bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of reviews on strategies to reduce health inequalities
Authors: Garzón-Orjuela Nathaly , Samacá-Samacá Daniel Felipe , Luque Angulo Silvia Catalina , Mendes Abdala Carmen Verônica , Reveiz Ludovic , Eslava-Schmalbach Javier
Published: October 2020

Background

Governments are incentivized to develop and implement health action programs focused on equity to ensure progress with effective strategies or interventions.

Objective

Identify and synthesize strategies or interventions that facilitate the reduction of health inequalities.

Methods

A systematic search strategy was carried out up until August 2019 in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, LILACS, Scopus, Scielo and Epistemonikos. In addition, a snowball strategy was used. Literature reviews (LRs) of experimental and quasi-experimental studies were included. The identified interventions and outcomes were categorized based on the recommendation by the Cochrane group in “Effective Practice and Organization of Care”. The quality of the included LRs was evaluated using the AMSTAR 2 tool.

Results

Four thousand ninety-five articles were identified, of which 97 were included in the synthesis of evidence. Most of the studies included focused on the general population, vulnerable populations and minority populations. The subjects of general health and healthy lifestyles were the most commonly addressed. According to the classification of the type of intervention, the domain covered most was the delivery arrangements, followed by the domain of implementation strategies. The most frequent group of outcomes was the reported outcome in (clinical) patients, followed by social outcomes.

Conclusion

The strategies that facilitate the reduction of health inequalities must be intersectoral and multidisciplinary in nature, including all sectors of the health system. It is essential to continue generating interventions focused on strengthening health systems in order to achieve adequate universal health coverage, with a process of comprehensive and quality care.
Limited access to family-based addiction prevention services for socio-economically deprived families in Switzerland: a grounded theory study
Authors: Pfister Andreas , Koschmieder Nikola , Wyss Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Background

Families living in poor socio-economic circumstances, already confronted with social and health inequalities, are often not reached by family-based addiction prevention services. Besides quantitative models and health literacy approaches, qualitative research is lacking that could shed light on the exact circumstances and processes that lead to hindered addiction prevention service uptake by these families. Drawing on the concept of candidacy, we therefore reconstructed how socio-economically deprived parents and their (pre) adolescent children in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (non-)identified their candidacy for family-based addiction prevention services.

Methods

Following grounded theory, we collected and analysed data in an iterative-cyclical manner using theoretical sampling and theoretical coding techniques. Sixteen families with children aged 10–14 years were interviewed in depth (parent/s and child separately). All but one family lived below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold.

Results

Socio-economically deprived families’ modes of recognizing and handling problems in everyday life were found to be core phenomena that structure the process towards (non) identification of candidacy for family-based addiction prevention services. Four modes anchored within socio-demographic resources were found: Families with mode A perceived their current life situation as existentially threatening and focused daily coping on the main pressing problem. Others (mode B) perceived prevalent multiple problems as normal (now); problems were normalized, often not recognized as such. In mode C families, problems were pragmatically recognized at a low threshold and pragmatically dealt with, mostly within the family. In mode D families, problems were constantly produced and dealt with early by the worried and anxious parents monitoring their child. From modes D to A, vulnerability increased concerning non-identification of candidacy for family-based addiction prevention services. Further, thematic relevance of addiction prevention, past experience with offers, integration in systems of assistance, strategies to protect the family, and families’ search for information influenced whether identification of candidacy took place.

Conclusions

Socio-economically deprived families differ in modes of problem construction and handling in everyday life; this differently opens up or closes routes to family-based addiction prevention. Addiction prevention practice should build on a bundle of diverse strategies for outreach to these families, stressing especially interventions on the structural and environmental level.
Virtual adaptation of traditional healthcare quality improvement training in response to COVID-19: a rapid narrative review
Authors: Khurshid Zuneera , De Brún Aoife , Moore Gemma , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: October 2020

Background

Information and communication technology are playing a major role in ensuring continuity of healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has also disrupted healthcare quality improvement (QI) training and education for healthcare professionals and there is a need to rethink the way QI training and education is delivered. The purpose of this rapid evidence review is to quickly, but comprehensively collate studies to identify what works and what does not in delivering QI training and education using distance learning modalities.

Methods

Three healthcare databases were searched along with grey literature sources for studies published between 2015 and 2020. Studies with QI training programmes or courses targeting healthcare professionals and students with at least one component of the programme being delivered online were included.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included in the review. Most studies had a mixed methods design and used blended learning methods, combining online and in-person delivery modes. Most of the included studies reported achieving desired outcomes, including improved QI knowledge, skills and attitudes of participants and improved clinical outcomes for patients. Some benefits of online QI training delivery include fewer required resources, reduced need for on-site instructors, increased programme reach, and more control and flexibility over learning time for participants. Some limitations of online delivery modes include limited learning and networking opportunities, functional and technical problems and long lead time for content adaptation and customisation.

Discussion

The review highlights that distance learning approaches to QI help in overcoming barriers to traditional QI training. Some important considerations for those looking to adapt traditional programmes to virtual environments include balancing virtual and non-virtual methods, using suitable technological solutions, customising coaching support, and using multiple criteria for programme evaluation.

Conclusion

Virtual QI and training of healthcare professionals and students is a viable, efficient, and effective alternative to traditional QI education that will play a vital role in building their competence and confidence to improve the healthcare system in post-COVID environment.
Influences on seeking a contraceptive method among adolescent women in three cities in Nigeria
Authors: Sanchez Elynn Kann , Speizer Ilene S. , Tolley Elizabeth , Calhoun Lisa M. , Barrington Clare , Olumide Adesola O.
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite international support for increasing access to contraceptives among adolescents, gaps in use still exist worldwide. Past research has identified barriers to use across all levels of the socioecological model including restrictive policies, a lack of youth friendly services, and knowledge gaps. This study was conducted to further identify influences on contraceptive use among adolescent girls in Nigeria in hopes of guiding future policies and programs.

Methods

In 2018, 12 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in three cities in Nigeria with young women ages 15–24 with the objective of determining what and who influence adolescents’ contraceptive seeking behaviors. A vignette structure was used to identify perceptions on injunctive and descriptive community norms that influence adolescent contraceptive behaviors. The FGDs were conducted by members of the University of Ibadan Centre for Population and Reproductive Health (CPRH) and analyzed by a researcher at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Carolina Population Center using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Participants identified community level resistance to sex and contraceptive use among unmarried adolescents though also acknowledged that these adolescent behaviors are still occurring despite established norms. Concerns about side effects and the preservation of fertility were frequently attached to contraceptive use and pointed to as a reason for community resistance to contraceptive use among this population. Participants saw peers, parents and partners as influencers on a girl’s decision to seek a method, though each were believed to play a different role in that decision.

Conclusion

The findings show that that despite barriers created by established injunctive norms, young women with a supportive social network can access contraceptive methods despite these barriers. By harnessing the influence of peers, partners and parents, the Nigerian family planning efforts can strive to improve the health and well-being of young people.
Dietary cholesterol supplementation and inhibitory factor 1 serum levels in two dizygotic Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome twins: a case report
Authors: Delvecchio Maurizio , Rapone Biagio , Simonetti Simonetta , Fecarotta Simona , De Carlo Graziana , Favoino Elvira , Loverro Maria Teresa , Romano Anna Maria Isdraele , Taurino Federica , Di Naro Edoardo , Gnoni Antonio
Published: October 2020

Background

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the defect in the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase. This defect leads to the deficiency of cholesterol biosynthesis with accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is a well-known mitochondrial protein. Recently, it has been discovered in the human serum where it is reported to be involved in the HDL-cholesterol intake. Here we report the IF1 presence in the serum of two paediatric SLOS dizygotic twins treated with dietary cholesterol supplementation.

Case presentation

The patients showed a typical phenotype. They started dietary supplementation with cholesterol when 2 months old. The cholesterol intake was periodically titrated on the basis of weight increase and the twin 1 required a larger supplementation than the twin 2 during the follow-up. When 6.4-year-old, they underwent IF1 assay that was 7-fold increased in twin 2 compared to twin 1 (93.0 pg/ml vs 13.0 pg/ml, respectively).

Conclusions

We report, for the first time, the presence of circulating IF1 in the serum of SLOS patients, showing different levels among them. Our findings confirm that IF1 could be a novel research target in cholesterol-related disorders and also in SLOS, and could contribute to the general debate on IF1 as a new modulator of cholesterol levels.
Microbial synthesis of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) with fulvic acid powder, the waste from yeast molasses fermentation
Authors: Li Yazhou , Wang Jianghan , Liu Na , Ke Luxin , Zhao Xiuyun , Qi Gaofu
Published: October 2020

Background

Molasses is a wildly used feedstock for fermentation, but it also poses a severe wastewater-disposal problem worldwide. Recently, the wastewater from yeast molasses fermentation is being processed into fulvic acid (FA) powder as a fertilizer for crops, but it consequently induces a problem of soil acidification after being directly applied into soil. In this study, the low-cost FA powder was bioconverted into a value-added product of γ-PGA by a glutamate-independent producer of Bacillus velezensis GJ11.

Results

FA power could partially substitute the high-cost substrates such as sodium glutamate and citrate sodium for producing γ-PGA. With FA powder in the fermentation medium, the amount of sodium glutamate and citrate sodium used for producing γ-PGA were both decreased around one-third. Moreover, FA powder could completely substitute Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, and Fe3+ in the fermentation medium for producing γ-PGA. In the optimized medium with FA powder, the γ-PGA was produced at 42.55 g/L with a productivity of 1.15 g/(L·h), while only 2.87 g/L was produced in the medium without FA powder. Hydrolyzed γ-PGA could trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR), e.g., H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition, against the pathogen’s infection in plants. Further investigations found that the ISR triggered by γ-PGA hydrolysates was dependent on the ethylene (ET) signaling and nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related proteins 1 (NPR1).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report to use the industry waste, FA powder, as a sustainable substrate for microbial synthesis of γ-PGA. This bioprocess can not only develop a new way to use FA powder as a cheap feedstock for producing γ-PGA, but also help to reduce pollution from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation.
Targeting of δ-catenin to postsynaptic sites through interaction with the Shank3 N-terminus
Authors: Hassani Nia Fatemeh , Woike Daniel , Martens Victoria , Klüssendorf Malte , Hönck Hans-Hinrich , Harder Sönke , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Background

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be caused by alterations in genes encoding proteins that are involved in synapse formation and function. This includes scaffold proteins such as Shank3, and synaptic adhesion proteins such as Neurexins or Neuroligins. An important question is whether the products of individual risk genes cooperate functionally (exemplified in the interaction of Neurexin with Neuroligin isoforms). This might suggest a common pathway in pathogenesis. For the SHANK3 gene, heterozygous loss of function, as well as missense mutations have been observed in ASD cases. Several missense mutations affect the N-terminal part of Shank3 which contains the highly conserved Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) and Ankyrin repeat (Ank) domains. The role of these domains and the relevance of these mutations for synaptic function of Shank3 are widely unknown.

Methods

We used purification from a synaptic protein fraction, as well as a variety of biochemical and cell biological approaches to identify proteins which associate with the Shank3 N-terminus at postsynaptic sites.

Results

We report here that δ-catenin, which is encoded by CTNND2, an autism candidate gene, directly interacts with the Ank domain of Shank3 at postsynaptic sites through its Armadillo-repeat domain. The interaction is not affected by well-known posttranslational modifications of δ-catenin, i.e. by phosphorylation or palmitoylation. However, an ASD-associated mutation in the SPN domain of Shank3, L68P, significantly increases the interaction of Shank3 with δ-catenin. By analysis of postsynaptic fractions from mice, we show that the lack of SPN-Ank containing, large isoforms of Shank3 results in the loss of postsynaptic δ-catenin. Further, expression of Shank3 variants containing the N-terminal domains in primary cultured neurons significantly increased the presence of coexpressed δ-catenin at postsynaptic sites.

Limitations

Work in model organisms such as mice, and in primary cultured neurons may not reproduce faithfully the situation in human brain neurons. Work in primary cultured neurons was also hampered by lack of a specific antibody for endogenous δ-catenin.

Conclusions

Our data show that the interaction between Shank3 N-terminus and δ-catenin is required for the postsynaptic targeting of δ-catenin. Failure of proper targeting of δ-catenin to postsynaptic sites may contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder.
Development and validation of a novel stem cell subtype for bladder cancer based on stem genomic profiling
Authors: Tang Chaozhi , Ma Jiakang , Liu Xiuli , Liu Zhengchun
Published: October 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide, with high recurrence and progression rates. Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment of BLCA through accurate typing of molecular characteristics, little is known regarding the various genetic and epigenetic changes that have evolved in stem and progenitor cells. To address this issue, we have developed a novel stem cell typing method.

Methods

Based on six published genomic datasets, we used 26 stem cell gene sets to classify each dataset. Unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods were used to perform the classification.

Results

We classified BLCA into three subtypes—high stem cell enrichment (SCE_H), medium stem cell enrichment (SCE_M), and low stem cell enrichment (SCE_L)—based on multiple cross-platform datasets. The stability and reliability of the classification were verified. Compared with the other subtypes, SCE_H had the highest degree of cancer stem cell concentration, highest level of immune cell infiltration, and highest sensitivity not only to predicted anti-PD-1 immunosuppressive therapy but also to conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, sunitinib, and vinblastine; however, this group had the worst prognosis. Comparison of gene set enrichment analysis results for pathway enrichment of various subtypes reveals that the SCE_H subtype activates the important pathways regulating cancer occurrence, development, and even poor prognosis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, angiogenesis, KRAS signal upregulation, interleukin 6-mediated JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and inflammatory response. Two identified pairs of transcription factors,GRHL2andGATA6andIRF5andGATA3, possibly have opposite regulatory effects on SCE_H and SCE_L, respectively.

Conclusions

The identification of BLCA subtypes based on cancer stem cell gene sets revealed the complex mechanism of carcinogenesis of BLCA and provides a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of BLCA.
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL bone pain palliation in patients with skeletal metastases from various cancers: efficacy and safety results
Authors: Yadav Madhav Prasad , Ballal Sanjana , Meckel Marian , Roesch Frank , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: October 2020

Background

[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL has shown promising results from the dosimetry and preclinical aspects, but data on its role in the clinical efficacy are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL as a bone pain palliation agent in patients experiencing pain due to skeletal metastases from various cancers.

Methods

In total, 40 patients experiencing bone pain due to skeletal metastases were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated with a mean cumulative dose of 2.1 ± 0.6 GBq (1.3–2.7 GBq) [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL in a median follow-up duration of 10 months (IQR 8–14 months). The primary outcome endpoint was response assessment according to the visual analogue score (VAS). Secondary endpoints included analgesic score (AS), global pain assessment score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Assessment performance status (ECOG), Karnofsky performance status, overall survival, and safety assessment by the National Cancer Institute’s Common Toxicity Criteria V5.0.

Results

In total, 40 patients (15 males and 25 females) with a mean age of 46.6 ± 15.08 years (range 24–78 years) were treated with either 1 (N = 15) or 2 (N = 25) cycles of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL. According to the VAS response assessment criteria, complete, partial, and minimal responses were observed in 11 (27.5%), 20 (50%), and 5 patients (12.5%), respectively with an overall response rate of 90%. Global pain assessment criteria revealed complete, partial, minimal, and no response in 2 (5%), 25 (62.5%), 9 (22.5%), and 4 (10%) patients, respectively. Twenty-eight patients died and the estimated median overall survival was 13 months (95% CI 10–14 months). A significant improvement was observed in the VAS, AS, and ECOG status when compared to baseline. None of the patients experienced grade III/IV haematological, kidney, or hepatotoxicity due to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL therapy.

Conclusion

[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-ZOL shows promising results and is an effective radiopharmaceutical in the treatment of bone pain due to skeletal metastases from various cancers.
Transforming education with community-developed teaching materials: evidence from direct observations of STEM college classrooms
Authors: Teasdale Rachel , Ryker Katherine , Viskupic Karen , Czajka C. Doug , Manduca Cathryn
Published: October 2020

Background

The Classroom Observation Project employs direct observations of geoscience teaching across the USA using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) to quantify the use of reformed teaching practices. We report on 345 RTOP observations used to evaluate the extent of teaching reform when curricular materials developed as part of the InTeGrate Project (ITG) were used. The InTeGrate Project has published 40 modules of curricular materials that teach geoscience in the context of societal issues and support instructors through guided use of student-centered instructional practices. All ITG materials were developed by teams of instructors, follow a consistent structure, and were evaluated against a project rubric.

Results

RTOP scores for classes observed when ITG materials were used (ITG;n= 50,M= 54.0) are significantly higher than RTOP scores for classes observed when ITG materials were not used (non-ITG;n= 295;M= 39.8;p< .0001). ITG observations all have RTOP scores in the student-centered (≥ 50) or transitional (31–49) instructional categories, and none in the teacher-centered instructional category (≤ 30), demonstrating that ITG materials support more student-centered teaching in class sessions where they are used. In 33 paired observations of the same instructor teaching with and without ITG materials, mean RTOP scores when teaching with ITG are greater than mean RTOP scores when teaching without ITG (M= 54 andM= 47.1, respectively).

Conclusions

RTOP observations reveal that more student-centered instructional practices occur in class sessions in which ITG materials are used. There is a small range of RTOP scores when individual ITG activities are used by multiple instructors, suggesting that using ITG materials results in a consistent quality of instruction. The complete absence of teacher-centered instruction when using ITG materials means the materials are a useful resource for practicing reformed teaching methods. The model of the ITG Project in the creation and broad dissemination of ready-made curricula for use in large numbers of classrooms can be replicated to transform teaching and learning in other disciplinary communities.
MRI-based radiomics to predict lipomatous soft tissue tumors malignancy: a pilot study
Authors: Leporq Benjamin , Bouhamama Amine , Pilleul Frank , Lame Fabrice , Bihane Catherine , Sdika Michael , Blay Jean-Yves , Beuf Olivier
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To develop and validate a MRI-based radiomic method to predict malignancies in lipomatous soft tissue tumors.

Methods

This retrospective study searched in the database of our pathology department, data from patients with lipomatous soft tissue tumors, with histology and gadolinium-contrast enhanced T1w MR images, obtained from 56 centers with non-uniform protocols. For each tumor, 87 radiomic features were extracted by two independent observers to evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility. A reduction of learning base dimension was performed from reproducibility and relevancy criteria. A model was subsequently prototyped using a linear support vector machine to predict malignant lesions.

Results

Eighty-one subjects with lipomatous soft tissue tumors including 40 lipomas and 41 atypical lipomatous tumors or well-differentiated liposarcomas with fat-suppressed T1w contrast enhanced MR images available were retrospectively enrolled. Based on a Pearson’s correlation coefficient threshold at 0.8, 55 out of 87 (63.2%) radiomic features were considered reproducible. Further introduction of relevancy finally selected 35 radiomic features to be integrated in the model. To predict malignant tumors, model diagnostic performances were as follow: AUROC = 0.96; sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 90%; positive predictive value = 90.9%; negative predictive value = 100% and overall accuracy = 95.0%.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that radiomics allows to predict malignancy in soft tissue lipomatous tumors with routinely used MR acquisition in clinical oncology. These encouraging results need to be further confirmed in an external validation population.
Species limits in the Elegant Pitta (Pitta elegans) complex from Wallacea based on bioacoustic and morphometric analysis
Authors: Yue Arya Y. , Ng Elize Y. X. , Eaton James A. , Rheindt Frank E.
Published: October 2020

Background

The Elegant Pitta (Pitta elegans) complex displays a remarkable diversity of morphological and bioacoustic traits across five taxa currently recognized as subspecies. They differ in plumage characteristics (such as red versus black belly patches; supercilium color and extent; and white versus black throats), in lifestyle (resident versus migratory) and in vocalizations. We investigated the morphological, bioacoustic and ecological differences across all taxa after recent studies demostrated the importance of these traits in recognizing biological species limits across pittas.

Methods

Morphometric analysis was carried out by measuring tarsus, wing, tail and bill lengths of 15 specimens at the Natural History Museum, UK, and plumages were inspected across 106 unique individuals from four different repositories. Bioacoustic analysis was based on 134 range-wide sound recordings. Two types of calls, territorial calls and alarm calls, were analyzed using different sets of parameters. Principal component analysis and the Isler Criterion were applied to the measurements. Playback trials were conducted to explore the levels of response of each taxon to the call types of the other taxa.

Results

The territorial call ofconcinnaexhibits a distinct two-element motif, whileelegans,mariaandvirginalisutter a three-element motif in which the first two elements are given in quick succession. On the other hand,vigorsii, produces both two-element and three-element motifs with longer breaks in between elements. As further corroborated by the playback trials, the three taxaelegans,virginalisandmariaform a tight vocal cluster, whereas eachconcinnaandvigorsiiare distinct. The alarm call turned out to be less diagnostic even though most taxa did roughly separate into different vocal clusters. Morphometric analysis failed to produce strong differences, but plumage distinctions among multiple taxa are pronounced.

Conclusions

We suggest splitting the Elegant Pitta into three biological species based on bioacoustic and—less so—plumage evidence: (1) Temminck’s Elegant PittaP. elegans(including subspecieselegans,virginalisandmaria), (2) Wallace’s Elegant PittaP. concinna(monotypic), and (3) Banda Elegant PittaP. vigorsii(monotypic).
An operational strategy for district heating networks: application of data-driven heat load forecasts
Authors: Golla Armin , Geis Julian , Loy Timon , Staudt Philipp , Weinhardt Christof
Published: October 2020

To face the challenges of climate change, the integration of renewable energy sources in the energy-intensive heating sector is a crucial aspect of emission reduction. For an efficient operation of coupling devices such as heat pumps with intermittent sources of renewable energy, accurate heat load forecasts need to be developed and embedded into an operation strategy to enable further decarbonisation of heat generation. Data analysis driven forecasts based on weather data hold the potential of identifying consumption patterns to forecast day-ahead heat demand and have been studied extensively for electricity demand forecasts. However, it remains to be shown how such forecasts can be applied in district heating systems. In this study, we propose a control strategy that utilizes hourly heat load forecasts with a 24-hours rolling horizon. First, we investigate supervised forecasting techniques on three different heat load data sets. The application of convolutional neural networks on data of the district heating network in Flensburg, Germany delivers the most promising outcome. Elaborating further on this example, we then develop a control strategy and demonstrate how a heat load forecast can be used to improve the utilization of offshore wind generation or reduce energy costs through a heat pump and a heat storage system. Thus, we contribute to the electrification of the heat sector and thereby enable a reduction of carbon emissions.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of the Arabic version of diagnostic infant preschool assessment (DIPA) scale
Authors: Shaker Nermine , Fekry Mohamed , Mostafa Asmaa , Sabry Walaa
Published: October 2020

Background

The diagnostic infant and preschool assessment (DIPA) was one of the fewest available instruments which have been developed to assess young children up to 6 years old. The present study translated, validated, and cross-culturally adapted the DIPA from English to Arabic. Forward translation, expert panel evaluation, and back translation of the DIPA were conducted and followed by assessment of cultural relevance and content validity.

Results

Validation was performed on a clinical sample of 30 children, through agreement between the diagnostic infant and preschool assessment (DIPA) and Arabic version of DSM-based Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). Validity of categorical variables of translated DIPA showed substantial kappa (0.61-0.80) for conduct disorder, moderate kappa (0.41-0.60) for depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and sleep disorders; poor kappa (0-0.40) for separation anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and reactive attachment disorder. Test-retest reliability had almost perfect agreement for all disorders (kappa > 0.81).

Conclusions

The current study shows an encouraging psychometric property for a new Arabic translated and culturally validated assessment tool for psychiatric disorders in Egyptian young children. This instrument is useful in examining DSM-IV disorders for young children. Future studies are needed to include larger sample size, age younger than 1.5, and to include patients from specialty clinic.
CO2 Electrolysis in Integrated Artificial Photosynthesis Systems
Authors: Kamiya Kazuhide , Fujii Katsushi , Sugiyama Masakazu , Nakanishi Shuji
Published: October 2020

Integrated artificial photosynthesis is an approach to establish optimized systems for carbon recycling by combining high-efficiency photovoltaic and CO2 electrolysis at high productivity and selectivity. In contrast to natural photosynthesis, the integrated system aims at high energy conversion efficiency from sunlight to hydrocarbon products taking advantage of both high efficiency in photovoltaic cells and the freedom of design for individual components, while learning from the advantage of photosynthesis to produce high-value chemicals.
Spectral similarity algorithm-based image classification for oil spill mapping of hyperspectral datasets
Authors: Deepthi  , Thomas Tessamma
Published: October 2020

In remote sensing, the compositional information of part of the earth’s surface is statistically evaluated by comparing known field or library spectra with the unknown image spectra, known as spectral matching or spectral similarity analysis. In this research, hybrid spectral similarity algorithms developed based on chi-square distance (CHI or χ2) are used to retrieve useful information from the Hyperion hyperspectral oil spill image covering the area near Liaodong Bay of the Bohai Sea, China. In order to evaluate the discriminability of spectral similarity algorithms, a pixel-level matching is carried out between the reference vectors, viz. Oil Slick (O), Sheen (H), Sea Water (S) and Ship Track (T), collected visually from known areas in the image. The hybrid spectral similarity algorithms are statistically assessed for their performance using the spectral discriminatory measures (i) relative spectral discriminatory power (RSDPW), (ii) relative spectral discriminatory probability (RSDPB) and (iii) relative spectral discriminatory entropy (RSDE). Additionally, the selected hybrid algorithms are used on the Hyperion image subset to perform a pixel-based classification. Classification results revealed that the CHI-based hybrid algorithms performed better than all other hybrid spectral similarity methods. Therefore, the CHI-based hybrid algorithms demonstrated their superior spectral discrimination capacity to classify marine spectral classes for oil spill mapping from the hyperspectral dataset.
Does When You Die Depend on Where You Live? Evidence from Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Deryugina Tatyana , Molitor David
Published: October 2020

We follow Medicare cohorts to estimate Hurricane Katrina’s long-run mortality effects on victims initially living in New Orleans. Including the initial shock, the hurricane improved eight-year survival by 2.07 percentage points. Migration to lower-mortality regions explains most of this survival increase. Those migrating to low- versus high-mortality regions look similar at baseline, but their subsequent mortality is 0.83–1.01 percentage points lower per percentage point reduction in local mortality, quantifying causal effects of place on mortality among this population. Migrants’ mortality is also lower in destinations with healthier behaviors and higher incomes but is unrelated to local medical spending and quality. (JEL I12, Q51, Q54, R23)
Gambling over Public Opinion
Authors: Basak Deepal , Deb Joyee
Published: October 2020

We consider bargaining environments in which public opinion provides leverage by making compromises costly. Two parties make initial demands, before knowing the public opinion. If deadlocked, they can bargain again after public opinion forms, but suffer reputation costs if they compromise, i.e., scale back their demands. We show that in equilibrium, parties may choose to make incompatible demands initially and gamble over public opinion even though one or both parties must bear a cost later. We characterize when deadlocks arise, and how this affects the welfare of the public in a representative two-party democracy compared to a direct democracy. (JEL C78, D72)
Methods Matter: p-Hacking and Publication Bias in Causal Analysis in Economics
Authors: Brodeur Abel , Cook Nikolai , Heyes Anthony
Published: October 2020

The credibility revolution in economics has promoted causal identification using randomized control trials (RCT), difference-in-differences (DID), instrumental variables (IV) and regression discontinuity design (RDD). Applying multiple approaches to over 21,000 hypothesis tests published in 25 leading economics journals, we find that the extent of p-hacking and publication bias varies greatly by method. IV (and to a lesser extent DID) are particularly problematic. We find no evidence that (i) papers published in the Top 5 journals are different to others; (ii) the journal “revise and resubmit” process mitigates the problem; (iii) things are improving through time. (JEL A14, C12, C52)
Does Information Break the Political Resource Curse? Experimental Evidence from Mozambique
Authors: Armand Alex , Coutts Alexander , Vicente Pedro C. , Vilela Inês
Published: October 2020

Natural resources can have a negative impact on the economy through corruption and civil conflict. This paper tests whether information can counteract this political resource curse. We implement a large-scale field experiment following the dissemination of information about a substantial natural gas discovery in Mozambique. We measure outcomes related to the behavior of citizens and local leaders through georeferenced conflict data, behavioral activities, lab-in-the-field experiments, and surveys. We find that information targeting citizens and their involvement in public deliberations increases local mobilization and decreases violence. By contrast, when information reaches only local leaders, it increases elite capture and rent-seeking. (JEL C73, D72, D74, O13, O17, Q33, Q34)
Reproducibly sampling SARS-CoV-2 genomes across time, geography, and viral diversity
Authors: Bolyen Evan , Dillon Matthew R. , Bokulich Nicholas A. , Ladner Jason T. , Larsen Brendan B. , Hepp Crystal M. , Lemmer Darrin , Sahl Jason W. , Sanchez Andrew , Holdgraf Chris , Sewell Chris , Choudhury Aakash G. , Stachurski John , McKay Matthew , Simard Anthony , Engelthaler David M. , Worobey Michael , Keim Paul , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rapid accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, enabling genomic epidemiology on local and global scales. Collections of genomes from resources such as GISAID must be subsampled to enable computationally feasible phylogenetic and other analyses. We present genome-sampler, a software package that supports sampling collections of viral genomes across multiple axes including time of genome isolation, location of genome isolation, and viral diversity. The software is modular in design so that these or future sampling approaches can be applied independently and combined (or replaced with a random sampling approach) to facilitate custom workflows and benchmarking. genome-sampler is written as a QIIME 2 plugin, ensuring that its application is fully reproducible through QIIME 2’s unique retrospective data provenance tracking system. genome-sampler can be installed in a conda environment on macOS or Linux systems. A complete default pipeline is available through a Snakemake workflow, so subsampling can be achieved using a single command. genome-sampler is open source, free for all to use, and available at https://caporasolab.us/genome-sampler. We hope that this will facilitate SARS-CoV-2 research and support evaluation of viral genome sampling approaches for genomic epidemiology.
Kilka uwag o ewolucji włoskiego systemu partyjnego
Authors: Fijał Małgorzata
Published: October 2020

A Few Notes on the Evolution of the Italian Party System.

Can We Talk about the End of the Second Republic?This article is primarily dedicated to the analysis of the evolution of the Italian party system after 1945. This phenomenon was considered to be of cognitive importance because of the clearly noticeable profound transformations of the Italian party system in the last decade. The purpose of the article is an attempt to analyze the structure, mechanism and conditions of the party system of the Italian Republic with particular emphasis on the terms “First”, “Second” and “Third” Italian Republic, disseminated in journalism.
Biological and urban environmental variables as correlates of adolescents' physical activity
Authors: Mello Julio Brugnara , Duncan MIchael , Dias Arieli , Bergmann Gabriel , Gaya Anelise , Gaya Adroaldo
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the biological and urban environment variables that associate with physical activity (PA) in adolescents. After this, to examine the interrelationship between biological, urban environment variables and PA in structural equation analysis. This was a cross-sectional study with an adolescents’ randomized sample. Measures included PA (steps per day by pedometers); self-report questionnaire; geographical location; ‘geocoding’ process; and direct observation and cardiorespiratory fitness (by 6-min run test). Linear and binary logistic regression models were tested. In addition, moderation and mediation analysis were tested. The sample consisted of 236 adolescents (61.9% girls) aged 14 to 18 years. The commuting to school was associated with residence distance to school (OR = 6.41; CI95%: 1.01-40.80) and walkability (OR = 1.40; CI95%: 1.02-1.94). The gender moderates the relationship between walkability and commuting to school, association only in girls (OR = 1.72; p < 0.05). The relationship between the use of public spaces and PA was reduced (Δβ = -1320.6 steps/day; p < 0.05) in the presence of cardiorespiratory fitness (mediation effect). In conclusion, adolescents’ PA is associated with the use of public spaces, but this relation is mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness. In addition, PA is associated with commuting to school. This commuting is associated with residence distance to school and walkability just in girls.
The intersection of food insecurity and health for rural Malawian women at the end of life
Authors: Dressel Anne , Mkandawire Elizabeth , Gondwe Kaboni Whitney , Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy , Nordin Stacia , Vilakazi Nokuthula , Scheer Victoria , Kako Peninnah , Ngui Emmanuel , Neiman Tammy , Ruiz Ashley , Luebke Jeneile , Minjale Peter , Merriman Anne , Finch Lucy Kishindo , Egede Leonard
Published: October 2020

Background

One of the poorest countries in the world, Malawi's palliative care system is under-resourced, and one-third of the population is food-insecure.

Aims

This study describes the lived experience of female palliative care patients, and their caregivers, and aimed to: (1) analyse their physical, spiritual and mental health needs; and (2) analyse best palliative nursing practice for patients at the end of life. An unexpected finding was the impact of food insecurity on the women and their caregivers.

Methods

We conducted interviews with 26 women who at the end of life and 14 of their caregivers. All were participating in a community palliative care programme offered by an AIDS support organisation in Kasungu, Malawi. We used deductive qualitative analysis to organise identified themes using the four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilisation and stability.

Findings

All study participants experienced challenges with food security.

Conclusions

We offer policy recommendations for palliative care nurses, and other allied health professionals.
Development and validation of a reconstruction approach for three-dimensional confined-space tomography problems
Authors: Ling Chen , Chen Haiyan , Wu Yue
Published: October 2020

This work reports the development and validation of a new tomography approach, termed cross-interfaces computed tomography (CICT), to address confined-space tomography problems. Many practical tomography problems require imaging through optical walls, which may encounter light refractions that seriously influence the imaging process and deteriorate the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Past efforts have primarily focused on developing open-space tomography algorithms, but these algorithms are not extendable to confined-space problems unless the imaging process from the 3D target and its line-of-sight two-dimensional (2D) images (defined as “projections”) is properly adjusted. The CICT approach is therefore proposed in this work to establish an algorithm describing the mapping relationship between the optical signal field of the target and its projections. The CICT imaging algorithm is first validated by quantitatively comparing measured and simulated projections of a calibration plate through an optical cylinder. Then the CICT reconstruction is numerically and experimentally validated using a simulated flame phantom and a laminar cone flame, respectively. Compared to reconstructions formed by traditional open-space tomography, the CICT approach is demonstrated to be capable of resolving confined-space problems with significantly improved accuracy.
DD-Net: spectral imaging from a monochromatic dispersed and diffused snapshot
Authors: Hauser Jonathan , Zeligman Amit , Averbuch Amir , Zheludev Valery A. , Nathan Menachem
Published: October 2020

We propose a snapshot spectral imaging method for the visible spectral
range using a single monochromatic camera equipped with a
two-dimensional (2D) binary-encoded phase diffuser placed at the pupil
of the imaging lens and by resorting to deep learning (DL) algorithms
for signal reconstruction. While spectral imaging was shown to be
feasible using two cameras equipped with a single, one-dimensional
(1D) binary diffuser and compressed sensing (CS) algorithms
[Appl.
Opt. 59, 7853
(2020).APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.395541], the suggested diffuser
design expands the optical response and creates optical spatial and
spectral encoding along both dimensions of the image sensor. To
recover the spatial and spectral information from the dispersed and
diffused (DD) monochromatic snapshot, we developed novel DL
algorithms, dubbed DD-Nets, which are tailored to the unique response
of the optical system, which includes either a 1D or a 2D diffuser.
High-quality reconstructions of the spectral cube in simulation and
lab experiments are presented for system configurations consisting of
a single monochromatic camera with either a 1D or a 2D diffuser. We
demonstrate that the suggested system configuration with the 2D
diffuser outperforms system configurations with a 1D diffuser that
utilize either DL-based or CS-based algorithms for the reconstruction
of the spectral cube.
Comparison of maritime measurements of Cn2 with NAVSLaM model predictions
Authors: Mahon Rita , Moore Christopher I. , Ferraro Mike S. , Rabinovich William S. , Frederickson Paul A.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a study is made of the refractive index structure parameter

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, as derived from angle-of-arrival (AOA) measurements made on the beam after propagation along a 16 km slant path across the Chesapeake Bay. These measurements are compared with

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estimates derived from the Navy Atmospheric Vertical Surface Layer Model (NAVSLaM), which are based upon prevailing meteorological conditions. Correlation coefficients for the reported data vary between 0.64 and 0.9. Despite the Chesapeake Bay theoretically being a difficult location for employing a Monin–Obukhov similarity theory-based model such as NAVSLaM, the agreement between the AOA

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measurements and the NAVSLaM

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estimates was, in many cases, good. A possible explanation of this agreement between the modeled and measured

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values is that the large air–water temperature differences encountered provided such strong forcing for the NAVSLaM model that any potential violations of the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory assumptions had only a secondary influence on the

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estimates.
Graphene-based polarization-sensitive metasurfaces for integrated optics applications
Authors: Danaeifar Mohammad , Granpayeh Nosrat
Published: October 2020

In this study, polarization detection of the incident wave with amplitude and frequency is achieved by proposed graphene-based metasurfaces for integrated optics applications. Metasurfaces consist of elliptical nanodisks of graphene as the meta-atoms. Synthesis of the metasurfaces is based on the analytical approach of the equivalent conductivity method. The elliptical nanodisks play an asymmetric meta-atom role with respect to the polarization of the incident waves. This concept is applied to design polarization selective metasurfaces. Two types of polarization-sensitive metasurfaces are designed. One of them has unique nanodisks that change the absorbance coefficient by varying the polarization of the incident wave in an absorber structure. The second one has three types of elliptical nanodisks with various dimensions and orientations that distinguish the polarization. This metasurface is used in a demultiplexing structure to select a desired wave with a specific frequency.