bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AS CONSULTAS PÚBLICAS ENQUANTO MECANISMO DE LEGITIMAÇÃO DOS ATOS ADMINISTRATIVOS NORMATIVOS
Authors: Fagundes Gabriel Lima Miranda Gonçalves , Duarte Luciana Gaspar Melquíades
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: O trabalho se dedica ao levantamento e à análise das regulamentações de consultas públicas do Brasil e de outros países latinos, formulando propostas para viabilizar a eficácia democrática do instituto nos processos administrativos de criação de atos normativos, incentivado pela Lei nº 13.655 (BRASIL, 2018), que alterou a LINDB.Metodologia: A pesquisa empírica emprega a análise documental das legislações de países da América Latina com realidade socioeconômica próxima à brasileira para coletar elementos que viabilizem a formulação de propostas para a aplicação eficaz do instituto no Brasil. Para tanto, foram selecionados onze países latinos, cujas legislações foram consultadas pela via eletrônica com o acesso aos sites governamentais federais, verificando as normas apontadas pelos entes como regulatórias das consultas públicas. Como marco teórico, buscou-se amparo na teoria da democracia deliberativa procedimentalista de Jürgen Habermas, na concepção de política de Hannah Arendt e na constitucionalização do Direito Administrativo.Resultados: Verificou-se que há uma regulamentação insatisfatória do instituto das consultas públicas no Brasil e na maioria dos países pesquisados, além de se deduzir que, assim, o instituto tem sido usado de forma a integrar apenas a retórica de legitimação da Administração Pública, sem cumprir propriamente sua finalidade democrática.Contribuições: O artigo contribui para o aprimoramento da regulamentação das consultas públicas prévias a atos administrativos normativos, no Brasil, para que elas, de fato, atendam aos seus pressupostos democráticos e legitimem o agir abstrato do Estado. Assim, são propostos, com base no marco teórico e nos dados coletados, elementos que devem ser observados quando da regulamentação e aplicação do instituto.
Ανάλυση των σχολικών εγχειριδίων φυσικών επιστημών που διδάχτηκαν στο δημοτικό σχολείο κατά την περίοδο 1969 - 2012
Authors: Μπούσιος Κωνσταντίνος
Published: May 2022

Η παρούσα μελέτη εξετάζει τα σχολικά εγχειρίδια των Φυσικών Επιστημών των δύο τελευταίων τάξεων του Δημοτικού Σχολείου της περιόδου 1969 – 2012.Σκοπός της να καταγράψει το περιεχόμενό τους, να ανιχνεύσει την ύπαρξη ή όχι μεταβολών στα θέματα περιεχομένου με την πάροδο του χρόνου καθώς και την ύπαρξη ή έλλειψη νέων επιστημονικών ανακαλύψεων και τεχνολογικών εφαρμογών. Η μελέτη εστιάζεται αρχικά στην διαδρομή του βιβλίου από την πρώτη μορφή του έως τα πρώτα σχολικά εγχειρίδια και περιγράφει τις πολιτικές, που εφαρμόστηκαν για τα σχολικά εγχειρίδια, από την ίδρυση του ελληνικού κράτους μέχρι σήμερα. Αναφέρεται στους κυριότερους σταθμούς της διδασκαλίας των Φυσικών Επιστημών στην Ελλάδα. Εξετάζει την παρουσία του μαθήματος των Φυσικών Επιστημών στα προγράμματα της στοιχειώδους εκπαίδευσης στην Ελλάδα και παραθέτει τα σχολικά βιβλία των Φυσικών Επιστημών, που διαμόρφωσαν ιστορικά την πορεία των Φ.Ε στον ελληνικό χώρο αρχικά και στο ελληνικό κράτος αργότερα. Μέσα από τη μελέτη φάνηκε ότι κατά την περίοδο 1969-2012 τα σχολικά εγχειρίδια Φυσικών Επιστημών των δύο τελευταίων τάξεων του Δημοτικού Σχολείου της περιόδου 1969-2012 παρέχουν επιστημονικό περιεχόμενο στους τομείς της Διαδικασίας της επιστήμης, της Χημείας, της Φυσικής, της Γεωλογίας, της Βιολογίας, των τεχνολογικών εφαρμογών, με περιορισμένες ιστορικές αναφορές και με ελάχιστα κοινωνικοοικονομικά θέματα. Καταγράφηκαν 2170 επιστημονικά θέματα, τα οποία εντάχθηκαν σε 29 υποκατηγορίες. Στο πέρασμα των χρόνων το περιεχόμενο των εγχειριδίων μεταβάλλεται, διατηρώντας όμως στοιχεία παραδοσιακού κλασικού επιστημονικού περιεχομένου. Το επιστημονικό περιεχόμενο της Φυσικής και της Βιολογίας έχει τις μικρότερες μεταβολές με την πάροδο του χρόνου και είναι το κυρίαρχο περιεχόμενο στην πλειοψηφία των εξεταζόμενων εγχειριδίων. Η Χημεία παρουσιάζει σημαντικές μειώσεις με το πέρασμα του χρόνου, ενώ η Γεωλογία ελαττώνεται σταδιακά και τείνει να εκλείψει στα εγχειρίδια της δεκαετίας του 2000 και μετά. Από τις τεχνολογικές εφαρμογές που παρουσιάζονται μόνο έντεκα χαρακτηρίζονται ως οι σημαντικότερες τεχνολογικές εφαρμογές μετά τη χρονιά 1950.Η παρούσα μελέτη αποσκοπεί στην αξιοποίησή της από την εκπαιδευτική κοινότητα ώστε με τον τρόπο της να συμβάλλει τόσο στη διαμόρφωση του περιεχομένου των Αναλυτικών Προγραμμάτων και σχολικών εγχειριδίων Φ.Ε, όσο και στην καθημερινή πρακτική της διδασκαλίας των Φυσικών Επιστημών στην υποχρεωτική εκπαίδευση.
A passive optical network based system for a new generation timing, trigger and control system in high energy physics experiments
Authors: Κολοτούρος Δημήτριος-Μάριος
Published: May 2022

Το υπάρχον σύστημα συγχρονισμού, σκανδαλισμού και ελέγχου, γνωστό και ως Timing, Trigger and Control (TTC) που λειτουργεί στο Μεγάλο Αδρονικό Επιταχυντή του CERN είναι ένα παθητικό οπτικό δίκτυο μίας κατεύθυνσης. Αυτό έχει ως αποτέλεσμα τη μη ύπαρξη επιβεβαίωσης για τις εντολές που αποστέλλονται. Έχει πολύ χαμηλό εύρος ζώνης (40 Mbps) και επίσης κάποιες ελλείψεις όπως για παράδειγμα το Dynamic Software Partitioning λόγω σχεδιασμού. Ο σχεδιασμός του βασίζεται σε Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) και οπτικούς πομποδέκτες από τα μέσα της δεκαετίας το 1990. Αν και αποτελεσματικά ακόμη, θεωρούνται παραχωρημένης τεχνολογίας. Παράλληλα το διαθέσιμα αποθέματα έχουν μειωθεί αισθητά. Για το λόγο αυτό τέθηκε το ζήτημα της αναβάθμισης του συστήματος με τη βασική προϋπόθεση ότι θα χρησιμοποιεί το υπάρχον δίκτυο οπτικών ινών, θα είναι πλήρως αμφίδρομο, με υψηλό εύρος ζώνης και δυνατότητα.
Archäozoologische Untersuchungen der Tierknochen aus der Benutzungsschicht der Fachwerkphase
Authors: Marti-Grädel Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Die 1186 Tierknochenfunde aus der spätrömischen Phase der Fundstelle Martinsgasse 6+8 auf dem Basler Münsterhügel stammen hauptsächlich von Haustieren. Wildtiere sind unter den bestimmbaren Haus- und Wildtierknochen mit einem Anteil von 2,5 % (Fragmentzahlen) bzw. 2 % (Knochengewicht) vertreten.

Aufgrund der Fragmentierung der Knochen sowie des Nachweises von Schlacht- und Zerlegungsspuren handelt es sich um gewöhnliche Schlacht- und Speisereste. Ganze Skelette oder Teilskelette, die Hinweise auf die Niederlegung von ganzen Tierkörpern oder grösseren Teilen geben würden, wurden nicht beobachtet.
A qualitative study of sexual violence and attribution of responsibility in Georgian youth
Authors: Mchedlishvili Natalia , Zhghenti Nino
Published: May 2022

Background: Sexual violence is a complex and pressing social issue that needs urgent solutions. Republic of Georgia is one of those countries where despite some advancements in law and practice, patriarchal beliefs and behaviour patterns still prevail in a daily life. So far, there has not been undertaken an in-depth study on how Georgians and particularly youth, define sexual violence and what are the justifications behind these views. The aim of the research is to understand how Georgian students understand sexual violence, who they think are responsible for sexual violence and what are the underlying reasons behind those views.

Method: In total, 37 in-depth interviews have been conducted with Georgian students, from September of 2019 to March of 2021. The study participants were recruited from different universities, including the two biggest cities of Georgia - Tbilisi and Batumi.  

Results: The research revealed that understanding of sexual violence is far more complex than it was expected. Georgian students define sexual violence as a broad category where sexual harassment and sexual coercion have overlapping and at the same time independent meaning. Interpretation and attribution of responsibility in all three categories are dependent on situations and context that contain not only physical violence but also inappropriate touch, insistent gaze, comments about body parts, sexist insults and discrimination, messages of sexual content, psychological pressure and blackmailing. Attribution of responsibility was equally dependent on personal judgements as well as culturally determined stereotypes.

Conclusion: Sexual violence is not a new phenomenon in Georgia, but its consideration as a social problem is. The research demonstrated that understanding and judgment on sexual violence, sexual harassment and sexual coercion is nuanced issue and still needs clear categories of definitions.
Acute Kidney Injury associated with "Triple whammy" combination: a protocol for a systematic review.
Authors: Calvo Barbado Dulce Maria , Saiz Fernández Luis Carlos , Leache Alegría Leire , Celaya Lecea Maria Concepción , Gutiérrez-Valencia. Marta
Published: May 2022

Background: “Triple whammy” (TW) refers to the simultaneous use of diuretics, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To date, the risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) associated to this combination has not been deeply investigated. The objectives are to analyze the incidence of AKI associated to the exposure to “triple whammy” including all NSAIDs versus non-exposure to this combination. Secondarily, the risk of hospitalization, severe adverse events, requirement of renal replacement therapy and mortality will be assessed. Also, the incidence of AKI associated to the exposure to “triple whammy” versus non-exposure will be analyzed, including only metamizole as NSAID.  

Methods: A systematic literature search of intervention studies and analytical observational studies will be conducted in the Cochrane Library, Medline and EMBASE, among others. AKI 12 months after the last prescription of the triple combination will be the main outcome. Relative frequencies, risk of bias and certainty of evidence will be analyzed. Additionally, sensitivity and subgroup analyses will be performed.  

Results: Once this systematic review has been completed, the results are expected to provide an estimate of the risk associated with this triple combination and the renal variables, in addition to new guidance on the renal treatment of patients potentially receiving triple therapy. 

Conclusions: This is intended to be the first systematic review of observational studies to analyse TW combination and AKI's risk based on well-validated epidemiological databases exploring drug safety issues.
Implementation and assessment of an end-to-end Open Science & Data Collaborations program
Authors: Wang Huajin , Gainey Melanie , Campbell Patrick , Young Sarah , Behrman Katie
Published: May 2022

As research becomes more interdisciplinary, fast-paced, data-intensive, and collaborative, there is an increasing need to share data and other research products in accordance with Open Science principles. In response to this need, we created an Open Science & Data Collaborations (OSDC) program at the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries that provides Open Science tools, training, collaboration opportunities, and community-building events to support Open Research and Open Science adoption. This program presents a unique end-to-end model for Open Science programs because it extends open science support beyond open repositories and open access publishing to the entire research lifecycle. We developed a logic model and a preliminary assessment metrics framework to evaluate the impact of the program activities based on existing data collected through event and workshop registrations and platform usage. The combination of these evaluation instruments has provided initial insight into our service productivity and impact. It will further help to answer more in-depth questions regarding the program impact, launch targeted surveys, and identify priority service areas and interesting Open Science projects.
Crisis-management, Anti-stigma, and Mental Health Literacy Program for University Students (CAMPUS): A preliminary evaluation of suicide prevention
Authors: Takahashi Asumi , Tachikawa Hirokazu , Takayashiki Ayumi , Maeno Takami , Shiratori Yuki , Matsuzaki Asaki , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: May 2022

Background: University students have specific risk factors for suicide, necessitating targeted prevention programs. This preliminary study evaluated the efficacy of the Crisis-management, Anti-stigma, Mental health literacy Program for University Students (CAMPUS) for reduction of risk factors and promotion of preventative behaviors.

Methods: A total of 136 medical students attended the CAMPUS as a required course at the national university in Japan. The CAMPUS consisted of a lecture and two group sessions covering mental health literacy, self-stigma, and gatekeeper efficacy (e.g., identifying and helping at-risk individuals). The students were asked to role-play based on a movie about gatekeepers and scripts about self-stigma and suicide-related issues. Participants completed questionnaires on suicidal thoughts, depression, help-seeking intentions, self-efficacy as gatekeepers, self-concealment, and self-acceptance. A total of 121 students completed the questionnaires pre- and post-program, and 107 students also responded six months later.

Results: Students demonstrated significantly reduced overall suicide thoughts six months post-program compared to before the program. In addition, gatekeeper self-efficacy, help-seeking intentions for formal resources, and self-acceptance were improved in the students six month after the program.

Conclusions: The CAMPUS suggested effective at reducing suicidal people and promoting preventative psychological tendencies among medial students. This study was a one-group pre post design study without control group. The CAMPUS program was delivered as a mandatory requirement to a group with relatively low suicide risk. Further studies are required to assess its suitability for the general university student population.
Modelling sociodemographic factors that affect malaria prevalence in Sussundenga, Mozambique: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Ferrao Joao , Earland Dominique , Novela Anisio , Mendes Roberto , Ballat Marcos , Tungadza Alberto , Searle Kelly
Published: May 2022

Background: Malaria is still one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Mozambique with little progress in malaria control over the past 20 years. Sussundenga is one of most affected areas. Malaria transmission has a strong association with environmental and sociodemographic factors. The knowledge of sociodemographic factors that affects malaria, may be used to improve the strategic planning for its control. Currently such studies have not been performed in Sussundenga. Thus, the objective of this study is to model the relationship between malaria and sociodemographic factors in Sussundenga, Mozambique.

Methods: Houses in the study area were digitalized and enumerated using Google Earth Pro version 7.3. In this study 100 houses were randomly selected to conduct a community survey of Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence using rapid diagnostic test (RDT). During the survey, a questionnaire was conducted to assess the sociodemographic factors of the participants. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and backward stepwise logistic regression was performed establishing a relationship between positive cases and the factors. The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 package.

Results: The overall P. falciparum prevalence was 31.6%. Half of the malaria positive cases occurred in age group 5 to 14 years. Previous malaria treatment, population density and age group were significant predictors for the model. The model explained 13.5% of the variance in malaria positive cases and sensitivity of the final model was 73.3%.

Conclusion: In this area the highest burden of P. falciparum infection was among those aged 5–14 years old. Malaria infection was related to sociodemographic factors. Targeting malaria control at community level can combat the disease more effectively than waiting for cases at health centers. These finding can be used to guide more effective interventions in this region.
The impact of surveillance and other factors on detection of emergent and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses
Authors: Auzenbergs Megan , Fountain Holly , Macklin Grace , Lyons Hil , O'Reilly Kathleen M
Published: May 2022

Background: Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks remain a threat to polio eradication. To reduce cases of polio from cVDPV of serotype 2, the serotype 2 component of the vaccine has been removed from the global vaccine supply, but outbreaks of cVDPV2 have continued. The objective of this work is to understand the factors associated with later detection in order to improve detection of these unwanted events.

Methods: The number of nucleotide differences between each cVDPV outbreak and the oral polio vaccine (OPV) strain was used to approximate the time from emergence to detection. Only independent emergences were included in the analysis. Variables such as serotype, surveillance quality, and World Health Organization (WHO) region were tested in a negative binomial regression model to ascertain whether these variables were associated with higher nucleotide differences upon detection.

Results: In total, 74 outbreaks were analysed from 24 countries between 2004-2019. For serotype 1 (n=10), the median time from seeding until outbreak detection was 284 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 284-2008) days, for serotype 2 (n=59), 276 (95% UI 172-765) days, and for serotype 3 (n=5), 472 (95% UI 392-603) days. Significant improvement in the time to detection was found with increasing surveillance of non-polio acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and adequate stool collection.

Conclusions: cVDPVs remain a risk; all WHO regions have reported at least one VDPV outbreak since the first outbreak in 2000 and outbreak response campaigns using monovalent OPV type 2 risk seeding future outbreaks. Maintaining surveillance for poliomyelitis after local elimination is essential to quickly respond to both emergence of VDPVs and potential importations as low-quality AFP surveillance causes outbreaks to continue undetected. Considerable variation in the time between emergence and detection of VDPVs were apparent, and other than surveillance quality and inclusion of environmental surveillance, the reasons for this remain unclear.
The Ring Fencing Mechanism: a case study of innovative self-financing approach for energy efficiency upgrades
Authors: Agrawal Ruchi , De Tommasi Luciano , Lyons Padraig
Published: May 2022

This paper introduces an enhanced energy auditing process including a ring-fencing mechanism for the selection of energy efficiency measures considering a multi-stage planning of the energy retrofitting project. The proposed ring-fencing approach enables SMEs to overcome the barrier of lack of capital for the implementation of energy efficiency measures by implementing first no-cost measures and only after that energy savings are accumulated considering the installation of low-cost, medium-cost and finally high-cost measures. The advantages of the proposed methodology are illustrated by means of three case studies, where a variety of energy efficiency measures were first identified throughout the auditing process involving three different SMEs, then most effective measures were selected and scheduled to be implemented according to a multi-annual plan while considering budget and operational constraints. The results of the pilot studies show that the business owners have improved their decision-making with respect to energy efficiency upgrades by engaging in the auditing process and accepting the recommendations about the suggested interventions to maximize financial (and environmental) benefits.
Team Diversity and Incentives
Authors: Imhof Lorens A. , Kräkel Matthias
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes how the degree of task-related team diversity influences the team outcome. The focus is on a novel benefit of team diversity that does not depend on complementary skills or mutual learning. We consider a multiagent setting where the employer makes use of career competition to motivate the team. Our analysis reveals incentive effects that do not exist in the well-studied case of teams of size 2. In teams with more than two members, diversity may have a positive effect on the efforts of some members although diversity leads to unbalanced career competition. As a consequence, expected profits are higher under a moderate degree of diversity compared with a situation with completely homogeneous agents. This result shows that the employer prefers a positive degree of diversity for pure incentive reasons.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Funding: This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grants EXC 2126/1–390838866 and EXC-2047/1–390685813].
Newton-ADE-FDTD Method for Oblique Incident Magnetized Time-varying Plasma
Authors: Liu Hui , Yang Li-Xia , Chen Wei , Bobio Yong
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the Newtonian equation of motion describing the movement of electrons when electromagnetic waves propagate in a magnetized plasma is combined with the traditional auxiliary differential equation finite difference time domain (ADE-FDTD) method. The FDTD iterative formulas of transverse magnetic (TM) wave and transverse electric (TE) wave of the electromagnetic wave obliquely incident on the magnetized time-varying plasma plate are derived. The biggest difference between this method and the ordinary ADE-FDTD algorithm is the addition of the logarithmic derivative of the time-varying plasma electron density to calculate the current density, which is called the Newton-ADE-FDTD method. Through Example 1, the reflection coefficient of electromagnetic wave incident on the magnetization time-varying plasma plate was calculated, and the correctness of the improved algorithm was verified. At the same time, the Newton-ADE-FDTD algorithm is used to calculate the reflection coefficient of electromagnetic waves incident on the magnetized plasma-dielectric photonic crystal. The results show that different incident angles have a greater impact on the reflection coefficients of left-handed circularly polarized wave (LCP) and right-handed circularly polarizedwave (RCP).
A Broadband Dual-Polarized Magneto-Electric Dipole Antenna Element for Low-Frequency Astronomical Arrays
Authors: Murugesan Akila , Natarajan Divya , Abishek S. , Lingasamy V , K Hariharan , Selvan Krishnasamy T.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents simulation-based design and analysis of a broadband dual-polarized magneto-electric dipole antenna element that can be used to construct VHF astronomical antenna arrays. The antenna consists of two pairs of radiating structures, each fed by a Γ-shaped feeding section. The feeding section and radiating parts are physically disconnected from each other. The antenna is evaluated by simulation, and its −10 dB impedance matching bandwidth ranges from 115 to 340 MHz. The maximum gain of the antenna is about 8 dB over the operating range. Isolation of about 20 dB is observed between the two input ports.
Research and Design of Radar System for Respiratory and Heartbeat Signal Detection
Authors: Xia Ziliang , Wang Xinhuai , Li Xin , Xu Yin
Published: May 2022

The respiratory and heartbeat signals can accurately reflect the health status of the tester, which is of great clinical significance. Compared with the traditional contact detection method, the non-contact radar detection method does not require the tester to wear any sensor equipment and will not cause any discomfort to the tester. The frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar has the characteristics of simple structure, high resolution, strong stability, and low transmission power and is used for the detection of respiratory and heartbeat signals. This paper designs a low-power, low-cost respiratory, and heartbeat signal detection system based on FMCW radar. In addition, the variational modal decomposition (VMD) method is used to separate respiration and heartbeat signals to obtain accurate respiration and heartbeat rates. The results show that the radar system for detecting respiratory and heartbeat signals has high detection accuracy.
The Comparison of EMF Monitoring Campaigns in Vicinity of Power Distribution Facilities
Authors: Nedic Goran S. , Djuric Nikola M. , Kljajic Dragan R.
Published: May 2022

Monitoring of electromagnetic field (EMF) near power distribution facilities, both in the low- and the high-frequency ranges, has become highly demanded in recent years. The reason lies in the accumulated concerns on public health, which is mostly caused by the evolution of electric power and communication infrastructure, in and around the power substations, as well as their closeness to residential areas. In this paper, the initial comparative analysis of the EMF monitoring results of three one-day campaigns, in 2015, 2018 and 2020, performed in the vicinity of the Serbian high-power distribution substation “Novi Sad 7”, is presented. The overall EMF levels in all campaigns comply with the reference levels prescribed by the Serbian legislation, including some new EMF sources which were detected in 2018 and 2020. Likewise, the used continuous monitoring has demonstrated suitability to systematically address EMF fluctuation on daily basis, as well as corresponding concerns on EMF exposure.
Highly improved side mode suppression ratio and a low phase noise optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Wang Yalan , Lin Chengji , Li Xiang , Zhang Jin , Wang Anle , Zhang Depei , Du Shirui , Peng Xiaoniu
Published: May 2022

By adopting self-injection locking (SIL) technology in an external injection locking (EIL) optoelectronic oscillator (OEO), a highly improved side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) and low phase noise microwave signal generator is designed. The EIL ranging is closely related to the frequency spacing ranging of the free-running OEO, which is the reverse of the oscillation loop length, and limits the phase noise performance. Here SIL technology is introduced to significantly increase the Q-factor of the OEO without degrading the SMSR by setting the longer loop without oscillation. Both the simulation and experimental results are carried out to confirm the conclusion. Additionally, an SMSR up to 86 dB and phase noises as low as

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, respectively, are demonstrated. Furthermore, the frequency overlapping Allan deviation of the proposed OEO scheme is also enhanced by

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times, which benefits from the external injection technology compared with the free-running OEO. In addition, the SMSR and phase noise modification dependence on the fiber length, the RF source quality and external injection power, as well as the frequency tunability, are detailed and discussed to reveal the compatibility combination mechanism of the EIL and the SIL.
Passivation of black phosphorus nanoflakes embedded in a silica glass matrix affords ambient saturable absorption stability enhancement
Authors: Ma Xueting , Liu Jialiang , Zheng Chan , Huang Li , Li Wei , Cai Shuguang , Xiao Xueqing
Published: May 2022

Black phosphorus (BP) is a graphene analogue with ultrafast broadband nonlinear optical properties that make it a promising nanomaterial for saturable absorption. However, BP nanoflakes chemically degrade in ambient conditions. We developed air- and photo-stable BP nanoflakes via incorporation in inorganic-organic hybrid matrices. This realized passivation and materialization through a sol-gel method that produced high-quality, transparent bulk materials. Saturable absorption parameters of the passivated BP were maintained after five months in ambient storage and after 8000 300 µJ nanosecond laser shots. The nonlinear absorption coefficient was still 62% after 12 months in open air, which was higher than that for non-passivated BP after three days. The stability was attributed to dense silica-gel glasses that enveloped the BP, essentially eliminating oxygen and water penetration. The simplicity of this approach may stimulate potential applications for environmentally sensitive high-performance solid-state devices.
Broadband tunable coding metasurfaces based on a metal patch and graphene for beam control at the terahertz frequencies
Authors: Ge Panpeng , Zhang Ying , Xiao Lihua , Xiao Binggang
Published: May 2022

We present a broadband tunable coding metasurfaces structure using a cruciate metal patch and circular graphene on a multilayer substrate. By changing the Fermi level of the graphene, we can achieve obvious reflection phase variation to design multi-bit coding metasurfaces. In the research of 1-bit coding metasurfaces, we combine the advantages of graphene and copper to realize the real-time adjustment of the reflected waves in four broadband frequency bands. In this case, we can control the number of far-field reflected waves in the frequency range of 5.45–6.45 THz. Then, we create 2-bit and 3-bit coding modes on the basis of 1-bit coding metasurfaces to obtain a single beam of reflected waves. Finally, we use the convolution calculation to realize the real-time adjustment of the single beam reflection direction from 0° to 360° in the azimuthal plane. Research of the 2-bit and 3-bit coding modes also provides a way to control the number and direction of the reflected beam, specifically in the 1-bit coding mode. The present coding metasurfaces structure provides inspiration for the design of functional devices in future-oriented intelligent communication.
High-throughput multi-resolution foveated laparoscope for minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Katz Jeremy I. , Hua Hong
Published: May 2022

Feasibility and clinical utility of a multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) was previously tested in a porcine surgical study. The study revealed several clinical limitations of the system including moisture proofing, working distance, image quality, low light performance, color accuracy, size, and weight. In this paper, we discuss the root causes of these limitations and strategies to correct them, present the design and prototyping of a new high throughput multi resolution foveated laparoscope (HT-MRFL), and demonstrate the HT-MRFL prototype performance in comparison to the MRFL and simulated performance metrics.
High-precision automatic centering method for aspheric optical elements based on machine vision
Authors: Wang Fanyi , Yang Yongying
Published: May 2022

In the machine vision inspection of large-aperture aspheric optical components, the limited field of view and micron-level detection accuracy requirements make sub-aperture scanning imaging indispensable. High-precision scanning depends on the alignment of the spin axis of the mechanical system and the optical axis of the component, so the component needs to be centered before scanning. In view of this problem, this paper proposes a high-precision automatic centering method (HPACM) for rotationally symmetric aspheric optical elements based on machine vision. The goal is to adjust two reference points on the optical axis to the mechanical spin axis, which are the sphere center of the upper surface vertex and the sphere center of the lower surface vertex imaged by the upper surface of the element respectively. Adjust the first point to the spin axis is the Eccentric Error Correction (EEC), and then adjust the second point to the spin axis is the tilt error correction (TEC). In EEC and TEC, the component rotates one circle around the spin axis. If there exists eccentric or tilt error, the crosshair on the image plane will move along a circular trajectory which center on the spin axis. Then use pixel coordinates of crosshair center extraction algorithm (PCCEA) to extract the pixel coordinates of the centers of the crosshair images during the circular motion, and apply the least squares circle fitting algorithm to obtain the trajectory circle of the crosshair centers. The center of the crosshair and the center of the track circle on the image plane correspond to the sphere center of the surface vertex and a point on the spin axis of the object side respectively, and the relative positions of these two points on the image plane can be converted to the object side according to the system parameters. Experimental results show that the proposed HPACM can correct the eccentric and tilt error to within 7um and 0.5’.
Are return-of-service bursaries an effective investment to build health workforce capacity? A qualitative study of key South African policymakers
Authors: Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A. , Durbach Andrea , Chitha Wezile W. , Angell Blake , Joshi Rohina
Published: May 2022

Return-of-service schemes (RoS) or bursaries are used in South Africa and other nations to publicly fund the training of skilled health professionals in return for the beneficiary agreeing to return to serve in their local provinces on a year-for-year basis. This study aimed to understand insights of key policymakers in South African provinces to identify barriers and solutions to implementation of RoS schemes used to recruit and retain skilled health professionals. This research draws on the insights of 16 key South African policymakers from eight of its nine provinces through semi-structured, qualitative interviews. The respondents were interviewed through Microsoft Teams virtual platform, either in pairs (ten) or as individuals (six). Data were analysed using inductive, thematic analysis in NVIVO. The study was reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Respondents reported that the schemes had resulted in an increase in the number of skilled health professionals and had provided opportunities for study and employment for previously marginalised groups. Formal evaluations of the impact of the schemes were not reported, however, a number of shortcomings with current schemes were identified that were likely limiting their effectiveness. Respondents reported a lack of foresight in the scheme implementation including a bias in the selection of beneficiaries towards medical professionals at the expense of other health workers. Furthermore, failure to plan for practice location when beneficiaries finished training limited the capacity of the schemes to meet the needs of local populations. Monitoring of recipients was limited by loopholes in contract design, decision-making and poor coordination between departments. Between 1 and 30% of beneficiaries were reported to default their contracts with some not completing their studies, some not returning after completing their internship and others terminating their services before concluding their contracts. Return-of-service schemes have helped in overcoming health professional shortages. However, they haven’t been formally evaluated. Several planning and implementation shortcomings were identified which can be improved to enhance access to healthcare in South Africa.
Staff perspectives on the impact of COVID 19 on the delivery of specialist domestic abuse services in the UK: A qualitative study
Authors: Riddell Helen , Haighton Catherine
Published: May 2022

Domestic abuse is a significant public health issue effecting 2.4 million adults in England and Wales each year. In March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic following the outbreak of COVID-19. As a result, the UK moved to a period of lockdown. There is growing evidence that highlights the unintended negative consequences of lockdown, particularly in households where abuse is present. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of frontline specialist domestic abuse staff who continued to support victims during the period of lockdown to understand the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery. Ten, one to one, semi structured qualitative interviews were carried out with staff from a specialist domestic abuse service that operates in regions across the north-east of England. All participants had been involved in service delivery for a minimum of 12 months prior to March 2020 and had continued to deliver services throughout the UK initial lockdown period between March and July 2020. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, anonymised, then subjected to thematic analysis. Six themes were developed from the data covering: emergency support for victims; wider service efficiencies; victim safety; group work versus one-to-one support; criminal and family courts; and workforce development. While lockdown resulted in increased levels and severity of referrals, the switch to remote working brought a range of service efficiencies including time and money saved by negating the need to travel. Remote working also enhanced support offered to male victims and those with mental health issues but not those in rural locations with poor connectivity and those effected by the digital divide. Services should not underestimate the long-term benefits of peer support both to clients and staffs.
Perceived stress, stigma, and social support among Nepali health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey
Authors: Giri Lok Mani , Paudel Kiran , Bhusal Sandesh , Adhikari Tara Ballav , Gulis Gabriel
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense psychological distress among Health Care Workers (HCWs). HCWs have been stigmatized by people at their workplace and community, fearing that health care workers are the sources of spreading the virus. This study aimed to assess the perceived stress, stigma, and social support of Nepali health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 Nepali HCWs. Perceived stress was measured using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The questionnaire related to stigma was derived from a study conducted to measure stigma among HCWs during the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak. Furthermore, perceived social support was measured by Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3). Associated factors were examined using Chi-square tests followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses at the significance level of 0.05. This study illustrated that nearly half (44.2%) of the respondents perceived poor social support. Similarly, almost 3% of the HCWs experienced high perceived stress, whereas 87.6% perceived moderate stress, and 35% of the HCWs felt stigmatized. Nepali healthcare workers experienced perceived stress, social stigma, and social support in various severity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 emergency is emotionally difficult and where psychological distress can jeopardize outcomes and affect work performance. Appropriate psychological interventions are needed to promote the mental well-being of the healthcare workers.
Intracoronary pharmacological therapy versus aspiration thrombectomy in STEMI (IPAT-STEMI): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Kaddoura Rasha , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Izham , Al-Badriyeh Daoud , Omar Amr , Al-Kindi Fahad , Arabi Abdul Rahman
Published: May 2022

Background

Thrombus load in STEMI patients remains a challenge in practice. It aggravates coronary obstruction leading to impaired myocardial perfusion, worsened cardiac function, and adverse clinical outcomes. Various strategies have been advocated to reduce thrombus burden.

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intracoronary-administered thrombolytics or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) in comparison with aspiration thrombectomy (AT) as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search for randomized trials that compared intracoronary-administered thrombolytics or GPI with AT in STEMI patients who underwent PCI, was conducted using various databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRALE). Primary outcome was procedural measures (e.g., TIMI flow grade 3, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) 3, Myocardial blush grade (MBG) 2/3, ST-segment resolution (STR)).

Results

Twelve randomized trials enrolled 1,466 patients: 696 were randomized to intracoronary-administered pharmacological interventions and 553 to AT. Patients randomized to PCI alone were excluded. Thrombolytics significantly improved TIMI flow grade 3 (odds ratio = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.85–7.45), complete STR (odds ratio = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.60–8.26), and TMPG 3 (odds ratio = 5.31, 95% CI: 2.48–11.36). Thrombolytics significantly reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13–0.65) without increasing bleeding risk. Trial sequential analysis assessment confirmed the superiority of thrombolytics for the primary outcome. Intracoronary GPI, either alone or combined with AT, did not improve procedural or clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Compared with AT, intracoronary-administered thrombolytics significantly improved myocardial perfusion and MACE in STEMI patients.
And the credit goes to … - Ghost and honorary authorship among social scientists
Authors: Pruschak Gernot , Hopp Christian
Published: May 2022

The proliferation of team-authored academic work has led to the proliferation of two kinds of authorship misconduct: ghost authorship, in which contributors are not listed as authors and honorary authorship, in which non-contributors are listed as authors. Drawing on data from a survey of 2,222 social scientists from around the globe, we study the prevalence of authorship misconduct in the social sciences. Our results show that ghost and honorary authorship occur frequently here and may be driven by social scientists’ misconceptions about authorship criteria. Our results show that they frequently deviate from a common point of authorship reference (the ICMJE authorship criteria). On the one hand, they tend to award authorship more broadly to more junior scholars, while on the other hand, they may withhold authorship from senior scholars if those are engaged in collaborations with junior scholars. Authorship misattribution, even if it is based on a misunderstanding of authorship criteria rather than egregious misconduct, alters academic rankings and may constitute a threat to the integrity of science. Based on our findings, we call for journals to implement contribution disclosures and to define authorship criteria more explicitly to guide and inform researchers as to what constitutes authorship in the social sciences. Our results also hold implications for research institutions, universities, and publishers to move beyond authorship-based citation and publication rankings in hiring and tenure processes and instead to focus explicitly on contributions in team-authored publications.
Strategies for formula constant optimisation for intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter
Published: May 2022

Background

To investigate modern nonlinear iterative strategies for formula constant optimisation and show the application and results from a large dataset using a set of disclosed theoretical-optical lens power calculation concepts.

Methods

Nonlinear iterative optimisation algorithms were implemented for optimising the root mean squared (SoSPE), the mean absolute (SoAPE), the mean (MPE), the standard deviation (SDPE), the median (MEDPE), as well as the 90% confidence interval (CLPE) of the prediction error (PE), defined as the difference between postoperative achieved and formula predicted spherical equivalent power of refraction. Optimisation was performed using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (SoSPE and SoAPE) or the interior point method (MPE, SDPE, MEDPE, CLPE) for the SRKT, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Haigis, and Castrop formulae. The results were based on a dataset of measurements made on 888 eyes after implantation of an aspherical hydrophobic monofocal intraocular lens (Vivinex, Hoya).

Results

For all formulae and all optimisation metrics, the iterative algorithms showed a fast and stable convergence after a couple of iterations. The results prove that with optimisation for SoSPE, SoAPE, MPE, SDPE, MEDPE, and CLPE the root mean squared PE, mean absolute PE, mean PE, standard deviation of PE, median PE, and confidence interval of PE could be minimised in all situations. The results in terms of cumulative distribution function are quite coherent with optimisation for SoSPE, SoAPE, MPE and MEDPE, whereas with optimisation for SDPE and CLPE the standard deviation and confidence interval of the PE distribution could only be minimised at the cost of a systematic offset in mean and median PE.

Conclusion

Nonlinear iterative techniques are capable of minimising any statistical metrics (e.g. root mean squared or mean absolute error) of any target parameter (e.g. PE). These optimisation strategies are an important step towards optimising for the target parameters which are used for evaluating the performance of lens power calculation formulae.
Burnout among pharmacy professionals in Qatar: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Eltorki Yassin , Abdallah Oraib , Riaz Sadaf , Mahmoud Sara , Saad Mohamed , Ez-Eldeen Nosyba , Ashraf AbdulAhad , Al-Hamoud Eman , Al-Khuzaei Noriya , Ghuloum Suhaila
Published: May 2022

Background

Pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities have expanded in the modern pharmacy profession, and the expectations from pharmacists have increased. This has been associated with new psychological challenges and emotional stress that can induce burnout.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and factors associated with burnout among pharmacy professionals in the healthcare system in Qatar.

Methods

This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 pharmacy professionals within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. Convenience sampling was followed. The survey utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Toolkit™ for Medical Personnel and a modified version of the Astudillo and Mendinueta questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 16 for Windows and SAS Studio 3.8 (Enterprise Edition). P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

One hundred ninety-four pharmacy professionals (23%) responded to the survey. The prevalence of burnout was 19.7% [95% Confidence interval (CI); 13.8% - 26.8%] among 142 respondents who completed MBI questionnaire and 17.3% [95% CI; 11.7%-24.2%] among 139 respondents who completed Astudillo Mendinueta questionnaire. The most commonly reported factors that may lead to burnout were: tension and lack of organization in teamwork (59.6%), lack of recognition of or indifference to effort from patients, superiors, and colleagues (58.2%), and demanding and challenging patients and family members (56.7%). Multiple regression analysis showed that overtime working hours per month is independently associated with a higher risk of burnout [odds ratio (OR), 1.57; 95% CI, 1.15–2.14 for each 10-hours increase in monthly overtime, P = 0.005], while non-Arab ethnicity is associated with lower risk of burnout [OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.1–0.75; P = 0.012].

Conclusions

There is a relatively low prevalence of burnout syndrome among health-system pharmacy professionals in Qatar. Overtime working hours and Arab ethnicity are independently associated with burnout.