bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behind male Saudi nursing students’ mental health facade: a husserlian phenomenological approach
Authors: Balay-odao Ejercito Mangawa , Alquwez Nahed , Al Thobaity Abdulellah , Al Otaibi Khalaf , Alsakran Yousef Ali Abdulrahman , Cruz Jonas Preposi
Published: December 2021

Background

Every person has a persona (or mask) which is the façade that every person shows to the world. Thus, males use façade to reveal or conceal their true feelings and emotions. Also, the male uses mental health façade to protect themselves from prejudice and judgment. Thus, the study aimed to explore the experiences of male Saudi nursing students of mental health.

Method

Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology was used as a guiding lens to explore. Eleven participants were involved in the study by using the referral sampling technique. An unstructured interview was performed to gather information from the participants. The seven steps of the descriptive Colaizzi process were followed to investigate and examine the obtained data. The credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and reflexivity criteria were observed to ensure the rigor of the study.

Results

The findings have two major themes. The first theme is the unadulterated smile that describes optimism in the family and mutual guarantee. The second theme is the orchestrated smile, which describes avoiding diverting burdens, social responsibility, protection of self, and reputation.

Conclusions

The findings document that the mental health façade of male Saudi nursing students is associated with the expectation of family optimism, mutual guarantee, the expectation of society, and self-protection.
Influence of genetic and environmental factors on the contents of carotenoids and phenolic acids in red pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Kim Eun-Ha , Lee Kyeong Min , Lee So-Young , Kil Mira , Kwon Oh-Hun , Lee Sang-Gu , Lee Seong-Kon , Ryu Tae-Hun , Oh Seon-Woo , Park Soo-Yun
Published: December 2021

Red pepper is enriched in antioxidant components, such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. In this study, we investigated the natural variability in the content of carotenoids and phenolic acids in 11 red pepper cultivars grown in two locations in South Korea during 2016, 2017, and 2018. Seven carotenoids and six phenolic acids, including soluble and insoluble forms, were detected in the red fruit pericarps. The major carotenoids were β-carotene (40%) and capsanthin (20%). The content of insoluble phenolic acids was higher than that of soluble phenolic acids because of the large amount of insoluble p-coumaric acid. The statistical analysis of combined data showed significant differences among varieties, locations, and years for most of the measured components. The results from variance component analysis indicated that the effects of location, year and the interaction of location and year mainly accounted for the variation in carotenoids, whereas variations in phenolic acid content were attributed to year and variety. In addition, the results of principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant showed that carotenoids were well discriminated by location and year, whereas phenolic acids were distinctively separated only by year. The data from this study could explain the natural variation in the content of carotenoids and phenolic acids in red pepper fruits by genotype and environment.
Ancient basketry on the inside: X-ray computed microtomography for the non-destructive assessment of small archaeological monocotyledonous fragments: examples from Southeast Europe
Authors: Andonova Mila
Published: December 2021

This study proposes non-destructive assessment instrumentation, the X-ray MicroCT scanning, to evaluate archaeological basketry remains prior to any destructive analysis. Three case studies are originating from two archaeological sites in Southeast Europe, with three different stages of preservation (poor, sufficient and very good). In addition, there are two preservation modes—charring and desiccation—along with two conservation situations: treated and untreated with conservation agent fragments. The three different scenarios were chosen to explore the potential range of X-ray MicroCT scanning technology when applied to monocotyledonous small-sized archaeological remains. It was proved that this non-invasive X-ray method is particularly suitable for the often-disadvantaged ancient basketry remains.
Visibility analysis of Phobos to support a science and exploration platform
Authors: Sefton-Nash Elliot , Thébault Guillaume , Witasse Olivier , Koschny Detlef , Sánchez-Cano Beatriz , Cardesín-Moinelo Alejandro
Published: December 2021

The surfaces of the Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos may offer a stable environment for long-term operation of platforms. We present a broad assessment of potential scientific investigations, as well as strategic and operational opportunities offered by long-term operation of an instrumented lander. Studies using observations of Mars’ moons, and the detailed new findings expected from the JAXA Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, International Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign and other upcoming Mars missions, provide a driver for feasibility and trade studies for follow-on missions that would build on the knowledge gain from those missions. We discuss the scientific questions and operational objectives that may be pertinent for landed platforms on the martian moons, including (1) monitoring and scientific investigations of Mars’ surface and atmosphere, (2) scientific investigations of the martian moons, (3) monitoring and scientific investigations of the space environment, (4) data relay for Mars surface assets or interplanetary missions and 5) use in a Mars navigation/positioning system. We present results from visibility calculations performed using the SPICE observation geometry system for space science missions, and a Phobos shape model. We compute as a function of location on Phobos, visibility quantities that are most relevant to science and operational objectives. These include visibility from Phobos of the Sun, Earth, Mars surface and atmosphere, Deimos, and Jupiter. We also consider occultation events by the Mars atmosphere of Earth and Deimos that may provide opportunities for radio science. Calculations are performed for a study period spanning one Mars year in a hypothetical future operational scenario (1 Jan 2030–18 Nov 2031). We combine visibility metrics to identify locations on Phobos most suitable for long-term operation of a platform. We find the Mars-facing side of Phobos, and limited areas on the leading and trailing sides, satisfy the most requirements defined for Mars and Phobos science, space environment monitoring, and data relay/navigation. We demonstrate that compliance with requirements related to visibility of Mars and its atmosphere are not mutually exclusive with those that are better satisfied on Phobos’ anti-Mars side, such as those aided by maximizing their cumulative view factor to the ecliptic plane (i.e. visibility to the Sun, Earth or outer solar system). Finally, our methodology allows to assess the extent to which combined visibility metrics can meet mission requirements. The process we describe can be used to support landing site identification and selection on planets, moons and small bodies.

Graphical Abstract
The military as a neglected pathogen transmitter, from the nineteenth century to COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Chaufan Claudia , Dutescu Ilinca A. , Fekre Hanah , Marzabadi Saba , Noh K. J.
Published: December 2021

Background

The risk of outbreaks escalating into pandemics has soared with globalization. Therefore, understanding transmission mechanisms of infectious diseases has become critical to formulating global public health policy. This systematic review assessed evidence in the medical and public health literature for the military as a disease vector.

Methods

We searched 3 electronic databases without temporal restrictions. Two researchers independently extracted study data using a standardized form. Through team discussions, studies were grouped according to their type of transmission mechanism and direct quotes were extracted to generate themes and sub-themes. A content analysis was later performed and frequency distributions for each theme were generated.

Results

Of 6477 studies, 210 met our inclusion criteria and provided evidence, spanning over two centuries (1810–2020), for the military as a pathogen transmitter, within itself or between it and civilians. Biological mechanisms driving transmission included person-to-person transmission, contaminated food and water, vector-borne, and airborne routes. Contaminated food and/or water were the most common biological transmission route. Social mechanisms facilitating transmission included crowded living spaces, unhygienic conditions, strenuous working, training conditions, absent or inadequate vaccination programs, pressure from military leadership, poor compliance with public health advice, contractor mismanagement, high-risk behaviours, and occupation-specific freedom of movement. Living conditions were the most common social transmission mechanism, with young, low ranking military personnel repeatedly reported as the most affected group. Selected social mechanisms, such as employment-related freedom of movement, were unique to the military as a social institution. While few studies explicitly studied civilian populations, considerably more contained information that implied that civilians were likely impacted by outbreaks described in the military.

Conclusions

This study identified features of the military that pose a significant threat to global health, especially to civilian health in countries with substantial military presence or underdeveloped health systems. While biological transmission mechanisms are shared by other social groups, selected social transmission mechanisms are unique to the military. As an increasingly interconnected world faces the challenges of COVID-19 and future infectious diseases, the identified features of the military may exacerbate current and similar challenges and impair attempts to implement successful and equitable global public health policies.
Adrenal Insufficiency: Investigating Prevalence and Healthcare Utilization Using Administrative Data
Authors: Sekhon Sarpreet S , Crick Katelynn , Myroniuk Tyler W , Hamming Kevin S C , Ghosh Mahua , Campbell-Scherer Denise , Yeung Roseanne O
Published: December 2021

Context

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is an uncommon, life-threatening disorder requiring lifelong treatment with steroid therapy and special attention to prevent adrenal crisis. Little is known about the prevalence of AI in Canada or healthcare utilization rates by these patients.

Objective

We aimed to assess the prevalence and healthcare burden of AI in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

This study used a population-based, retrospective administrative health data approach to identify patients with a diagnosis of AI over a 5-year period and evaluated emergency and outpatient healthcare utilization rates, steroid dispense records, and visit reasons.

Results

The period prevalence of AI was 839 per million adults. Patients made an average of 2.3 and 17.8 visits per year in the emergency department and outpatient settings, respectively. This was 3 to 4 times as frequent as the average Albertan, and only 5% were coded as visits for AI. The majority of patients were dispensed glucocorticoid medications only.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AI in Alberta is higher than published data in other locations. The frequency of visits suggests a significant healthcare burden and emphasizes the need for a strong understanding of this condition across all clinical settings. Our most concerning finding is that 94.3% of visits were not labeled with AI, even though many of the top presenting complaints were consistent with adrenal crisis. Several data limitations were discovered that suggest improvements in the standardization of data submission and coding can expand the yield of future studies using this method.
From Exile to “Retro-Utopia”
Authors: Popović Djordje
Published: December 2021

The act of writing ensures that exile is never permanent in the mind of the writer even if it is an abiding feature of his or her reality. Dubravka Ugrešić explores this paradox in much of her work, suggesting that migrant writers experience “double exile”—first on account of displacement and then because they are forced to reflect on the condition of being displaced, in effect, staging their alienation in the act of commenting on it. This dialectic of permanence and impermanence alone hints at a more developed relationship between home and exile than is usually allowed in the ontologically inflected interpretations of Ugrešić’s work. Instead of valorizing exile as a desirable, paradigmatically human condition, this article shows Ugrešić breaking with exilic literary and theoretical conventions by advancing the possibility of a return to what she calls “retro-utopia”—a place glimpsed in an unfulfilled past and a home to which a community based on shared positions, not identity, can return. The argument is based on an exegetical approach to an ur-document in transnational post-Yugoslav literature, Ugrešić’s 1997 novel The Museum of Unconditional Surrender, as well as on a key distinction in Edward Said’s secular criticism between filiative and affiliative social bonds.
Η χλωρίδα και η βλάστηση του όρους Σαϊτά (Βόρεια Πελοπόννησος)
Authors: Μέρμυγκας Διονύσιος
Published: December 2021

Βασικός στόχος της διατριβής είναι η καταγραφή της χλωρίδας της και η φυτοκοινωνιολογική μελέτη και καταγραφή των μονάδων βλάστησης του όρους Σαϊτά. Το όρος Σαϊτάς βρίσκεται στη βόρεια Πελοπόννησο και διοικητικά ανήκει στις περιφέρειες Δυτικής Ελλάδας και Πελοποννήσου. Το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του όρους καλύπτεται από ασβεστολιθικούς σχηματισμούς. Στην περιοχή έρευνας του όρους Σαϊτά διακρίνονται δύο γεωτεκτονικές ζώνες ή ενότητες: η ζώνη της Πίνδου και η ζώνη της Τρίπολης. Tο βιοκλίμα στο μεγαλύτερο τμήμα της περιοχής μελέτης έχει ασθενή μέσο-μεσογειακό χαρακτήρα εκτός από το νοτιοανατολικό τμήμα της περιοχής που εμφανίζει έντονο μέσο-μεσογειακό χαρακτήρα. Σύμφωνα με την έρευνά μας, η χλωρίδα του όρους Σαϊτά αποτελείται συνολικά από 800 taxa από τα οποία 774 αναφέρονται για πρώτη φορά από την περιοχή. Από αυτά η Iris hellenica αποτελεί νέο είδος για την επιστήμη, το υποείδος Bromus hordeaceus subsp. hordeaceus είναι νέα αναφορά για την Πελοπόννησο, ενώ η Viola oligyrtia ήταν γνωστή ως τώρα μόνο από το όρος Ολίγυρτος. Από τον προσδιορισμό των βιομορφών προκύπτει πως επικρατούν τα ημικρυπτόφυτα και τα θερόφυτα. Στο όρος επικρατούν τα μεσογειακά γεωστοιχεία. Τα ελληνικά ενδημικά taxa της περιοχής ανέρχονται σε 67. Με βάση τον δείκτη Sørensen για το σύνολο της χλωρίδας ο Σαϊτάς εμφανίζει τη μεγαλύτερη χλωριδική ομοιότητα με τα όρη της Βόρειας Πελοποννήσου, Ερύμανθο, Κυλλήνη και Παναχαϊκό. Αντιστοίχως, με βάση τον υπολογισμό του δείκτη Sørensen για τα ελληνικά ενδημικά, ο Σαϊτάς παρουσιάζει τη μεγαλύτερη χλωριδική ομοιότητα με τα όρη Ερύμανθο, Κυλλήνη και Χελμό. Από το σύνολο της χλωρίδας του Σαϊτά, 53 taxa περιλαμβάνονται σε εθνικούς και διεθνείς καταλόγους και βιβλία σπάνιων και απειλούμενων φυτών. Για τη μελέτη της βλάστησης του όρους Σαϊτά εφαρμόσαμε τη φυτοκοινωνιολογική μέθοδο του Braun-Blanquet. Κατά την αναλυτική φάση μελέτης της βλάστησης πραγματοποιήθηκαν 231 φυτοληψίες. Περιγράφονται 5 φυτοκοινωνίες, 16 κοινότητες και 2 όψεις που ανήκουν σε 10 συνενώσεις, 9 τάξεις και 7 κλάσεις.
La expresion de probabilidad, incertidumbre y conjetura en espanol y griego moderno
Authors: Καμπούρη Ζαχαρούλα
Published: December 2021

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει ως τίτλο Η έκφραση της πιθανότητας, της αβεβαιότητας και εικασίας στην Ισπανική και Ελληνική γλώσσα. Σε αυτή την εργασία έγινε μια προσπάθεια προσέγγισης της λειτουργίας των χρόνων του μέλλοντα της οριστικής έγκλισης στα Ισπανικά και τα Νέα Ελληνικά. Αρχικά, παρουσιάζονται οι λόγοι που ώθησαν το ερευνητικό μας ενδιαφέρον στον συγκεκριμένο τομέα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, γίνεται αναφορά στο γεγονός ότι σε έναν κόσμο κάθε φορά όλο και πιο παγκοσμιοποιημένο, όπου είναι πλέον επιτακτική η ανάγκη εκμάθησης ξένων γλωσσών, η ισπανική κερδίζει συνεχώς έδαφος στις προτιμήσεις των Ελλήνων σπουδαστών. Η Ελληνική και η Ισπανική παρουσιάζουν ομοιότητες σε επίπεδο φωνητικής, φωνολογίας, σύνταξης και σημασιολογίας, ωστόσο το πεδίο της γλωσσολογικής έρευνας ανάμεσα σε αυτές τις δύο γλώσσες είναι ακόμη παρθένο. Σε αυτή τη μελέτη επιλέχθηκε το πεδίο του ρηματικού παραδείγματος, το οποίο αποτελεί ένα από τα κατεξοχήν πεδία στα οποία εντοπίζονται λάθη κατά την εκμάθηση της Ισπανικής από Έλληνες σπουδαστές, και ειδικότερα το πεδίο των αποκαλούμενων «μελλοντικών χρόνων». Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το γεγονός ότι οι χρόνοι δεν παρουσιάζουν μόνο χρονικά γεγονότα αλλά έχουν την ικανότητα να εκφράσουν μη χρονικά περιεχόμενα και να μεταφέρουν μηνύματα πέρα από συγκεκριμένα χρονικά πλαίσια, σε αυτή την εργασία αναζητήθηκε στο πεδίο των μελλοντικών χρόνων η μελέτη των μηχανισμών μέσω των οποίων οι παραπάνω χρόνοι εκφράζουν πιθανότητα, αμφιβολία και εικασία. Ο στόχος αυτής της διατριβής είναι να εξηγήσει επαρκώς τις ομοιότητες και τις διαφορές που παρουσιάζουν οι χρόνοι του μέλλοντα και της υποθετικής στην οριστική έγκλιση στα Ισπανικά και Ελληνικά αντίστοιχα. Για το σκοπό αυτό, στηριχθήκαμε στη θεωρία της χρονικότητας, όπως προτάθηκε για τα Ισπανικά από τον Veiga (2008) και εν συνεχεία τροποποιήθηκε και εξελίχθηκε σε επόμενα έργα (μεταξύ άλλων Veiga 2012, 2013, 2015; Leontaridi 2019), προσαρμόζοντάς την ταυτόχρονα στη δομή του ελληνικού ρηματικού παραδείγματος. Η γλωσσολογική ανάλυση παρουσίασε ότι οι συμπτώσεις στις κατηγορίες της χρονικότητας και της χρονικής μετατόπισης που χαρακτηρίζουν τις δύο γλώσσες καθιστούν δυνατή την παραδοχή συστηματικών παραλληλισμών, τόσο σε σχέση με τις «ορθές» όσο και τις «μετατοπισμένες» χρήσεις των εν λόγω ρηματικών τύπων.
Structure, tectonic processes and deformation of the South Aegean Sea
Authors: Τσαμπουράκη-Κραουνάκη Κωνσταντίνα
Published: December 2021

Η παρούσα διατριβή διερευνά τη μακροχρόνια παραμόρφωση και τους ενεργούς τεκτονικούς μηχανισμούς που συνέβαλαν στην εξέλιξη και στο σχηματισμό του πολύπλοκου ανάγλυφου του Νοτίου Αιγαίου. Παρά τις γεωλογικές έρευνες που έχουν διεξαχθεί στο Αιγαίο, μέχρι και σήμερα γνωρίζουμε πολύ λίγα για τη γεωδυναμική εξέλιξη του. Αν και είναι ευρέως αποδεκτό ότι στη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη της μικρο-πλάκας του Αιγαίου κυριαρχούν κυρίως οι εφελκυστικές διεργασίες παραμόρφωσης που συναντώνται σε ένα back-arc περιβάλλον (οπισθοτόξο), πρόσφατες γεωλογικές, σεισμολογικές και γεωδαιτικές μελέτες έχουν δείξει ότι η συνολικός εφελκυσμός δύναται να περιλαμβάνει και πλαγιό-συμπιεστικές και πλαγιό- εφελκυστικές διεργασίες. Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία συνοψίζει την προϋπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία και τα κύρια μοντέλα παραμόρφωσης που έχουν προταθεί για το Αιγαίο και μέσω της παρουσίασης νέων βαθυμετρικών και σεισμικών δεδομένων στοχεύει στη βελτίωση της κατανόησης των τεκτονικών διεργασιών και των παραμορφώσεων που επικρατούν στο Νότιο Αιγαίο. Προκειμένου να αναπτυχθεί ένα γεωδυναμικό μοντέλο που θα εξηγεί τις κινηματικές διεργασίες και τους μηχανισμούς παραμόρφωσης που έλαβαν χώρα στην περιοχή, ο κύριος άξονας της διατριβής δομείται από τρεις κύριες ερευνητικές εργασίες, τα αποτελέσματα των οποίων παρέχουν νεότερες πληροφορίες για τη γεωδυναμική εξέλιξη του Νοτίου Αιγαίου.
Παιδαγωγική προσέγγιση των ιστορικών γεγονότων στο πολυπολιτισμικό νηπιαγωγείο
Authors: Παπαγερίδου Δέσποινα
Published: December 2021

Η Ιστορία συνδέεται με την κατανόηση της εξέλιξης της κοινωνίας και τα νήπια μπορούν να την αντιληφθούν με την έννοια της αλλαγής. Η προσέγγιση των ιστορικών εννοιών στοχεύει στην ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων ιστορικής κατανόησης, στην ανάπτυξη των γλωσσικών δεξιοτήτων και των διαδικασιών σκέψης μέσω της διατύπωσης υποθέσεων, αλλά και στην πρόκληση της περιέργειας για το παρελθόν και στην ανάπτυξη ενσυναίσθησης. Η παρούσα έρευνα εστιάζει στον τρόπο διαχείρισης των ιστορικών γεγονότων από τους νηπιαγωγούς στο χώρο του σχολείου, τρόπους προσέγγισης, υλικά, προτεινόμενες πρακτικές. Καταγράφονται απόψεις που αναπτύσσονται στην υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία για την προσέγγιση ιστορικών εννοιών για τα παιδιά 4-6 ετών. Τέλος, διερευνώνται οι πεποιθήσεις των νηπιαγωγών για τα ιστορικά γεγονότα, οι στόχοι που θέτουν, οι πηγές που χρησιμοποιούν, καθώς και ο τρόπος προσέγγισης των ιστορικών γεγονότων, σε μια μικτή, πληθυσμιακά τάξη. Για να διαπιστωθούν οι απόψεις των νηπιαγωγών για την προσέγγιση ιστορικών γεγονότων, χρησιμοποιήθηκε η συνέντευξη σε 42 νηπιαγωγούς και το δείγμα επιλέχθηκε με τη μέθοδο της χιονοστιβάδας. Ενισχυτικά, πραγματοποιήθηκαν δράσεις σε νηπιαγωγεία. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας οδηγούν στο συμπέρασμα ότι σημαντική είναι η υλοποίηση εκπαιδευτικών προσεγγίσεων που βασίζονται στις αρχές της κριτικής διαπολιτισµικής παιδείας. Η παρούσα διατριβή προσφέρει ένα θεωρητικό πλαίσιο και ερευνητικό εργαλείο για την παιδαγωγική προσέγγιση των ιστορικών γεγονότων.
Health professionals’ views of the first national GP payment scheme for structured type 2 diabetes care in Ireland: a qualitative study
Authors: McGrath Niamh , Riordan Fiona , Kearney Patricia M , O'Neill Kate , McHugh Sheena M
Published: December 2021

Background: Payment schemes are widely used to improve chronic disease management in general practice. Although stakeholder views of such schemes could provide valuable learning regarding aspects that work and those which are more difficult to implement, there is a paucity of such data. We explored health professionals’ views of the implementation of the first national general practice payment scheme for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) care in Ireland, the ‘cycle of care’.

Methods: Qualitative data were drawn from a multiple case study evaluating the implementation of a National Clinical Programme for Diabetes, collected from April 2016 to June 2017. Interview and focus group transcripts from participants involved in providing diabetes management in general practice and who referenced the cycle of care were eligible for inclusion in the current analysis. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis.

Results: We analysed data from 28 participants comprising general practitioners (GPs) (n=8), practice nurses (n=9) and diabetes nurse specialists (DNS) (n=11). Participants perceived the cycle of care as “not adequate, but…a good start” to improve T2DM care in general practice in Ireland. Perceived benefits were greater financial viability for T2DM management in general practice, fostering a more proactive approach to T2DM care, delivery of T2DM care closer to patients’ homes, and increased use of other community diabetes services e.g., DNS and podiatry. Participants identified the limited resource for practice nurse time, inflexibility to provide care based on patient need and issues with data submission as drawbacks of the cycle of care.

Conclusions: The cycle of care was viewed as a positive first step to increase and improve T2DM care delivered in general practice in Ireland. The implementation issues identified in this study should be considered in the design of future payment schemes targeting chronic disease management in general practice.
Agroecological Accounting Issues in the Aspect of the Interaction of Agriculture with the Environment
Authors: Yarnyh E. , Telyuk M. , Kotorkov A.
Published: December 2021

The subject of this study is agroecological activity that combines the goals of agricultural production with maximum consideration of the tasks of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources, as well as the corresponding indicators that allow tracking the process and the main results of the considered integrated activity. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the conceptual apparatus and main definitions defining the sphere of interests of agroecology, agroecological accounting and statistics, used by various scientific institutions and individual scientists in specialized international organizations, primarily FAO, OECD, European Association for Agroecology, Eurostat and some other similar structures, in the CIS countries, Spain, Brazil and a number of other states, as well as in the French Ministry of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture. The objects of the analysis were mainly the approaches of various international organizations to defining the scope and structure of agroecological measures and individual actions, including the proposed accounting and statistical indicators. Particular attention is paid to the problem of organic agricultural production, i.e. the release of organic agricultural products and its place in the composition of agroecological statistics.
Impact of Network Structure on New Service Pricing
Authors: Alizamir Saed , Chen Ningyuan , Kim Sang-Hyun , Manshadi Vahideh
Published: December 2021

We analyze a firm’s optimal pricing of a new service when consumers interact in a network and impose positive externality on one another. The firm initially provides its service for free, leveraging network externality to promote rapid service consumption growth. The firm raises the price and starts earning revenue only when a sufficient level of consumer interactions is established. Incorporating the local network effects in a nonstationary dynamic model, we study the impact of network structure on the firm’s revenue and optimal pricing decision. We find that the firm delays the timing of service monetization when it faces a more strongly connected network despite the fact that such a network allows the firm to monetize the service sooner by resulting in faster consumption growth. We also find that the firm benefits from network imbalance; that is, the firm prefers a network of consumers with varying degrees of connections to that with similar degrees of connections. We also study the value of knowing the network structure and discuss how such knowledge impacts the firm’s profitability. Our analyses rely on the techniques from algebraic graph theory, which enable us to solve the firm’s high-dimensional dynamic pricing problem by relating it to the network’s spectral characteristics.
An insight into the work of sexual assault referral centres and the role of the forensic nurse examiner
Authors: Hand-Oades Helen
Published: December 2021

It is more likely than ever that healthcare staff of all grades and in all settings will encounter cases of sexual assault, so it is crucial that they know how to respond appropriately to support survivors. Health and social care workers engage with clients in a range of situations, which means that they are well placed for such disclosure. In some cases, particularly if the assault is a recent incident, time is of the essence to ensure that there is no loss of evidence that could be crucial in gaining a conviction. This article explores the role of a sexual assault referral centre (SARC), a service that few people know about or think they will ever need. The type of sexual activity that constitutes a criminal offence will be discussed and information presented that offers direction for those who want to involve the police, and for those who do not. Links to a range of organisations are also included that survivors of recent or historic sexual assault can access for support and advice.
The psychological effects of working in the NHS during a pandemic on final-year students: part 1
Authors: Kane Claire , Rintakorpi Esa , Wareing Mark , Hewson David
Published: December 2021

Resilience in nursing and midwifery involves being able to manage ethically adverse situations without suffering moral distress and is key to mental wellbeing, staff retention and patient safety. The aim of this research was to ask what the psychological effects were for nursing and midwifery students who had been deployed to work in the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study looked at the incidence of burnout in a small cohort of nursing and midwifery students who were employed as band 4 aspirant nurses and midwives in acute NHS trusts in the south of England. The findings suggested that student midwives reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation than student nurses but overall, both cohorts of students reported moderate levels of burnout. Part 2 will present the lived experience of deployment as described by students.
Changing the process of prescribing to procuring lymphoedema compression garments: a service evaluation
Authors: Thomas Melanie Jayne , Morgan Karen , Humphreys Ioan , Newton Rhian
Published: December 2021

Compression garments are the mainstay of lymphoedema treatment, yet the process of obtaining by prescription is lengthy, governed by funding, involves numerous professionals with little patient value and often involes copious inaccuracies, delays and errors. This service evaluation estimates the potential impact of changing the way compression garments are accessed from a prescription to a procurement process. The main objective was to estimate the impact and costs of altering the process within the NHS Wales setting. A service evaluation was formally supported by Medicine Management and Lymphoedema Wales Strategy Board to compare the prescription process to a new procuring route. A form was devised so that data was could be collected over 12 months by lymphoedema therapists on each compression garment issued to patients attending two lymphoedema services in NHS Wales. The data collected included information on the garment ordered, costs (prescribed compared to procured), timing between garment ordered and received plus a comparison of the processes. All non-patient identifiable data was entered into a database and comparison analysis was completed to identify any correlations between the variables collected. The project was ratified by research and development as service evaluation. There was a total of 5392 completed patient data forms were included, which when compared to the processes indicated that using a prescription route is overwhelmingly more costly than procuring. Overall costs suggest the potential for substantial savings to NHS Wales (£71.10 per patient) were statistically significant (P<0.001). Potential for improved patient outcomes was observed as garments were provided directly on appointment instead of significant delays promoting value-based healthcare.
A systematic review of phage therapy applied to bone and joint infections: an analysis of success rates, treatment modalities and safety
Authors: Genevière Joseph , McCallin Shawna , Huttner Angela , Pham Truong-Thanh , Suva Domizio
Published: December 2021

Bone and joint infections are difficult to treat, and increasing antibiotic resistance has only made them more challenging. This has led to renewed interest in phage therapy (PT). The aim of this systematic review was to determine success rate, current treatment modalities and safety of PT in bone and joint infections.

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases as well as the journalPHAGEfor literature published between January 2000 and April 2021 was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to identify all human studies assessing bacteriophages as therapy for bone and joint infections. All study designs and patient populations were eligible. The review’s primary outcome was success rate.

Twenty records describing a total of 51 patients and 52 treatment episodes were included. No randomized controlled studies were identified. The overall success rate was 71% (n= 37/52). Topical administration alone was the most frequent administration route (85%,n= 44/52). Antibiotics were administered concomitantly with PT in the majority of treatments (79%,n= 41/52), and surgery was performed for 87% (n= 45/52) of treatment episodes. Four minor adverse events related to PT were reported, representing 8% (n= 4/52) of treatment episodes.

PT for bone and joint infections has not been evaluated in any randomized controlled clinical study, and current administration modalities are highly variable between case reports and case series. While publications included here show potential benefit and few adverse effects, clinical trials are warranted to assess the efficacy of PT for bone and joint infections and determine optimal treatment modalities.

Cite this article:EFORT Open Rev2021;6:1148-1156. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210073
Tunable dual-channel slow light in a graphene grating plasmonic waveguide
Authors: Zhang Yingqiu , Wu Qiaohua , Cui Jingang , Li Chunlei
Published: December 2021

We propose a plasmonic waveguide comprising a single-layer graphene, a silica dielectric layer, and a silicon grating substrate to realize dual-channel slow surface plasmon polaritons. The dual-channel results from the introduction of two kinds of periodic structures with defects in the waveguide. According to the Bragg equation, we match the appropriate structure parameters to ensure the slow light dual-channel working around

λ
1

=

9369.1

n
m

(32 THz) and

λ
2

=

7138.2

n
m

(42 THz). The influence of the structure parameters on the slow light effect is discussed, and the largest value of the normalized delay bandwidth product (NDBP) is up to 7.38. Then, by shifting the gate voltage, obvious linear blueshift of the dual-channel is achieved. In this process, the slow light performance of the dual-channel exhibits good stability, and the average values of the NDBP are 4.5 and 4.4. Due to the flexible tunability, the waveguide may pave the way for the design of slow light devices.
Learning spectral initialization for phase retrieval via deep neural networks
Authors: Morales David , Jerez Andrés , Arguello Henry
Published: December 2021

Phase retrieval (PR) arises from the lack of phase information in the measures recorded by optical sensors. Phase masks that modulate the optical field and reduce ambiguities in the PR problem by producing redundancy in coded diffraction patterns (CDPs) have been included in these diffractive optical systems. Several algorithms have been developed to solve the PR problem from CDPs. Also, deep neural networks (DNNs) are used for solving inverse problems in computational imaging by considering physical constraints in propagation models. However, traditional algorithms based on non-convex formulation include an initialization stage that requires a high number of iterations to properly estimate the optical field. This work proposes an end-to-end (E2E) approach for addressing the PR problem, which jointly learns the spectral initialization and network parameters. Mainly, the proposed deep network approach contains an optical layer that simulates the propagation model in diffractive optical systems, an initialization layer that approximates the underlying optical field from CDPs, and a double branch DNN that improves the obtained initial guess by separately recovering phase and amplitude information. Simulation results show that the proposed E2E approach for PR requires fewer snapshots and iterations than the state of the art.
Excimer laser model based on a temporal convolutional neural network
Authors: Sun Zexu , Han Xiaoquan , Wu Xiaobin , Feng Zebin
Published: December 2021

Excimer lasers play a key role in deep ultraviolet lithography. To further study the voltage and energy features of the excimer laser and control it to work in a constant energy mode, a temporal convolutional neural network was designed to fabricate an excimer laser voltage–energy model. The proposed model uses the currently measured energy data to predict the subsequent output energy data. For the voltage–energy data that cannot be obtained, we simulated the initial energy data corresponding to the part of the voltage value based on the relationship between energy and voltage as the initial input of the model. The energy data of any voltage for the excimer laser at each moment were obtained. Finally, a continuous excimer laser voltage–energy model was established. The difference between the means of the measured and generated energy data is less than 0.5 mJ.
Helical drilling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer by a femtosecond laser
Authors: Wang Xuehui , Chen Hang , Li Zhengyan , Qin Yingxiong , Zhu Xiao , Tang Xiahui , Wen Bin
Published: December 2021

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been widely used in the aerospace industry and other fields, but its processing is still subject to many restrictions. A femtosecond laser helical drilling device is proposed. It can realize beam deflection and translation through a scanning galvanometer and a pair of lenses, respectively, and finally obtain the effect of beam oblique focusing. With the combination of a spiral scanning path and focus feed, the non-taper and high-quality drilling of materials can be realized. CFRP materials were processed through this method, and the influences of process parameters on the heat affected zone and machining taper were studied. The distribution and influence degree of the heat affected zone and the formation mechanism of the machining taper were analyzed. Finally, a high-quality straight hole processing effect of CFRP with up to a 9.7: 1 aspect ratio, less than 15 µm heat affected zone outside the hole, and no delamination in the hole was realized. This new drilling method is expected to further expand CFRP applications.
On the performance of a relay assisted hybrid RF-NLOS UVC system with imperfect channel estimation
Authors: Garg Kamal K. , Shaik Parvez , Bhatia Vimal , Krejcar Ondrej
Published: December 2021

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) ultraviolet communication (UVC) is emerging as an attractive optical wireless communication technology that enables wireless connectivity in radio-frequency (RF) prohibited areas with no LOS availability. NLOS UVC, however, suffers from a very high path loss, thereby restricting its usage to smaller link distances. In this paper, we address the challenge of providing long-distance wireless connectivity to RF prohibited areas by mixing NLOS UVC with RF communication using a decode-and-forward relay. The RF link is modeled using Rayleigh distribution, and the NLOS UV link is modeled using lognormal distribution under weak turbulence conditions. A framework for analytical expressions of the outage probability and probability density function (PDF) of the end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio is presented by considering the practical scenario of imperfect channel state information (CSI) at the receiver. Subsequently, a PDF based novel closed-form analytical expression of the average symbol error rate is deduced for spectrally efficient higher-order modulation schemes, including rectangular quadrature modulation (RQAM), square QAM (SQAM), cross-QAM (XQAM), and hexagonal QAM (HQAM). Numerical investigations are conducted, and the impact of CSI imperfections on the system performance is evaluated. It is shown that the RF link is more vulnerable to channel estimation error (CEE) than the NLOS UV link. Further, it is illustrated that for constellation sizes greater than four, HQAM always performs better than the RQAM, SQAM, and XQAM schemes, irrespective of the amount of CEE present. Furthermore, it is shown that an elevation angle of 70° or less in the NLOS UVC link results in better outage performance. Correctness of the derived analytical expressions is supported through extensive Monte Carlo simulations.
Autonomous parameter optimization for femtosecond laser micro-drilling
Authors: Bamoto Keiichi , Sakurai Haruyuki , Tani Shuntaro , Kobayashi Yohei
Published: December 2021

There is a strong need for a highly efficient method to find the optimal conditions to achieve a desired result in laser processing, oftentimes from a multidimensional parameter space. In this study, we adopted Bayesian optimization as an efficient statistical optimization method robust to the inherent variations observed in typical laser processing results. Specifically, the intensity and spatial beam profile of a femtosecond laser processing system were optimized according to results obtained from an in situ optical microscope observation. In this way, we show that the optimum set of parameters to achieve a desired shape can be obtained autonomously and more than an order of magnitude faster than with a simple grid-search.
Known-plaintext cryptanalysis for a computational-ghost-imaging cryptosystem via the Pix2Pix generative adversarial network
Authors: Liu Xiangru , Meng Xiangfeng , Wang Yurong , Yin Yongkai , Yang Xiulun
Published: December 2021

A neural network based known-plaintext cryptanalysis for a computational-ghost-imaging (CGI) cryptosystem is proposed, which utilizes relevant physical priors as references and conditions during training. It retrieves more significant qualified and higher accurate attacking results with much more complicated human face dataset that fairly improves previous learning based works. Popularly employed neutral networks such as the convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN) and U-Net are further compared. However, our proposed method defeats them with the best attacking results, which is also proved by the following detailed quantitative analysis. On the other hand, compared with traditional methods utilizing phase recovering to estimate the privacy key, the proposed network method develops an end-to-end way that directly converts the ciphertext to the corresponding plaintext. The method is capable of high-volume attacking mission with rather highly qualified attacking results and fast response after valid training. Both computer simulations and optical experiments demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Interpreting light guidance in antiresonant and photonic bandgap waveguides and fibers by light scattering: analytical model and ultra-low guidance
Authors: Li Guangrui , Fatobene Ando Ron , Zeisberger Matthias , Weiss Thomas , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: December 2021

Here, we introduce a quasi-analytic model that allows studying mode formation in low refractive index core waveguides through solely focusing on the cladding properties. The model isolates the reflection properties of the cladding from the modes via correlating the complex amplitude reflection coefficient of the cladding to the complex effective index of the fundamental core mode. The relevance and validity of the model are demonstrated by considering a single-ring anti-resonant fiber, revealing unexpected situations of exceptionally low loss. Our model explains mode formation by light scattering, which conceptually provides deep insights into the relevant physics.
Explanation of the anomalous redshift on a nonlinear X-ray Compton scattering spectrum by a bound electron
Authors: Shi Shang , Chen Jing , Yang Yujun , Yan Zhong-Chao , Liu Xiaojun , Wang Bingbing
Published: December 2021

Nonlinear Compton scattering is an inelastic scattering process where a photon is emitted due to the interaction between an electron and an intense laser field. With the development of X-ray free-electron lasers, the intensity of X-ray laser is greatly enhanced, and the signal from X-ray nonlinear Compton scattering is no longer weak. Although the nonlinear Compton scattering by an initially free electron has been thoroughly investigated, the mechanism of nonrelativistic nonlinear Compton scattering of X-ray photons by bound electrons is unclear yet. Here, we present a frequency-domain formulation based on the nonperturbative quantum electrodynamics to study nonlinear Compton scattering of two photons by an atom in a strong X-ray laser field. In contrast to previous theoretical works, our results clearly reveal the existence of a redshift phenomenon observed experimentally by Fuchs et al. (Nat. Phys.)11, 964(2015) and suggest its origin as the binding energy of the electron as well as the momentum transfer from incident photons to the electron during the scattering process. Our work builds a bridge between intense-laser atomic physics and Compton scattering processes that can be used to study atomic structure and dynamics at high laser intensities.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C among female sex workers in Togo, West Africa
Authors: Bitty-Anderson Alexandra M. , Ferré Valentine , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi A. , Tchankoni Martin Kouame , Sadio Arnold , Salou Mounerou , Descamps Diane , Dagnra Claver A. , Charpentier Charlotte , Ekouevi Didier K. , Coffie Patrick A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Hepatitis B and C are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with prevalence among the highest in the World. However, several challenges impede the progression towards the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 as suggested by the World Health Organization Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis, including the lack of knowledge on the scale of this epidemic in the region. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among female sex workers (FSW) in Togo.

Methods

This ancillary study from a national cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted in 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, in eight towns of Togo among FSW. Socio-demographic, behavioral and sexual characteristics were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for HIV, hepatitis B and C serological testing. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and a logistic regression model.

Results

Out of the 1,036 FSW recruited for this study, biological analyses for viral hepatitis were completed for 769 of them. The median age was 26 years [IQR: 22–33] and 49.8% (n = 383) had attained secondary school. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 9.9% [95% CI: (7.9–12.2)] and the prevalence of hepatitis C was 5.3% [95% CI: (3.9–7.2)]. Higher hepatitis B and C prevalence was associated with recruitment out of Lomé (aOR: 6.63; 95%CI: 3.51–13.40, p <0.001 and OR: 2.82; 95% CI: [1.37–5.99]; p<0.001, respectively) and, for hepatitis B, with never using condoms for vaginal intercourse (OR: 3.14; 95%CI: [1.02–8.71]; p<0.05).

Conclusions

Results from this study reveals high prevalence of hepatitis B and C among FSW in Togo and an opportunity for advocacy toward the introduction of immunizations and treatment in this population.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection and its associated factors in the district of Bilene, Gaza Province—Mozambique
Authors: Osório Dulce , Munyangaju Isabelle , Nacarapa Edy , Muhiwa Argentina , Nhangave Amancio Vicente , Ramos Jose Manuel
Published: December 2021

Background

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection is a significant problem in Mozambique. This study aims to determine the risk factors associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV in rural Mozambique.

Methods

Retrospective case-control study in a rural area of Bilene District, on the coast of southern Mozambique, performed from January 2017 to June 2018. The analysis considered the clinical data of HIV exposed children with definitive HIV positive results and their respective infected mothers (cases), and the data of HIV exposed children with definitive HIV negative results and their respective infected mothers (controls) registered in At Risk Child Clinics from 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2018 at the Macia and Praia de Bilene health facilities in Bilene district, Gaza province–Mozambique.

Results

Ninety pregnant women with HIV were involved in the study, including 30 who had transmitted the infection to their children and 60 who had not. Statistical analysis, adjusted for maternal age and gestational age at first antenatal care visit, showed that independent risk factors for transmission were gestational age at first visit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.36), non-adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (56.7% vs. 5%; aOR 14.12, 95% CI 3.15–63.41); a viral load of 1000 copies/mL or more (90% vs. 5%; aOR: 156, 95% CI 22.91–1,062) and female sex of the neonate (80% vs. 51.7%; aOR: 4.43, 95% CI 1.33–15.87).

Conclusion

A high viral load and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy are important predictors of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Interpreting and Experiencing Disney: Mediating the Mouse
Authors: Hobbs Priscilla
Published: December 2021

The name 'Disney' is synonymous with its expansive franchises, from princesses to theme parks. The power of the Disney brand is its role as a cultural influencer across multiple generations across the globe. This collection of essays takes a look at Disney beyond its behemoth corporate presents and into the threads of the Disney experience.