bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Książki wzorców i poradniki architektoniczne, czyli zabytki i zabytkowa przestrzeń jako wzorce w planowaniu przestrzennym
Authors: Kutiak Andrzej Bruno
Published: June 2023

W artykule przedstawiono podstawowe rodzaje publikacji: poradniki architektoniczne, wzorniki i katalogi projektów, które są narzędziem planowaniu przestrzennym i w zarządzaniu przestrzenią, zarówno zabytkową, jak też nowoprojektowaną. Znamienna jest rola zabytku w procesie opracowania wzorników, który może stać się wzorcem dla nowych rozwiązań. W praktyce krajowej opracowania tego typu, ograniczające się do kategorii poradników, są wydawane począwszy od 2014 roku, choć już wcześniej były czynione próby opracowania wzorników architektonicznych. Ze względu na ograniczone doświadczenia krajowe możliwości i skalę oddziaływania tego typu opracowań zaprezentowano na przykładzie Luizjany, gdzie w trakcie odbudowy po zniszczeniach z 2006 roku odegrały one znaczącą rolę.
Terra incognita?
Authors: Waszczyńska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Do rąk Czytelników trafia siedem tekstów, które przybliżają wybrane zagadnienia związane z białoruskimi muzeami. Czytelnik ma przed sobą teksty w języku polskim, ale co warto i należy podkreślić, wszystkie zostały napisane w języku białoruskim. Fakt ten jest ważny, szczególnie biorąc pod uwagę złożoną sytuację językową w Białorusi i podporządkowanie białoruszczyzny językowi rosyjskiemu. Wybór języka nie jest jedynie wyborem środka komunikacji, ale jest, przede wszystkim, deklaracją światopoglądową.
Neutralność Szwajcarii
Authors: Popławski Dariusz
Published: June 2023

SWISS NEUTRALITY: CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY

The main research objective of the article is to show the evolution of Switzerland’s neutrality after the Cold War. Based on the analysis of internal and external conditions, the thesis is formulated that in the conceptual sphere, Switzerland refers to the traditional principles of perpetual neutrality, both in official positions as well as political rhetoric. This aspect clearly distinguishes it from the neutral and non-aligned European Union states. At the same time, in the realm of implementation, it is actually shifting to positions of non-alignment/post-neutrality. The main components of the redefinition of neutrality materialised in the form of a rejection of the principles of the so-called economic neutrality as well as a change of attitude towards armed conflicts. Their implementation opened up opportunities for participation in the process of European integration and a broader commitment to international solidarity as well as management crises. It was in line with the expectations of the international community. The lack of consequences was critically assessed as well as the main barriers to the implementation of the principles of the new concept of neutrality in the 1990s. The beginning of the 21st century brings a clear stabilisation of Helvetic neutrality, including changes in the field of cooperative security policy. Joining the European Union’s sanctions against Russia confirms the continuity of the assumptions of the post-Cold War concept of neutrality.
Neutralność Szwajcarii
Authors: Wiśniewska-Paź Barbara
Published: June 2023

SWITZERLAND’S NEUTRALITY: DIMENSIONS OF THE SECURITY OF A NEUTRAL STATE
The aim of the article is to present the unique concept of Switzerland’s security as a neutral state and the most important points in the process of its evolution. For this purpose, the most important stages of shaping the concept of security and defense policy of the state, legal bases and an attempt to define what are currently the pillars of Switzerland’s defense and security will be presented. One of the important points to deal with this topic are the current international events related to the pandemic and the armed conflict in Ukraine and the position of Switzerland as a neutral state, which is an interpretation of the shaping of the contemporary concept of Swiss security in the changing balance of power. In the preparation of this article, the analysis of reports, studies, publications and existing documents was used, as well as the historical, institutional and legal approach as well as elements of system analysis.
Referenda w Księstwie Liechtensteinu
Authors: Koźbiał Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

REFERENDA IN THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEINAfter the end of the First World War, Liechtenstein abandoned its previous ties with Austria and turned – politically and economically – towards its other neighbour, Switzerland. The result of these ties was, among other things, the adoption of certain political solutions, typical of Helvetia and adopted by the Principality in the constitution in 1921. One of these solutions became referenda, used as an instrument of direct democracy. Their reception was successful, and today Liechtenstein is the second European country in terms of numbers (after Switzerland) to use this method of decision-making. Until 1st October 2022, 87 referenda had been held in which citizens answered 114 questions, accepting just over 40 per cent of them. This tool will probably continue to be used in the near future, as it is a solution that is already tried and tested and well -established in the country’s political system. Referendum questions in Liechtenstein mostly concerned constitutional matters, the adoption of specific laws, as well as infrastructure projects requiring approval for certain costs. These issues generally did not differ from referendum questions in other European countries.
Antyeuropejski wymiar referendów szwajcarskich. Casus Szwajcarskiej Partii Ludowej
Authors: Nitszke Agnieszka
Published: June 2023

THE ANTI-EUROPEAN DIMENSION OF THE SWISS REFERENDA: THE CASE OF THE SWISS PEOPLE’S PARTY
The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of referenda on the increase in the popularity of anti-European sentiments in Switzerland on the example of the activity, in particular during selected referendum campaigns, of the Swiss People’s Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP). Two research hypotheses will be examined in the article: leading – H1: The Swiss People’s Party uses anti-European slogans to build its position on the political scene; and auxiliary – H2: the Swiss anti-European narrative is primarily related to migration issues. In order to verify or falsify the hypotheses, the following research questions were posed: Q1: Which dimensions of Europeanization arouse the greatest controversy and political disputes in Switzerland?; Q2: What are the programmatic and organizational specifics of the Swiss People’s Party?; Q3: What means does the Swiss People’s Party use in referendum campaigns?; Q4: Are there, and if so, what, specific features of the Swiss anti-European narrative? The answers to the research questions will be contained in the following parts of the text. In the summary, research hypotheses will be resolved and conclusions will be presented.
Szwajcaria w Europie
Authors: Rebes Marcin
Published: June 2023

SWITZERLAND IN EUROPE: CULTURAL IDENTITY AND MODELS OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY FROM A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE
The article examines the origins and transformation of direct democracy in Switzerland and discusses this problem against the wider background of strong connection of Switzerland to the tradition of both Germanic and Romance culture. The political system of direct democracy has grown out of the need to deal effectively with linguistic, cultural and identity conflicts within multicultural societal matrix. I aim at examining how – out of the original confederations and the subsequent differentiation of the cantons – the very idea of a federation emerged. More specifically, how the culture of compromise became the standard modus operandi in Switzerland. In philosophical terms, the tension between the freedom of the individual, the canton, and democracy, the federation, i.e. between the individual and the collective, plays a key role here. The article consists of two parts. First, I tackle the problem of the mechanism of community building along the lines of Swiss formula of “unity in diversity.” Secondly, I discuss how did the Swiss citizens internalise the idea of belonging to the community of the confederation established on the model of direct democracy.
Symbole Nienawiści. Dewastacja Pomnika Józefa Piłsudskiego i Czwórki Legionowej w Krakowie – charakterystyka wybranych aspektów
Authors: Sekuła Paweł
Published: June 2023

SYMBOLS OF HATE: VANDALISM AGAINST THE MONUMENT TO JÓZEF PIŁSUDSKI AND THE LEGION QUARTET IN CRACOW – CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED ASPECTS
The article analyses the concepts of and proposals for constitutional reforms put forward by one of the Polish democratic political groups, which was established in exile after the fall of the November Uprising (1830-1831). Young Poland, which was a part of an international conspiratorial organisation founded by Giuseppe Mazzini (Young Europe), an organisation marked by revolutionary democratism, which, according to Polish emigrants, meant primarily striving for national character, seeing its goal in regaining national independence lost by Poland as a result of partitions. In addition, however, the concepts of members of Young Poland strongly emphasized both Christian and Utopian socialist themes. The foundation of these concepts referred to republican ideas that arose from the Great French Revolution and were based on the principles of freedom, equality and fraternity.
Motor Boats in the Technology of HDPE with RIB Type Construction
Authors: Oksana Telak  , Jerzy Telak  , Tomasz Niemczewski
Published: June 2023

Aim: In 2022, on the lakes Zegrzynskie and the Orzysz, there were carried out tests of a motor boat with a hull made in HDPE technology and a construction similar to a hybrid boat (rigid-inflatable boat, RIB). The aim of the tests was to examine the operational capabilities of the SRB53 motor boats and obtain preliminary information on the configuration of the equipment. Introduction: High performance motor boats should constitute standard equipment of lifeguards. There are motor boats on the market using high density polyethylene (HDPE) for the construction of their hulls. Methodology: The survey involved 57 people, experts, representatives of public administration, NATO soldiers, police, and rescue services, as well as enterprises and non-governmental entities operating in the field of water rescue. The working hypothesis was assumed that probably motor boats as a combination of HDPE technology with a hybrid boat design could match the operational rib boats and have an advantage in terms of durability and resistance to hull damage. A diagnostic survey was used on a small sample with research techniques, i.e., observation, interview, and test, as well as research tools in the form of an observation sheet. The research was prepared, carried out and closed in the following order: development of the research procedure, collection of research material, development of results, theoretical analysis of the obtained material and derivation of conclusions. The scope of the boat study included going away and nailing to the quay, the boat’s behaviours when making turns and abrupt turns in both directions at different speeds, and the hull durability test. Results: The test results and opinions were positive, many advantages of the hull of the tested boat were indicated, with one negative parameter – a higher weight compared to traditional rescue boats. The working hypothesis was proved: motor boats in HDPE technology with a hybrid boat design are equal in terms of operation to RIB boats and are more durable and resistant to impacts. Innovative HDPE technology is useful for boat production. Due to the purpose, different configuration and equipment of the boat should be assumed. Keywords: motor boats, water rescue, polyethylene, technology, innovation
Unification of the Construction of Tank Vehicles as an Important Element in Improving the Safety of Transport and Rescue Operations
Authors: Bogdan Kosowski  , Robert Piec  , Arkadiusz Kielin
Published: June 2023

Aim: The aim of the research was to verify the assumptions regarding the need to unify and standardize the design of tank vehicles in order to make it easier for rescuers from specialized chemical-ecological rescue groups (SRGChem) to make the right decisions at the scene. Ultimately, such unification is expected to allow the safe elimination of the threat by improving the rescue efforts of the groups in question. To carry it out, it is necessary to analyse rescue operations and draw conclusions, which should be made available to the manufacturers of tank vehicles, carriers and SGRchem rescuers. Project and methods: In the first stage of consideration, an analysis of the literature was carried out, followed by a survey of the rescuers who are members of SRGChem in order to find out their opinions on the unification of the construction of tank vehicles. Questions included emergency unloading valves. Interviews were also conducted with experts familiar with the issues of the subject in question, in particular practitioners who perform command functions in the SGRchem on a daily basis. Results: A survey of emergency responders from specialized chemical and environmental rescue groups shows that the vast majority of this group sees a significant problem arising from the varied design of tank vehicles for transporting hazardous substances. An overwhelming number of respondents indicated that unification of the construction of tank vehicles transporting hazardous substances is feasible, but requires a lot of discussions with the manufacturers in terms of seeking new solutions, i.e., insurance relief for tank vehicles that would be certified for unified construction. Conclusions: The transportation of hazardous materials is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge. The organization of transport in accordance with current safety regulations and standards ensures not only the minimization of risks arising from the transport of hazardous materials, but also its full efficiency. It is important to remember that every participant in the transport of dangerous goods has certain responsibilities. The greatest scope is imposed on the carrier and the shipper. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to an indispensable element of transport safety – that is, training, which should be carried out for all employees who come into contact with dangerous goods. All these considerations lead to the conclusion that unification of the construction of tank vehicles would have a significant impact on improving the safety of transport and the effectiveness of ongoing rescue operations. Keywords: safety, transport, rescue, training, hazardous substances
ChatGPT in the Educational Process of Higher Education Institutions: You Can’t Ban It You Can Use It
Authors:   Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Leontieva Inna
Published: June 2023

The article discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of ChatGPT as a teaching technology in higher education institutions for students of the first (Bachelor’s) level of higher education. A brief theoretical review of relevant English- and Ukrainian-language scientific works on the studied problem has been made. The productive experience of foreign researchers in using large language models based on artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT in working with students has been briefly characterized, with an emphasis on their conclusions and recommendations on possible strategies and methods of working with chatbots. A systematic analysis of the most acute problems related to the possibility of open access of students to such technologies has been presented. The expediency of using a chatbot in the practice of teaching students has been reasonably demonstrated. The results of an empirical study conducted with the help of Google Forms software in the target audience of students of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University have been highlighted. The study was aimed at identifying the opinion of the subjects of the educational process regarding the features and key principles of ChatGPT, and the expediency of using chatbots and artificial intelligence in the educational process. Examples of educational tasks based on ChatGPT have been presented. They have been selected considering students’ feedback on the feasibility of using such technology in the educational process. The necessity of further study of the readiness of respondents of other target groups to work with ChatGPT and identification of positive and negative correlations have been outlined.
Development of Student Youth’s Social Creativity in Remote Educational Space
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Culture, Maksymovska Nataliia , Bilyk Olena ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Culture
Published: June 2023

The article presents the results of substantiating and implementing the student youth’s social creativity development methodology in remote educational space of a higher education institution. It has been specified that social creativity is characterized by freedom of choice, positive societal direction, motivated personal initiative, interest and high enough quality of innovative, independent organizatio-nal actions. Remote educational space has been described is being defined by interactivity, ability to operatively connect, integrativity of various means and instruments, creativity regarding decision making. Remote education instruments have been characterized. Such instruments allow percei-ving educational content and extracurricular activity as combined types of interaction in a remote space. A point of view, that methodo-logy of contemporary higher education pedago-gy is integrated by considering the combination of professional teaching tasks, has been presented. The methodology is being based on subject-subject approach, dialogue teaching, individual-oriented approach with event metho-dology of presenting information and involving recipients in interaction in online environment. It has been proven that contemporary lecturer is a specialist, who plans and organizes this pro-cess, becomes a provider of educational activi-ties during course provision, who teaches and ensures continuation of extracurricular interac-tion, aimed at realizing students’ social creativity.
Model of Developmental Tutoring in Secondary Education Institutions of Foreign Countries
Authors:   Private school ", Shvets Tatyana ,   Athens"
Published: June 2023

The article analyzes one of the effective pedagogical methods in the field of realization of the individualization principle – the tutoring method. It is due to the current tendency of education development, and its focus on human personality. The purpose of the article is to study and analyze the model of foreign countries developmental tutoring in secondary education institutions. The basic approaches to the concept of tutoring in English- and Polish-language sources, as well as the author’s understanding of this concept, have been defined. It has been concluded that developmental tutoring relies on the individualization principle aimed at supporting students in achieving their goals in learning, maintaining motivation, assistance in recognizing their capabilities, talents and potential development. The article presents the main stages of tutoring: indicative and diagnostic; joint definition of goals, cooperation planning; implementation of the plan; summary of cooperation. The author presents the characteristic features and advantages of the developmental tutoring implementation in secondary education institutions, as well as the types and strategies of tutor activities. It has been also emphasized that the main condition for the implementation of tutoring is the establishment of dialogical relationships between the tutor and the tutee. It has been concluded that developmental tutoring contributes to the personal growth of students and the development of their soft skills, which are necessary for a conscious and successful life.
Tendencies of the Development of Higher Professional Education
Authors:   National Transport University, Sura Nataliya
Published: June 2023

The article describes a number of global tendencies of the development of modern higher professional education which are determined by the world transformations. The tendencies are under the influence of the world social problems, and are considered to be the most effective ones in the context of practical activities for achievement of educational goals. It has been revealed in the course of detailed analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature that the most popular tendencies of the development of higher professional education are the follows: online learning, distance learning, social media learning platforms, integrated problem-based learning, augmented and virtual reality learning, Internet resources (mass open online courses), blockchain technology, digitization of education, health-preserving environment of educational organization, social education management, students’ encouragement to self-education, students’ involvement to management of higher professional education institution, life-long learning, development of coaching, mentoring, tutorship, constant growth and improvement of teachers’ skills, gamification of education. Studying the educational tendencies of the development of higher professional education have allowed to find out that none of the educational tendencies is universal, although they are actual and problematic. The learning combines various methods that allows the most comprehensive solution of modern educational problems. The conclusions are drawn to the point that the only methodology that combines modern educational innovations and innovative teaching experience is considered to be the most progressive for further development of higher professional education and requires application into teaching practice.
Linguistic and Stylistic Requirements for Qualification Papers of Future Mathematics Teachers
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Toichkina Olena
Published: June 2023

The article reveals the general requirements for the qualification papers of future Mathematics teachers in the context of observing linguistic and stylistic norms of the scientific style, forming the language culture of a modern teacher. The social and communicative importance of the influence on the development of the teachers’ mathematical and scientific language has been analyzed. The peculiarities of the scientific language and the main flaws of its written presentation – the scientific style text – in the qualification papers of Mathematics teachers, who obtain the second educational level, have been revealed. Considerable attention has been paid to the formation of mathematical texts, in particular to issues of modern mathematical terminology. Typical linguistic and stylistic mistakes of authors, which they make when writing, editing and translating mathematical texts, have been analyzed. These mistakes to the specifics of scientific technical terminology, lexical and stylistic features of the style of scientific language have been related. Examples of the most frequently used lexical constructions and stable inflections in mathematical texts have been given. Recommendations on avoiding mistakes when constructing a text in a scientific style have been given. Selecting appropriate Ukrainian equivalents of commonly used lexemes of the Russian language, using established word combinations, and observing the grammatical norms of the literary language have been provided.
Social Orphanhood Prevention
Authors:   Khmelnytskyі National University, Ridkodubska Hanna
Published: June 2023

The article presents a theoretical analysis of scientific sources on solving the problem of social orphanhood prevention. The paper presents the methodological foundations of the problem, analyzes the content of “prevention” in various sources and its use to denote different directions of group and individual interaction policy. The theoretical and practice-oriented features of the development and implementation of social orphanhood prevention in modern conditions have been revealed. The Ukrainian system of social orphanhood prevention is a three-level model of preventive measures of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. The current practice of social workers’ work to reduce the number of social orphans has been analyzed. The essence of the most effective ones has been revealed. Among the innovative forms of interaction that a social worker / social teacher can use both at the individual level and in group interaction, the following are highlighted: participation in social orphanhood prevention campaigns, trainings, quests, gender equality lessons, a virtual trip to a performance, a virtual trip to another city, creating interest groups on social networks (Facebook and Instagram) and publishing relevant videos on TikTok. The paper identifies priority tasks for social orphanhood prevention and characterizes different levels of interaction between the educational, socio-political and public environment in the implementation of the main prevention models.
User Behavior Analysis Using IoT Data
Authors: Fotouhi Azade , Oudi Marwa , Gueni Billel , Mabrouk Mouna Ben
Published: June 2023

While the number of connected objects in the world of Internet of Thing (IoT) is increasing, an efficient and intelligent solution to exploit the huge amount of generated data does not exist. Smart homes powered by IoT devises are able to automate and monitor the every day activities of home owners, and improve the life quality especially for elderly and disabled people. In this paper, we propose a machine learning based model in order to analyze the IoT data and to provide data-driven services. Hence, this will make it possible to extract meaningful information from data and make intelligent decisions in smart environments. Then, the proposed model is evaluated using collected data from IoT devices based on different communication protocols.
Using Software Containers for Privileged Access Management in Cloud Environments: A Novel Approach to Handle Access Management for Cloud-based Networks
Authors: Steinhoff Marleen
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a novel approach for privileged access and session management using containers. Current solutions are built using proxies, proxy suites or jump servers, but they do not cater for third party remote access security requirements, have additional vulnerabilities and have scalabilty limitations.

The novelty of the solution proposed in this paper is a global orchestrator that instantiates a purpose-built container adapted to the virtual network functions’ system. Every container has a logging function, a pre-defined time-to-live and one-time-credentials. This approach is secure because the containers isolate different connections, privileges are restricted, permissions are always time-limited and the provider has full control over the sessions. The solution brings several other security enhancements, discussed in this paper.
Transitioning into Fully Blended Learning: A Model for Faculty Blended Learning Adoption
Authors: Antwi-Boampong Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Higher education institutions the world over is turning to Blended Learning (BL) as the preferred teaching and learning delivery approach. However, to attain campus-wide adoption requires an understanding of the influencing factors that motivate academics towards teaching in BL mode. Given this context, this paper presents findings from a qualitative study that investigates the lived experiences of academics as they adopt BL for teaching and learning in a Ghanaian university. Adopting a Grounded Theory as the methodology for this research within a sequential qualitative research design, data was collected from multiple sources. Primary data was obtained from in-depth interviews of 22 academics carried out to understand how they construct and navigate the BL teaching experiences. Secondary data was obtained from policy documents, faculty training signing sheets and Learning Management Systems (LMS) activity logs. The data was analysed using the constant comparative method and thematic analysis and triangulated to organize the themes and concepts for the proposed model. The outcome of the analytical process is theorized into an adoption model and grounded in the literature. The findings of the research provide very useful and practical model for administrators to stimulate Faculty motivation as they embark on BL implementation. The model indicates that external and internal environmental factors stimulate Faculty motivation to make a choice regarding the teaching modalities they prefer. It posits that as Faculty members begin to implement teaching process using technology, they become sensitized and begin to internalize the differences between the two teaching modalities/models and thus decide to adopt BL based on the level of implicit and explicit motivational factors that exist within the faculty members and the university.
The theoretical and practical dilemma of creating a new organisational design for a municipality using sub-municipal units
Authors: Hlynsdóttir Eva Marín
Published: June 2023

Organisational design is an important factor in determining the survival of organisations. The organisation and design of municipalities and local government is no exception to that rule. Concluding an amalgamation process indicates that a new organisational design must be introduced. The rule of thumb is that such proposals do not deviate much from the organisational tradition of local government in country or region in question. However, there are exceptions to that rule. Following an amalgamation of four Icelandic municipalities in 2020 a new organisational design was introduced. Consequently, a municipality with submunicipal units was established for the first time in Iceland. Submunicipal councils with a mixture of directly and indirectly elected members were created in each of the previous four separate municipalities, creating a second administrative tier within the municipality. The aim of the new design was to address problems inherent in amalgamation processes such as alienation of smaller communities within the new municipality often resulting in feelings of low levels of democratic legitimacy in many newly established municipalities. Another aim was to ensure that the municipal administration and services were organised aligned with local needs. The study aims to shed light on both the theoretical and practical dilemma of creating a new organisational design for a new municipality by using an interdisciplinary approach combining organisational theory with theory and studies on local government. Therefore, the study explores how successful this new municipal design is through the development of the municipal organisational chart, and survey results.
Multiple bound states in the continuum based on the dielectric metasurface
Authors: Xie Suxia , Yang Jingcheng , Shen Weiwei , Bai Chongjun , Sun Siyi , Guan Xin
Published: June 2023

Optical metasurfaces with high quality factors (Q-factors) of bound states in the continuum (BICs) can substantially boost light–matter interaction for various applications in ultrathin and active metadevices. In this paper, we propose a metasurface supporting both at Γ BICs and off Γ BICs, and they can be modulated regularly. The sensitivities of the monolayer and bi-layer structures can reach 157.918 nm/RIU and 165.76 nm/RIU, respectively, at incident angles of 0.01 deg. For the bi-layer metasurface, four BICs at Γ point are achieved, and they are influenced by the structural parameters dramatically. Additionally, the four at Γ BICs coincide into two and then behave similarly to the monolayer case with the distance being large enough, which is associated with the BICs becoming uncoupled when the layers get far from each other. Furthermore, similar behaviors (four at Γ BICs coincide into two) are observed by varying the nanopore size in one layer of the bi-layer metasurface. For an oblique incidence, two off Γ BICs show up, and their center wavelengths have a dependent relationship with the size of the nanopores and the distance between layers. The results for monolayer and bi-layer metasurfaces are useful for potential applications based on BICs, such as sensors and filters.
Mask design, fabrication, and experimental ghost imaging applications for patterned X-ray illumination
Authors: Aminzadeh Alaleh , Roberts Lindon , Young Benjamin , Chiang Cheng-I , Svalbe Imants D. , Paganin David M. , Kingston Andrew M.
Published: June 2023

A set of non-configurable transversely-displaced masks has been designed and fabricated to generate high-quality X-ray illumination patterns for use in imaging techniques such as ghost imaging (GI), ghost projection, and speckle tracking. The designs include a range of random binary and orthogonal patterns, fabricated through a combination of photolithography and gold electroplating techniques. We experimentally demonstrated that a single wafer can be used as an illumination mask for GI, employing individual illumination patterns and also a mixture of patterns, using a laboratory X-ray source. The quality of the reconstructed X-ray ghost images has been characterized and evaluated through a range of metrics.
Compact dual-mode waveguide crossing based on adjoint shape optimization
Authors: Zhao Caiyue , Cheng Lirong , Chen Houyu , Mao Simei , Wang Yinghui , Li Qian , Fu H. Y.
Published: June 2023

We design, fabricate, and characterize a compact dual-mode waveguide crossing on a silicon-on-insulator platform. The dual-mode waveguide crossing with high performance is designed by utilizing the adjoint shape optimization. This adjoint-method-based optimization algorithm is computationally efficient and yields the optimal solution in fewer iterations compared with other iterative schemes. Our proposed dual-mode waveguide crossing exhibits low insertion loss and low crosstalk. Experimental results show that the insertion losses at the wavelength of 1550 nm are 0.83 dB and 0.50 dB for TE0 and TE1 modes, respectively. The crosstalk is less than −20 dB for the two modes over a wavelength range of 80 nm. The footprint of the whole structure is only 5 × 5 μm2.
SpeckleCam: High-resolution Computational Speckle Contrast Tomography for Deep Blood Flow Imaging
Authors: Maity Akash , Veeraraghavan Ashok , Sabharwal Ashutosh
Published: June 2023

Laser speckle contrast imaging is widely used in clinical studies to monitor blood flow distribution. Speckle contrast tomography, similar to diffuse optical tomography, extends speckle contrast imaging to provide deep tissue blood flow information. However, the current speckle contrast tomography techniques suffer from poor spatial resolution and involve both computation and memory intensive reconstruction algorithms. In this work, we present SpeckleCam, a camera-based system to reconstruct high resolution 3D blood flow distribution deep inside the skin. Our approach replaces the traditional forward model using diffuse approximations with Monte-Carlo simulations-based convolutional forward model, which enables us to develop an improved deep tissue blood flow reconstruction algorithm. We show that our proposed approach can recover complex structures up to 6 mm deep inside a tissue-like scattering medium in the reflection geometry. We also conduct human experiments to demonstrate that our approach can detect reduced flow in major blood vessels during vascular occlusion.
Charting the spatial dynamics of early SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Washington state
Authors: Brett Tobias S. , Bansal Shweta , Rohani Pejman
Published: June 2023

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been geographically uneven. To understand the drivers of this spatial variation in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, in particular the role of stochasticity, we used the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 invasion in Washington state as a case study. We analysed spatially-resolved COVID-19 epidemiological data using two distinct statistical analyses. The first analysis involved using hierarchical clustering on the matrix of correlations between county-level case report time series to identify geographical patterns in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the state. In the second analysis, we used a stochastic transmission model to perform likelihood-based inference on hospitalised cases from five counties in the Puget Sound region. Our clustering analysis identifies five distinct clusters and clear spatial patterning. Four of the clusters correspond to different geographical regions, with the final cluster spanning the state. Our inferential analysis suggests that a high degree of connectivity across the region is necessary for the model to explain the rapid inter-county spread observed early in the pandemic. In addition, our approach allows us to quantify the impact of stochastic events in determining the subsequent epidemic. We find that atypically rapid transmission during January and February 2020 is necessary to explain the observed epidemic trajectories in King and Snohomish counties, demonstrating a persisting impact of stochastic events. Our results highlight the limited utility of epidemiological measures calculated over broad spatial scales. Furthermore, our results make clear the challenges with predicting epidemic spread within spatially extensive metropolitan areas, and indicate the need for high-resolution mobility and epidemiological data.
Impact of a bi-annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin programme on the incidence of epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic area of Mahenge, Tanzania: A population-based prospective study
Authors: Bhwana Dan , Amaral Luís-Jorge , Mhina Athanas , Hayuma Paul Martine , Francis Filbert , Siewe Fodjo Joseph N. , Mmbando Bruno P. , Colebunders Robert
Published: June 2023

Background

Community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTi) is used to eliminate onchocerciasis. However, despite 25 years of annual CDTi in Mahenge, Tanzania, the prevalence of onchocerciasis and onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy remained high in certain rural villages. Therefore, in 2019, bi-annual CDTi was introduced in the area. This study assessed the impact of the programme on the incidence of epilepsy in four villages.

Methodology

Door-to-door epilepsy surveys were conducted prior to (2017/18) and after (2021) implementing a bi-annual CDTi program. All household members were screened for epilepsy symptoms using a validated questionnaire, and suspected cases were examined by a medical doctor to confirm/reject the diagnosis of epilepsy. The prevalence and annual incidence of epilepsy, including nodding syndrome, were calculated with 95% Wilson confidence intervals with continuity correction. The latter was also done for CDTi coverage in 2016 and 2021.

Results

Precisely 5,444 and 6,598 persons were screened for epilepsy before and after implementing the intervention. The CDTi coverage of the overall population was 82.3% (95%CI: 81.3–83.2%) in 2021 and sustained in both distribution rounds (81.5% and 76.8%). The coverage was particularly high in children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 years (93.2%, 95%CI: 92.1–94.2%). The epilepsy prevalence remained similar: 3.3% (95%CI: 2.9–3.9%) in 2017/18 versus 3.1% (95%CI: 2.7–3.5%) in 2021. However, the incidence of epilepsy declined from 177.6 (95%CI: 121.2–258.5) in 2015–2017 and 2016–2018 to 45.5 (95%CI: 22.2–89.7) in 2019–2021 per 100,000 persons-years. The incidence of probable nodding syndrome varied from 18.4 (95%CI: 4.7–58.5) to 5.1 (95%CI: 0.3–32.8). None of the nine incidence cases of epilepsy for which information on ivermectin intake was available took ivermectin in the year they developed their first seizures.

Conclusion

A bi-annual CDTi programme should be implemented in areas with high prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy. High CDTi coverage among children is particularly important to prevent onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.
The effect of geographical variation in income measures on measles-mumps-rubella uptake and coverage in England; a protocol for an ecological study
Authors: Ghazal Salma , Soyiri Ireneous N.
Published: June 2023

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease whose vaccine was introduced in England in 1988, however, Measles outbreaks have still been occurring in the country. Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed the elimination status of Measles in 2019 from England and the whole United Kingdom. Noticeably, MMR vaccination coverage in England is below the recommended threshold with geographical variations across local authorities (LA). The research into the effect of income disparities on MMR vaccine coverage was insufficiently examined. Therefore, an ecological study will be conducted aiming at determining whether there is a relationship between income deprivation measures and MMR vaccine coverage in upper-tier local authorities in England. This study will be using 2019 publicly available vaccination data for children who were eligible for the MMR vaccine by their second and fifth birthday in 2018/2019. The effect of spatial clustering of income level on vaccination coverage will also be assessed. Vaccination coverage data will be obtained from “Cover of Vaccination Evaluated Rapidly (COVER)”. Income deprivation score, Deprivation gap, and Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index will be obtained from Office for National Statistics and Moran’s Index will be generated using RStudio. Rural/urban LA classification and mothers’ education will be included as possible confounding factors. Additionally, the live births rate per mothers’ age group will be included as a proxy for the mothers’ age variation in different LA. Multiple linear regression will be used after testing the relevant assumptions, using SPSS software. Moran’s I together with income deprivation score will be analysed through regression and mediation analysis. This study will help in determining whether income level is a determinant of MMR vaccination uptake and coverage in LA in England which would help policymakers in designing targeted campaigns, thus preventing measles outbreaks in the future.
Self-medication practices against COVID-19 infection and awareness among residents of Mogadishu, Somalia: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Moussa Ayan Aden , Omar Fardosa Dahir , Fiidow Osman Abubakar , Ali Fadumo Hassan , Babatunde Sadiq Mohammed
Published: June 2023

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected several countries worldwide, resulting in a considerable strain on healthcare systems and increased trend of self-medication practices. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of COVID-19 and the prevalence of self-medication during the pandemic among residents in Mogadishu, Somalia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured and pretested questionnaire between May 2020 and January 2021. Participants from various disciplines were randomly recruited within the study location and interviewed about their self-medication practices during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the respondents’ information and responses to the questionnaire items. Associations between participants’ demographic characteristics and specific items relating to self-medication practices were analysed using the Chi-square test. A total of 350 residents participated in the study. Approximately 63% of the participants reported having practised COVID-19 related self-medication with the main reasons being pharmacists’ advice (21.4%) and having an old prescription (13.1%), whereas 37.1% did not report their reasons for self-medication. Most participants (60.4%) engaged in self-medication despite not having any symptoms and 62.9% had taken antibiotics in the last three months. Most participants were aware that no medication has been approved for COVID-19 (81.1%), the negative effects of self-medication (66.6%), and the transmission routes of the virus. Meanwhile, more than 40% of the participants have not worn a mask while outside their homes, and do not follow the international COVID-19 guidelines. The most prevalent drug used by participants for self-medication against COVID-19 was paracetamol (81.1%) and antibiotics (78%). The factors associated with awareness of COVID-19 and self-medication practices included age, gender, educational qualification, and occupation. This study revealed considerable high self-medication practices among Mogadishu residents, thus highlighting the need to promote awareness regarding the adverse effects of self-medication and sanitisation guidelines in addressing COVID-19 at the community level.
The impact of university STEM assets: A systematic review of the empirical evidence
Authors: Billing Chloe , Bramley George , Ioramashvili Carolin , Lynam Robert , Cepeda Zorrilla Magda , Collinson Simon , Humphreys Kelvin , Kollydas Konstantinos , Pan Fengjie , Pugh Alice , Sevinc Deniz , Yuan Pei-Yu
Published: June 2023

Background

Innovation ecosystems are an important driver of regional economic growth and development. STEM assets connected to universities may play an important role in such ecosystems.

Objective

To systematically review the literature relating to the effect of university STEM assets on regional economies and innovation ecosystems, providing a better understanding of how the impact is generated and constrained, as well as identifying any gaps in knowledge.

Methods

Keyword and text word searches using the Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), Econlit (EBSCO) and ERIC (EBSCO) were performed in July 2021 and February 2023. Papers were double screened on abstract and title, and were included if there was consensus that they fulfilled the inclusion criteria of: (i) relating to an OECD country; (ii) having been published between 1 January 2010 and 28 February 2023; and (iii) concerning the impact of STEM assets. Data extraction was undertaken for each article by a single reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. Due to the heterogeneity of the study designs and outcome measures used, it was not possible to perform a quantitative synthesis of results. A narrative synthesis was subsequently undertaken.

Results

Of the 162 articles identified for detailed review, 34 were accepted as being sufficiently relevant to the study to be included for final analysis. Three important features identified were that the literature: i) is predominately concerned with supporting new businesses; ii) describes a high level of involvement with a university in providing that support; and iii studies economic impacts at local, regional and national levels.

Discussion

The evidence points to a gap in the literature relating to looking at the broader impact of STEM assets and any corresponding transformational, system-level effects that go beyond narrowly defined, short to medium-term outcomes. The main limitation of this review is that information on STEM assets in the non-academic literature is not captured.