bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiparameter measurement sensor based on no-core fiber
Authors: Sun Jiacheng , Wang Tingting , Wang Xiuting , Chang Jianhua , Ke Wei
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a no-core-single-mode-no-core Mach–Zehnder fiber sensor. In this
sensor, two no-core fibers serve as input and output couplers, and the
middle single-mode fiber serves as a sensing arm. Using finite element
simulation and theoretical analysis, the optimal length of the
couplers and the sensing arm are determined. High-order modes excited
by no-core optical fiber propagate through the cladding of the
single-mode fiber, which is affected by the ambient temperature and
applied force. The trough of different interference orders of the
transmission spectrum is selected as a research object to realize the
measurement of curvature and temperature, strain and temperature with
the sensing matrix.
Homogeneous distribution of phosphor particles inside resin using a vertical vibration method for efficient laser-based white light illumination
Authors: Dubey Atul Kumar , Kumar Vikas , Trivedi Shivam , Chanda Puspita , Mehta Dalip Singh
Published: April 2022

We report what we believe to be an innovative method for the homogeneous distribution of phosphor particles inside the optical resin-based layer using a vertical vibrational technique for efficient laser-based white light illumination. In this method, single-stage vibration energy was efficiently used against phosphor sedimentation with the help of a mechanical vibrator system. The vertical vibrational energy was transferred to negate the downward gravitational effect acting on each phosphor particle. Therefore, the phosphor particles inside the layer were stable and uniformly distributed from the initial to final drying stages, creating approximate refractive index homogeneity inside the medium. The sedimentation problem was resolved, and all the optical parameters to support this method were properly analyzed and found to be stable and suitable for laser-based illumination applications.
Temporal statistics of irradiance fluctuations in an underwater turbulent medium
Authors: Ata Yalçın , Kıasaleh Kamran
Published: April 2022

Expressions for the temporal covariance function and temporal frequency spectrum for a plane wave propagation in an underwater turbulent medium are developed analytically. Temporal correlation in moving natural water is presented, which is shown to be dependent upon the moving velocity, the delay between two instants of time, propagation distance, average temperature, and average salinity concentration. Coherence time and zero crossing time also are calculated. The results show that the velocity of the moving natural water has a significant impact on the temporal correlation of irradiance fluctuations. Additionally, the propagation distance, average temperature, average salinity concentration, and temperature–salinity gradient ratio also impact the temporal correlation up to a certain level.
Recognizing emerging researchers with a new Journal prize: editorial
Authors: Busch Kurt
Published: April 2022

Editor-in-Chief Kurt Busch introduces a new prize for the best paper
published by an emerging researcher in the Journal in 2021.
Micro-cavity optimization for ultra-sensitive all-dielectric optical sensors
Authors: Rouquette Paul , Amra Claude , Zerrad Myriam , Lequime Michel
Published: April 2022

We present an analytical method for the optimization of luminescent micro-cavities to create a substrate that is extremely sensitive to contamination. Giant optical enhancement can thus be controlled arbitrarily and simultaneously at various frequencies within the substrate’s evanescent field with the aim of obtaining ultra-sensitive optical sensors. This process provides an alternative to sensors based on illumination in free space.
Experimental study of spectral broadening in kW-level narrow linewidth FBG-based fiber amplifiers under different pumping configurations
Authors: Heidariazar A. , Latifi H. , Lotfollahi M. , Barzi M. , Asgharzadeh H.
Published: April 2022

In this work, experimental investigations were presented on the variation of spectral broadening and optical efficiency in a kW-level narrow linewidth MOPA fiber laser under different pumping configurations. The results revealed that the backward-pumping scheme could reduce the spectral broadening and enhance the optical efficiency compared with the forward-pumping scheme. For a detailed study, the bidirectional pumping setup was employed. It could be seen that by removing the pump diodes from the forward direction and adding them to the backward direction one by one, the spectral bandwidth and the optical efficiency gradually decreased and increased, respectively. By coiling the gain fiber on a plate with a bending diameter of 9-13 cm, a multi-peak and unstable spectrum was observed. When this fiber was coiled on a cylinder with a fixed diameter of 10.5 cm, the spectral instability was removed and a single-peak spectrum was observed. For forward pumping only, the spectral bandwidth, the optical efficiency, and the maximum output power were measured to be 0.121 nm, 78.92%, and 822 W, respectively, while for backward pumping only, these values were measured to be 0.084 nm, 82.65%, and 860 W.
Optically pumped low-threshold microdisk lasers on a GeSn-on-insulator substrate with reduced defect density
Authors: Jung Yongduck , Burt Daniel , Zhang Lin , Kim Youngmin , Joo Hyo-Jun , Chen Melvina , Assali Simone , Moutanabbir Oussama , Seng Tan Chuan , Nam Donguk
Published: April 2022

Despite the recent success of GeSn infrared lasers, the high lasing threshold currently limits their integration into practical applications. While structural defects in epitaxial GeSn layers have been identified as one of the major bottlenecks towards low-threshold GeSn lasers, the effect of defects on the lasing threshold has not been well studied yet. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate that the reduced defect density in a GeSn-on-insulator substrate improves the lasing threshold significantly. We first present a method of obtaining high-quality GeSn-on-insulator layers using low-temperature direct bonding and chemical–mechanical polishing. Low-temperature photoluminescence measurements reveal that the reduced defect density in GeSn-on-insulator leads to enhanced spontaneous emission and a reduced lasing threshold by

∼
10

times and

∼
6

times, respectively. Our result presents a new path towards pushing the performance of GeSn lasers to the limit.
Effect of silicon application with mycorrhizal inoculation on Brassica juncea cultivated under water stress
Authors: Srivastava Ashutosh , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Kaushik Prashant , El-Sheikh Mohamed A. , Qadir Shaista , Mansoor Sheikh
Published: April 2022

Brassica juncea L. is a significant member of the Brassicaceae family, also known as Indian mustard. Water is a limiting factor in the successful production of this crop. Here, we tested the effect of water shortage in B. juncea plants supplemented with or without the application of silicon and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in total 8 different treatments compared under open filed conditions using a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The treatments under control conditions were control (C, T1); C+Silicon (Si, T2); C+My (Mycorrhiza; T3); and C+Si+My (T4). In contrast, treatments under stress conditions were S (Stress; T5); S+Si (T6); S+My (T7) and S+Si+My (T8), respectively. In total, we evaluated 16 traits, including plant response to stress by evaluating peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. The fresh weight (g) increased only 7.47 percent with mycorrhiza (C+My) and 22.39 percent with silicon (C+Si) but increased 291.08 percent with both mycorrhiza and silicon (C+Si+My). Using mycorrhiza (S+My) or silicon (S+Si) alone produced a significant increase of 53.16 percent and 55.84 percent in fresh weight, respectively, while using both mycorrhiza and silicon (S+Si+My) together produced a dramatic increase of 380.71 percent under stress conditions. Superoxidase dismutase concentration (Ug−1 FW) was found to be increased by 29.48 percent, 6.71 percent, and 22.63 percent after applying C+My, C+Si and C+Si+My, but treatment under stress revealed some contrasting trends, with an increase of 11.21 percent and 19.77 percent for S+My, S+Si+My, but a decrease of 13.15 percent for S+Si. Finally, in the presence of stress, carotenoid content (mg/g FW) increased by 58.06 percent, 54.83 percent, 183.87 percent with C+My, and 23.81 percent with S+My and S+Si+My, but decreased by 22.22 percent with S+Si. Silicon application proved to be more effective than AMF treatment with Rhizophagus irregularis, and the best results were obtained with the combination of Si and AMF. This work will help to suggest the measures to overcome the water stress in B. juncea.
Ethnobotanical study of Mandi Ahmad Abad, District Okara, Pakistan
Authors: Munir Mubashrah , Sadia Sehrish , Khan Adnan , Rahim Bakht Zareen , Gagosh Nayyar Brian , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique , Khan Arshad Mahmood , Fatima Ishrat , Qureshi Rahmatullah
Published: April 2022

This study hypothesized that native people have unique traditional knowledge of plant resources in the rural areas and basic objective was the documentation of this valuable inheritance. Ethnobotanical data was collected from a remote rural area of Mandi Ahmad Abad, Union council number NA-144 Tehsil Depalpur District Okara, Pakistan. A total of 94 informants were randomly interviewed to collect data about local names of plant species, mode of administration, recipes and ailments, and ethnobotanical uses through semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and group discussion methods. The collected data was statistically analyzed by calculating use value (UV), frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), factor of informant consensus (FIC), family importance value, and relative importance (RI). This study is also compared with ethnobotanical literature by using Jaccard’s index (JI) for similarity analysis. A total of 126 species belonging to 52 families were documented. The Poaceae (13spp.), Leguminosae (12spp.), Solanaceae (10spp.) and Cucurbitaceae (10spp.) were dominant families. Highest used value (UV = 0.22) was obtained for Azadirachta indica. The minimum used value (UV) was showed by Alhagi maurorum, Eclipta prostrata, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Solanum virginianum and Trianthema potulacastrum (UV = 0.01). Hepatitis, stomach ulcer, bowel disorders, urinary problems, psoriasis, cancer, and leucoderma were the most treated ailments with ICF value of 1, followed by leucorrhea (ICF: 0.89), and vomiting (ICF: 0.86). The highest Jaccard’s similarity index value (JI = 0.329) showed that plant species reported in our study was more similar with Arid regions of Northern Punjab, Pakistan. This novel ethnobotanical report concluded that traditional knowledge about use of medicinal plants is decreasing due to allopathic medicines. Immediate steps should be taken for conservation and documentation of traditional knowledge of plants especially those having medicinal properties.
Opioid prescribing in out-of-hours primary care in Flanders and the Netherlands: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hek Karin , Boogaerts Tim , Verheij Robert A. , De Loof Hans , van Dijk Liset , van Nuijs Alexander L. N. , Meijer Willemijn M. , Philips Hilde
Published: April 2022

Background

Increased opioid prescribing has raised concern, as the benefits of pain relief not always outweigh the risks. Acute and chronic pain is often treated in a primary care out-of-hours (OOH) setting. This setting may be a driver of opioid use but the extent to which opioids are prescribed OOH is unknown. We aimed to investigate weak and strong opioid prescribing at OOH primary care services (PCS) in Flanders (Northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) and the Netherlands between 2015 and 2019.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross sectional study using data from routine electronic health records of OOH-PCSs in Flanders and the Netherlands (2015–2019). Our primary outcome was the opioid prescribing rate per 1000 OOH-contacts per year, in total and for strong (morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxycodone and naloxone, fentanyl, tapentadol, and buprenorphine and weak opioids (codeine combinations and tramadol and combinations) and type of opioids separately.

Results

Opioids were prescriped in approximately 2.5% of OOH-contacts in both Flanders and the Netherlands. In Flanders, OOH opioid prescribing went from 2.4% in 2015 to 2.1% in 2017 and then increased to 2.3% in 2019. In the Netherlands, opioid prescribing increased from 1.9% of OOH-contacts in 2015 to 2.4% in 2017 and slightly decreased thereafter to 2.1% of OOH-contacts. In 2019, in Flanders, strong opioids were prescribed in 8% of the OOH-contacts with an opioid prescription. In the Netherlands a strong opioid was prescribed in 57% of these OOH-contacts. Two thirds of strong opioids prescriptions in Flanders OOH were issued for patients over 75, in the Netherlands one third was prescribed to this age group.

Conclusion

We observed large differences in strong opioid prescribing at OOH-PCSs between Flanders and the Netherlands that are likely to be caused by differences in accessibility of secondary care, and possibly existing opioid prescribing habits. Measures to ensure judicious and evidence-based opioid prescribing need to be tailored to the organisation of the healthcare system.
Prevalence and factors associated with acute respiratory infection among under-five children in selected tertiary hospitals of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Ghimire Pratima , Gachhadar Rashmi , Piya Nebina , Shrestha Kunja , Shrestha Kalpana
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is responsible for about 30–50 percent of visits to health facilities and for about 20–30 percent of admissions to hospitals in Nepal for children under 5 years old. Incidence of ARI in children among under-five years of age is 344 per 1000 in Nepal. Hence, the study aims to find out the prevalence and factors associated with acute respiratory infection among under-five children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital and International Friendship Children’s Hospital (IFCH) in Kathmandu among children of age 2–59 months attending Pediatric OPD. A total of 286 children were selected using the non-probability (convenient) sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested semi-structured tool through interview schedule, and descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used.

Results

Out of 286 children, more than half of children (60.8%) had Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). Nearly one-fifth of the children had severe or very severe pneumonia. Acute respiratory infection was significantly associated with religion followed by the family (p = 0.009, OR = 4.59 CI = 1.47–14.36), presence of the child in the kitchen while cooking (p = 0.001, OR = 2.03 CI = 1.17–3.51), and presence of respiratory tract infection in family (p = <0.001 OR = 2.83 CI = 1.59–5.05).

Conclusion

The study concluded that male children are more susceptible to acute respiratory infection than female children. Parents and family members should be aware of the prevention of acute respiratory infection by addressing and minimizing the factors contributing to ARI.
Changes in gray whale phenology and distribution related to prey variability and ocean biophysics in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas
Authors: Moore Sue E. , Clarke Janet T. , Okkonen Stephen R. , Grebmeier Jacqueline M. , Berchok Catherine L. , Stafford Kathleen M.
Published: April 2022

Changes in gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) phenology and distribution are related to observed and hypothesized prey availability, bottom water temperature, salinity, sea ice persistence, integrated water column and sediment chlorophylla, and patterns of wind-driven biophysical forcing in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas. This portion of the Pacific Arctic includes four Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) sampling regions. In the Bering Strait area, passive acoustic data showed marked declines in gray whale calling activity coincident with unprecedented wintertime sea ice loss there in 2017–2019, although some whales were seen there during DBO cruises in those years. In the northern Bering Sea, sightings during DBO cruises show changes in gray whale distribution coincident with a shrinking field of infaunal amphipods, with a significant decrease in prey abundance (r = -0.314, p<0.05) observed in the DBO 2 region over the 2010–2019 period. In the eastern Chukchi Sea, sightings during broad scale aerial surveys show that gray whale distribution is associated with localized areas of high infaunal crustacean abundance. Although infaunal crustacean prey abundance was unchanged in DBO regions 3, 4 and 5, a mid-decade shift in gray whale distribution corresponded to both: (i) a localized increase in infaunal prey abundance in DBO regions 4 and 5, and (ii) a correlation of whale relative abundance with wind patterns that can influence epi-benthic and pelagic prey availability. Specifically, in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, increased sighting rates (whales/km) associated with an ~110 km (60 nm) offshore shift in distribution was positively correlated with large scale and local wind patterns conducive to increased availability of krill. In the southern Chukchi Sea, gray whale distribution clustered in all years near an amphipod-krill ‘hotspot’ associated with a 50-60m deep trough. We discuss potential impacts of observed and inferred prey shifts on gray whale nutrition in the context of an ongoing unusual gray whale mortality event. To conclude, we use the conceptual Arctic Marine Pulses (AMP) model to frame hypotheses that may guide future research on whales in the Pacific Arctic marine ecosystem.
Hsa_circ_0056686, derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts, promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in uterine leiomyoma through inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Suo Meifang , Lin Zhichen , Guo Dongfang , Zhang Airong
Published: April 2022

Abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is involved in the tumor-promoting ability of CAFs. Hsa_ circ_ 0056686 has been reported to affect leiomyoma size. The purpose of this study is to investigate the regulatory role of hsa_circ_0056686 in CAFs on uterine leiomyoma (ULM). The primary CAFs and corresponding normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from the tumor zones of ULM tissues and adjacent, respectively. Hsa_circ_0056686 level was higher in CAFs than NFs, and also higher in ULM tissues than in adjacent tissues. CAFs-CM significantly increased the proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis of ULM cells, as confirmed by CCK-8, transwell, and flow cytometry assays. Moreover, conditioned medium (CM) from CAFs transfected with hsa_circ_0056686 shRNA (CAFssh-circ_0056686-CM) abolished CAFs-mediated proliferation, migration and apoptosis of ULM cells. CAFs-CM suppressed the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) marker proteins and induced the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) marker proteins, thus suppressing ERS and increasing ECM accumulation, which could be declined by CAFssh-circ_0056686-CM. Meanwhile, knockdown of hsa_circ_0056686 reversed the inhibitory effects of CAFs-CM on brefeldin A-induced cell apoptosis. Luciferase gene reporter and RNA pull-down assays indicated that miR-515-5p directly bound with hsa_circ_0056686. MiR-515-5p overexpression restored the hsa_circ_0056686-shRNA-mediated malignant biological behaviors of ULM cells. Hsa_circ_0056686 contributed to tumor-promoting effects of CAFs in ULM, manifested by promoting ULM cell proliferation and migration and reducing ERS-induced apoptosis through sponging miR-515-5p.
From policy to practice: An assessment of biosecurity practices in cattle, sheep and goats production, marketing and slaughter in Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Mutua Edna N. , Bett Bernard K. , Bukachi Salome A. , Estambale Benson A. , Nyamongo Isaac K.
Published: April 2022

Globally, biosecurity is instrumental in prevention, control and management of livestock diseases and protection of human health. It is defined, prescribed, adopted and enforced through global, regional and national frameworks, laws, policies and strategies. There is more biosecurity practice research conducted in developed countries than developing ones. Consequently, the gap between the ideals recommended in biosecurity frameworks and what is practical in under-resourced rural settings is poorly understood. This anthropological study sought to assess adoption of biosecurity practices across a cattle, sheep and goat value chains continuum to demonstrate where risks lie. The cross-sectional mixed-methods study took place in Baringo County, Kenya. Qualitatively, it utilized 26 focus group discussions with community members and 10 observational interviews with slaughter facility workers. Quantitatively, it included a household survey with 560 community members and a separate survey with 231 livestock traders. Results show that producers, traders and slaughter facility workers did observe some biosecurity practices but not others due but not limited to personal preference, limitations in veterinary service delivery and enforcement of some biosecurity measures, and lack of requisite infrastructure. The study concludes that the implementation of biosecurity measures in rural settings is more complex than envisioned in biosecurity policies and frameworks. It can be hampered by resource limitations, poor enforcement, and contestations with cultural practices. The study recommends that further studies on willingness to adopt biosecurity measures targeting community members in under-resourced settings be conducted to identify possible critical points of intervention at county and national levels.
Cues to improve antibiotic-allergy registration: A mixed-method study
Authors: Sijbom Martijn , Braun Karolina K. , Büchner Frederike L. , van Bodegom-Vos Leti , Hendriks Bart J. C. , de Boer Mark G. J. , Numans Mattijs E. , Lambregts Merel M. C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Approximately 2% of patients in primary care practice and up to 25% of hospital patients are registered as being allergic to an antibiotic. However, up to 90% of these registrations are incorrect, leading to unnecessary prescription of 2nd choice antibiotics with the attendant loss of efficacy, increased toxicity and antibiotic resistance. To improve registration, a better understanding is needed of how incorrect labels are attributed.

Objective

To investigate the quality of antibiotic allergy registration in primary care and identify determinants to improve registration of antibiotic allergies.

Design

Registration of antibiotic allergies in primary care practices were analysed for 1) completeness and 2) correctness. To identify determinants for improvement, semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers from four healthcare domains were conducted.

Participants

A total of 300 antibiotic allergy registrations were analysed for completeness and correctness. Thirty-four healthcare providers were interviewed.

Main measures

A registration was defined as complete when it included a description of all symptoms, time to onset of symptoms and the duration of symptoms. It was defined as correct when the conclusion was concordant with the Salden criteria. Determinants of correct antibiotic allergy registrations were divided into facilitators or obstructers.

Key results

Rates of completeness and correctness of registrations were 0% and 29.3%, respectively. The main perceived barriers for correct antibiotic allergy registration were insufficient knowledge, lack of priority, limitations of registration features in electronic medical records (EMR), fear of medical liability and patients interpreting side-effects as allergies.

Conclusions

The quality of antibiotic allergy registrations can be improved. Potential interventions include raising awareness of the consequences of incomplete and the importance of correct registrations, by continued education, and above all simplifying registration in an EMR by adequate ICT support.
Caregivers’ experience of seeking care for adolescents with sickle cell disease in a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain
Authors: Al Saif Khadija , Abdulla Fatema Mohamed , Alrahim Anwaar , Abduljawad Sara , Matrook Zainab , Abdulla Jenan Jaafar , Bughamar Fatima , Alasfoor Fatema , Taqi Rana , Almarzooq Amna , Ahmed Jamil
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine caregivers’ perspectives on difficulties encountered while seeking care for adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). It explored the social, emotional, and financial impact of caring for an adolescent with SCD on their caregivers.

Study design

A mixed-method study in a major tertiary care hospital in Bahrain was conducted between June and August 2019. Cross-sectional questionnaires and thematic analyzed interviews were performed with 101 and 18 Bahraini caregivers of adolescents with SCD (aged 10–18 years), respectively.

Results

Lack of parking lots (52.5%) and traffic jams (27%) were identified as the most common challenges in seeking hospital care for adolescents with SCD. These difficulties, including prolonged waiting in the emergency room, discouraged more than half of the caregivers who preferred to seek care from smaller healthcare centers. Most caregivers reported receiving a high degree of support from their families, who emotionally encouraged them to facilitate patient care (73.3%). Therefore, their relationships with their friends, colleagues, and relatives were not significantly affected. Catastrophic health expenditure occurred in 14.8% of caregivers. Qualitative themes that emerged were A) the intricacy of caring for adolescents with SCD, B) dissatisfaction with hospital facilities, and C) insufficient healthcare services, wherein caregivers reported adolescents’ experiences with services during hospital visits. Subthemes for the intricacy of caring for adolescents with SCD were 1) the psychological tragedy, summarizing the initial caregivers’ feelings after the confirmed diagnosis, 2) caregiving hardships that described the caregivers’ emotional and health burden while accepting and adjusting to the disease, and 3) the cost of care on families, which highlights the financial burden of the disease on families.

Conclusion

The caregivers of adolescents with SCD experienced several overwhelming challenges, including problems in accessing healthcare and receiving medical services, in addition to influences on the emotional, financial, and social aspects of their lives.
Physiological and transcriptome analyses highlight multiple pathways involved in drought stress in Medicago falcata
Authors: Li Qian , Gu Lili , Song Jiaxing , Li Chenjian , Zhang Yanhui , Wang Yuxiang , Pang Yongzhen , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2022

Medicago falcata is one of the leguminous forage crops, which grows well in arid and semiarid region. To fully investigate the mechanism of drought resistance response in M. falcata, we challenged the M. falcata plants with 30% PEG-6000, and performed physiological and transcriptome analyses. It was found that, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (eg. SOD, POD, and CAT) and soluble sugar content were all increased in the PEG-treated group, as compared to the control group. Transcriptome results showed that a total of 706 genes were differentially expressed in the PEG-treated plants in comparison with the control. Gene enrichment analyses on differentially expressed genes revealed that a number of genes in various pathway were significantly enriched, including the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (ko00940) and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (ko00010), indicating the involvement of these key pathways in drought response. Furthermore, the expression levels of seven differentially expressed genes were verified to be involved in drought response in M. falcata by qPCR. Taken together, these results will provide valuable information related to drought response in M. falcata and lay a foundation for molecular studies and genetic breeding of legume crops in future research.
Clinicopathological findings of FeLV- positive cats at a secondary referral center in Florida, USA (2008–2019)
Authors: Pare Amelie , Ellis Alexandre , Juette Tristan
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the seroprevalence, presenting complaint, clinicopathological changes, co-morbidities and outcomes of feline leukemia virus positive cats presented to a specialty referral center in Florida, USA.

Methods

In this retrospective study, medical records of 8050 cats presented to a private referral center from August 2008 to September 2019 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required was a positive result for feline leukemia virus by point-of-care antigen testing or immunofluorescence assay.

Results

Forty-one cases met the inclusion criteria. Of 2002 cats that were tested, 41 cats (2%) met the inclusion criteria. One cat had a negative point of care antigen test result and positive bone marrow IFA result. The mean age at diagnosis was 9 years. The main reasons for presentation were abnormal complete blood cell count results (35%), followed by pleural effusion (18%), and anorexia (15%). The most common laboratory abnormalities included anaemia (71%), of which 74% had a nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia (52%), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (50%), hyperbilirubinemia (35%), and hypokalemia (35%). Seven percent of cats (3/41) were also positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. The most common diagnoses were neoplasia (76%) and bone marrow disorders (12%). Cats with neoplasia were significantly younger. Survival to discharge was 88%.

Conclusion and relevance

Results of this study show that feline leukemia virus is uncommon in secondary referral center, even if this represents a population of unhealthy cats. The most common associated diagnosis was neoplasia, which was more likely to be seen in younger cats (< 4 years of age). The mean age of cats positive for feline leukemia virus was also older than previously published data. These findings support the current guidelines which indicate that cats presented with clinical illness should be tested for FeLV at the time of presentation.
Predictors of health facility childbirth among unmarried and married youth in Uganda
Authors: Agaba Peninah , Magadi Monica , Orton Bev
Published: April 2022

Background

Uganda has a high maternal mortality rate combined with poor use of health facilities at childbirth among youth. Improved use of maternal health services by the youth would help reduce maternal deaths in the country. Predictors of use of health facilities at childbirth among unmarried compared to married youth aged 15–24 years in Uganda between 2006 and 2016 are examined.

Methodology

Binary logistic regression was conducted on the pooled data of the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys among youth who had given birth within five years before each survey. This analysis was among a sample of 764 unmarried, compared to 5,176 married youth aged 15–24 years.

Results

Overall, unmarried youth were more likely to have a childbirth within the health facilities (79.3%) compared to married youth (67.6%). Higher odds of use of health facilities at childbirth were observed among youth with at least secondary education (OR = 2.915, 95%CI = 1.747–4.865 for unmarried vs OR = 1.633, 95%CI = 1.348–1.979 for married) and frequent antenatal care of at least four visits (OR = 1.758, 95%CI = 1.153–2.681 for unmarried vs OR = 1.792, 95%CI = 1.573–2.042 for married). Results further showed that youth with parity two or more, those that resided in rural areas and those who were engaged in agriculture had reduced odds of the use of health facilities at childbirth. In addition, among married youth, the odds of using health facilities at childbirth were higher among those with at least middle wealth index, and those with frequent access to the newspapers (OR = 1.699, 95%CI = 1.162–2.486), radio (OR = 1.290, 95%CI = 1.091–1.525) and television (OR = 1.568, 95%CI = 1.149–2.138) compared to those with no access to each of the media, yet these were not significant among unmarried youth.

Conclusion and recommendations

Frequent use of antenatal care and higher education attainment were associated with increased chances of use of health facilities while higher parity, rural residence and being employed in the agriculture sector were negatively associated with use of health facilities at childbirth among both unmarried and married youth. To enhance use of health facilities among youth, there is a need to encourage frequent antenatal care use, especially for higher parity births and for rural residents, and design policies that will improve access to mass media, youth’s education level and their economic status.
Respiratory symptoms and use of dust-control measures in New Zealand construction workers – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Keer Samuel , Brooks Collin , Glass Bill , McLean Dave , Harding Elizabeth , Douwes Jeroen
Published: April 2022

Dust-exposed construction workers have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, but the efficacy of dust-control measures remains unclear. This study compared respiratory symptoms, using a modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire, between construction workers (n = 208) and a reference group of bus drivers and retail workers (n = 142). Within the construction workers, we assessed the effect of collective (on-tool vacuum/’wet-cut’ systems) and personal (respirators) exposure controls on symptom prevalence. Logistic regression assessed differences between groups, adjusted for age, ethnicity, and smoking status. Construction workers were more likely to cough with phlegm at least once a week (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.7) and cough with phlegm ≥3 months/year for ≥2 years (OR 2.8, CI 1.2–7.0), but they had similar or fewer asthma symptoms. Construction workers who had worked for 11–20 years reported more cough/phlegm symptoms (OR 5.1, 1.7–15.0 for cough with phlegm ≥3 months/year for ≥2 years) than those who had worked <10 years (OR 1.9, 0.6–5.8), when compared to the reference group. Those who used ‘wet-cut’ methods reported less cough with phlegm, although the evidence for this association was weak (OR 0.4, CI 0.2–1.1 for cough with phlegm at least once a week); use of on-tool extraction showed a similar trend. No associations between respiratory protective equipment-use and symptoms were found. In conclusion, construction workers reported more symptoms suggestive of bronchitis, particularly those employed in the industry for >10 years. Use of collective dust exposure controls might protect against these symptoms, but this requires confirmation in a larger study.
A social network analysis in dynamic evaluate critical industries based on input-output data of China
Authors: Wang Can , Yang Huipeng
Published: April 2022

As the Chinese economy grows, the imbalance of industrial structure is prominent, and the optimization of industrial structure has become an urgent problem. Evaluation of industry is an important step in industry optimization. To this end, this study proposes an integrated evaluation method combining social network analysis (SNA) and the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method. Specifically, SNA method are used to calculate indicators, the measurement weights are calculated by the Entropy Weight (EW) Method, and the rank of each industry is determined by the TOPSIS method. Critical industries are identified based on China’s input-output data from 2002 to 2017. The results indicate that Manufacturing Industry and the Metal products have a high evaluation, but the Research and Development have a low evaluation value at all times. According to the results, we suggest that the government should optimize the allocation of resources and promote the transfer of resources to balance industrial development.
Energy poverty and impact of Covid-19 pandemics in Visegrad (V4) countries
Authors: Streimikiene Dalia
Published: April 2022

The article aims to analyse the effect of COVID 19 pandemics on energy poverty in Visegrad (V4) countries, namely Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic. The literature review on energy poverty was performed and the main indicators energy poverty were discussed. The dynamics of the main indicators of energy poverty during COVID 19 pandemics and post pandemic period were critically analysed and compared among V-4 countries trying to identify the successful policies and measures helping to mitigate negative COVID 19 pandemics impact on energy poverty in analysed group of countries.
Evaluation of the condition of social processes based on qualimetric methods: The COVID-19 case
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Trišč Roman , Remeikienė Rita , Zielińska Anetta , Strikaitė-Latušinskaja Goda
Published: April 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic mainly affected those target groups who, due to the nature of their duties, were unable to isolate themselves. The consequences of such work are psychological tension with various symptoms. In this situation, the formation of a system for localizing its consequences becomes a very important task. Three parts are distinguished: a quantitative assessment of the scale and nature of the pandemic, a quantitative assessment of the need to localize the consequences and the analysis of current system; third, the formation of a monitoring system. The chosen system allows verbal assessments to be transformed into quantitative ones. Based on it, the aggregated values of seven essential signs of psychological stress in the target groups (medical and social workers, police, customs officers, educators, pharmacists, and entrepreneurs) were identified: anxiety (0.80), stress (0.78), aggression (0.63), insomnia (0.62), persistent fatigue (0.61), depression (0.56), sadness (0.49). The application of the methodology allows forming a monitoring system considering the scale of the pandemic impact and the psychological consequences. The mental distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to be characterized by such negative effects as anxiety, stress, insomnia, persistent fatigue, depression and persistent sadness. The study revealed that the major shortcomings in the system developed for localizing the negative effects are as follows: insufficient efforts of state institutions even in the case the negative effects are getting worse; inadequate provision of psychological assistance conditioned by unreasonably high prices and deficient legal framework.
The contribution of the Visegrad four automotive industry to economic growth
Authors: Török László
Published: April 2022

In the countries of the Visegrad Four (V4) (Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia), significant and modern car production capacities were built due to foreign direct investment inflows. According to the results of mainstream research, the automotive industry can make a substantial contribution to the growth of the GDP of the affected national economy. In the V4 countries, the opposite has taken place in the automotive industry over the past decade. Automotive production increased in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia but decreased in Poland. The study seeks to answer the question of the close relationship between automotive output and changes in GDP in the countries concerned. The correlation calculation results show that the automotive industry has a powerfully positive effect on GDP growth in countries where the sector's contribution is significant and growing dynamically.
Trade unions and hotel industry: Current trends
Authors: Draskovic Veselin , Pupavac Justin , Delibasic Milica , Bilan Svitlana
Published: April 2022

The subject of this article is to research the role of trade unions in the hotel industry in this century. Looking at trade union density across the Horeca sector in the EU27 plus Norway, it can be seen that overall density is relatively low (less than 15%), irrespective of the diversity within the Horeca sector in each country. Accordingly, the main objective of this article is to investigate the future of the trade unions in the hotel industry considering social and economic changes of the last few decades. It starts from four hypotheses, which refer to the attitudes of employees and union members towards the role of unions in the hotel industry and their power. The results of field research have served as primary data. The survey has been carried out among hotel employees (N=452) along the Adriatic coast in the summer season before the COVID-19 crises. In order to evaluate, formulate and present the findings, the following scientific methods have been applied: analysis and synthesis together with descriptive and inferential statistics.. The main finding of this paper points to the conclusion that employees who achieve high productivity do not have faith in the power of unions in the hotel industry. In terms of demographic variables, union employees above the age of 50 believe the least in the power of unions. These employees mostly point out that they are not adequately rewarded, that their superiors do not help them, and do not respect their working hours. The findings obtained may be significant for trade unions and their representatives to support them to form a new strategy that is necessary for unions to reach their goals.
Empirical evaluation of monetary policy transmission to stock markets and further transfer of macroeconomic shocks to the real sector
Authors: Sova Yevgenii , Lukianenko Iryna
Published: April 2022

The study focuses on revealing key monetary policy instruments that can influence stock market development and elaborating whether shocks from financial markets and other macroeconomic conditions are further transferred to the real sector, as expected under the monetary transmission mechanism. This paper is an extension of our previous theoretical and empirical research expanding to ten developed and eight developing economies for the period of 1999-2020 using panel data and vector autoregressive models, impulse response functions, and scenario analysis. Firstly, it was examined that actions of monetary policymakers were efficient for stimulating the development of stock markets mostly for developed countries, whereas stock indices in most developing countries seemed not to be sensitive to changes in monetary conditions. Using scenario analysis and impulse response functions, it was discovered that in developing countries, including Poland and Ukraine, an expansionary policy focused on increasing money supply would mitigate deceleration and facilitate the growth of stock indices in the next four quarters, whereas, in developed countries, including the USA, a decline in interest rates under expansionary regime would stimulate the development of stock markets. Finally, the evolution of financial markets together with macroeconomic, social, and political conditions was concluded to be a statistically important factor of economic growth, as initially expected.
BASES ÉTICAS PARA UMA PROPOSTA ECOLÓGICA E POPULAR DE EDUCAÇÃO EM DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Carbonari Paulo César
Published: April 2022

O trabalho pretende sistematizar uma proposta de concepção ecológica e popular de educação em direitos humanos. Parte de uma crítica a uma visão monocultural a partir da qual oferece a alternativa ecológica. No desenvolvimento analisa aspectos da opção monocultural e também as características da alternativa ecológica. Sugere que a opção monocultural é despotenciadora, centrada num saber único, orientada por uma compreensão progressista de temporalidade, não aceita as diferenças, é autoritária e idolátrica. A alternativa ecológica é apresentada como abertura às possibilidades, à interculturalidade, acredita e deseja a transformação das realidades, é dialógica, é cuidadosa e promove o cuidado, se orienta pela responsabilidade, entende a temporalidade como intensa e densa, articula a diversidade de saberes, lida com a incerteza e afirma e se confirma na e em travessia. A alternativa ecológica apresenta bases éticas consistentes para respeitar, proteger e promover os direitos humanos como prática e processo educativo sistemático e permanente: uma educação ecológica e popular em direitos humanos.
EDUCAÇÃO EM DIREITOS HUMANOS, FORMAÇÃO DE SUJEITOS DE DIREITO E DIGNIDADE HUMANA:
Authors: Cristina Guimaraes Queiroz Simões Helena , Cardoso Fernando da Silva , Maria Monteiro Silva Aida
Published: April 2022

Neste estudo apresentamos alguns fundamentos teóricos, epistêmicos e políticos da Educação em Direitos Humanos (EDH), relacionando-a enquanto um instrumento potencialmente determinante para a formação de sujeitos de direitos e promoção da dignidade humana, que resulta na disposição política, tanto individual quanto coletiva, com fins emancipatórios. O estudo anuncia uma visão menos abstrata e transcendental dos direitos humanos e busca realizar um diálogo entre a formação humanística e seus efeitos na concretização de práticas cidadãs. Ainda, discutimos sobre a conscientização e a ação política, capazes de construir princípios éticos e políticos e de mover as pessoas em relação à conquista de direitos. Por fim, traçamos um panorama dos retrocessos e do avanço do autoritarismo e do conservadorismo em relação à política de EDH no Brasil.
A PROFESSORA POR TRÁS DA MÁSCARA
Authors: Gustavson Wilson Adriana , Da Silva Trennepohl Kelly Juliana , Da Cruz Schneider Daniela
Published: April 2022

Este texto ocupa-se das dimensões, processos e percursos envolvidos no cotidiano docente feminino no contexto atual, qual seja, o estado de pandemia causado pelo surto de coronavírus. Com inspiração em leituras sobre feminismo, docência, arte e "arte como docência", alicerçadas na metodologia cartográfica, foi constituído um grupo de mulheres professoras. Em encontros organizados na forma de oficinas, foram partilhadas referências artísticas e teóricas-conceituais, evocando de modo subjetivo ser mulher, professora e artista. Textos, músicas, filmes, produções e proposições artísticas ofereciam pistas sobre recursos e linguagens expressivas, bem como que serviram de elemento disparador para conversas. As vivências trazidas após um ano de efetivo trabalho docente remoto, se fez presente nos relatos partilhados por todas nós, professorAs participantes e constituiu pontos de encontro entre elas. Esses pontos, nutridos por diferentes identidades, puderam demover o sentido e visibilizar do que se ocupa o Ethos da professorA.
ESTÁGIO DE DOCÊNCIA NO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Dos Santos Farias Iris Maria , Rodrigues Lima Willams dos Santos , Pereira Viana Maria Aparecida
Published: April 2022

O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar experiências e atividades desenvolvidas no Estágio de Docência, em nível de mestrado, da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), no Período Letivo Excepcional (PLE) de julho a outubro de 2021, no Curso de graduação em Educação Física - Licenciatura. As atividades e discussões foram organizadas a partir da seguinte questão: como contribuir com a formação inicial de professores com/para a utilização das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC) no período de pandemia da Covid-19? Para as discussões teóricas, foi de suma importância a visão dos estudiosos: Pimenta; Lima (2006); Costa; Tarouco (2010); Santos; Vergueiro (2012); Borges; Alencar (2014); Bacich; Moran (2018); Santos; Santos (2021), entre outros que apresentam subsídios no desenvolvimento da pesquisa. A metodologia foi baseada na pesquisa qualitativa, amparada em Chizzotti (2017) numa abordagem descritiva sobre as experiências realizadas no estágio de docência. Os resultados deixam explícitas as dificuldades de aprendizagem durante esse período de pandemia ao mesmo tempo em que motivam os estudantes para o uso das TDIC nas ações de ensinar e aprender.