bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial thinking: the politics and practice of policy impact
Authors: Flinders Matthew
Published: October 2022

Background:

This comment piece responds to points raised by Steve Johnson in ‘The policy impact of entrepreneurship research: challenging received wisdom’ (Johnson, 2022).

Aims and objectives:

To build upon the intellectual foundations that Johnson has provided so expertly and to continue the debate through a focus on two issues – problem definition, and the need for continuing criticality.

Methods:

Commentary.

Findings:

Johnson stimulates a debate not just about the past, present and future of entrepreneurship research but about the science-society nexus more generally.

Discussion and conclusion:

Taken together, the issues of problem definition, and the need for continuing criticality, highlight ‘the politics of policy impact’ and have direct implications for how academics, in general, and entrepreneurship researchers, in particular, face the emerging research, innovation and development ecosystem.
Climate change, disasters and social work practice in Greece
Authors: Papadopoulou Dimitra , Teloni Dimitra-Dora
Published: October 2022

In times of repeated crises, social work is more than ever linked with politics. In contemporary societies, neoliberal welfare, health policies (such as the case of COVID-19), climate change, poverty and wars have a direct impact on people and nature, as well as social services, professionals and users. Particularly in regard to climate change, we need to accentuate its implication for people’s lives, animals and nature, as well as its connection with social work. In this direction, this article presents the findings of research that took place in 2019 in Greece regarding social work practice in disasters and suggests the reclaiming of community work by a radical perspective and in coalition with environmental justice movements.
Minority social workers permanently leaving the profession: extent, motivations and implications
Authors: Mahajne Ibrahim
Published: October 2022

The research investigated the scope, motivations and implications of Palestinian minority social workers permanently leaving the profession. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten former social workers. It was found that leaving their social work posts, either temporarily or permanently, was a rare occurrence in Palestinian society. The few who abandoned the profession explained that two factors hindered their proper functioning and provision of appropriate services: a severe lack of essential resources; and inappropriate intervention programmes for the unique nature of Arab culture. Those who left the profession expressed satisfaction with their new careers, working as self-employed or senior employees, explaining that their new work compensated for the deficiencies endured in social work. Their departure seems to be a direct result of the socio-political context in which Palestinian social work develops, in particular, Israeli government policies that do not adequately address the needs of Palestinian society’s welfare services.
Stabilization of spin states of an open system: bichromatic driving of resonance transitions in NV ensembles in diamond
Authors: Gawlik Wojciech , Olczykowski Piotr , Mrózek Mariusz , Wojciechowski Adam M.
Published: October 2022

We apply a laser and two nearly degenerate microwave fields upon an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond and observe magnetic resonance structures with two-component, composite shapes of nested Lorentzians with different widths. One component of them undergoes regular power-broadening, whereas the linewidth of the other one becomes power-independent and undergoes field-induced stabilization. We show that the observed width stabilization is a general phenomenon that results from competition between coherent driving and non-conservation of populations that occur in open systems. The phenomenon is interpreted in terms of specific combinations of state populations that play the role of bright and dark states.
Multiparty quantum anonymous voting with discrete modulated coherent states and an optical frequency comb
Authors: Ruan Xinchao , Zhang Hang , Mao Yiyu , Wang Zhipeng , Zuo Zhiyue , Guo Ying
Published: October 2022

A key challenge for quantum information science is to realize large-scale, precisely controllable, practical systems for multiparty secure communications. Recently, Guidry et al. [Nat. Photonics 16, 52 (2022)10.1038/s41566-021-00901-z] have investigated the quantum optics of a Kerr-based optical frequency comb (OFC), which lays out the way for OFC acting as a quantum resource to realize a low-cost and stable multiparty continuous-variable quantum information processing. In this work, we propose a distributed quantum anonymous voting (DQAV) protocol based on discrete modulated coherent states, in which a Kerr-based OFC serves as the resource to generate multi-frequency quantum signals for multiparty voting. We consider both the single-selection and multiple-selection ballot scenarios, and design the phase compensation method for the OFC-based protocol. Voting security is ensured by the basic laws of quantum mechanics, while voting anonymity is achieved by the random assignment of different frequency sources and the homogeneity of the quantum operations taken on the same voting choice. Numerical analysis calculates the secure voting distance over the thermal-lossy channel, showing the advancement of the proposed protocol under multiparty and multivalued voting tasks.
Design of an Er-doped surface plasmon resonance-photonic crystal fiber to improve magnetic field sensitivity
Authors: Yao Siyu , Wang Dongying , Yu Yang , Zhang Zhenrong , Wei Linyi , Yang Junbo
Published: October 2022

In order to meet the demand for large-scale magnetic field testing, this paper proposes a D-shaped magneto-refractive photonic crystal fiber (MRPCF) based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) by using the erbium-doped materials. The four different structures of Models A, B, C, and D are designed by changing the diameter, the position, and the number of layers of the air holes, and the corresponding magnetic field sensing characteristics are analyzed. The results show that in the magnetic field range of 5–405 mT, the magnetic field sensitivities of Models A, B, C, and D are 28 pm/mT, 48 pm/mT, 36 pm/mT, and 21 pm/mT, respectively. Meanwhile, the figure of merit (FOM) of the four MRPCF-SPR sensors is investigated, which have FOMs of 4.8 × 10−4 mT-1, 6.4 × 10−4 mT-1, 1.9 × 10−4 mT-1, 0.9 × 10−4 mT-1. Model B has higher sensitivity and larger FOM. In addition, the effect of the structural parameters of Model B on the sensing performance is also studied. By optimizing each parameter, the magnetic field sensitivity of the optimized Model B is increased to 53 pm/mT, and its magneto-refractive sensitivity and FOM are 2.27 × 10−6 RIU/mT and 6.2 × 10−4 mT-1, respectively. It shows that the magneto-refractive effect of MRPCF can be effectively enhanced by optimizing the structural design of fiber. The proposed MRPCF is an all-solid-state fiber, which solves the instability problem of the magnetic fluid-filled fiber and reduces the complexity of the fabrication process. The all-solid-state MRPCF can be used in the development of quasi-distributed optical fiber magnetic field sensors and has broad applications in the fields of geological exploration, earthquake and tsunami monitoring, and military navigation.
Separation and compensation of nonlinear errors in sub-nanometer grating interferometers
Authors: Zeng Qilin , Zhao Zhengyi , Du Hao , Xiong Xianming , Zhang Wentao , Wang Peng , Zhang Zhicheng , Guo Yunfeng
Published: October 2022

In this paper, to separate and compensate the nonlinear error in the grating interferometer, we analyze the source and generation mechanism of this error, deduce the nonlinear error model of the measured signal and the calculated phase signal, and study the characteristics of the established nonlinear error model. The reason why the frequency multiples of ideal phase signals and higher-order nonlinear errors caused by ghost reflections and angular errors of the laser’s z-axis are not integers is explained. Then, a nonlinear error separation and compensation method based on cross-correlation coefficient is proposed. Experiments show that the frequency multiplier relationship between the high-order nonlinear error and the ideal interference signal is close to but not equal to 3-fold. The peak-to-peak value of the compensated nonlinear error is reduced from 17.40 nm to 7.05 nm.
Diffraction-Net: a robust single-shot holography for multi-distance lensless imaging
Authors: Luo Haixin , Xu Jie , Zhong Liyun , Lu Xiaoxu , Tian Jindong
Published: October 2022

Digital holography based on lensless imaging is a developing method adopted in microscopy and micro-scale measurement. To retrieve complex-amplitude on the sample surface, multiple images are required for common reconstruction methods. A promising single-shot approach points to deep learning, which has been used in lensless imaging but suffering from the unsatisfied generalization ability and stability. Here, we propose and construct a diffraction network (Diff-Net) to connect diffraction images at different distances, which breaks through the limitations of physical devices. The Diff-Net based single-shot holography is robust as there is no practical errors between the multiple images. An iterative complex-amplitude retrieval approach based on light transfer function through the Diff-Net generated multiple images is used for complex-amplitude recovery. This process indicates a hybrid-driven method including both physical model and deep learning, and the experimental results demonstrate that the Diff-Net possesses qualified generalization ability for samples with significantly different morphologies.
Interaction dynamics of optical dark bound solitons for a defocusing Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation
Authors: Ding Cui-Cui , Zhou Qin , Triki Houria , Hu Zhong-Hua
Published: October 2022

We investigate the propagation and interaction dynamics of the optical dark bound solitons for the defocusing Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation, which is a physically relevant generalization of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation involving the higher-order effects. Explicit N-dark soliton solutions in the compact determinant form are constructed via the binary Darboux transformation method. Bound states of the dark solitons are discussed when the incoherent solitons have the same velocity. We find an interesting phenomenon that dark soliton molecules and double-valley dark solitons (DVDSs) can be obtained by controlling the interval of the bound state dark solitons, and abundant interaction modalities between them can be formed. Moreover, dark soliton molecules always undergo elastic interactions with other solitons, while interactions for the DVDSs are usually inelastic, and special parameter conditions for elastic interaction of DVDSs through asymptotic analysis are obtained. Numerical simulations are employed to verify the stability of the bound state dark solitons. Analytical results obtained in this paper are expected to be useful for the experimental realization of bound-state dark solitons in optical fibers with higher-order effects and a further understanding of their optical transmission properties..
Dual-channel geometric meta-holograms with complex-amplitude modulation based on bi-spectral single-substrate-layer meta-atoms
Authors: Xie Rensheng , Bai Xudong , Liu Ji , Wang Xiong , Zheng Yinuo , Gu Zhen , Zhang Hualiang , Jing Chengbin , Ding Jun , Chu Junhao
Published: October 2022

Metasurfaces with complex-amplitude modulation are superior in power regulation and hologram imaging resolution compared with those with phase-only modulation. Nevertheless, a single-cell metasurface with multi-band independent phase and amplitude controls is still a great challenge for the circularly polarized incidences. In this work, we propose and design a single-substrate-layer single-cell metasurface with independent complex-amplitude modulations at two discrete frequencies. Based on this emerging technique, a bi-spectral meta-hologram is designed and verified by both full-wave simulations and experiments, which could reconstruct two Chinese characters at the imaging plane at two frequencies. The proposed method shows great potential in multifunctional meta-devices with enhanced performance.
Quasi-acoustic impedance matching distributed opto-mechanical sensor with aluminized coating optical fibers
Authors: Dong Yongkang , Ren Yuli , Li Hongwei , Shipulin Arkady , Zhou Dengwang , Li Tianfu , Zhang Hongying , Lin Dianyang , Ba Dexin
Published: October 2022

The uncoated single-mode fiber has been extensively researched as an opto-mechanical sensor since it can achieve substance identification of the surrounding media by exciting and detecting transverse acoustic waves via forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS), but it has the danger of being easily broken. Although polyimide-coated fibers are reported to allow transverse acoustic waves transmission through the coating to reach the ambient while maintaining the mechanical properties of the fiber, it still suffers from the problems of hygroscopic property and spectral instability. Here, we propose a distributed FSBS-based opto-mechanical sensor using an aluminized coating optical fiber. Benefiting from the quasi-acoustic impedance matching condition of the aluminized coating and silica core cladding, aluminized coating optical fibers not only have stronger mechanical properties and higher transverse acoustic wave transmission efficiency but also have a higher signal-to-noise ratio, compared with the polyimide coating fibers. The distributed measurement ability is verified by identifying air and water around the aluminized coating optical fiber with a spatial resolution of 2 m. In addition, the proposed sensor is immune to external relative humidity changes, which is beneficial for liquid acoustic impedance measurements.
Modulation of signaling cross-talk between pJNK and pAKT generates optimal apoptotic response
Authors: Biswas Sharmila , Tikader Baishakhi , Kar Sandip , Viswanathan Ganesh A.
Published: October 2022

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a well-known modulator of apoptosis by maintaining a balance between proliferation and cell-death in normal cells. Cancer cells often evade apoptotic response following TNFα stimulation by altering signaling cross-talks. Thus, varying the extent of signaling cross-talk could enable optimal TNFα mediated apoptotic dynamics. Herein, we use an experimental data-driven mathematical modeling to quantitate the extent of synergistic signaling cross-talk between the intracellular entities phosphorylated JNK (pJNK) and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) that orchestrate the phenotypic apoptosis level by modulating the activated Caspase3 dynamics. Our study reveals that this modulation is orchestrated by the distinct dynamic nature of the synergism at early and late phases. We show that this synergism in signal flow is governed by branches originating from either TNFα receptor and NFκB, which facilitates signaling through survival pathways. We demonstrate that the experimentally quantified apoptosis levels semi-quantitatively correlates with the model simulated Caspase3 transients. Interestingly, perturbing pJNK and pAKT transient dynamics fine-tunes this accumulated Caspase3 guided apoptotic response. Thus, our study offers useful insights for identifying potential targeted therapies for optimal apoptotic response.
Measuring the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at a city level: An agent-based computational modelling study of the City of Natal
Authors: Lopes Paulo Henrique , Wellacott Liam , de Almeida Leandro , Villavicencio Lourdes Milagros Mendoza , Moreira André Luiz de Lucena , Andrade Dhiego Souto , Souza Alyson Matheus de Carvalho , de Sousa Rislene Katia Ramos , Silva Priscila de Souza , Lima Luciana , Lones Michael , do Nascimento José-Dias , Vargas Patricia A. , Moioli Renan Cipriano , Blanco Figuerola Wilfredo , Rennó-Costa César
Published: October 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic hit almost all cities in Brazil in early 2020 and lasted for several months. Despite the effort of local state and municipal governments, an inhomogeneous nationwide response resulted in a death toll amongst the highest recorded globally. To evaluate the impact of the nonpharmaceutical governmental interventions applied by different cities—such as the closure of schools and businesses in general—in the evolution and epidemic spread of SARS-CoV-2, we constructed a full-sized agent-based epidemiological model adjusted to the singularities of particular cities. The model incorporates detailed demographic information, mobility networks segregated by economic segments, and restricting bills enacted during the pandemic period. As a case study, we analyzed the early response of the City of Natal—a midsized state capital—to the pandemic. Although our results indicate that the government response could be improved, the restrictive mobility acts saved many lives. The simulations show that a detailed analysis of alternative scenarios can inform policymakers about the most relevant measures for similar pandemic surges and help develop future response protocols.
Deciphering the role of polyphenol in defence mechanism against tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse.) in cocoa (Theobroma cocoa L.)
Authors: K. S. Shilpa , J. S. Minimol , Rakesh Gavas , B. Suma , Joseph Jiji , H. P. Maheswarappa , P. S. Panchami
Published: October 2022

Tea mosquito bug (TMB) is a serious pest of cocoa whose prevalence is high, mostly during summer and post monsoon season. Three species of tea mosquito bug have been reported on cocoa:Helopeltis antoniiSignoret,H.theivoraWaterhouse, andH.bradyiWaterhouse.H.theivorais the most prevalent one causing damage to young shoots, cherelles and pods. Rearing of tea mosquito bug on cocoa was found to be a failure in the present study henceHelopeltis theivoraWaterhouse was maintained on the alternate host mile-a-minute (Mikania micrantha Kunth) under laboratory condition in insect rearing cages. Using freshly reared tea mosquito bugs twenty cocoa hybrids were screened for resistance and were ranked after 72 hours of screening. All the hybrids having less than three lesions per plant in seedlings and less than 33 lesions on pods were ranked as highly resistant. It was observed that hybrids classified as highly resistant had significantly higher phenol content than those classified as susceptible. The significantly low phenol content in the susceptible hybrids suggests that phenolics have a function in mediating resistance to tea mosquito bug in cocoa. From correlation and regression analysis it is confirmed that phenol content can be used as a potential marker indicating the level of resistance of cocoa hybrids against tea mosquito bug resistance.
The feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance using wastewater and environmental sampling in Indonesia
Authors: Murni Indah K. , Oktaria Vicka , Handley Amanda , McCarthy David T. , Donato Celeste M. , Nuryastuti Titik , Supriyati Endah , Putri Dwi Astuti Dharma , Sari Hendri Marinda , Laksono Ida Safitri , Thobari Jarir At , Bines Julie E.
Published: October 2022

Background

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) surveillance as an early warning system (EWS) for monitoring community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, where diagnostic testing capacity is limited, needs further exploration. We explored the feasibility to conduct a WBE surveillance in Indonesia, one of the global epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic in the middle of 2021, with the fourth largest population in the world where sewer and non-sewered sewage systems are implemented. The feasibility and resource capacity to collect samples on a weekly or fortnightly basis with grab and/or passive sampling methods, as well as to conduct qualitative and quantitative identification of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) using real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) testing of environmental samples were explored.

Materials and methods

We initiated a routine surveillance of wastewater and environmental sampling at three predetermined districts in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. Water samples were collected from central and community wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), including manholes flowing to the central WWTP, and additional soil samples were collected for the near source tracking (NST) locations (i.e., public spaces where people congregate).

Results

We began collecting samples in the Delta wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia in July 2021. From a 10-week period, 54% (296/544) of wastewater and environmental samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The sample positivity rate decreased in proportion with the reported incidence of COVID-19 clinical cases in the community. The highest positivity rate of 77% in week 1, was obtained for samples collected in July 2021 and decreased to 25% in week 10 by the end of September 2021.

Conclusion

A WBE surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia is feasible to monitor the community burden of infections. Future studies testing the potential of WBE and EWS for signaling early outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in this setting are required.
An investigation of a hundred COVID-19 cases and close contacts in Ethiopia, May to June, 2020: A prospective case-ascertained study
Authors: Watare Shambel Habebe , Alemu Mikias Alayu , Tayachew Adamu , Yohannes Negussie , Gizachew Lehageru , Kebede Adisu , Tessema Asdesach , Kassa Wubayehu , Biru Mengistu , Teferi Mikias , Wendrad Naod , Eshetu Kirubel , Teka Gizaw , Yimer Habtamu , Ebrahim Faiqa , Mulugeta Dagnachew , Mirkuze Alemnesh , Abdela Saro , Emmanuel Musa , Hassen Abdulhafiz , Wosen Mesfin , Hussen Mukemil , Fufa Yaregal , Tolera Getachew , Assefa Zewdu , Abayneh Aschalew , Abate Ebba
Published: October 2022

Background

Corona Virus Disease 2019 is a novel respiratory disease commonly transmitted through respiratory droplets. The disease has currently expanded all over the world with differing epidemiologic trajectories. This investigation was conducted to determine the basic clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease in Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective case-ascertained study of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and their close contacts were conducted. The study included 100 COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from May 15, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and 300 close contacts. Epidemiological and clinical information were collected using the WHO standard data collection tool developed first-few cases and contacts investigation. Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal samples were collected by using polystyrene tipped swab and transported to the laboratory by viral transport media maintaining an optimal temperature. Clinical and epidemiological parameters were calculated in terms of ratios, proportions, and rates with 95% CI.

Result

A total of 400 participants were investigated, 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 300 close contacts of the cases. The symptomatic proportion of cases was 23% (23) (95% CI: 15.2%-32.5%), the proportion of cases required hospitalization were 8% (8) (95%CI: 3.5%-15.2%) and 2% (95%CI: 0.24% - 7.04%) required mechanical ventilation. The secondary infection rate, secondary clinical attack rate, median incubation period and median serial interval were 42% (126) (95% CI: 36.4%-47.8%), 11.7% (35) (95% CI: 8.3%-15.9%), 7 days (IQR: 4–13.8) and 11 days (IQR: 8–11.8) respectively. The basic reproduction number (RO) was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.0–1.5).

Conclusion

The proportion of asymptomatic infection, as well as secondary infection rate among close contacts, are higher compared to other studies. The long serial interval and low basic reproduction number might contribute to the observed slow progression of the pandemic, which gives a wide window of opportunities and time to control the spread. Testing, prevention, and control measures should be intensified.
Hierarchical amplitude modulation structures and rhythm patterns: Comparing Western musical genres, song, and nature sounds to Babytalk
Authors: Daikoku Tatsuya , Goswami Usha
Published: October 2022

Statistical learning of physical stimulus characteristics is important for the development of cognitive systems like language and music. Rhythm patterns are a core component of both systems, and rhythm is key to language acquisition by infants. Accordingly, the physical stimulus characteristics that yield speech rhythm in “Babytalk” may also describe the hierarchical rhythmic relationships that characterize human music and song. Computational modelling of the amplitude envelope of “Babytalk” (infant-directed speech, IDS) using a demodulation approach (Spectral-Amplitude Modulation Phase Hierarchy model, S-AMPH) can describe these characteristics. S-AMPH modelling of Babytalk has shown previously that bands of amplitude modulations (AMs) at different temporal rates and their phase relations help to create its structured inherent rhythms. Additionally, S-AMPH modelling of children’s nursery rhymes shows that different rhythm patterns (trochaic, iambic, dactylic) depend on the phase relations between AM bands centred on ~2 Hz and ~5 Hz. The importance of these AM phase relations was confirmed via a second demodulation approach (PAD, Probabilistic Amplitude Demodulation). Here we apply both S-AMPH and PAD to demodulate the amplitude envelopes of Western musical genres and songs. Quasi-rhythmic and non-human sounds found in nature (birdsong, rain, wind) were utilized for control analyses. We expected that the physical stimulus characteristics in human music and song from an AM perspective would match those of IDS. Given prior speech-based analyses, we also expected that AM cycles derived from the modelling may identify musical units like crotchets, quavers and demi-quavers. Both models revealed an hierarchically-nested AM modulation structure for music and song, but not nature sounds. This AM modulation structure for music and song matched IDS. Both models also generated systematic AM cycles yielding musical units like crotchets and quavers. Both music and language are created by humans and shaped by culture. Acoustic rhythm in IDS and music appears to depend on many of the same physical characteristics, facilitating learning.
Signalling in auctions for risk-averse bidders
Authors: Bos Olivier , Gomez-Martinez Francisco , Onderstal Sander
Published: October 2022

We study risk-averse equilibrium bidding in first-price and second-price sealed-bid auctions where bidders have signalling concerns, i.e., they care about how the auction outcome is interpreted by an outside observer. We find that when the winner’s identity and her payment are revealed to the outside observer, risk aversion yields less aggressive bidding behaviour in the second-price sealed-bid auction than in the risk-neutral case. Our analysis explains various revenue ranking reversals relative to the risk-neutral equilibrium observed in a recent experiment by Bos (2021).
Alterations in the nasopharyngeal microbiome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection status and disease severity
Authors: Gauthier Nick P. G. , Locher Kerstin , MacDonald Clayton , Chorlton Samuel D. , Charles Marthe , Manges Amee R.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing public health emergency has emphasized the need to study SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. The human microbiome has been shown to regulate the host immune system and may influence host susceptibility to viral infection, as well as disease severity. Several studies have assessed whether compositional alterations in the nasopharyngeal microbiota are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the results of these studies were varied, and many did not account for disease severity. This study aims to examine whether compositional differences in the nasopharyngeal microbiota are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection status and disease severity.

Methods

We performed Nanopore full-length 16S rRNA sequencing on 194 nasopharyngeal swab specimens from hospitalized and community-dwelling SARS-CoV-2-infected and uninfected individuals. Sequence data analysis was performed using the BugSeq 16S analysis pipeline.

Results

We found significant beta (PERMANOVA p < 0.05), but not alpha (Kruskal-Wallis p > 0.05) diversity differences in the nasopharyngeal microbiota among our study groups. We identified several differentially abundant taxa associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection status and disease severity using ALDEx2. Finally, we observed a trend towards higher abundance of Enterobacteriaceae in specimens from hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Conclusions

This study identified several alterations in the nasopharyngeal microbiome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection status and disease severity. Understanding the role of the microbiome in infection susceptibility and severity may open new avenues of research for disease prevention and treatment.
Medico-legal dispute resolution: Experience of a tertiary-care hospital in Singapore
Authors: Lim Lee Theng , Chen Wanlin , Lew Thomas Wing Kit , Tan Jackie Mui Siok , Chang Seow Kiak , Lee Daryl Zhang Wei , Chee Thomas Swee Guan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The resource burden of healthcare disputes and medico-legal claims has been rising. A dispute resolution system operating at the hospital level could ameliorate this disturbing trend.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study on patient complaints and medico-legal cases received by the dispute resolution unit of an acute tertiary hospital from 2011 to 2015. We described the characteristics and analysed the resolution methodology and outcomes of all closed medico-legal cases.

Results

Patient complaints significantly increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% (p<0.01), while medico-legal cases and ex-gratia payments for case settlements decreased at CAGRs of 4.8% (p<0.05) and 15.9% (p = 0.19), respectively. Out of 237 closed medico-legal cases, 88.6% were resolved without legal action, of which 78.1% were closed without any ex-gratia payments or waivers. Of the 11.4% of medico-legal cases that involved legal action, 66.7% were settled without ex-gratia payments or waivers. The primary resolution modes were the Patient Relations Service (PRS)’s engagement of the complainants and facilitation of written replies. No cases were brought to court. Cases were more likely resolved without legal action when there was engagement by the PRS (p = 0.009). These cases incurred a lower median settlement value than those with legal action.

Conclusion

Our hospital-based dispute resolution system which addressed patients’ core dissatisfactions and providers’ perspectives, through a process of early engagement, open disclosure, and fair negotiations, was able to promote claims resolution before legal action was taken. This early dispute resolution strategy contained costs and maintained provider-patient relationships and complements system-level mediation and arbitration to reduce medico-legal litigation.
Two-dimensional ultrasound signs as predictive markers of massive peri-operative blood loss in placenta previa suspicious for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder
Authors: Watthanasathitnukun Wattanan , Pranpanus Savitree , Petpichetchian Chusana
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate certain two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound signs as predictors of massive peri-operative blood loss (PBL) in pregnant women with placenta previa suspicious of PAS disorder.

Materials and methods

A single center retrospective study was done in pregnant women who had undergone prenatal diagnosis with 2D ultrasound grey scale and color Doppler using the EW-AIP (which has been changed to IS-PAS (International Society for the Placenta Accreta Spectrum)) criteria between January 2007 and May 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups, non-massive hemorrhage with PBL ≤ 2500 mL and massive PBL >2500 mL. All PAS cases had pathological confirmation. Ultrasound signs and hemorrhagic outcomes were compared between the two groups. A PAS scoring system to predict massive PBL was constructed and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of the scoring system.

Results

Of 534 women, 146 (28.3%) had PBL > 2500 mL and 388 (71.7%) had PBL ≤ 2500 mL. In the massive PBL group, 101 (69.2%) were diagnosed as PAS and 45 (30.8%) as placenta previa alone. From 10 evaluated 2D ultrasound signs, 3 had the highest odds ratios (ORs) associated with massive PBL, ‘focal exophytic mass’ OR 8.17 (p= 0.024), ‘placental bulge’ OR 2.47 (p= 0.011), and ‘placental lacunae feeder vessels’ OR 2.38 (p= 0.01). When using the PAS scoring system, the AUC to predict massive PBL was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76–0.85,).

Conclusion

Our PAS scoring system based on 2-dimensional ultrasound signs combined with grey scale and color Doppler is useful to predict massive PBL and can help optimize pre-operative management in cases of previa suspicious of PAS.
The influence of place on COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Alberta: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Paudel Yuba Raj , Du Crystal , MacDonald Shannon Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

While there is evidence of urban/rural disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage, there is limited data on the influence of other place-based variables. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed population-based linked administrative health data (publicly-funded health insurance database and province-wide immunization repository) to examine vaccination coverage for 3,945,103 residents aged 12 years and above in Alberta, Canada. We used multilevel logistic regression to examine the association of vaccination coverage with various place-based variables. Furthermore, we combined information on vaccine coverage and neighborhood level COVID-19 risk to categorize forward sortation areas (FSAs) into six categories. After 4 months of widely available COVID-19 vaccine, coverage varied widely between rural and urban areas (58% to 73%) and between geographic health authority zones (55.8% to 72.8%). Residents living in neighborhoods with lower COVID-19 disease incidence had the lowest vaccination coverage (63.2%), while coverage in higher incidence neighborhoods ranged from 68.3% to 71.9%. The multilevel logistic regression model indicated that residence in metro (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.37; 95% CI: 1.31–1.42) and urban areas (aOR 1.11; 95% CI: 1.08–1.14) was associated with higher vaccine coverage than residence in rural areas. Similarly, residence in Edmonton, Calgary, and South health zones was associated with higher vaccine coverage compared to residence in Central zone. Higher income neighborhoods reported higher vaccine coverage than the lowest-income neighborhoods, and the highest COVID-19 risk neighborhoods reported higher vaccine coverage than the lowest risk neighborhoods (aOR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.12–2.05). In the first four months of wider vaccine availability in Alberta, COVID-19 vaccine coverage varied according to various place-based characteristics. Vaccine distribution strategies need to consider place-based variables for program prioritization and delivery.
Climate change communication beyond the digital divide: Exploring cartography’s role and privilege in climate action
Authors: Retchless David , Fish Carolyn , Thatcher Jim
Published: October 2022

Despite widespread acceptance amongst researchers, climate change and responses to it remain a socially and politically debated topic. Within cartography and cognate disciplines, this has often been construed as an issue of communication: maps are tools for communication and better maps will lead to greater understanding of and responses to climate change. While existing research has shown some support for the efficacy of such approaches, this article calls into question the underlying assumptions of access and equity that pervade such communicative approaches to mapmaking and data visualization. Two new case studies from the authors’ research group highlight the importance of greater consideration of equity and access for climate change communication cartography (CCCC): first, an experiment on the use of storytelling and narrative in maps of climate impacts and, second, an augmented reality tool that presented users with storm surge information for their region. These two cases lead us to an interrogation of the assumptions that undergird claims for the rhetorical power of using cartographic stories and augmented reality. It is, we argue, somewhat of a luxury to experience climate change through stories, not lived experiences or through augmented reality, as opposed to forced displacement. We conclude by reinterrogating the map communication model in light of understandings of maps as constantly made and remade by both map author and map user. By calling into question the ontogenetic security of maps, CCCC can better understand both the impacts and equities of its maps.
Ûiiti: A treatment for ecological experience in mobile network culture
Authors: Ploeger Dani , Mbillo Greenman Muleh
Published: October 2022

Ûiiti (‘the treatment’) is an Android phone app created by artist duo Greenman Muleh Mbillo, in Kenya, and Dani Ploeger, in the Netherlands. The work is a high-tech iteration of the nzevu, a ritual instrument of the Kenyan Akamba tribe. It transforms a smartphone from a networking technology with complex modes of interaction into a technology of transcendence with a minimal user interface. Through a constellation of symbolic imagery and the performance of repetitive sonic patterns, the work aims to evoke a heightened experience of the user’s immediate lifeworld.
Is Salix fursaevii Mavrodiev (Salicaceae) a palaeoendemic of the Volga River valley or an ecotype of S. triandra L.?
Authors: Schanzer Ivan A. , Fedorova Alina V. , Kuznetsova Oksana I. , Belyaeva Irina V. , Razumova Olga V.
Published: October 2022

Salix fursaevii, a species endemic to the Volga River flood plain, was described by E. Mavrodiev and co-authors in Byull. Moskovsk. Obshch. Isp. Prir. in 2012. It differs from the closely related and widespread S. triandra by a few quantitative morphological characters and, most of all by its much later flowering time. This late-flowering willow was known and studied before as an ecotype of S. triandra. Our study of a large sample of S. triandra s. l. revealed that 1) S. triandra s. str. and S. fursaevii could not be clearly distinguished using several morphological characters and the time of flowering; 2) specimens morphologically corresponding to S. fursaevii are with a single exception strictly confined to the Volga River flood plain; 3) the populations of S. triandra and S. fursaevii do not differ by nrITS sequences; 4) the populations of S. triandra and S. fursaevii are poorly differentiated by chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences; 5) representatives of both taxa are tetraploids 2n = 4x = 76. Poor differentiation of populations by chloroplast sequences is indicative of the intraspecific variability, the geographic pattern of which suggests that the Volga River valley was a probable glacial refugium and a source of post glacial spread of S. triandra.
Dirina ceratoniae (Arthoniales, Ascomycota): first record from Russia
Authors: Ismailov Aziz B. , Volobuev Sergey V.
Published: October 2022

The Mediterranean species Dirina ceratoniae (Roccellaceae, Arthoniales) is reported for the first time for Russia, specifically the Greater Caucasus in Daghestan, based on morphological and molecular evidences. The specimen collected on Populus nigra in a coastal lowland region is sorediate and sterile. The sorediate morph is not common in this species and currently known only from a few specimens from the Canary Islands. In the phylogenetic analysis, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence obtained for the material grouped in a well-supported clade with all D. ceratoniaespecimens available in GenBank, within a lineage including three other species: D. canariensis, D. fallax, and D. massiliensis. The discovery of D. ceratoniae in Daghestan substantially expands the known distributional range of this taxon to the east of Eurasia.
Floristic findings in the Western Siberia and the Southern Ural
Authors: Ebel Alexandr L. , Ebel Tatyana V. , Zykova Elena Yu. , Mikhailova Svetlana I.
Published: October 2022

The article contains new information about the locations of rare and spreading species of flowering plants in Western Siberia and Southern Ural (Kurgan Region, Chelyabinsk Region, Tomsk Region, and Republic of Altai). Among them, four species (Bidens frondosa L., Lappula intermedia (Ledeb.) Popov, Melica altissima L., Verbascum lychnitis L.) are reported as new for the Tomsk Region, three species (Aquilegia vulgaris L., Dianthus barbatus L., Lepidium sativumL.) are new for Republic of Altai, two species (Hibiscus trionum L., Solanum physalifolium Rusby) are new for the Chelyabinsk Region. For seven more species (Achillea ptarmica L., Chaenorhinum minus (L.) Lange, Chenopodium acerifolium Andrz., Cyclachaena xanthiifolia (Nutt.) Fresen., Impatiens parviflora DC., Najas major All., Oberna cserei(Baumg.) Ikonn.) new locations are cited.
Operating fluids contaminantions and their effect on the wear of elements of motor vehicle`s combustion engine
Authors: Dziubak Tadeusz
Published: October 2022

Przedstawiono parametry zanieczyszczeń podstawowych płynów eksploatacyjnych silników spalinowych pojazdów mechanicznych: powietrza, paliwa i oleju silnikowego. Wykazano, że o zużyciu skojarzeń ciernych silnika decyduje pył mineralny (drogowy). Przedstawiono mechanizm zużywania ściernego dwóch współpracujących powierzchni skojarzenia ciernego silnika spalinowego tłok-pierścienie-cylinder. Wykazano, że największe zużycie powodują ziarna pyłu o rozmiarach dz równych minimalnej hmin grubości filmu olejowego. Pokazano, że w powietrzu oczyszczonym za filtrem powietrza znajdują się zawsze ziarna pyłu o rozmiarach poniżej 2÷5 μm. Przedstawiono skutki przyspieszonego zużycia tulei cylindrowej silnika eksploatowanego z niesprawnym układem filtracji powietrza. Wykazano, że zawarte w płynach eksploatacyjnych ziarna pyłu o rozmiarach poniżej 5 μm są też przyczyną przyspieszonego zużycia elementów silnika. Udowodniono, że początkowy (po wymianie wkładu filtracyjnego) okres pracy filtru powietrza przegrodowego (papier, włóknina) charakteryzuje się niską skutecznością i dokładnością filtracji. Wykazano, że zanieczyszczenia zawarte w paliwie powodują nie tylko zużycie ścierne powierzchni elementów układów wtryskowych, ale też zużycie erozyjne elementów wtryskiwaczy.
The influence of copper on the oxidation stability of commercial diesel oil
Authors: Bukrejewski Paweł , Wardzińska Dorota
Published: October 2022

Olej napędowy jako paliwo stosowane do zasilania silników z zapłonem samoczynnym powinien spełniać wymagania rozporządzenia Ministra Gospodarki z dnia 9 października 2015 r. w sprawie wymagań jakoścowych dla paliw ciekłych (Dz.U. 2015 poz. 1680). Z raportów Urzędu Ochrony Konkurencji i Konumentów wynika, że pobierane na stacjach próbki oleju napędowego w znacznej mierze nie spełniają wymagania dotyczącego parametru odporności na utlenianie. Producenci zobowiązani są sprzedawać paliwo spełniające wymagania normatywne, zatem najprawdopodobniej w łańcuchu dytrybucji występują czynniki powodujące pogorszenie właściwości paliwa. Może to być spowodowane oddziaływaniem paliwa z materiałami stosowanymi w konstrukcji zbiorników magazynowych i armatury dystrybucyjnej. W pracy badano wpływ miedzi na stabilność oksydacyjną handlowego oleju napędowego.
Simulation investigation of the dynamics of the process of sudden obstacle avoiding by a motor vehicle
Authors: Żardecki Dariusz , Jemioł Leszek , Gidlewski Mirosław
Published: October 2022

Podjęto rozległe prace analityczne nad zastosowaniem aktywnego układu kierowniczego EPS (Electrically Powered Steering) w automatycznym kierowaniu samochodem (dwuosiowy samochód ciężarowy średniej ładowności wyposażony w typowe elementy systemu ESC - Electronic Stability Control oraz detektory przeszkód i układy monitorujące drogę) podczas nagle pojawiającej się przeszkody. Artykuł przedstawia fragment tej pracy. Opisane są wyniki badań symulacyjnych dynamiki procesu zmiany pasa ruchu w układzie otwartym oraz w układzie zamkniętym (z wykorzystaniem automatycznego sterowania aktywnym układem kierowniczym EPS). Podstawą rozważań teoretycznych oraz badań symulacyjnych są modele matematyczne obiektu sterowania i sterownika. W modelu obiektu sterowania występuje złożony, szczegółowy opis dynamiki ruchu samochodu ciężarowego uwzględniający nieliniowości oraz przestrzenność ruchu pojazdu. Model sterownika bazuje na modelu referencyjnym znacząco uproszczonym, a przez to bardzo efektywnym dla realizacji koniecznych obliczeń w czasie rzeczywistym. Automatyczny sterownik działa jak regulator Kalmana w układzie zamkniętym.
Corrosive properties of LPG and problems with their determination
Authors: Bukrejewski Paweł , Skolniak Marta , Wardzińska Dorota
Published: October 2022

Problem korozyjnego odziaływania paliw gazowych jest problemem znanym i często występującym, ale metody badań tego oddziaływania nie zawsze dają miarodajne wyniki. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki porównań międzylaboratoryjnych mających na celu weryfikację metody oceny odziaływania korozyjnego LPG według normy PN-EN ISO 6251. Badania działania korozyjnego na miedź zostały przeprowadzone dla czterech różnych próbek paliwa LPG.
Analysis of the influence of the car impact velocity on the loads of the dummies in the front and rear seats
Authors: Żuchowski Andrzej
Published: October 2022

Rozważono wpływ prędkości uderzenia samochodu osobowego w przeszkodę na obciążenia dynamiczne manekinów na przednich i tylnych fotelach. W tym celu wykorzystano wyniki 28 testów zderzeniowych, udostępnione w Internecie przez National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (USA). Testy zderzeniowe 14 modeli samochodów prowadzone były przy dwóch wartościach prędkości uderzenia samochodu w barierę (40 i 56 km/h oraz 48 i 56 km/h). Pokazano wpływ prędkości zderzenia na opóźnienie samochodów i ich charakterystykę deformacji. Uwagę zwrócono na obciążenia kierowcy i pasażera na przednich fotelach (manekiny reprezentujące 50-centylowego mężczyznę oraz 5-centylową kobietę) oraz pasażerów na tylnych fotelach (manekiny reprezentujące 5-centylową kobietę oraz 6-letnie dziecko). Podczas oceny obciążeń manekinów wykorzystano wskaźniki biomechanicznej odporności ciała człowieka na skutki obciążeń udarowych, dotyczące głowy, szyi i klatki piersiowej. Na ich podstawie określono ryzyko obrażeń osób jadących. Ustalono, że zwiększenie prędkości uderzenia samochodu w przeszkodę z 40 do 56 km/h zwiększa ryzyko poważnych obrażeń (AIS3+) 5-centylowej kobiety z 30÷60% do 35÷90%. Zwiększenie prędkości uderzenia samochodu w przeszkodę z 48 do 56 km/h zwiększa ryzyko poważnych obrażeń 50-centylowego mężczyzny z 25÷40% do 30÷55%. Zwrócono uwagę, że skuteczność działania poduszki gazowej może zależeć od prędkości uderzenia samochodu w przeszkodę.