiency. This excellent optical functionality can be achieved with a micrometer thin CLC layer, offering the opportunity for device integration.
Tausche Gesundheitsdaten gegen Versicherungsrabatte – Empirische Untersuchung der Kundenakzeptanz von Pay-as-you-live-Tarifen in der Krankenversicherung
Authors: Kwasniok Sascha , Heyne Daniel
Published: October 2022

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, welche Faktoren auf Kundenseite die Nutzungseinstellung von Pay-as-you-live (PAYL)-Tarifen beeinflussen. Bei solchen Versicherungsprodukten teilt die versicherte Person laufend Gesundheitsdaten mit dem Krankenversicherer, die über Smart Devices erhoben werden. Im Gegenzug erhält die versicherte Person Bonifikationen, wenn die übermittelten Daten auf ein gesundheitsbewusstes Verhalten schließen lassen. Für die Untersuchung werden Erkenntnisse der Technologieakzeptanzforschung (vor allem „Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)“) und der Forschung zur Nutzung mobiler Internettechnologien (vor allem „Mobile Users’ Information Privacy Concerns (MUIPC)“) verwendet. Das abgeleitete Erklärungsmodell wird auf Grundlage einer Online-Befragung (n = 333) für den deutschen Versicherungsmarkt empirisch überprüft. Die durchgeführte Regressionsanalyse identifiziert den wahrgenommenen Nutzen, die individuelle Innovationsbereitschaft, das wahrgenommene Anbietervertrauen sowie ein wahrgenommenes Eindringen in die Privatsphäre als relevante Faktoren für die Nutzungsbereitschaft von PAYL-Tarifen in der Krankenversicherung. Die Studienergebnisse bilden die Grundlage für die Ableitung von Handlungsempfehlungen für Krankenversicherer bezüglich der Gestaltung von PAYL-Tarifen.
Planning and commitment prompts to encourage reporting of HIV self-test results: A cluster randomized pragmatic trial in Tshwane District, South Africa
Authors: Buttenheim Alison M. , Schmucker Laura , Marcus Noora , Phatsoane Mothepane , Msolomba Vanessa , Rhagnath Naleni , Majam Mohammed , Venter François , Thirumurthy Harsha
Published: October 2022

Reporting of HIV self-test results to encourage linkage to HIV care for those who receive a positive test result is a common challenge faced by HIV self-testing programs. The impact of self-testing programs is diminished if individuals who obtain a self-test do not use the test or seek confirmatory testing and initiate HIV treatment following a positive result. We conducted a cluster randomized trial of two interventions designed to increase reporting of HIV self-test results: a “plan and commit” intervention that leveraged insights from behavioral economics, and an enhanced usual care version of the standard HIV self-test community distribution protocol that promoted the importance of reporting results. The trial was conducted at community distribution sites for HIV self-tests in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The primary outcome was reporting of self-test results via a WhatsApp messaging system. We recruited 1,478 participants at 13 distribution sites over 24 days. In the plan and commit condition, 63/731 participants (8.7%) reported their test results via WhatsApp, compared to 59/747 participants (7.9%) in the enhanced usual care condition (n.s., p = 0.61). During the study period, 101/3,199 individuals (3.1%) who received a self-test under the standard protocol reported test results via WhatsApp, a significant difference across the three arms (p < .00001). Our results suggest that boosting the reporting of self-test results can be done solely through increasing the salience of the importance of reporting and a clear explanation of the procedure for reporting results.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03898557.
Exploring multiple electrical layers overlying coal seams using the transient electromagnetic method
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Siqin , Chen Fangbo , Chen Hanbo , Zhang Tianyu , Han Yu , Jia Mingkun
Published: October 2022

The transient electromagnetic method (TEM) is widely applied in coal hydrogeological exploration owing to its sensitivity to low-resistivity bodies. However, when a coal seam is buried deep, particularly if there are multiple electrical layers in the vertical direction of the overlying stratum, the results of the calculation using the late-channel empirical formula of the TEM may no longer reflect the actual situation. In this study, we evaluated the principle of the one-dimensional (1D) Occam algorithm and the steps for performing an inversion. We proposed various two-, three-, and four-layer electrical models for inversion using the 1D Occam algorithm. Our results are consistent with the electrical distribution of the models, thus indicating the effectiveness of the algorithm. A test project of large-depth transient electromagnetic exploration in the Datong Coalfield in Shanxi, China, was selected for experimental verification. The 1D Occam inversion was used to successfully identify various electrical strata overlying the coal seam.
Grief reaction, depression, anxiety, and coping of relatives after palliative patients’ death in Thailand
Authors: Tantrarungroj Thanita , Ocharoen Pornpimon , Sachdev Veerachai
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Grief is a normal psychological response in relatives after the loss of their loved ones, which has shown to be associated with psychological reactions like depression, anxiety, and significant stress that many relatives have to cope with. In Thailand, there are limited research studies on grief, especially in palliative settings. This study aims to examine grief reaction, depression, anxiety, and coping of relatives after palliative patients’ death.

Materials and methods

A multi-method design was applied. The authors completed the demographic data questionnaire, and the participants finished other measures which included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), and the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE). The qualitative data from the focus group interview was analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results

From the quantitative study, the mean scores of HADS for anxiety and depression subscales were 5.05 and 6.34, respectively, which indicated no anxiety and depressive disorders. The mean score of ICG was 19.51 with highest score on acceptance coping subscale. In contrast, the lowest score was on dealing with the substance subscale. There were significant correlations between anxiety subscale from HADS and ICG (r = 0.73), depression subscale from HADS and ICG(r = 0.85), and anxiety and depression subscale from the HADS (r = 0.79). From the qualitative study, the factors associated with grief reaction could be thoroughly explained according to the perceived character of deceased, perceived character of relatives, relationship characteristics, disease, medical care, and support systems.

Conclusion

The correlations among grief reaction, depression, and anxiety of relatives after palliative patients’ death were high. The grief reaction was associated with many factors, including communication from medical personnel. This finding emphasized the importance of assessing the reactions after loss and associated factors in the relatives after palliative patients’ death. Also, evaluating the ways that the relatives use to cope with their loss, expressing empathy, and supporting the relatives to cope with loss in an adaptive way were recommended.
Apprehension and educational outcomes among Hispanic students in the United States: The impact of Secure Communities
Authors: Weber Rosa
Published: October 2022

Prior research suggests that disruptive events, such as shocks induced by family instability, neighborhood violence, or relocation, tend to be detrimental for children’s educational outcomes, but findings are heterogeneous depending on the type of event. Limited evidence is available on how shocks resulting from immigration enforcement impact educational outcomes among targeted minority groups. This study contributes to the literature by assessing how a policy implementation in the US–Secure Communities–is related to the school district level achievement of Hispanic students. The Secure Communities program is a national level immigration enforcement policy that was rolled out on a county-by-county basis. The program has increased the risk of deportation and led to rising apprehension and insecurity among undocumented migrants and the wider Hispanic community. Using detailed information on the implementation of Secure Communities, data from the Stanford Education Data Archive, and the Current Population Survey, this study estimates dynamic difference in differences exploiting regional variation in the timing of the policy change to assess its impact on educational outcomes. Results show that the activation of Secure Communities is negatively associated with Hispanic students’ subsequent English language arts achievement, while white and black students’ achievement does not change. Findings further suggest that Hispanic students living in the South, rural areas, and areas with high proportions of likely undocumented migrants are disproportionately impacted by the program’s activation. Whereas, Hispanic students in sanctuary jurisdictions, which reduce the likelihood of deportation, are not impacted. These findings indicate that immigration enforcement can have negative consequences for educational and social inequalities in the United States.
Variant APOL1 protein in plasma associates with larger particles in humans and mouse models of kidney injury
Authors: Andrews Michael , Yoshida Teruhiko , Henderson Clark M. , Pflaum Hannah , McGregor Ayako , Lieberman Joshua A. , de Boer Ian H. , Vaisar Tomas , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Kestenbaum Bryan , Chung Joon-Yong , Hewitt Stephen M. , Santo Briana A. , Ginley Brandon , Sarder Pinaki , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Murakami Taichi , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Kuklenyik Zsuzsanna , Hoofnagle Andrew N.
Published: October 2022

Background

Genetic variants in apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), a protein that protects humans from infection with African trypanosomes, explain a substantial proportion of the excess risk of chronic kidney disease affecting individuals with sub-Saharan ancestry. The mechanisms by which risk variants damage kidney cells remain incompletely understood. In preclinical models, APOL1 expressed in podocytes can lead to significant kidney injury. In humans, studies in kidney transplant suggest that the effects of APOL1 variants are predominantly driven by donor genotype. Less attention has been paid to a possible role for circulating APOL1 in kidney injury.

Methods

Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the concentrations of APOL1 were measured in plasma and urine from participants in the Seattle Kidney Study. Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation was used to evaluate the size of APOL1-containing lipoprotein particles in plasma. Transgenic mice that express wild-type or risk variant APOL1 from an albumin promoter were treated to cause kidney injury and evaluated for renal disease and pathology.

Results

In human participants, urine concentrations of APOL1 were correlated with plasma concentrations and reduced kidney function. Risk variant APOL1 was enriched in larger particles. In mice, circulating risk variant APOL1-G1 promoted kidney damage and reduced podocyte density without renal expression of APOL1.

Conclusions

These results suggest that plasma APOL1 is dynamic and contributes to the progression of kidney disease in humans, which may have implications for treatment of APOL1-associated kidney disease and for kidney transplantation.
Unamuno, educador: sus concepciones de conocimiento, verdad y ciencia
Authors: Aparicio Marcos Arrate
Published: October 2022

El presente artículo tiene por objeto profundizar en la significación de las concepciones de conocimiento, verdad y ciencia en el pensamiento de Miguel de Unamuno. En primera instancia, navegaremos en aquello que él entiende por conocimiento y verdad, para después adentrarnos en la significación de lo que es ciencia, de lo que debería ser y el modo en el que se debería presentar en las instituciones educativas. Veremos que cultivar el amor al saber y a la verdad es crucial para consolidar una ciencia viva, cordial y espiritual, alejada del cientificismo, de la idolatría de la ciencia.
On the Language of the Special Part of the Modern Criminal Law
Authors: Golenko Diana
Published: October 2022

The article concentrates on the study of the language of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation as a component of legislative technique. It outlines some debatable issues of using the language when constructing dispositions of the articles of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The author draws attention to some terminological ambiguity in modern criminal law. The legislator uses terms, the content of which is not always uniformly rendered in practice, which entails various penal consequences for the perpetrators of crimes. For example, the same actions of a person can be considered in some cases as a completed crime, in others as an attempted crime. The practice of applying Art. 126 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Art. 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the ways of possible elimination of emerging contradictions in the practice of applying the law are indicated. Attention is drawn to the presence of different terms used to refer to the same concepts, as well as the opposite situation - when one term means different things. Corpus delicti with administrative prejudice is given as an example. It is important to strive for the unification of terms that mean the same thing, to exclude situations where the same term in law has a different meaning. The article envestigates the issue of excessive definition of terms in the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation the content of which is clear to the law enforcer. Also, redundance in the definition of terms the content of which is specified in the sectoral legislation is indicated. Such definitions increase the scope of legislation, but have no practical meaning. The author comes to the conclusion that the language of the Special Part of the Criminal Law should be understandable. The terms used by the legislator must be clear and have a well-established common understanding. The brevity and length of the articles of the Special Part of the Criminal Law should not damage their accuracy and clarity.
INFORMATION AND LEGAL WAYS OF REALIZATION OF CITIZENS' ELECTORAL RIGHTS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Semenov A.A. , Anichkin E. S.
Published: October 2022

Currently, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, together with electioncommissions of all levels, is implementing measures within the framework of the federal project “DigitalPublic Administration” of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation”, the result ofwhich is the digitalization of the electoral process, providing for the introduction of digital technologies anddigital transformation of services for all participants in the electoral process. The paper studies and analyzesthe theoretical and constitutional-legal foundations and principles of the implementation of constitutionalelectoral rights in the conditions of digitalization of the electoral process and the introduction of new digitaltechnologies in the field of public administration, develops recommendations on the introduction and useof digital services for the implementation of the participants of the electoral process of their constitutionalelectoral rights.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR OF SPORTS FANS: NATIONAL, FOREIGN AND INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION
Authors: Kovalenko E.Y. , Kiryushina I.V. , Tydykovа N.V.
Published: October 2022

The article analyzes the issues of responsibility of sports fans for illegal behavior during mass sportsevents. The forms of manifestation of illegal behavior of fans, the current Russian and foreign legislation in this area are investigated. The legislation of the European Union is being considered, including theEuropean Convention on the Prevention of Violence and Hooligan Behavior of Spectators during SportingEvents and, in particular, football matches, the legislation of other states establishing responsibility forthe illegal behavior of fans. The article presents an analysis of certain norms of Russian law that establishresponsibility for violating the Rules of behavior of spectators during official sports competitions, includingsuch an administrative measure as a ban on attending sports events. It is concluded that it is necessary tostrengthen responsibility for offenses committed by sports fans, the adoption in the Russian Federation ofa number of special norms establishing criminal liability for such crimes, and the adoption of a special lawregulating the sphere of professional sports
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENSURING GENDER EQUALITY AND ANTI–DISCRIMINATION REGULATIONS: GENERAL ISSUES
Authors: Golovinov A.V. , Golovinova Yu.V.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the article is to show and analyze the vector of the latest approach to the internationallegal regulation of the institution of women’s rights. The authors note constructive attempts to strengthenthe legal status of women in modern society at the level of UN conventions and declarations. The authors come to the conclusion that in modern international human rights law, as well as in thelaw-making and human rights activities of the UN, there is a tendency towards a more detailed regulationof certain social, economic, cultural, political and other rights of women on a democratic basis, whichcontributes to combating discrimination in regarding women.The article shows that the negative external factors caused by pandemics and cataclysms weaken thespeed of decision-making in the development of the legal policy of gender equality. Today we have to observea situation that is characterized by an abundance of international standards in the field of gender equality,but at the same time the achievement of gender equality remains a very slow process.
Emergency Management in Academia
Authors: Shine Beau , Heath Sarah
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic created countless challenges in higher education at every level.  At the faculty level, one such challenge was how to convert applied internships into online academic capstone courses in the middle of the semester.  For programs that require their majors to complete internships as part of a graduation requirement, full-semester conversions were necessary, both for the Summer semester and in preparation for the possibility of no internships being offered in the Fall.  Such actions are in the best interest of all students, many of whom are taking the course during their senior year and run the risk of delaying their graduation absent these accommodations.  While on its surface these conversions may seem daunting, both internships and capstone courses share similarities that facilitate the process, including professional development and the integration and application of knowledge students have acquired over their academic careers.  This paper aims to serve as a resource for postsecondary educators in the conceptualization and implementation of these conversions.  The authors examine several important considerations, including creating new assignments to replace uncompleted internship hours, ensuring that mid-semester adjustments continue to meet course outcomes, communicating with students and internship providers to facilitate a seamless transition, and working with colleagues and university administrators to quickly build and approve a new capstone course for the Summer.