bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retropalatal and retroglossal spaces evaluation: a CT study
Authors: El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Almolla Rania Mostafa , Mobasher Mohamed Adel
Published: September 2022

Background

The retropalatal and retroglossal spaces are the main affected areas in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and they are the main targeted regions during OSA surgeries. But the dimensions of these spaces are sparsely referred to in literature.

Aim

To measure the retropalatal and retroglossal spaces dimensions in an easily measured way on the radiological evaluation to put basic measurements for such areas in normal subjects by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in adults.

Methods

MSCT scans of asymptomatic adults were done for all included subjects to obtain delicate anatomical details of the recess using coronal, axial, and sagittal reformatted capability. Each retropalatal and retroglossal space was revised in the CT to find and measure their dimensions

Results

Within included 100 subjects, the mean transversal diameter (width) of the retropalatal space was 16.7±3 mm axially and the mean anteroposterior diameter (depth) was 6.9±1.4 mm. At the retroglossal area, the mean transversal diameter (width) was 17.7±3.8 mm axially and the mean anteroposterior diameter (depth) was 10.1±1.95 mm.

Conclusion

The current work describes the measurements of the retroglossal and retroplatal spaces. It is recommended to add the retroglossal and retropalatal space dimensions to the preoperative CT checklist, particularly in OSA.
Learning Introductory Biology: Students’ Concept-Building Approaches Predict Transfer on Biology Exams
Authors: McDaniel Mark A. , Cahill Michael J. , Frey Regina F. , Limeri Lisa B. , Lemons Paula P.
Published: September 2022

This study identifies students who tend to be “abstraction learners” (extract the principles underlying related examples) versus those who tend to be “exemplar learners” (focus on memorizing the training exemplars and responses). This distinction predicts performance in general biology courses on exams constructed to contain transfer and retention questions.
Destigmatising mental health treatment and increasing openness to seeking treatment: randomised controlled trial of brief video interventions
Authors: Amsalem Doron , Wall Melanie , Lazarov Amit , Markowitz John C. , Fisch Chana T. , LeBeau Mariah , Hinds Melissa , Liu Jun , Fisher Prudence W. , Smith Thomas E. , Hankerson Sidney , Lewis-Fernández Roberto , Neria Yuval , Dixon Lisa B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite an elevated risk of psychopathology stemming from COVID-19-related stress, many essential workers stigmatise and avoid psychiatric care. This randomised controlled trial was designed to compare five versions of a social-contact-based brief video intervention for essential workers, differing by protagonist gender and race/ethnicity.

Aims

We examined intervention efficacy on treatment-related stigma (‘stigma’) and openness to seeking treatment (‘openness’), especially among workers who had not received prior mental healthcare. We assessed effectiveness and whether viewer/protagonist demographic concordance heightened effectiveness.

Method

Essential workers (N = 2734) randomly viewed a control video or brief video of an actor portraying an essential worker describing hardships, COVID-related anxiety and depression, and psychotherapy benefits. Five video versions (Black/Latinx/White and male/female) followed an identical 3 min script. Half the intervention group participants rewatched their video 14 days later. Stigma and openness were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 14- and 30-day follow-ups. Trial registration: NCT04964570.

Results

All video intervention groups reported immediately decreased stigma (P < 0.0001; Cohen's d = 0.10) and increased openness (P < 0.0001; d = 0.23). The initial increase in openness was largely maintained in the repeated-video group at day 14 (P < 0.0001; d = 0.18), particularly among viewers without history of psychiatric treatment (P < 0.0001; d = 0.32). Increases were not sustained at follow-up. Female participants viewing a female protagonist and Black participants viewing a Black protagonist demonstrated greater openness than other demographic pairings.

Conclusions

Brief video-based interventions improved immediate stigma and openness. Greater effects among female and Black individuals viewing demographically matched protagonists emphasise the value of tailored interventions, especially for socially oppressed groups. This easily disseminated intervention may proactively increase care-seeking, encouraging treatment among workers in need. Future studies should examine intervention mechanisms and whether linking referrals to psychiatric services generates treatment-seeking.
Value of Geographical Information Systems in Analyzing Geographic Accessibility to Inform Radiotherapy Planning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hande Varsha , Chan Jessica , Polo Alfredo
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE

Vulnerable populations face geographical barriers in accessing radiotherapy (RT) facilities, resulting in heterogeneity of care received and cancer burden faced. We aimed to explore the current use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in access to RT and use these findings to create sustainable solutions against barriers for access in low- and middle-income countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review using the PRISMA search strategy was done for studies using GIS to explore outcomes among patients with cancer. Included studies were reviewed and classified into three umbrella categories of how GIS has been used in studying access to RT.

RESULTS

Forty articles were included in the final review. Thirty-eight articles were set in high-income countries and two in upper-middle–income countries. Included studies were published from 2000 to 2020, and were comprised of patients with all-cancers combined, breast, colon, skin, lung, prostate, ovarian, and rectal carcinoma patients. Studies were categorized under three groups on the basis of how they used GIS in their analyses: to describe geographic access to RT, to associate geographic access to RT with outcomes, and for RT planning. Most studies fell under multiple categories.

CONCLUSION

Although this field is relative nascent, there is a wide array of functions possible through GIS for RT planning, including identifying high-risk populations, improving access in high-need areas, and providing valuable information for future resource allocation. GIS should be incorporated in future studies, especially set in low- and middle-income countries, which evaluate access to RT.
Systemic Therapy Update on 177Lutetium-PSMA-617 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: ASCO Rapid Recommendation
Authors: Garje Rohan , Rumble R. Bryan , Parikh Rahul A.
Published: September 2022

ASCO Rapid Recommendations Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options.
Effect of Inactivation of Mst1 and Mst2 in the Mouse Adrenal Cortex
Authors: Abou Nader Nour , Blais Étienne , St-Jean Guillaume , Boerboom Derek , Zamberlam Gustavo , Boyer Alexandre
Published: September 2022

Recent conditional knockout of core components of the Hippo signaling pathway in the adrenal gland of mice has demonstrated that this pathway must be tightly regulated to ensure proper development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex. We report herein that the most upstream kinases of the pathway, the mammalian STE20-like protein kinases 1 and 2 (MST1and MST2, respectively), are expressed in the mouse adrenal cortex with MST2 expression being restricted to the zona glomerulosa (zG). To further explore the role of Hippo signaling in adrenocortical cells, we conditionally deleted Mst1/2 in steroidogenic cells using an Nr5a1-cre strain (Mst1flox/flox; Mst2flox/flox; Nr5a1-cre). Our results show that the loss of MST1/2 leads to the premature and progressive accumulation of subcapsular GATA4+, WT1+ adrenal gonadal primordium (AGP)-like progenitor cells starting at 2 months of age without affecting aldosterone and corticosterone secretion. To help us understand this phenotype, microarray analyses were performed on adrenal glands from 2-month-old mutant and control mice. Gene expression analyses revealed that loss of Mst1/2 leads to the overexpression of known downstream target genes (Ajuba, Aqp1, Fn1, Ibsp, Igf1, Igfbp2, Mmp2, Thbs1) of the main effector of Hippo signaling, YAP; and underexpression of genes (Agtr1b, Ecgr4, Hsd3b6, Nr0b1, Tesc, Vsnl1) that are normally specifically expressed in the zG or overexpressed in the zG compared to the zona fasciculata (zF). Together, these results suggest that MST1/2 regulates Hippo signaling activity in the adrenal cortex and that these two kinases are also involved in the fine tuning of zG cell function or differentiation.
Factors Affecting State-Level Enforcement of the Federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: A Cross-Case Analysis of Four States
Authors: Presskreischer Rachel , Barry Colleen L. , Lawrence Adria K. , McCourt Alexander , Mojtabai Ramin , McGinty Emma E.
Published: September 2022

Context: The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires coverage for mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits to be no more restrictive than for medical/surgical benefits in commercial health plans. State insurance departments oversee enforcement for certain plans. Insufficient enforcement is one potential source of continued MH/SUD treatment gaps among commercial insurance enrollees. This study explored state-level factors that may drive enforcement variation.

Methods: The authors conducted a four-state multiple-case study to explore factors influencing state insurance offices' enforcement of MHPAEA. They interviewed 21 individuals who represented state government offices, advocacy organizations, professional organizations, and a national insurer. Their analysis included a within-case content analysis and a cross-case framework analysis.

Findings: Common themes included insurance office relationships with other stakeholders, policy complexity, and political priority. Relationships between insurance offices and other stakeholders varied between states. MHPAEA complexity posed challenges for interpretation and application. Policy champions influenced enforcement via priorities of insurance commissioners, governors, and legislatures. Where enforcement of MHPAEA was not prioritized by any actors, there was minimal state enforcement.

Conclusions: Within a state, enforcement of MHPAEA is influenced by insurance office relationships, legal interpretation, and political priorities. These unique state factors present significant challenges to uniform enforcement.
RGS5: a novel role as a hypoxia-responsive protein that suppresses chemokinetic and chemotactic migration in brain pericytes
Authors: Enström Andreas , Carlsson Robert , Özen Ilknur , Paul Gesine
Published: September 2022

Adaptive biological mechanisms to hypoxia are crucial to maintain oxygen homeostasis, especially in the brain. Pericytes, cells uniquely positioned at the blood-brain interface, respond fast to hypoxia by expressing regulator of G-protein signalling 5 (RGS5), a negative regulator of G-protein-coupled receptors. RGS5 expression in pericytes is observed in pathological hypoxic environments (e.g. tumours and ischaemic stroke) and associated with perivascular depletion of pericytes and vessel leakage. However, the regulation of RGS5 expression and its functional role in pericytes are not known. We demonstrate that RGS5 acts as a hypoxia-responsive protein in human brain pericytes that is regulated independent of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), rapidly stabilized under hypoxia, but degraded under normoxic conditions. We show that RGS5 expression desensitizes pericytes to signalling of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGFBB) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and blocks chemokinesis or chemotaxis induced by these factors. Our data imply a role for RGS5 in antagonizing pericyte recruitment and retention to blood vessels during hypoxia and support RGS5 as a target in counteracting vessel leakage under pathological hypoxic conditions.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Transitions in development – an interview with Daniel Ríos Barrera
Authors: Zenner Helen L.
Published: September 2022

Daniel Ríos Barrera is a group leader at Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. His research focusses on the coordination of cells to form functional tissues during development. We talked with Daniel over Teams to find out about his career path so far, his research and his work in promoting science in Mexico.
COVID-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Ortaya Çıkan Yeni Bir Kavram: Zoom Yorgunluğu
Authors: Turgut Tuğba , Okur Sinan
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 nedeniyle tüm dünyada ilan edilen ve yaklaşık iki yıldır devam eden pandemi süreci, bireylerin hayatını derinden etkileyerek birçok yaşam alanında değişiklikler yaşanmasına sebep olmaktadır. Özellikle eğitim alanında yüz yüze eğitime ara verilerek uzaktan eğitime geçilmiş ve uzaktan eğitim süreci yaygınlaşarak pandeminin getirdiği hayatın yeni normali haline gelmiştir. Bu yeni normal içerisinde bireyler günlük hayatın büyük bir kısmını teknolojik aletlerin başında çevrim içi olarak geçirmeye başlamıştır. Her türlü aktiviteyi çevrim içi platformlar üzerinden gerçekleştiren bireylerin son zamanlarda sıklıkla Zoom uygulamasını kullandıkları ve Zoom’un bireylerin yaşamının önemli bir bileşeni olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bireylerin Zoom’da farklı sebepler ile günün büyük bir çoğunluğunu geçirmesi fiziksel, bilişsel ve psikolojik açıdan sorunların ortaya çıkmasına neden olmuştur. Aşırı, bilinçsiz ve kontrolsüz Zoom kullanımı sonucunda yaşanan tüm sorunlar alanyazında Zoom yorgunluğu olarak ifade edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada dijital çağın yeni problemi olarak görülen Zoom yorgunluğu kavramı, alanyazın çerçevesinde ele alınmaktadır. Özellikle Zoom yorgunluğu kavramının ortaya çıkışı, tanımlanması, temel sebepleri, biyolojik ve nöropsikolojik açıdan açıklanması ve bireyler üzerindeki etkileri ile bu etkilerin azaltılabilmesi için neler yapılması gerektiği detaylı olarak incelenmektedir. Güncel ve özgün bir konu olduğu düşünülen bu çalışmanın ulusal alanyazına önemli katkılar sağlayacağına inanılmaktadır.
Yapay Zekânın Ruh Sağlığı Hizmetlerinde Kullanımına İlişkin Fırsatlar ve Sorunlar
Authors: Gültekin Mücahit
Published: September 2022

Günümüzde adına dördüncü teknoloji devrimi denilen disiplinler arası gelişme önemli bir tartışma konusu olmaya devam etmektedir. Sırasıyla buharlı makine, elektrik ve bilgisayarın merkezinde yer aldığı bundan önceki üç devrim, köklü toplumsal dönüşümleri beraberinde getirmişti. 21. yüzyılla birlikte başlayan dördüncü teknoloji devrimini yapay zekâ ve makine öğrenmesi karakterize etmektedir. Pek çok uzman, yapay zekânın doğrudan insanın yerine geçebilecek olması ihtimalini tartışmaktadır. Bu yönüyle içinde bulunduğumuz dönemin öncekilerden farklı olduğu belirtilmektedir. Biyoloji, internet ve yapay zekânın birbirine entegre edilmesiyle ortaya çıkan yeni teknolojilerin hemen her disiplinde olduğu gibi ruh sağlığı alanında da önemli dönüşümlere yol açması beklenmektedir. Ruh sağlığı hizmetlerinin eğitim, tanı, tahmin, tedavi ve değerlendirme aşamalarında yapay zekâ ve makine öğrenmesini kullanan çalışmalar giderek artmaktadır. Bu çalışmalar, yapay zekânın ruh sağlığı hizmetlerini hangi boyutlarda ve ne yönde etkileyeceğine ilişkin tartışmaları da beraberinde getirmektedir. Yapay zekânın ruh sağlığı hizmetlerinde kullanımının avantajlarına yapılan vurgu daha güçlü olsa da dezavantaj ve sınırlılıklarına da dikkat çekilmektedir. Bu makalenin amacı; yapay zekâ ve makine öğrenmesinin ruh sağlığı hizmetlerinde kullanımına ilişkin araştırma bulgularını incelemek, yapay zekânın ruh sağlığı alanına getireceği fırsatları ve sorunları tartışmak, gelecek araştırmalar için önerilerde bulunmaktır.
Clinical efficacy of norepinephrine combined with cimetidine in treatment of neonatal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and its adverse reactions
Authors: Dong Xuyan , Li Hongjun , Zhu Tianjiao
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy of norepinephrine combined with cimetidine in the treatment of neonatal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and its adverse reactions.

Methods: A total of 68 cases of neonatal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in Huangshi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from please mention dates October 2018 to February 2020 were selected and randomly divided into treatment group and control group by coin tossing, with 34 infants in each group. The control group received conventional therapy, and the treatment group was additionally treated with norepinephrine combined with cimetidine. The efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups.

Results: The time when the bleeding stops, the time of fecal occult blood turning negative and hospital stay of the treatment group were shorter than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level increased while malondialdehyde (MDA) level decreased in both groups after treatment compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, the SOD level was higher while the MDA level was lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significance was found in adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Norepinephrine combined with cimetidine in the treatment of neonatal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage can shorten the recovery time of symptoms, improve efficacy and reduce stress reaction. It is safe, effective and worthy of use in clinical practice.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5732

How to cite this:Dong X, Li H, Zhu T. Clinical efficacy of norepinephrine combined with cimetidine in treatment of neonatal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and its adverse reactions. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5732

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The Lost Doctors
Authors: Zaheer Ayesha
Published: September 2022

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.7022

How to cite this:Zaheer A. The Lost Doctors. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):2053-2055. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.7022

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Το σχολείο της εθνικοφροσύνης (1949-1974)
Authors: Μαριόλης Δημήτριος
Published: September 2022

Η παρούσα μελέτη διερευνά με ποιους τρόπους οι ελεγκτικοί – εκπαιδευτικοί και μη εκπαιδευτικοί – μηχανισμοί, η ίδια η ύπαρξη του υπηρεσιακού ατομικού φακέλου του δασκάλου και των εποπτικών και αξιολογικών διαδικασιών, λειτουργιών και δραστηριοτήτων που κατέγραφε, καθόριζαν την υπαλληλική συμπεριφορά και εξέλιξη του και σε ποιο βαθμό επηρέαζαν τη διδακτική του πράξη αλλά και τις κοινωνικές του σχέσεις, μεταξύ αυτών και τον ιδεολογικό και κοινωνικό του ρόλο εντός και εκτός σχολείου. Η διερεύνηση αυτού του ερωτήματος φωτίζει από μια διαφορετική πλευρά τη σχολική καθημερινότητα καταδεικνύοντας πως οι κεντρικές εκπαιδευτικές πολιτικές διαμόρφωσαν τη φυσιογνωμία του μεταπολεμικού σχολείου, αυτού που ορίζουμε ως σχολείο της εθνικοφροσύνης. Τα δεδομένα των ατομικών φακέλων μας επιτρέπουν να μελετήσουμε πως κινήθηκαν οι δάσκαλοι και οι δασκάλες στη συγκεκριμένη χρονική περίοδο, από τα χρόνια του εμφυλίου έως την πτώση της δικτατορίας, μέσα στο πλαίσιο που έθετε το τρίγωνο εκπαιδευτική πολιτική και νομοθεσία/κυρίαρχη παιδαγωγική/επιθεωρητές. Να εξετάσουμε πως ανασυγκροτήθηκαν οι σχολικοί και εξωσχολικοί μηχανισμοί ελέγχου και να ελέγξουμε τον βαθμό της αποτελεσματικότητάς τους στο σώμα των δασκάλων αλλά και στο μαθητικό σώμα. Να διερευνήσουμε τον βαθμό εμπέδωσης των εθνικοφρόνων αντιλήψεων στο πεδίο των σχολικών πρακτικών συνεκτιμώντας την ανάπτυξη εκπαιδευτικών αγώνων και κινημάτων, τις διακηρυγμένες αντιλήψεις εκπαιδευτικών ρευμάτων ή φορέων αλλά και τις σιωπηρές ή λανθάνουσες αντιστάσεις των εκπαιδευτικών.
Prevalence and determinants of obesity among individuals with diabetes in Indonesia
Authors: Azam Mahalul , Sakinah Luluk Fadhoh , Kartasurya Martha Irene , Fibriana Arulita Ika , Minuljo Tania Tedjo , Aljunid Syed Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background: Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM), both individually or simultaneously, increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of obesity among diabetic individuals in Indonesia.

Methods: Data were extracted based on 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey (Riset Kesehatan Dasar=RISKESDAS). This study involved all individuals with DM and categorized obesity based on body mass index. After data clearing, this study analyzed 3911 DM subjects of the 33.905 subjects acquired from the 2018 RISKESDAS. The study also observed demographic data, diabetes control parameters, history of hypertension, lipid profiles, and food consumption patterns. These variables were involved in a Chi-square test, and related variables were then involved in the Binary logistic regression to define the independent determinants of obesity among DM subjects.

Results: Of the 3911DM subjects included, the study found an obesity prevalence of 32.9%. This study found that female (prevalence odds ratio [POR]=2.15; 95% CI: 1.76-2.62), age 15-44 years (POR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.83-3.33), urban residence (POR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.25-1.77), history of hypertension (POR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.51), high diastolic blood pressure (POR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.58-2.29), high LDL (POR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.13-1.84), and high triglycerides (POR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.07-1.50) were the risk factor of obesity  among DM subjects; while high HDL (POR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.46-0.78 higher education (POR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.53-0.78) and married (POR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.59-0.90) were protective factors of obesity among DM subjects.

Conclusions:. The study concluded that almost one-third of DM subjects in Indonesia were obese. Female, age, urban residence, education level, history of hypertension, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profiles were all associated with obesity among DM subjects in Indonesia. These findings suggest that monitoring and controlling of related determinants is needed to prevent complications caused by the doubled burden of diabetes and obesity.
The legal implications of prenatal diagnosis in Malaysia
Authors: Kuek Chee Ying
Published: September 2022

Background: Prenatal diagnosis enables detection of any disease or disability of the fetus during the pregnancy of a woman. Parents whose fetus is found to have a serious disorder from antenatal testing may terminate the pregnancy if it is permitted by the law or continue with the pregnancy to term. However, the chance of terminating a pregnancy may be denied if there is prenatal negligence by the medical practitioner in terms of diagnosis or failure to advise on the test results correctly. The purpose of this research is to examine the possible legal implications of prenatal diagnosis in Malaysia.

Methods: This study adopts doctrinal legal research in which the researcher examines statutes and decided cases in Malaysia, the United Kingdom (UK) and Singapore relating to abortion, wrongful birth and wrongful life claims, in order to determine the legal implications of prenatal diagnosis in Malaysia.

Results: In Malaysia, abortion following a prenatal diagnosis is only legally possible if the statutory criteria in the Penal Code are met. Abortion is illegal if it is not done for therapeutic purposes. A wrongful birth action brought by a woman who claims to be deprived of the opportunity to terminate her pregnancy may be successful in Malaysia, if it can be proven that a legal abortion could have been performed if not because of the prenatal negligence of the medical practitioner. However, a wrongful life action brought in the child’s name for being allowed to be born with a disability may not be viable since the claim could hardly be established and it is against the public policy.

Conclusions: Theoretically, it is possible to bring a wrongful birth action resulted from negligence in prenatal diagnosis successfully in Malaysia, but the chance is relatively slim for wrongful life action.
THE PROGRAM OF INTEGRATION OF MODERN METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION IN THE CONCEPT OF HUMANIZATION OF LABOR ACTIVITY OF PERSONNEL
Authors: Chulanova Oksana , Abdernasirova A.
Published: September 2022

The article presents the results of the author's research and development of a personnel adaptation program using the experience of psychological research (the theory of broken windows, Zimbardo and Milgram experiments) for the humanization of labor activity and the prevention of bullying and mobbing of personnel in the workplace. The authors present the results of a study on the use of modern technologies for the psychological adaptation of personnel. The article presents the author's program for the introduction of technologies for the psychological adaptation of personnel in an organization, the planned result of which is to improve the quality of psychological adaptation and humanization of labor, which will entail an increase in the efficiency of personnel work, as well as the following indicators: staff turnover; costs for the implementation of personnel technologies, such as recruitment and selection of personnel. The authors argue that an important result will be an improvement in the functioning of the social subsystem of the organization. Each of the stages of the program implementation implies the use of certain resources and the emergence of risks that require measures to minimize them. The article presents the author's process model for integrating the concept of «psychological adaptation» as a component of well-being technology into work with personnel based on SADT modeling.
A SYSTEMATIC SCENARIO-BASED APPROACH OF MORTAR FIRE DANGER ZONES CALCULATION
Authors: CHACHAMOVITZ D. , ADAMOVSKI E. , BAR-TAL O.
Published: September 2022

In this work the authors suggest a method for calculating surface danger zones in mortar fire. This problem plays a major role in the operation of this weapon, mainly out of safety considerations for operating troops and uninvolved civilians. The study presents a systematic methodology for calculating the danger zones according to the specific shooting scenario, unlike using a fairly strict danger zones as has been customary so far. The method is based on a combination of analyzing the ballistic flight and the probability of impact at a certain point and studying fragmentation characteristics around it. This combination defines a contour that describes the danger area that best suits the scenario according to the permitted risk level.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR TANK GUN ERROR BUDGET ANALYSIS
Authors: NDINDABAHIZI IRENE , VANHAY JEAN , LAUWENS BEN , LOBO VICTOR , GALLANT JOHAN
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we present an accuracy model of a tank weapon system against small aerial targets. A medium calibre air bursting munition (ABM) hit probability against a low slow and small unmanned aerial vehicle (LSS UAV) is evaluated. The model is based upon stochastic propagation of errors through Monte Carlo simulations of the projectile and fragments trajectories. The combination of the probabilistic distributions of detonation point states with the fragments distributions allows the prediction of a probabilistic distribution of impacts. The inventory of error sources is done by an analysis of the weapon system fire control. The sensitivity of the munition dispersion to the different error sources is evaluated using the Sobol method for global sensitivity.
DESIGNING THE ROLL CHARACTERISTICS & PITCH-ROLL LOCK-IN OF AN UNGUIDED ARTILLERY ROCKET BY TAILORING THE CHAMFER ON FINS
Authors: BADRINARAYANAN A. S. , ANANDARAJ A.
Published: September 2022

The effect of the fin leading edge and trailing edge chamfers on the roll characteristics of an artillery rocket is studied. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations suggested a very high dependency of the rolling moment in the subsonic and transonic regime on the trailing edge chamfer while the leading edge chamfer dictates the rolling moment in the supersonic regime. Six degree-of-freedom trajectory simulations were carried out to estimate the roll frequency in flight and the separation of it from the pitch/yaw frequency. It showed that in certain configurations pitch/yaw and roll lock-in took place which could have hampered the flight stability. This strong sensitivity of the rolling moment to the fin chamfer, even with the fin sizing and the cant angle kept constant, can make or break the flight stability of the rocket.
FROM BENCH TO SHOOTING RANGE: CORRELATING BASE BLEED CHEMISTRY WITH THE BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE OF EXTENDED RANGE MUNITION
Authors: LEMOS MAURÍCIO FERRAPONTOFF , SILVA ANA PAULA DA , AMARAL PRISCILA SIMÕES TEIXEIRA , SOUZA EDSON DA SILVA , SILVA JÚNIOR LAURÍLIO JOSÉ DA , PINTO RAFAEL COUTINHO , FERREIRA WILLIAM KLINSMANN DE OLIVEIRA , CHALHUB DANIEL JOSÉ NAHID MANSUR , PINHEIRO GIL ROBERTO V. , NEUBARTH LEIB DE ANDRADE , LUCENA RACHEL MANHÃES DE , MANGIAVACCHI NORBERTO
Published: September 2022

Extended range munitions (ERM) are systems whose performance is subject to aerodynamic, internal ballistics and trajectory effects. There are models in the literature for each of these aspects; thus, a holistic approach that unifies them would—theoretically—be able to predict the performance of an ERM from bench tests. In this work, we propose such approach. From the integration of chemical composition data, bench tests, combustion simulations, aerodynamic simulations and trajectory dynamics simulations, the behavior of a Base Bleed (BB) unit could be satisfactorily estimated. The results obtained suggest that the composition of combustion products plays a key role in the performance of BB systems.
Sequential IT Investment: Can the Risk of IT Implementation Failure Be Your Friend?
Authors: Choudhary Vidyanand , Xin Mingdi , Zhang Zhe
Published: September 2022

Information technology (IT) investment often faces the risk of implementation failure. Such risk has important and intriguing impacts on firms’ investment and competitive strategies. We investigate these effects in a context in which two firms, a leader and a follower, invest in a cost-reducing IT sequentially, and IT implementation may fail. We show that the risk of IT implementation failure benefits the follower and can benefit or hurt the leader. It impacts the firms’ investment and profits through three distinct effects: mitigating competition, weakening the leader’s first mover advantage, and creating differentiation opportunities. The follower may have information about the leader’s IT investment before making its investment. The leader gains a first mover advantage when the follower makes its investment after knowing the leader’s IT investment level or implementation outcome. So pioneering IT adopters should announce their investment early to influence followers. In some cases, the follower can benefit from knowing the leader’s implementation outcome. The leader expects a higher profit than the follower, and early investment is beneficial unless implementation risk declines significantly with time. Finally, a sequential IT investment schedule in which the follower makes its investment after the leader’s investment level and outcome are known produces the highest social surplus.
Health visitor workforce numbers
Authors: Boddy Bethany
Published: September 2022

There are now lower numbers of health visitors than when the Health Visitor Implementation Plan was first introduced in 2011, says Bethany Boddy. Where does that leave the profession and what needs to happen to implement change?
Enhancing Oral Skills and Motivation Through Role-Playing Activities in Medical Students
Authors: Gutiérrez-Huancayo Vladimir Román
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, Peruvian physicians commonly give oral medical reports to a patient´s family in English. For this reason, this research seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of an Intervention Program for improving oral skills through role-playing activities, one hand, and, on the other, it aims to discover the kind of motivation, both goals in 40 students belonging to the Medicine Faculty of Universidad Nacional de Piura. This study has two parts, in the first quantitative phase, it measured the level of oral skills in these students, through an oral pre-test. After that, the students participated in an intervention program consisting of role-playing activities where the doctors usually use radiography to explain a medical condition. Then, the students were evaluated on their oral skills using an imaginary hospital situation similar to the pre-test. In the second part, the qualitative phase measured the Motivation of these students using the Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) in addition, a semi-structured interview could support the findings obtained in the aforementioned survey. The main findings were the improvement of oral skills and both Integrative and instrumental motivation in these students thanks to role-playing activities application.
Effectiveness of Online Learning at Universities: Do Sociocultural Differences Matter?
Authors: Nuryatin Agus , Mukhibad Hasan , Tusyanah Tusyanah
Published: September 2022

This study aims to explain the success factors of e-learning. The participants were 427 students in public universities in Indonesia. To demonstrate the success of this e-learning, we developed a more comprehensive e-learning evaluation model that considers the system's characteristics, students, and instructors. The results show that higher student performance is associated with higher student satisfaction. However, the increase in performance is not due to the use of e-learning. Social and cultural factors influence the use of e-learning. Culture and social environment influence students' use of e-learning. The instructor's ability to implement e-learning has been shown to influence student satisfaction. The difference in the implementation of e-learning compared to classroom learning requires different teaching methods that affect student performance. In addition, e-learning is used in all courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sleeping Habits Explaining Academic Vulnerability and Household Influence: Co-sleeping and the Impact on Children's Fluid Intelligence
Authors: Figueiredo Sandra
Published: September 2022

The main goal of this study is to examine the differences between school-aged children with different chronotypes who are only children or have a sibling in the household, regarding their sleeping habits and performance in intelligence tasks. The main measures used were Chronotype Questionnaire for Children and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. This study analysed 46 Portuguese children (Mean=8.67; SD=1.034, range 7-11 years of age) without sleep or educational/psychological disturbances, attending the first grade. The differences regarding chronotype and whether they were only children or not were examined. Then the performance of the sample in the Raven’s Progressive Matrices tests was evaluated.  The Mann-Whitney U test showed that ‘only’ children had higher fluid intelligence scores only in the afternoon. The chronotype did not differentiate this population and it is concluded that the type of household is the main moderator: Not being an only child was, in general, the best predictor in the test. Results suggest that different sleeping times (e.g., bedtime and wake-up time) and different chronotypes did not have different effects. However, having siblings proved to be an advantage regarding the child’s performance. Re-education of sleeping practices, especially examining the influence of co-sleeping in families, is essential for the intellectual development of children.
Development of a Survey to Assess Conceptual Understanding of Quantum Mechanics among Moroccan Undergraduates
Authors: bentaleb Khalid Ait , Dachraoui Saddik , Hassouni Taoufik , Alibrahmi El mehdi , Chakir Elmahjoub , Belboukhari Aimad
Published: September 2022

We developed a Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Understanding Survey (QMCUS) in this study. The survey was conducted using a quantitative methodology. A multiple-choice survey of 35 questions was administered to 338 undergraduate students. Three experienced quantum mechanics instructors examined the validity of the survey. The reliability of our survey was measured using Cronbach's alpha, the Fergusson delta index, the discrimination index, and the point biserial correlation coefficient. These indices showed that the developed survey is reliable. The statistical analysis of the students' results using SPSS shows that the scores obtained by the students have a normal distribution, around the score of 7.14. The results of the t-test show that the students' scores are below the required threshold, which means that it is still difficult for the students to understand the concepts of quantum mechanics. The obtained results allow us to draw some conclusions. The students' difficulties in understanding the quantum concepts are due to the nature of these concepts; they are abstract and counterintuitive. In addition, the learners did not have frequent contact with the subatomic world, which led them to adopt misconceptions. Moreover, students find it difficult to imagine and conceptualize quantum concepts. Therefore, subatomic phenomena are still explained with classical paradigms. Another difficulty is the lack of prerequisites and the difficulties in using the mathematical formalism and its translation into Dirac notation.
Experimental demonstration of twin-single-sideband signal detection system based on a single photodetector and without optical bandpass filter
Authors: Yu Chao , Sheng Xia , Gao Ran , Wang Fu , Li Zhipei , Chang Huan , Huang Lulu , Zhang Qi , Xin Xiangjun , Huang Xin , Yan Jinghao , Jiang Lin , Cui Saihua , Kong Leyi , Cheng Julian
Published: September 2022

A twin-single-sideband (twin-SSB) signal single-photodiode (PD) detection system without optical bandpass filter is experimentally demonstrated for the first time. After direct detection by a single-ended PD at the receiver side, we can directly separate the optical left sideband (LSB) and right sideband (RSB) using a simple one-path digital signal processing algorithm without separating the two sideband signals using an optical bandpass filter (OBPF), thus achieving lower complexity and low cost while doubling the spectral efficiency. Using our proposed twin-SSB scheme, we demonstrate 1-, 2-, and 4-Gbaud LSB geometric shaping 4-quadrature amplitude modulation and RSB quadrature phase shift keying signal transmission over 10 km of single-mode fiber (SMF). Our experimental results demonstrate that the bit-error rate (BER) of the 4-Gbaud LSB geometric shaping 4-quadrature amplitude modulation (GS-4QAM) and RSB quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) transmission system is below the 7% hard decision forward error correction threshold.
Jacobians of single-scattering optical properties of super-spheroids computed using neural networks
Authors: Yu Jinhe , Bi Lei , han Wei , Wang Deying , Zhang Xiaoye
Published: September 2022

In atmospheric aerosol remote sensing and data assimilation studies, the Jacobians of the optical properties of non-spherical aerosol particles are required. Specifically, the partial derivatives of the extinction efficiency factor, single-scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, and scattering matrix should be obtained with respect to microphysical parameters, such as complex refractive indices, shape parameters and size parameters. When a look-up table (LUT) of optical properties of particles is available, the Jacobians traditionally can be calculated using the finite difference method (FDM), but the accuracy of the process depends on the resolution of microphysical parameters. In this paper, a deep learning scheme was proposed for computing Jacobians of the optical properties of super-spheroids, which is a flexible model of non-spherical atmospheric particles. Using the neural networks (NN), the error of the Jacobians in the FDM can be reduced by more than 60%, and the error reduction rate of the Jacobians of the scattering matrix elements can be more than 90%. We also tested the efficiency of the NN for computing the Jacobians. The computation takes 30 seconds for one million samples on a host with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. The accuracy and efficiency of the present NN scheme proves it is promising for applications in remote sensing and data assimilation studies.
Chaotic time-delay signature suppression in lasers using phase-controlled dual optical feedback
Authors: de Mey Robbe , Jolly Spencer W. , Locquet Alexandre , Virte Martin
Published: September 2022

We experimentally study a semiconductor laser subject to two optical feedbacks in a free space setup. We show that control over the feedback phase is essential to adjust the time delay signature in the chaotic output intensity while affecting also the chaotic bandwidth. By optimizing the feedback phase, the time delay signature can be reduced by a factor of more than 2 while maintaining a large chaotic bandwidth.
miR-309a is a regulator of ovarian development in the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Dou Wei , Taning Clauvis Nji Tizi , Yu Shan-Shan , Yuan Guo-Rui , Shang Feng , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: September 2022

Fecundity is arguably one of the most important life history traits, as it is closely tied to fitness. Most arthropods are recognized for their extreme reproductive capacity. For example, a single female of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, a highly invasive species that is one of the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide, can lay more than 3000 eggs during its life span. The ovary is crucial for insect reproduction and its development requires further investigation at the molecular level. We report here that miR-309a is a regulator of ovarian development in B. dorsalis. Our bioinformatics and molecular studies have revealed that miR-309a binds the transcription factor pannier (GATA-binding factor A/pnr), and this activates yolk vitellogenin 2 (Vg 2) and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) advancing ovarian development. We further show that miR-309a is under the control of juvenile hormone (JH) and independent from 20-hydroxyecdysone. Thus, we identified a JH-controlled miR-309a/pnr axis that regulates Vg2 and VgR to control the ovarian development. This study has further enhanced our understanding of molecular mechanisms governing ovarian development and insect reproduction. It provides a background for identifying targets for controlling important Dipteran pests.
Are midwives ready to provide quality evidence-based care after pre-service training? Curricula assessment in four countries—Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda
Authors: Moller Ann-Beth , Welsh Joanne , Ayebare Elizabeth , Chipeta Effie , Gross Mechthild M. , Houngbo Gisele , Hounkpatin Hashim , Kandeya Bianca , Mwilike Beatrice , Nalwadda Gorrette , Petzold Max , Sognonvi Antoinette , Hanson Claudia
Published: September 2022

This research sought to map midwifery pre-service training curricula as part of the Action Leveraging Evidence to Reduce perinatal morTality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa (ALERT) project conducted in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. We conducted the review in two phases. In the first phase, online interviews were performed with the lead project midwives in all four study countries to get an overview of midwifery care providers’ pre-service training courses, registration, and licensing requirements. We performed a mapping review of midwifery care providers’ pre-service training curricula from different training institutions in the four study countries during the second phase. Curricula were reviewed and mapped against the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Essential Competencies framework to assess whether these curricula included the minimum essential training components described in the ICM framework. We identified 10 different professional titles for midwifery care providers. The number of years spent in pre-service training varied from one and a half to four years. Ten pre-service curricula were obtained and the assessment revealed that none of the curricula included all ICM competencies. Main gaps identified in all curricula related to women-centred care, inclusion of women in decision making, provision of care to women with unintended or mistimed pregnancy, fundamental human rights of individuals and evidence-based learning. This review suggests that there are skills, knowledge and behaviour gaps in pre-service training curricula for midwifery care providers when mapped to the ICM Essential Competencies framework. These gaps are similar among the different training courses in participating countries. The review also draws attention to the plethora of professional titles and different pre-service training curricula within countries. Trial registration: PACTR202006793783148—June 17th, 2020.
Ecology and distribution of Leptospira spp., reservoir hosts and environmental interaction in Sri Lanka, with identification of a new strain
Authors: Sluydts Vincent , Sarathchandra Siriwardana Rampalage , Piscitelli Anna Pia , Van Houtte Natalie , Gryseels Sophie , Mayer-Scholl Anne , Bier Nadja Seyhan , Htwe Nyo Me , Jacob Jens
Published: September 2022

Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease and one of the leading causes of zoonotic morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-poor settings. Sri Lanka has one of the highest disease burdens worldwide, with occasional endemic leptospirosis outbreaks (2008, 2011). Rodents are considered the main wildlife reservoir, but due to a scarcity of studies it is unclear which particular species contributes to bacterial transmission and reservoir maintenance in this multi-host multi-parasite system. Several rodent species act as agricultural pests both in rice fields and in food storage facilities. To unravel the interactions among the small mammal communities, pathogenic Leptospira spp. and human transmission pathways, we collected animals from smallholder food storage facilities, where contact between humans and small mammals is most likely, and screened kidney tissue samples for Leptospira spp. using PCR. Samples were collected in three climatic zones along a rainfall gradient. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in small mammal communities in 37 (74%) out of 50 sampled farms and 61 (12%) out of 500 collected individuals were infected. The small mammal community was comprised of Rattus rattus (87.6%), Suncus shrews (8.8%), Bandicota spp. (2.8%) and Mus booduga (0.8%). Three pathogenic Leptospira spp. were identified, L. borgpetersenii (n = 34), L. interrogans (n = 15), and L. kirschneri (n = 1). Suncus shrews were commonly infected (32%), followed by B. indica (23%) and R. rattus (10%). L. borgpetersenii strains similar to strains previously extracted from human clinal samples in Sri Lanka were detected in R. rattus and Suncus shrews. L. interrogans was observed in R. rattus only. A single L. kirschneri infection was found in M. booduga. The presence of human pathogenic Leptospira species in an agricultural pest rodent (R. rattus) and in commensal shrews (Suncus) calls for management of these species in commensal settings. Further investigation of the interplay between pathogen and reservoir population dynamics, overlap in geographic range and the extent of spill-over to humans in and around rural settlements is required to identify optimal management approaches.