bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The concept of forming soft skills of university graduates
Authors: Bogdan Elena , Chulanova Oksana , Mitrofanova Elena , Masalova Yuliya
Published: March 2023

The monograph presents the developed theoretical provisions, methodological and scientific-practical recommendations on the management of the formation of soft skills competencies demanded in the modern economy of university graduates. The concept of management of the formation of competencies of university graduates is substantiated. The method of forming a model of competencies of university graduates developed and tested by the authors is considered. The developed organizational model of management of the formation of competencies of university graduates in demand in the modern economy on the basis of coordination of actions of interested parties is presented. Methodological and scientific-practical tools for managing the formation of graduates' competencies allow assessing the formation of competencies, forming motivation for the development of competencies with the participation of graduates who have been in the profession, building individual trajectories of competence formation. Conceptual and methodological provisions and conclusions develop existing scientific approaches to the management of the formation of competencies of university graduates.
For students, undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral students, researchers studying and conducting research in the field of personnel management, as well as for the teaching staff of universities and practitioners working with the personnel of modern organizations.
Fundamentals of accounting reporting analysis
Authors: Gracheva Nadezhda , Polischuk Ol'ga , Sorokina Elena , Sapozhnikova Natal'ya
Published: March 2023

The textbook reflects the meaning, goals, objectives, methods and content of the analysis of accounting statements of organizations. The analytical capabilities and methods of analysis of each of the forms of annual financial statements are disclosed. For the assimilation of theoretical and methodological material on each topic, control questions and test tasks are given. To gain practical skills, models of analytical tables and examples of cross-cutting tasks that are performed according to the accounting (financial) statements of production and trade organizations are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students enrolled in training programs for mid-level specialists, as well as for students of advanced training courses, employees of accounting, economic and financial services, heads of organizations, managers.
The profession of psycho-oncologist in Poland as an example of inadequate legal regulation in the area of health care
Authors: Kocańda Kamila , Jabłoński Marcin Jacek
Published: March 2023

Zawód psychoonkologa w Polsce nie jest dostatecznie uregulowany prawnie. Aktualnie, według rozporządzenia Ministra Zdrowia w sprawie świadczeń gwarantowanych z zakresu leczenia szpitalnego, psychoonkolog to osoba z wyższym wykształceniem medycznym, tj. absolwent uczelni medycznej, np. lekarz czy pielęgniarka, którzy spełnili dodatkowy warunek ukończenia studiów podyplomowych z psychoonkologii. Jest zatem widoczne, że pozostająca w mocy definicja legalna zawodu psychoonkologa jest niespójna z regulacją tego zawodu obowiązującą od 2018 r., a wynikającą z obwieszczeniu tego samego ministra w systemie Polskiej Ramy Kwalifikacji (PRK). PRK zawęża bowiem grono osób mogących uzyskać kwalifikację z zakresu diagnostyki i pomocy psychoonkologicznej wyłącznie do psychologów i lekarzy psychiatrów, ograniczając tym samym grupę osób uprawnionych do wykonywania zawodu psychoonkologa. Dodatkowy problem prawny wynika z istotnych różnic w charakterze zawodów lekarza i psychologa, z uwagi na nieobowiązywanie w praktyce, mimo formalnego pozostawania w mocy, ustawy o zawodzie psychologa. Nie można wreszcie pomijać okoliczności, że oprócz dwóch wzajemnie sprzecznych regulacji zawodu psychoonkologa na gruncie wskazanych wyżej przepisów (Rozporządzenie MZ i PRK), istnieje jeszcze w Polsce trzecia droga uzyskiwania tzw. certyfikatu psychoonkologa nadawanego przez Polskie Towarzystwo Psychoonkologiczne (PTPO). Obecnie osoby certyfikowane w ramach tej procedury, a poza psychologami i lekarzami certyfikat uzyskiwali też przedstawiciele innych profesji, np. pielęgniarki czy zatrudnieni w hospicjach duchowni, w większości nie będą mogli formalnie wykonywać tego zawodu, ponieważ ustawodawca nie przewidział uznania certyfikatów nadawanych przez PTPO za równoważne z uzyskaniem kwalifikacji psychoonkologicznej w kontekście wskazanych wyżej przepisów.
The internment of patients undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction as a result of a specific interpretation of legal provisions by some judicial authorities
Authors: Kocańda Kamila , Głuszek Stanisław , Łoś Rafał , Matulińska Beata , Zwierzchowski Dariusz , Zwierzchowska-Łucka Agnieszka
Published: March 2023

Celem niniejszej pracy oryginalnej jest zaprezentowanie rozbieżności w stosowaniu przepisów prawa na tle obowiązku uzyskania zgody na podjęcie leczenia przez osobę, wobec której wydano postanowienie sądu zawierające zobowiązanie w tym zakresie. W oparciu o dane za lata 2010-2020, pozyskane ze specjalistycznego podmiotu leczniczego w rodzaju opieka psychiatryczna i leczenie uzależnień, dokonano analizy przypadków zastosowanego wobec pacjentów tego szpitala trybów leczenia odwykowego. Ocenie poddano informacje na temat liczby pacjentów leczących się odwykowo w tym okresie w tym podmiocie leczniczym, porównując liczbę leczonych w oparciu o ich własną zgodę oraz skierowanych do leczenia na mocy postanowienia sądu. We wszystkich przypadkach, które oznaczono jako "zrealizowane" poprzez przymusowe doprowadzenie do szpitala, a których liczba wynosi w poszczególnych latach, odpowiednio: 2016 - 407, 2017 - 416, 2018 - 379, 2019 - 412 a w 2020 - 364, zwolnienie pacjenta ze szpitala po zakończonym leczeniu następowało dopiero w oparciu o postanowienie sądu a nie na podstawie jego zgody własnej - wypisu na żądanie. Powyższa analiza wskazuje zatem, że na przestrzeni 5 lat pacjenci w liczbie 1978 nie mogli opuścić szpitala do momentu wydania przez sąd w tej materii stosownego postanowienia. Mając na względzie rezultaty wykładni literalnej oraz systemowej przepisów, które regulują zasady wyrażania zgody na czynności medyczne, należy przyjąć, że prawna możliwość egzekwowania nałożonego przez sąd obowiązku leczenia odwykowego po stwierdzeniu w prawem przepisanym trybie, iż zachodzą medyczne oraz społeczne przesłanki jego orzeczenia, może prawnie oraz faktycznie dotyczyć jedynie etapu przyjęcia do stacjonarnego lub niestacjonarnego zakładu leczenia odwykowego.
The role of health education and physical activity in the prevention of obesity in pregnant women
Authors: Kulbat Aleksandra , Karwańska Aleksandra , Uniłowska Izabela , Dovzhuk Yuliia , Kojder Ewa , Dolenha Arsen , Ochał Justyna , Matyka Kamila , Ferschke Anna , Szymczyk Aleksandra
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Obesity is a major health concern in pregnancy, and it can lead to various adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. The increasing prevalence of obesity among pregnant women calls for effective strategies to prevent its occurrence and reduce its consequences. Health education and physical activity have been identified as potential interventions to prevent obesity in pregnant women. Aim of study: The aim of the review is to present the impact of physical activity and health education on obesity in pregnant women, as well as its pathogenesis and treatment.Materials and Methods: The authors followed the PRISMA guidelines to ensure high-quality work. The search was based on databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a limitation to publications after. The strategy relied on search terms such as 'obesity in pregnancy', 'treatment', 'physical activity', 'health education', and 'sport', combined using 'AND' and 'OR' operators. The team members reviewed the abstracts and then decided on their inclusion in the study. Results: According to literature reviews, health education and physical activity can be effective interventions in preventing obesity in pregnant women. They can help prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and other obesity-related complications. Individual dietary advice, exercise programs, and lifestyle modification counseling are recommended. However, further research is needed to determine the most effective strategies for preventing obesity in pregnant women and assessing long-term health outcomes.Conclusions: Both regular physical activity and health education can be useful in prevention and treatment of obesity during pregnancy, and should be included as part of a comprehensive approach to women's health during pregnancy. It is important for people to understand the benefits of regular physical activity throughout the entire pregnancy period.
Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 pollution and the risk of respiratory diseases in upper Silesia inhabitants
Authors: Kobza Joanna , Grajek Mateusz , Geremek Mariusz , Działach Eliza
Published: March 2023

Background: Multiple studies confirm that PM2.5 and PM10 can affect lung growth and development in children and adolescents, the number of medical visits, and hospital emergency admissions due to asthma, respiratory symptoms, and upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. Objective: The objective of this study was the measurement-based assessment for determining whether the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are within admissible limits or exceeded in the Upper Silesia urban area (Silesia province) and to examine the relationship between PM concentrations and the number of admissions in Primary Health Care due to respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis for children, adolescents and adults. Material and methods: The data provided by the Voivodship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Katowice, National Health Fund - Silesian Department, and the District Sanitary-Epidemiological Station in Katowice for the period 2012-2017 was used in the statistical analysis. Results: The increase in the number of excessive levels of average daily PM10 concentration was observed in almost all measurement stations, both for the acceptable level, information, and alarm level. The increase in average annual PM2.5 concentrations was also observed. The results showed an increased prevalence of respiratory diseases (ICD-Diagnosis Code 10-CM: J017, J030, J034, J038, J040) during the study period in 14 of 20 cities of Silesia province, consistently higher for children than adults. Conclusions: In Silesia province, the air quality is poor and has deteriorated over the last few years. Exposure to ambient PM2.5 and PM10 was significantly associated with the development of respiratory tract diseases in children and adults.
SimOpt: A Testbed for Simulation-Optimization Experiments
Authors: Eckman David J. , Henderson Shane G. , Shashaani Sara
Published: March 2023

This paper introduces a major redesign of SimOpt, a testbed of simulation-optimization (SO) problems and solvers. The testbed promotes the empirical evaluation and comparison of solvers and aims to accelerate their development. Relative to previous versions of SimOpt, the redesign ports the code to an object-oriented architecture in Python; uses an implementation of the MRG32k3a random number generator that supports streams, substreams, and subsubstreams; supports the automated use of common random numbers for ease and efficiency; includes a powerful suite of plotting tools for visualizing experiment results; uses bootstrapping to obtain error estimates; accommodates the use of data farming to explore simulation models and optimization solvers as their input parameters vary; and provides a graphical user interface. The SimOpt source code is available on a GitHub repository under a permissive open-source license and as a Python package.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant CMMI-2035086].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.1273 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0011 ) at ( http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7468744 ).
produções imagéticas: uma pesquisa no modo criança
Authors: Lopes de oliveira Vanderleia de lourdes Rodrigues , Santos chisté Bianca
Published: March 2023

This article is part of a research project guided by a methodology for the production of images by children from 2 to 6 years old, developed in the Zona da Mata, in Rondônia. Children's filmic and photographic image productions inspired this inquiry, and suggest  a novel way of thinking about children, childhood and research. Based on the questions, What can children's image productions tell us in a survey carried out in periods of social isolation? and What do children’s representations tell us about their lives beyond school? we trace the thematic pathways taken in their production of photographic images and short videos,  following our subjects as they engender themselves through the production of images and through their verbal commentaries on those images. What can a child do  with a camera in her/his hands? Observing the patterns of their image-making allowed us to enter  temporalities and spatialities that suggest other ways of being in the world, particularly in a time of pandemic. What these young children  communicate to  us through  their images and video footage is the power of experience, of traces, remnants and scraps, revealing a capacity for astonishment at things that may go unnoticed by adults. They invite us to experience other ways of seeing and relating to the world, creating other senses and sensations for research, or even for life itself.
voting on the questions as a pedagogical practice in a community of philosophical enquiry
Authors: Reynolds Rose-anne
Published: March 2023

This article considers two of the methodological steps in a Community of Philosophical Enquiry: developing the questions and voting on the questions. Both of these practices are enacted by the 8-9 year old children who are the participants in a philosophical enquiry, which I facilitated at a government primary school in South Africa. Matthews (1994) reminds us that children as philosophical thinkers/doers have been left out of the dominant narratives about children and childhood. A question that guides this research is where is the place for philosophical questions (developed by children) and the kind of philosophical thinking/drawing/creating/being for child (and adults) in schools? How do we make space for such questioning–so that the richness of these pedagogical encounters can really matter and make a difference to the teaching and learning taking place? Gandorfer in an interview with Barad (2021), suggests that critical thought “is to encounter what is unrecognizable and imperceptible, yet sensible and constructive of sense without separating it from the physical world” (p. 20). I would agree and apply this to the critical thoughts of child. This thinking is not located in the child, in their mind and does not emerge only through the thoughts, child verbalises. A critical posthumanism theory/practice analysis  ensures that as researcher, I do not stand outside of the research peering in at a distance. Similarly the children, the questions, the voting and the enquiries are not separate from the world, they are all already entangled with the world. When the children are voting on the questions, this performs as a pedagogy of interruption (Michaud, 2020). As the facilitator, I do not know which question will receive the largest number of votes for the philosophical enquiry. This makes possible an emergent curriculum in its be(com)ing. Toby Rollo’s (2016) formulations about child as political agent and not just moral agent and the implications for more democratic and just schooling are theorised in this paper through the act of the children voting on the questions. I argue that children are not just excluded from participating in decisions about what and even how they are learning at school but from most pedagogical practices in classrooms and schools. I show how the children creating the questions and voting on the questions can be democratic practices with political and moral implications in a community of philosophical enquiry.
Mercado mundial e lei do valor: considerações sobre o funcionamento do sistema capitalista mundial a partir de Marx
Authors: Aarão Jônatas Da Silva Abreu
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo sustenta que a existência de um mercado mundial relativamente desenvolvido é um pressuposto histórico para a consolidação do capitalismo e, portanto, a lei do valor opera mundialmente. Apoiando-se na teoria marxiana do valor, a exposição do argumento se divide em três partes. Preliminarmente, apontamos para a existência de interpretações as quais entendem que Marx analisaria em O capital uma economia fechada. Argumenta-se, em contraposição, que Marx, em virtude da orientação materialista de seu método, parte do mercado mundial para revelar as determinações comuns às economias que compõem todo o sistema capitalista, ainda que abstraia do comércio exterior em sua análise. Por fim, busca-se apontar as implicações que a interpretação aqui defendida tem para a teoria marxiana do valor, com destaque para a análise de categorias como imperialismo e dependência as quais decorrem da interação das distintas economias no mercado mundial.
Duty of managers to reduce sharps injuries
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: March 2023

Concern over the number of sharps injuries in the healthcare sector across Europe led to a directive aimed at preventing such injuries, put into place in 2013. This article outlines the key duties of managers under the regulations
Developing and improving your surgery premises
Authors: Morgan Bryn
Published: March 2023

Bryn Morgan, a partner in the healthcare law firm Hempsons, specialises in advising GPs on property matters. In this article he provides some guidance on improving your premises
Using Gamification to Motivate Students with Simple-Moderate Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Mukh Yasmeen Abu , Tarteer Safia , AL-Qasim Mohammad , Saqer Khtam , Daher Wajeeh
Published: March 2023

By the spread of COVID-19, the entire world shifted suddenly to e-learning including schools. This study aims to find ways to enjoy teaching. Gamification in education refers to the introduction of game elements in non-game environment. A case study was adopted for this study as a qualitative approach to investigate the possibility of improving motivation. The study was conducted in the first and second semester of the 2020/2021. The sample consists of (6) participants of pre-services teachers studying in special education course for 15 weeks. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The result of the interview showed that there is a clear desire among the students to succeed during learning using game elements. Their desire is very clear and higher. Most of them became active during their learning. They enjoyed learning in gamified learning environment. The researchers recommended that the Ministry of Education should train teachers to employ game elements to motivate their students.
Development of a Self-Evaluation Instrument with Programmatic Assessment Components for Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Ainin Dina Qurratu , Suhoyo Yoyo , Duarsa Artha Budi Susila , Claramita Mora
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to develop and test a student self-assessment instrument based on the programmatic assessment (PA) components. We applied a series of psychometric research methods by (a) conducting a literature study to find PA constructs, (b) developing the students' self-questionnaires, (c) ensuring content validity, (d) testing face validity, and (e) conducting reliability tests that involve medical students, medical teachers, medical educationalist, and an international PA expert. Face validity (readability test) was conducted with 30 medical students from an Indonesian university who were in their last year of pre-clinical education and had average scores above or equal to their classmates. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to report the instruments’ validity and reliability. The final instrument was tested on 121 medical students with excellent GPAs from another medical school with a middle-level accreditation. The PA consists of five components: ‘learning activities’, ‘assessment activities’, 'supporting activities’, 'intermediate evaluations’, and ‘final evaluations'. These components are conveyed through 41 relevant statements with a four-point Likert scale and three yes/no statements. According to the respondents, there was a lack of 'supporting activities' and 'intermediate evaluation' components in the PA in their universities. This study has developed and tested a five-component evaluation instrument based on medical students' perceptions regarding PA implementation.
Development of the Multiple Intelligences Promotion Model for Thai Learners
Authors: Chanpleng Panat , Wisuttranukul Ammara , Khwanrat Jomtup , Poopan Siwaporn , Pattrawiwat Kanchana , Kijtorntham Wichuda , Phonsuwan Kunakorn
Published: March 2023

Recently, Thailand's educational policy focused on developing learners’ potential according to multiple intelligences. The research objectives were to develop the multiple intelligences (MI) promotion model and an MI screening test for Thai learners and propose policies to encourage MI so that learners can reach their full potential. The sequential mixed method was applied. First, the model and the MI screening test were developed. The participants were two groups of key informants, comprising 93 and 185 participants, respectively. The sample group consisted of 460 primary and secondary school students selected through multistage random sampling. The MI screening test consisted of characteristics of 45 behavioral observations. The result showed that the developing model was the “A2D model or AAD.” This model consisted of three components: nine areas of intelligence, eight continuity mechanisms, and two success conditions. The MI screening result revealed that most learners had outstanding bodily–kinesthetic intelligence, accounting for 40.4%. The least prominent aspect was musical intelligence, representing 16.2%. The proposal policies comprised (a) The aspect of foundation for learning management with access to the A2D model, consisting of four sub-policy proposals, and (b) The aspect of encouraging learners to develop their full potential, consisting of six sub-policy proposals.
1927 Yılı Türkiye Salon ve İlanat Gazetesi'ne Göre Balıkesir
Authors: ÜNER Merve
Published: March 2023

Osmanlı Devleti’nin son dönemlerinde gündeme taşıdığı ulaşım politikası, Yeni Türkiye Devleti’nin de modernleşme çabalarından birini oluşturmuştur. Cumhuriyetin ilk yıllarında devlet tarafından kentsel ulaşım faaliyetlerine önem verilmiş, buna paralel olarak da birbiriyle bağlantısı olan demiryolu güzergâhlarının inşası öncelik oluşturmuştur. Demiryolunun yapımının şehirlere pek çok katkısı olduğu gibi, iktisadi gelişmeler açısından da önemli bir yere sahiptir. Çünkü gelişmiş bir demiryolu ağı ile şehirlerde hem durgun olan tarım, hem de ticaret canlanmıştır. Nitekim, demiryolu güzergahının Balıkesir’de de sağlanması, mevcut kentin değişimini zorunlu kılmıştır. İktisadi ve ticaret kapsamında şehirde büyüme ve ilerleme kaydedilmiş, şehrin bu husustaki güçlenmesi gazetelere de yansımıştır. 1927 yılında yayınlanan Türkiye Salon ve İlanat Gazetesi’nin eki olarak çıkarılan kitapçıkta, Balıkesir ayrıntılı bir şekilde tanıtılmıştır. “İktisadi ve Ticari Balıkesir Rehberi” olarak adlandırılan kitapçıkta, cumhuriyetin kuruluş dönemindeki Balıkesir hakkında pek çok ipucu verdiği görülmektedir. Bu sebeple kitapçık, erken cumhuriyet döneminde Balıkesir’e tanıklık etmek isteyenler açısından bir belge niteliğinde olduğu gibi, ayrıca yine şehir hakkında derli toplu bilgi veren başka orijinal bir kaynak bulunmaması sebebiyle de ön plana çıkmıştır. Araştırmamızda, 1927 yılına ait Balıkesir’i detaylı bir şekilde incelemek için öncelikle Türkiye Salon ve İlanat Gazetesi esas alınmış, bunun yanı sıra salnameler ve konu hakkındaki mevcut kaynaklardan da faydalanılmıştır.
Calculation of zonal power and astigmatism of a freeform gradient index lens with freeform surfaces
Authors: Kochan Nicholas S. , Schmidt Greg R.
Published: March 2023

Freeform gradient index (F-GRIN) lenses have been recently shown to enable compact optical design. However, aberration theory is only fully developed for rotationally symmetric distributions with a well-defined optical axis. The F-GRIN has no well-defined optical axis, and rays are continuously perturbed along their trajectory. Optical performance can be understood without abstracting optical function to numerical evaluation. The present work derives freeform power and astigmatism along an axis through a zone of an F-GRIN lens with freeform surfaces. Zonal power and astigmatism can be assessed without tracing any rays, capturing mixed contributions of the F-GRIN and freeform surface. Theory is compared with a commercial design software numerical raytrace evaluation. The comparison shows that the raytrace-free (RTF) calculation represents all raytrace contributions within a margin of error. In one example, it is demonstrated that linear terms of index and surface alone in an F-GRIN corrector can correct the astigmatism of a tilted spherical mirror. Accounting for the induced effects of the spherical mirror, RTF calculation provides the amount of astigmatism correction of the optimized F-GRIN corrector.
Engineered pseudo and hybrid anapole states in a silicon nanoresonator metasurface
Authors: Pradhan Monica , Sharma Shubhanshi , Bhaktha B. N. Shivakiran , Varshney Shailendra K.
Published: March 2023

Significant attention has been devoted to realizing non-radiating states (popularly known as anapole states) in several systems due to the strong localization of electromagnetic fields, which can be attained through destructive interference of various dipole moments, yielding fundamental or higher-order anapole states. Recently, it has been shown that the interference of higher-order excitation also permits light manipulation at the nanoscale and provides additional benefits such as efficient power transfer and enhancement in nonlinearities. In this work, we report discrete electric anapole (pseudo and hybrid) by careful design of an all-dielectric metasurface consisting of a silicon nanodisk such that a higher-order toroidal electric dipole (TD) and quadrupole interfere destructively, producing a hybrid anapole at 815 nm, whereas the pseudo anapole is generated when TD and second-order TD minima occur at the same wavelength of 522 nm. The phase plots confirm the findings of these radiationless states. Such dual and distinct non-radiating current configurations may find applications in spectroscopy, sensing, switching, optical nonlinearity, and optomechanics.
Selection principle of seed power in high-power narrow linewidth fiber amplifier seeded by a FBGs-based fiber oscillator
Authors: Tian Xin , Rao Binyu , Xi Xiaoming , Wang Meng , Wang Chongwei , Wang Zefeng
Published: March 2023

Here, we have experimentally demonstrated the selection principle of the seed power in a narrow linewidth fiber amplifier seeded by fiber oscillator based on a pair of fiber Bragg gratings. During the study on the selection of seed power, the spectral instability of the amplifier is found when a low power seed with bad temporal characteristics is amplified. This phenomenon is thoroughly analyzed from seed itself and the influence of the amplifier. Increasing the seed power or isolating the backward light of amplifier could effectively eliminate the spectral instability. Based on this point, we optimize the seed power and utilize a band pass filter circulator to isolate the backward light and filter the Raman noise. Finally, a 4.2 kW narrow linewidth output power is achieved with signal to noise ratio of 35 dB, which has exceeded the value under the highest output power reported in this type of narrow linewidth fiber amplifiers. This work provides a solution for high power and high signal to noise ratio narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers seeded by FBGs-based fiber oscillator.
Spatio-spectral couplings in optical parametric amplifiers
Authors: De Andres Aitor , Jolly Spencer W. , Fischer Peter , Muschet Alexander A. , Schnur Fritz , Veisz Laszlo
Published: March 2023

Optical parametric amplification (OPA) is a powerful tool for the generation of ultrashort light pulses. However, under certain circumstances, it develops spatio-spectral couplings, color dependent aberrations that degrade the pulse properties. In this work, we present a spatio-spectral coupling generated by a non-collimated pump beam and resulting in the change of direction of the amplified signal with respect to the input seed. We experimentally characterize the effect, introduce a theoretical model to explain it as well as reproduce it through numerical simulations. It affects high-gain non-collinear OPA configurations and becomes especially relevant in sequential optical parametric synthesizers. In collinear configuration, however, beyond the direction change, also angular and spatial chirp is produced. We obtain with a synthesizer about 40% decrease in peak intensity in the experiments and local elongation of the pulse duration by more than 25% within the spatial full width at half maximum at the focus. Finally, we present strategies to correct or mitigate the coupling and demonstrate them in two different systems. Our work is important for the development of OPA-based systems as well as few-cycle sequential synthesizers.
High-performance Ge/Si electro-absorption optical modulator up to 85°C and its highly efficient photodetector operation
Authors: Fujikata Junichi , Noguchi Masataka , Katamawari Riku , Inaba Kyosuke , Ono Hideki , Shimura Daisuke , Onawa Yosuke , Yaegashi Hiroki , Ishikawa Yasuhiko
Published: March 2023

We studied a high-speed Ge/Si electro-absorption optical modulator (EAM) evanescently coupled with a Si waveguide of a lateral p–n junction for a high-bandwidth optical interconnect over a wide range of temperatures from 25 °C to 85 °C. We demonstrated 56 Gbps high-speed operation at temperatures up to 85 °C. From the photoluminescence spectra, we confirmed that the bandgap energy dependence on temperature is relatively small, which is consistent with the shift in the operation wavelengths with increasing temperature for a Ge/Si EAM. We also demonstrated that the same device operates as a high-speed and high-efficiency Ge photodetector with the Franz-Keldysh (F-K) and avalanche-multiplication effects. These results demonstrate that the Ge/Si stacked structure is promising for both high-performance optical modulators and photodetectors integrated on Si platforms.
High-precision nanosecond detection of a gas absorption spectrum based on optical frequency comb time–frequency mapping
Authors: Jin Bing , Jia Linhua , Zhang Fumin , Qu Xinghua , Zheng Jihui , Niu Qiong , Gu Wanghang
Published: March 2023

There is an increasing demand for high-precision gas absorption spectroscopy in basic research and industrial applications, such as gas tracking and leak warning. In this Letter, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, high-precision and real-time gas detection method is proposed. A femtosecond optical frequency comb is used as the light source, and a broadening pulse containing a range of oscillation frequencies is formed after passing through a dispersive element and a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. Four absorption lines of H13C14N gas cells are measured at five different concentrations within a single pulse period. A single scan detection time of only 5 ns is obtained along with a coherence averaging accuracy of 0.0055 nm. High-precision and ultrafast detection of the gas absorption spectrum is accomplished while overcoming complexities related to the acquisition system and light source that are encountered in existing methods.
Child maltreatment mediates the relationship between HIV/AIDS family dysfunction trajectories and psychosocial problems among adolescents
Authors: Doku Paul Narh , Ananga Mark Kwame , Jehu-Appiah Noranolda , Akohene Kofi Mensah , Debrah Timothy Pritchard , Nsatimba Frederick
Published: March 2023

The relationship between parental HIV/AIDS status or death and child mental health is well known, although the role of child maltreatment as a confounder or mediator in this relationship remains uncertain. This study examined the potential path mechanism through child maltreatment mediating the link between HIV/AIDS family dysfunction trajectories and psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Lower Manya Municipal Assembly of Ghana. A questionnaire which consisted of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Social and Health Assessment (SAHA), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) was completed by 291 adolescents. Controlling for relevant sociodemographic confounders, mediation analyses using linear regression were fitted to examine whether the association between family dysfunction and psychosocial problems is mediated by child maltreatment. The results indicate that, among adolescents, child maltreatment fully mediated the association between being orphaned by AIDS and self-esteem (b = .59 [95%CI .32, .91]), delinquency and risky behaviours (b = .56 [95%CI .31, .86]) and peer problems (b = .74 [95%CI .48, 1.03]). Similarly, child maltreatment fully mediated the association between living with an HIV/AIDS-infected parent and self-esteem (b = .78 [95%CI .43, 1.23]), delinquency and risky behaviours (b = .76 [95%CI .45, 1.11]), depression/emotional problems (b = .64 [95%CI .40, .92]) and peer problems (b = .94 [95%CI .66, 1.26]). Partial mediation was found for hyperactivity. Child maltreatment mediates the association between the family dysfunction trajectories of parental HIV/AIDS or death and psychosocial problems among adolescents. This implies that efforts to address child maltreatment among families affected by HIV/AIDS may be helpful in the prevention of psychosocial problems among these children, thus enhancing their wellbeing. The findings therefore underscore the need for comprehensive psychosocial interventions that addresses both the unique negative exposures of HIV/AIDS and maltreatment for children affected by HIV.
Risk factors based on myoma characteristics for predicting postoperative complications following cesarean myomectomy
Authors: Lee Young-Eun , Park Suyeon , Lee Keun-Young , Song Ji-Eun
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of myoma characteristics on cesarean myomectomy and to demonstrate its additional advantages.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 292 women with myomas who had undergone cesarean section at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital between 2007 and 2019. We performed subgroup analysis according to the type, weight, number, and size of myomas. Preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, incidence of transfusion, uterine artery embolization, ligation, hysterectomy, and postoperative complications were compared among subgroups.

Results

There were 119 patients who had cesarean myomectomy and 173 who had cesarean section only. An increase in postoperative hospitalization and operation time was observed in the cesarean myomectomy group compared to that in the caesarean section only group (mean difference, 0.7 days, p = 0.01, 13.5 minutes, p <0.001). Estimated blood loss, hemoglobin differences, and transfusion rates were higher in the cesarean myomectomy than in the cesarean section only group. There were no differences in postoperative complications (fever, bladder injury, and ileus) between the two groups. No hysterectomy cases were reported in the cesarean myomectomy group. In subgroup analysis, the larger and heavier the myoma, the higher the risk of bleeding that led to transfusion. Estimated blood loss, differences in hemoglobin, and transfusion rate increased depending on myoma size and weight. A significant increase in postoperative hospitalization was observed in women with larger and heavier myomas. However, there was no statistical difference among the three types of myomas.

Conclusion

In cesarean myomectomy, larger (≥ 10 cm), and heavier myomas (≥ 500 g), were associated with postoperative outcomes, but not the number or type of myoma. The safety of cesarean myomectomy is not inferior to that of caesarean section only, considering its positive effects such as gynecological symptom relief and avoidance of the next surgery.
Does FDI foster technological innovations? Empirical evidence from BRICS economies
Authors: Ali Najabat , Phoungthong Khamphe , Khan Anwar , Abbas Shah , Dilanchiev Azer , Tariq Shahbaz , Sadiq Muhammad Nauman
Published: March 2023

The idea behind the spillover effect of FDI on economic growth is based on the idea that multinational companies can bring technological innovation and rich knowledge to host countries. Therefore, FDI plays a vital role in technological innovations. This study aims to investigate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the technological innovation of BRICS countries from 2000 to 2020. This study uses the latest econometric techniques, such as the cross-sectional dependence (CD) test, second-generation unit root tests, panel cointegration tests and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test. For long-run run estimation, this study uses the augmented mean group (AMG) panel estimator and the common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) estimator for empirical analysis. The findings of the study show that foreign direct investment (FDI), trade openness, economic growth, and research & development expenditure positively impact technological innovation in BRICS countries. Also, the model’s long-term causality and lagged error correction term (ECT) are significantly negative. Suggested policy measures will be helpful for BRICS economies in boosting technology innovation through FDI.
The concept for innovative Comprehensive Assessment of Lowland Rivers
Authors: Kocięcka Joanna , Kupiec Jerzy Mirosław , Hämmerling Mateusz , Liberacki Daniel
Published: March 2023

Current river assessment methods focus on evaluating a single aspect (e.g. the physical and chemical quality of the water or its hydromorphological state) and usually do not integrate various factors. The lack of an interdisciplinary method makes it difficult to correctly assess the condition of a river as a complex ecosystem significantly influenced by humans. This study aimed to develop a novel Comprehensive Assessment of Lowland Rivers (CALR) method. It is designed to integrate and evaluate all-natural and anthropopressure-related elements that influence a river. The CALR method was developed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The application of the AHP allowed the assessment factors to be determined and given weights to define the importance of each assessment element. As a result of AHP analyses, the following ranks were determined for the six main parts of the CALR method: hydrodynamic assessment (0.212), hydromorphological assessment (0.194), macrophyte assessment (0.192), water quality assessment (0.171), hydrological assessment (0.152) hydrotechnical structures assessment (0.081). In the comprehensive assessment of lowland rivers, each of the six elements listed above is rated on a scale of 1–5 (where 5 means very good and 1 bad) and multiplied by an appropriate weighting. After summing up the obtained results, a final value is obtained, classifying the river. CALR can be successfully applied to all lowland rivers thanks to its relatively simple methodology. The widespread use of the CALR method may facilitate the assessment process and enable the comparison of the condition of lowland rivers worldwide. The research conducted in this article is one of the first attempts to develop a comprehensive method for evaluating rivers that considers all aspects.
High incidence of barotrauma in patients admitted with COVID-19 to ICU and associated mortality in rural Appalachia: An observational study
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Badami Varun , Rojas Edward , Sangani Rahul , Chapman Kyle , Avalon Carlo , King Austin , Wen Sijin
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To assess the incidence of barotrauma and its impact on mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU.

Design

Single-center retrospective study of consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to a rural tertiary-care ICU. The primary outcomes were incidence of barotrauma in COVID-19 patients and all-cause 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS) in the hospital and ICU. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used in the survival data analysis.

Setting

Medical ICU, West Virginia University Hospital (WVUH), USA.

Patients

All adult patients were admitted to the ICU for acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 between September 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Historical controls were ARDS patients admitted pre-COVID.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Measurements and main results

One hundred and sixty-five consecutive patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the ICU during the defined period, compared to 39 historical non-COVID controls. The overall incidence of barotrauma in COVID-19 patients was 37/165 (22.4%) compared to 4/39 (10.3%) in the control group. Patients with COVID-19 and barotrauma had a significantly worse survival (HR = 1.56, p = 0.047) compared to controls. In those requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, the COVID group also had significantly higher rates of barotrauma (OR 3.1, p = 0.03) and worse all-cause mortality (OR 2.21, p = 0.018). COVID-19 with barotrauma had significantly higher LOS in the ICU and the hospital.

Conclusions

Our data on critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU shows a high incidence of barotrauma and mortality compared to the controls. Additionally, we report a high incidence of barotrauma even in non-ventilated ICU patients.
Does deep neuromuscular blockade provide improved perioperative outcomes in adult patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Siyuan , He Bin , Deng Lei , Li Qiyan , Wang Xiong
Published: March 2023

Deep neuromuscular blockade provides better surgical workspace conditions in laparoscopic surgery, but it is still not clear whether it improves perioperative outcomes, not to mention its role in other types of surgeries. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate whether deep neuromuscular blockade versus other more superficial levels of neuromuscular blockade provides improved perioperative outcomes in adult patients in all types of surgeries. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to June 25, 2022. Forty studies (3271 participants) were included. Deep neuromuscular blockade was associated with an increased rate of acceptable surgical condition (relative risk [RR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.11, 1.27]), increased surgical condition score (MD: 0.52, 95% CI: [0.37, 0.67]), decreased rate of intraoperative movement (RR: 0.19, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.33]), fewer additional measures to improve the surgical condition (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: [0.43, 0.94]), and decreased pain score at 24 h (MD: -0.42, 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.10]). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss (MD: -22.80, 95% CI: [-48.83, 3.24]), duration of surgery (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: [-2.05, 1.95]), pain score at 48 h (MD: -0.49, 95% CI: [-1.03, 0.05]), or length of stay (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: [-0.19, 0.08]). These indicate that deep neuromuscular blockade improves surgical conditions and prevents intraoperative movement, and there is no sufficient evidence that deep neuromuscular blockade is associated with intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, complications, postoperative pain, and length of stay. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed, and more attention should be given to complications and the physiological mechanism behind deep neuromuscular blockade and postoperative outcomes.
Conocimientos previos erróneos del alumnado en la asignatura de Química del Medio Ambiente
Authors: Hoyuelos-Álvaro Francisco Javier , Ibáñez-Quintana Jaime
Published: March 2023

El propósito de nuestro estudio es comprobar si el alumnado de la asignatura Química del Medio Ambiente del Grado en Química de la Universidad de Burgos arrastra conocimientos previos erróneos en temas medio ambientales antes de cursar la misma, y si estos errores conceptuales son subsanados una vez superada la asignatura. Para ello llevamos a cabo un cuestionario que se facilitó antes de iniciar la docencia en la materia (pre-test) y una vez concluida la misma (post-test), en cuatro cursos (del 15/16 hasta el 18/19), comparando los resultados de ambas pruebas. En ellas hemos confirmado que se corrigen buena parte de los conocimientos previos erróneos al concluir la asignatura. Por ello, recomendamos la creación específica de asignaturas medioambientales en las distintas etapas educativas, que contribuirían a resolver los graves problemas medioambientales a los que nos enfrentamos.
Como escalar uma startup? O caso da Use Bike e a expansão da locação de bicicletas em hotéis no Brasil
Authors: Araujo Gianfranco da Silva , Schwade Junior Odilo , Alberton Anete , Marinho Sidnei Vieira
Published: March 2023

O caso da “Use Bike” apresenta o dilema vivido por César e seus sócios para encontrar uma forma de expandir seu negócio. Inicialmente, eles têm duas alternativas: o método de venda por representantes comerciais ou a expansão por franquias. A experiência empresarial revela os diversos desafios, bem como as vantagens associadas a cada uma das escolhas. O uso de representantes comerciais implica na necessidade de maior investimento para aquisição de bicicletas e expansão do negócio e, consequentemente, maiores desafios com relação ao fluxo de caixa. Por outro lado, criar um modelo para franquias, que permita reproduzir o sucesso do negócio, exige vencer desafios e complexidades. A apresentação dessas experiências, com informações sobre a implantação do projeto e considerações coletadas diretamente dos executivos da empresa, tem a finalidade de permitir que alunos sejam capazes de discutir a jornada empreendedora, a partir da validação de modelos de negócios e das possibilidades de escalabilidade de uma startup que não é exclusivamente digital.