bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Labor Resources of Trade Enterprises in the Context of Digitalization: Comparative Analysis of the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic
Authors: Korchagina E , Desfonteines L , Kurochkina A , Sobotka M , Sobotková L , Strekalova N
Published: October 2020

Changes in the demographic situation in the world lead to a change in the enterprises staff. These changes are associated with a life expectancy increase and, as a consequence, an increase in the economically active population over 65 years old. However, the significant increase in the number of active older generation people is directed opposite to the level of the information technology use by them. For example, the older generation is not keen on making online purchases. Thus, in the trade, the working places for older employees are retained. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the trade enterprises labor resources in Russia and the Czech Republic. We have used methods of statistical data analysis and formalized survey. The study results have showed the similar trends in the trade sector labor markets in Russia and the Czech Republic. In addition, the results of the study have revealed the directions of the older labor force use. The older people can be involved in activities with a large communication load and high value of professional experience. Older workers often act as mentors, transferring their experience to the young colleagues. Thus, the interactions between workers of different generations can accelerate the development of trade enterprises.
Formation Features of Institutional Space of Economic Agents in Trade in the conditions of Digital Transformation
Authors: Kapustina Irina , Pereverzeva Tatiana , Stepanova Tatiana , Chargazia Grigoriy
Published: October 2020

The article considers the formation features of institutional space for economic agents in trade industry in the conditions of digital transformation. This paper examines the features that are manifested in structural shifts in interaction, interrelation, interpenetration of various types of formal and informal institutions; institutions aimed at consumer’s decision-making; institutions that determine the success of a trade business. The role of institutional environment as a key element of institutional space is demonstrated in the paper. The authors analyze main stages of institutional space formation in the process of development of institutional trade policy, which to a large extent determine the effectiveness and prospects for the development of economic entities in trade industry.
Problems of forming marketing competencies in the digital economy
Authors: Krasnostavskaia Nataliia , Maslova Tatyana , Ruglova Lidiya , Chigir Marina
Published: October 2020

The spread of digital technology is transforming society and the economy. These changes affect the labor market. Modern employers need flexible marketing staff who can think creatively and make decisions in conditions of high environmental turbulence. For this, it is necessary to change the approach in training future specialists, namely, to use those tools and methods in teaching marketing disciplines that will allow their creative professional competencies to be developed as efficiently as possible. The object of the study was the online marketing training technology in terms of the formation of creative competencies. The aim of the study was to identify the problems of the formation of marketing competencies in the digital economy. The research methodology was based on the presentation of the structural components of marketing activity, characterized by varying degrees of demand for creative competencies. The existing approaches and strategies to stimulate creativity in the context of online marketing training were identified, the current state of the online marketing toolkit was analyzed. A correlation matrix has been developed for the tools for obtaining and implementing creative ideas and emerging marketing competencies for an online marketing course. A matrix has also been developed for correlating job types and emerging marketing competencies for an online marketing course. The selection of suitable tools and types of tasks will help to create professional competencies of a marketer at a high level of their creative component.
Evaluation of the quality of enriched meat products and the possibility of its application in the fitness industry
Authors: Asfondiarova I V , Dybkova N V , Katkova N M , Callaway J.
Published: October 2020

The health status of the population now has a tendency to worsen, which is associated with insufficient intake of essential micro and macro elements and a decrease in physical activity. It is growing in popularity among the population to attend fitness clubs to maintain their health and fitness. At the same time, emphasis is placed on a balanced diet with the ability to control calories consumed using the Internet of Things (IoT). The article presents an assessment of the quality of enriched meat products using the example of poultry cutlets according to organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators.

Flax seeds in the amount of 6% and oatmeal in the amount of 5.2%, which can serve not only as a source of high-grade protein, but also omega-3 fatty acids, became enriching additives. It was found that enriched cutlets had a pleasant appearance, taste and smell, juicy consistency and satisfy the daily requirement for omega-3 fatty acids. When 100 g of enriched cutlets are consumed, the need for protein is satisfied from 16.15 to 25.34%, respectively, for people with high and low physical activity. A model has been developed for the use of enriched meat products in fitness diets with the analysis of energy consumption by means of fitness control.
Product Traceability as a Mechanism for Ensuring Quality and Safety in Digital Economy
Authors: Vinogradova Anna , Kotomenkova Olga , Kotomenkov Denis , Bagryantseva Ekaterina , Snytkova Natalia
Published: October 2020

The presence of counterfeit and pirate goods in circulation, along with original products, has become a worldwide social problem. The task of goods quality and safety assurance is relevant worldwide. The example of products made from wool mixtures of various animals shows the complexity of identifying counterfeit products and the prospects of combating the above negative phenomena by ensuring product traceability throughout the supply chain from manufacturer to consumer using information technology. The quantitative determination of the fibrous composition of precious wool products in mixtures with sheep wool was estimated by optical microscopy, its complexity was shown. Inclusion of products from precious types of wool, including those made in mixtures with sheep wool, in the list of goods subject to mandatory labeling with control and identification tags was proposed.
Structural optimization of heat-protective fabric military outfit
Authors: Kotomenkova Olga , Vinogradova Anna , Pankova Nina
Published: October 2020

Here we have studied and estimated the indices of the military personnel thermal state and pieces of military clothes both common and according to body areas (head, arm (shoulder and forearm) hands, hips, lower legs, feet) per unit of clothes area for selection and estimation of materials and structure of the outfit which shall provide the given thermal resistance. The cooling physiological limits and their endpoints were determined, taking into account the discomfort limitation based on warmth sense modalities. Functional indices of the military personnel are determined by the hypothermia criteria. The cold sense modalities of the body were determined based on the calculation of the heat deficit index.
Strategic prospects for the development of human capital in the context of singularity and intellectualization of the Russian economy
Authors: Suleimankadieva Alzhanat , Petrov Maxim , Popazova Olga
Published: October 2020

A comparative analysis of the relationship between the development trends of the modern information society and high-tech production in Russia and the world is carried out, the possibilities of intellectualization of the Russian economy in terms of the implementation of the principle of singularity are determined. The authors’ attention is focused on studying the development trends of Russian education in a historical perspective and analyzing the development model of human capital in the context of the transition of the world and Russian economies to a new technological structure, the hallmark of which is the general intellectualization of society. Based on the analysis of empirical data, it is concluded that modern society is very different from the society that was characteristic of the last century, which requires a new structure (construction) and a completely different educational content. The necessity of developing a new model of the education system of the XXI century as the basic basis for the development of human capital is justified, taking into account the key features of modern intellectual society and the principle of singularity.
Approach changing into organization processes and personnel management in context of digitalization
Authors: Makarchenko Marina , Borisova Iolanta , Sattorov Farrukh
Published: October 2020

The virtual teams which are the subject of study becoming more significant in conditions of digitalization. The virtual team possess specific characteristics that determine a number of advantages and disadvantages and also makes changes to the processes of organization, management and control. The members of virtual teams can be divided in area and (or) in time from the position of organization, they can be beyond personal contact with each other and use different software for communication. Despite this the virtual team is endowed with a large grade of independence and the members of virtual team are share, plan and control all types of work by themselves. Most negative factor is the lack of direct communication between group members and this has a significant impact on all the problems and risks of a virtual team according to experts. It is important to implement an absolute indicator of performance evaluation in order to stimulate communication within the team. The authors propose to apply the temporarily oriented indicators as the most objective indicator of virtual team effectiveness evaluation. The advantages of this indicator are: simplicity of calculations, applicability to any teams, relevance in the context of digitalization and the common interest of all team members.
Digital competence of employees and the value of human resources in the development strategy of enterprises
Authors: Potemkin Valery , Rasskazova Olga
Published: October 2020

The article looks at the resource approach to strategy of development of enterprises in which priority attention should be given to formation, use and development of its human resources. When passing the administrative decisions the management of the enterprises should consider employees as the most valuable resource in competitive which is necessary to motivate and develop for achievement of strategic purposes of the enterprise. The purpose of the study was to conduct research of the industrial enterprises of St. Petersburg, which allowed to identify a number of problems associated with insufficient attention from the management to human resources of organizations. In addition, the objective was to substantiate the importance of developing digital skills and competencies of modern employees, as well as digital competencies. In modern conditions development of human resources, including their digital competences in line with new tasks of strategic development of the enterprises, becomes a particularly important direction.
The Design of Integrated Learning Model for CLIL-learners
Authors: Baranova T , Kobicheva A , Olkhovik N , Tokareva E
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a learning model that is comprised of an advanced combination of pedagogic methods and techniques to realize a CLIL methodology at higher education institutions. Introduction of CLIL approach to the delivery of International Business discipline for the four-year students of the 1st cycle resulted in negative outcomes compared to the previous experience of teaching through non-CLIL courses. To reveal the reasons of discipline outcomes decrease we conducted several surveys for the CLIL course students and their course coordinator. Students completed an online test with close and open-ended questions; the course coordinator passed an oral interview. We carried out a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data obtained and then identified the weaknesses of the CLIL course implementation. To improve the educational process, students’ performance and their learning outcomes, we developed an integrated learning model that is built on a CLIL methodology as a framework and flipped classroom activities, project-based learning as pedagogic tools for creating a blended learning environment. We assume that the use of this model will stimulate students in professional knowledge and skills acquisition and also drive them to continuous education, raise of self-efficacy and motivation.
Cognitive-innovative University: Intension, Concepts, Definitions
Authors: Vasetskaya N O , Glukhov V V , Boush G D
Published: October 2020

The subject of the research is University. The aim is to form a brief and detailed definitions of the concept “cognitive innovation University”. The method is based on the categorical-system approach using the methods of traditional logic and the theory of dynamic information systems.

The article deals with the problems of definition of the concept of “University” and its types in the conditions of formation of the digital knowledge economy, due to the imperfection of the methodology. The article provides an overview of the most widely used definitions of the University. It is shown that in most concepts the essential characteristics of the University are empirical, so they are reflected non-systemically. The application of categorical-system methodology using the methods of traditional logic and the theory of dynamic information systems as a methodology for the study of cognitive innovation University is justified in this paper. On the basis of the triadic research method and methods of traditional logic, a brief definition of the concept of “cognitive innovative University” as an object of the socio-economic system is proposed. During the procedure of sequential two-level triadic decoding of the basic concept, leading to obtain an exhaustive definition of the desired concept, a detailed definition of the concept “cognitive-innovative University” was presented.
The Digital Reality: Artistic Choice
Authors: Serkova Vera
Published: October 2020

Contemporary artists are tempted by the latest art digital technologies. Art analysts and practitioners (artists, exhibition curators and teachers at art educational institutions) form the problematic for this contemporary culture sector. A new generation of artists integrates into the global digital art system with varying intensity; to no small extent, it is affected by the traditions forming the basis for a school. To what extent is the art education system to enter the process of formation of advance digital art competences: that is the matter of the relations between the tradition and innovation within the education system. The article compares different sources that clarify the goals and means of solving the tasks set in modern artistic practice. When analyzing motivation to create a contemporary art piece, the artist’s argumentation is of the same importance as the analysis of working programs of an artistic institution. This issue is analyzed based on the graduation project implemented by the Stieglitz Academy at St. Petersburg. The traditional theme of the Nativity performance combined with the setting created by computer technology allows the artist to implement their artistic plans by the means of modern digital technologies. The specific task of organizing the space for the traditional Nativity scene is solved by the means of digital printing; sketches are made in the computer editor program. A work of art merging the tradition and innovation refers to the so-called fundamental “tradigital” art that generally determines the boundaries of their possible interaction.
Machinery maintenance model for evaluating and increasing maintenance, repairs and operations within Industry 4.0 concept
Authors: Poór P , Basl J
Published: October 2020

Machinery maintenance is a crucial part of every manufacturing organization, As production, as maintenance evolved through the history. The upcoming 4th Industrial revolution has also impact on machinery and equipment in companies. Companies have already started adopting new approaches so machinery maintenance, based on various levels of readiness and maturity. This paper focuses primarily on creating a model for Maintenance 4.0. The aim is to determine key “components” or defining factors of new approaches to machinery maintenance in accordance with principles of Industry 4.0. implementation.
A review of polarization-based imaging technologies for clinical and preclinical applications
Authors: Ramella-Roman Jessica C , Saytashev Ilyas , Piccini Mattia
Published: October 2020

Polarization-based imaging can provide new diagnostic capabilities in clinical and preclinical studies. Various methodologies of increasing complexity have been proposed by different groups in the last 30 years. In this review we focus on the most widely used methods in polarization imaging including co- and cross-polarized-based imaging, Mueller matrix imaging, and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography, among others. This short primer in optical instrumentation for polarization-based imagery is aimed at readers interested in including polarization in their imaging processes.
Symmetric and antisymmetric multipole electric-magnetic fano resonances in elliptic disk- nonconcentric split ring plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Xingfang , Liu Fengshou , Yan Xin , Liang Lanju , Wei Dequan
Published: October 2020

A plasmonic nanostructure composed of a displaced elliptical disk in a nonconcentric split ring is proposed and investigated theoretically by the finite difference time domain method. The simulated scattering spectra and electric field distributions reveal that multiple Fano resonances can be formed due to the destructive interference of the longitudinal dipole mode of the disk and multiple multipole magnetic modes of the split ring. It is also found that the spectral position of each Fano dip is insensitive to the offset caused by moving the disk in either direction, but the depth varies to a different extent. When the disk moves parallel to the split, it is very suitable for the generation and evolution of the symmetric Fano resonance, particularly the structural symmetry of the split ring is further broken. As the disk moves perpendicular and closer to the split, the depth of each antisymmetric Fano resonance increases, while the appeared symmetric ones weaken. Such a nanostructure may be used as a potential platform for spectral line shaping and multiwavelength bio-chemical sensing.
The effect of base pressure and manganese oxidation on preparation of Mn3O4 and higher manganese silicide
Authors: Pan Wangheng , Zhang Jinmin , Feng Lei , Xie Jie , Xiao Qingquan , Xie Quan
Published: October 2020

In the process of preparing higher manganese silicide (HMS) by magnetron sputtering method, the sputtering base pressure is often a neglected parameter, manganese oxidation is a very difficult problem to avoid. Based on these situations, this paper takes sputtering base pressure as a variable and uses naturally oxidized manganese target as raw material to prepare samples with optimal experimental parameters of HMS, studied the impact of manganese oxidation on the preparation of HMS. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize and analyze the obtained films. It is found that Mn3O4 could be well prepared by MnO and MnO2 on silicon substrate by the same preparation technology to prepare HMS, while control the base pressure higher than 7 × 10−5 Pa. The MnO existence will not cause a negative impact to the production of HMS, but MnO2 should be avoided in any process. When MnO and MnO2 exist at the same time, the sputtering base pressure range of 4 × 10−3–8 × 10−4 Pa should be avoided. The base pressure additionally has a strong regulate effect on the grain size of Mn3O4.
Changes in health and functioning of care home residents over two decades: what can we learn from population-based studies?
Authors: Barker Robert O , Hanratty Barbara , Kingston Andrew , Ramsay Sheena E , Matthews Fiona E
Published: October 2020

Background

Care home residents have complex care and support needs. There is a perception that the needs of residents have increased, but the evidence is limited. We investigated changes in health and functioning of care home residents over two decades in England and Wales.

Methods

We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis over a 24 year period (1992–2016), using data from three longitudinal studies, the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS) I and II and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). To adjust for ageing of respondents over time results are presented for the 75–84 age group.

Results

Analysis of 2,280 observations from 1,745 care home residents demonstrated increases in severe disability (difficulty in at least two from washing, dressing and toileting). The prevalence of severe disability increased from 63% in 1992 to 87% in 2014 (subsequent fall in 2016 although wide confidence intervals). The prevalence of complex multimorbidity (problems in at least three out of six body systems) increased within studies over time, from 33% to 54% in CFAS I/II between 1992 and 2012, and 26% to 54% in ELSA between 2006 and 2016.

Conclusion

Over two decades, there has been an increase in disability and the complexity of health problems amongst care home residents in England and Wales. A rise in support needs for residents places increasing demands on care home staff and health professionals, and should be an important consideration for policymakers and service commissioners.
Cognitive dispersion and ApoEe4 genotype predict dementia diagnosis in 8-year follow-up of the oldest-old
Authors: Watermeyer Tam , Goerdten Jantje , Johansson Boo , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: October 2020

Background

Cognitive dispersion, or inconsistencies in performance across cognitive domains, has been posited as a cost-effective tool to predict conversion to dementia in older adults. However, there is a dearth of studies exploring cognitive dispersion in the oldest-old (>80 years) and its relationship to dementia incidence.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to examine whether higher cognitive dispersion at baseline was associated with dementia incidence within an 8-year follow-up of very old adults, while controlling for established risk factors and suggested protective factors for dementia.

Methods

Participants (n = 468) were from the Origins of Variance in the Old-Old: Octogenarian Twins study, based on the Swedish Twin Registry. Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between baseline cognitive dispersion scores and dementia incidence, while controlling for sociodemographic variables, ApoEe4 carrier status, co-morbidities, zygosity and lifestyle engagement scores. An additional model included a composite of average cognitive performance.

Results

Cognitive dispersion and ApoEe4 were significantly associated with dementia diagnosis. These variables remained statistically significant when global cognitive performance was entered into the model. Likelihood ratio tests revealed that cognitive dispersion and cognitive composite scores entered together in the same model was superior to either predictor alone in the full model.

Conclusions

The study underscores the usefulness of cognitive dispersion metrics for dementia prediction in the oldest-old and highlights the influence of ApoEe4 on cognition in very late age. Our findings concur with others suggesting that health and lifestyle factors pose little impact upon cognition in very advanced age.
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome and incident dementia in older adults from the Québec NuAge cohort
Authors: Beauchet Olivier , Sekhon Harmehr , Cooper-Brown Liam , Launay Cyrille P , Gaudreau Pierrette , Morais José A , Allali Gilles
Published: October 2020

Background

The co-occurrence of slow walking speed and subjective cognitive complaint (SCC) in non-demented individuals defines motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which is a pre-dementia stage. There is no information on the association between MCR and incident dementia in Québec’s older population.

Objective

The study aims to examine the association of MCR and its individual components (i.e. SCC and slow walking speed) with incident dementia in community-dwelling older adults living in the province of Québec (Canada).

Design

Québec older people population-based observational cohort study with 3 years of follow-up.

Setting

Community dwellings.

Subjects

A subset of participants (n = 1,098) in ‘Nutrition as a determinant of successful aging: The Québec longitudinal study’ (NuAge).

Methods

At baseline, participants with MCR were identified. Incident dementia was measured at annual follow-up visits using the Modified Mini-Mental State (≤79/100) test and Instrumental Activity Daily Living scale (≤6/8) score values.

Results

The prevalence of MCR was 4.2% at baseline and the overall incidence of dementia was 3.6%. MCR (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 5.18, with 95% confidence interval (CI) = [2.43–11.03] and P ≤ 0.001) and SCC alone (HR = 2.54, with 95% CI = [1.33–4.85] and P = 0.005) were associated with incident dementia, but slow walking speed was not (HR = 0.81, with 95%CI = [0.25–2.63] and P = 0.736).

Conclusions

MCR and SCC are associated with incident dementia in NuAge study participants.
Infusion-related angioedema associated with infliximab-abda: Case report
Authors: Herndon Kyle , Dewitt Alexandra , Gillion Amanda , Pattanaik Debendra
Published: October 2020

Purpose

A case of infusion-related angioedema associated with the use of an infliximab biosimilar (infliximab-abda) is reported in order to bring awareness that this adverse effect is still highly possible in biosimilars, similar to the reference infliximab biologic.

A 37-year-old white male with a past medical history significant for ileocolonic fistulizing Crohn’s disease, depression, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presented to an emergency department with shortness of breath, urticaria, and tongue swelling that had developed shortly after initiation of an infusion of infliximab-abda. The patient had no documented allergies at the time of presentation. The patient was taking oral budesonide 9 mg daily and oral azathioprine 50 mg daily for treatment of Crohn’s disease. Other medications included oral omeprazole 40 mg every morning for GERD and oral sertraline 100 mg daily for depression. The patient’s tongue swelling worsened, and he was intubated for airway protection. The patient received supportive care treatment for angioedema with intravenous (IV) dexamethasone 8 mg every 8 hours, IV diphenhydramine 50 mg every 8 hours, and IV famotidine 20 mg every 12 hours. He was extubated approximately 43 hours later and observed overnight in a medical intensive care unit. He was transferred to a general medicine unit the next day for further care. The total hospital length of stay was 4 days.

Conclusion

A 37-year-old man developed infusion-related angioedema with use of infliximab-abda. Discontinuation of the biosimilar product along with supportive care brought about resolution of angioedema. There are no prior published reports of infusion-related angioedema reactions secondary to infliximab-abda use.
Male–male behavioral interactions drive social-dominance-mediated differences in ejaculate traits
Authors: Reuland Charel , Culbert Brett M , Fernlund Isaksson Erika , Kahrl Ariel F , Devigili Alessandro , Fitzpatrick John L
Published: October 2020

Higher social status is expected to result in fitness benefits as it secures access to potential mates. In promiscuous species, male reproductive success is also determined by an individual’s ability to compete for fertilization after mating by producing high-quality ejaculates. However, the complex relationship between a male’s investment in social status and ejaculates remains unclear. Here, we examine how male social status influences ejaculate quality under a range of social contexts in the pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys collettei, a small, group-living, internally fertilizing freshwater fish. We show that male social status influences ejaculate traits, both in the presence and absence of females. Dominant males produced faster swimming and more viable sperm, two key determinants of ejaculate quality, but only under conditions with frequent male–male behavioral interactions. When male–male interactions were experimentally reduced through the addition of a refuge, differences in ejaculate traits of dominant and subordinate males disappeared. Furthermore, dominant males were in a better condition, growing faster, and possessing larger livers, highlighting a possible condition dependence of competitive traits. Contrary to expectations, female presence or absence did not affect sperm swimming speed or testes mass. Together, these results suggest a positive relationship between social status and ejaculate quality in halfbeaks and highlight that the strength of behavioral interactions between males is a key driver of social-status-dependent differences in ejaculate traits.
Human Chemosignals and Brain Activity: A Preliminary Meta-analysis of the Processing of Human Body Odors
Authors: Dal Bò Elisa , Gentili Claudio , Cecchetto Cinzia
Published: October 2020

Across phyla, chemosignals are a widely used form of social communication and increasing evidence suggests that chemosensory communication is present also in humans. Chemosignals can transfer, via body odors, socially relevant information, such as specific information about identity or emotional states. However, findings on neural correlates of processing of body odors are divergent. The aims of this meta-analysis were to assess the brain areas involved in the perception of body odors (both neutral and emotional) and the specific activation patterns for the perception of neutral body odor (NBO) and emotional body odor (EBO). We conducted an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis on 16 experiments (13 studies) examining brain activity during body odors processing. We found that the contrast EBO versus NBO resulted in significant convergence in the right middle frontal gyrus and the left cerebellum, whereas the pooled meta-analysis combining all the studies of human odors showed significant convergence in the right inferior frontal gyrus. No significant cluster was found for NBOs. However, our findings also highlight methodological heterogeneity across the existing literature. Further neuroimaging studies are needed to clarify and support the existing findings on neural correlates of processing of body odors.
The Potential Epidemiological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Epidemic and the Cost-effectiveness of Linked, Opt-out HIV Testing: A Modeling Study in 6 US Cities
Authors: Zang Xiao , Krebs Emanuel , Chen Siyuan , Piske Micah , Armstrong Wendy S , Behrends Czarina N , Del Rio Carlos , Feaster Daniel J , Marshall Brandon D L , Mehta Shruti H , Mermin Jonathan , Metsch Lisa R , Schackman Bruce R , Strathdee Steffanie A , Nosyk Bohdan ,   Localized HIV Modeling Study, Dombrowski Julia C , Gebo Kelly A , Kirk Gregory , Montaner Julio , Pandya Ankur , Shoptaw Steven
Published: October 2020

Background

Widespread viral and serological testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may present a unique opportunity to also test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We estimated the potential impact of adding linked, opt-out HIV testing alongside SARS-CoV-2 testing on the HIV incidence and the cost-effectiveness of this strategy in 6 US cities.

Methods

Using a previously calibrated dynamic HIV transmission model, we constructed 3 sets of scenarios for each city: (1) sustained current levels of HIV-related treatment and prevention services (status quo); (2) temporary disruptions in health services and changes in sexual and injection risk behaviors at discrete levels between 0%–50%; and (3) linked HIV and SARS-CoV-2 testing offered to 10%–90% of the adult population in addition to Scenario 2. We estimated the cumulative number of HIV infections between 2020–2025 and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of linked HIV testing over 20 years.

Results

In the absence of linked, opt-out HIV testing, we estimated a total of a 16.5% decrease in HIV infections between 2020–2025 in the best-case scenario (50% reduction in risk behaviors and no service disruptions), and a 9.0% increase in the worst-case scenario (no behavioral change and 50% reduction in service access). We estimated that HIV testing (offered at 10%–90% levels) could avert a total of 576–7225 (1.6%–17.2%) new infections. The intervention would require an initial investment of $20.6M–$220.7M across cities; however, the intervention would ultimately result in savings in health-care costs in each city.

Conclusions

A campaign in which HIV testing is linked with SARS-CoV-2 testing could substantially reduce the HIV incidence and reduce direct and indirect health care costs attributable to HIV.
Influenza-like Illness Exacerbates Pneumococcal Carriage in Older Adults
Authors: Miellet Willem R , van Veldhuizen Janieke , Nicolaie Mioara A , Mariman Rob , Bootsma Hester J , Bosch Thijs , Rots Nynke Y , Sanders Elisabeth A M , van Beek Josine , Trzciński Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

Background

In older adults, pneumococcal disease is strongly associated with respiratory viral infections, but the impact of viruses on Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage prevalence and load remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of influenza-like illness (ILI) on pneumococcal carriage in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We investigated the presence of pneumococcal DNA in saliva samples collected in the 2014/2015 influenza season from 232 individuals aged ≥60 years at ILI onset, followed by sampling 2–3 weeks and 7–9 weeks after the first sample. We also sampled 194 age-matched controls twice 2–3 weeks apart. Pneumococcal DNA was detected with quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the piaB and lytA genes in raw and in culture-enriched saliva. Bacterial and pneumococcal abundances were determined in raw saliva with 16S and piaB quantification.

Results

The prevalence of pneumococcus-positive samples was highest at onset of ILI (42/232 [18%]) and lowest among controls (26/194 [13%] and 22/194 [11%] at the first and second samplings, respectively), though these differences were not significant. Pneumococcal carriage was associated with exposure to young children (odds ratio [OR], 2.71 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.51–5.02]; P < .001), and among asymptomatic controls with presence of rhinovirus infection (OR, 4.23 [95% CI, 1.16–14.22]; P < .05). When compared with carriers among controls, pneumococcal absolute abundances were significantly higher at onset of ILI (P < .01), and remained elevated beyond recovery from ILI (P < .05). Finally, pneumococcal abundances were highest in carriage events newly detected after ILI onset (estimated geometric mean, 1.21 × 10−5 [95% CI, 2.48 × 10−7 to 2.41 × 10−5], compared with preexisting carriage).

Conclusions

ILI exacerbates pneumococcal colonization of the airways in older adults, and this effect persists beyond recovery from ILI.
Social Capital, Loneliness, and Peer Relationships of Adolescents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Duncan Jill , Colyvas Kim , Punch Renee
Published: October 2020

There are many documented benefits of social capital to adolescents in general, and for young people who are deaf or hard of hearing social capital can potentially have a buffering effect against adverse life outcomes. Using the Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire ( Asher et al., 1984; Cassidy & Asher, 1992) and the Looman Social Capital Scale ( Looman, 2006), this research investigated changes in levels of social capital and loneliness and peer relationships of deaf or hard of hearing adolescents before attending a residential camp and then three, six- and 12-months post-camp. The camp was specifically for DHH adolescents whose primary communication mode was spoken language. The study also investigated associations between social capital and adolescents’ perceptions of loneliness and peer relationships. Results indicated no statistically significant change in social capital and loneliness and peer relations over the four-time points. There was a significant association between one social capital scale, common good, and loneliness. Implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations are made for enhancing social capital development within a residential camp experience.
Resource Compensation or Multiplication? The Interplay between Cognitive Ability and Social Origin in Explaining Educational Attainment
Authors: Stienstra Kim , Maas Ineke , Knigge Antonie , Schulz Wiebke
Published: October 2020

While previous research has conclusively established that children with higher cognitive ability and those originating from advantaged socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds have better educational outcomes, the interplay between the influences of cognitive ability and social origin has been largely overlooked. The influence of cognitive ability might be weaker in high-SES families as a result of resource compensation, and stronger in high-SES families owing to resource multiplication. We investigate these mechanisms while taking into account the possibility that the association between cognitive ability and educational attainment might be partly spurious due to unobserved genetic and environmental influences. We do so by analysing a large sample of twins from the German TwinLife study (Npairs = 2,190). Our results show that the association between cognitive ability and educational attainment is to a large extent confounded by genetic and shared environmental factors. If this is not considered, and this is the case in most previous studies, high-SES parents seem to compensate for the lower cognitive ability of their children. However, when we consider the genetic and shared environmental confounding, the resource compensation effect becomes non-significant.
Assessment and pathophysiology of microvascular disease: recent progress and clinical implications
Authors: Masi Stefano , Rizzoni Damiano , Taddei Stefano , Widmer Robert Jay , Montezano Augusto C , Lüscher Thomas F , Schiffrin Ernesto L , Touyz Rhian M , Paneni Francesco , Lerman Amir , Lanza Gaetano A , Virdis Agostino
Published: October 2020

The development of novel, non-invasive techniques and standardization of protocols to assess microvascular dysfunction have elucidated the key role of microvascular changes in the evolution of cardiovascular (CV) damage, and their capacity to predict an increased risk of adverse events. These technical advances parallel with the development of novel biological assays that enabled the ex vivo identification of pathways promoting microvascular dysfunction, providing novel potential treatment targets for preventing cerebral-CV disease. In this article, we provide an update of diagnostic testing strategies to detect and characterize microvascular dysfunction and suggestions on how to standardize and maximize the information obtained from each microvascular assay. We examine emerging data highlighting the significance of microvascular dysfunction in the development CV disease manifestations. Finally, we summarize the pathophysiology of microvascular dysfunction emphasizing the role of oxidative stress and its regulation by epigenetic mechanisms, which might represent potential targets for novel interventions beyond conventional approaches, representing a new frontier in CV disease reduction.
Digitalization of immunization programmes in Europe: results from the EUVIS project
Authors: Odone A , Gianfredi V , Frascella B , Balzarini F , Oradini Alacreu A , Signorelli C
Published: October 2020

The second and final phase of the EUVIS (EUrope Vaccines ICT Strategies) project, coordinated by the School of Public Health of the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan (Italy), aims at collecting best practices on the use and impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and digital tools to increase vaccine uptake and ultimately vaccination coverage in Europe. The field of ICT has flourished in recent years revolutionizing the processes of gathering, spreading and utilizing health information among healthcare providers, citizens and mass media. In particular, we are interested in any digital technology that can improve vaccine uptake supporting actions aimed at both increasing the demand of vaccines (i.e provide access to information through telecommunications, networks, the Internet, wireless, mobile devices), and the supply of effective and efficient life-course immunization services (i.e ICT-based interventions to support immunization programmes delivery and their monitoring). Within EUVIS we have previously conducted a series of systematic reviews to pool available evidence from experimental studies on the impact of selected ICT-based intervention (i.e. e-mail reminders, personal health records, among others) to improve vaccine uptake and other associated outcomes. In the current study, second and final phase of the EUVIS project, we are conducting a survey at the European level to gather original data on the use and impact of ICT and digital tools within immunization programmes in selected countries. The survey tool was developed on the basis of findings from EUVIS phase one and experts' consultation; it consisted on a 55-item questionnaire, distributed to public health professionals working in health agencies, institutions and the academia to build “ICT and immunization” countries' profile, as well as to gather, pool and critically appraise data on perceived potential and challenges of immunization programmes' digitalization in Europe.
Understanding the multiple health system and contextual barriers to hypertension control: Towards a new framework and its application to the Philippines
Authors: Seguin M
Published: October 2020

Reducing the burden of CVD is critically important, especially among poor individuals in in LMICs, where the treatment gap is widest. In order to address this inequity, evidence is needed on the experiences of economically marginalised individuals in LMICs diagnosed with CVDs. At present, there is little focus on the experiences of such individuals as they make sequential decisions regarding their care over time. Moreover, the evidence base is hampered by the lack of a clear framework encapsulating both individual agency and societal structures in conceptualising this chronology of behaviour. We aim to address this gap by capturing patient pathways of individuals diagnosed with hypertension in Malaysia and the Philippines drawing on a framework informed by strong structuration theory (SST). This lens allows examination of the social, economic and environmental forces that influence accessibility and quality of health services available to low-income residents in LMICs.
Norwegian-Russian cooperation in public health education in the Euro-Arctic Barents region
Authors: Grjibovski A M , Postoev V A , Usynina A A , Kharkova O A , Odland JØ
Published: October 2020

A Norwegian-Russian cooperation in public health education in the Euro-Arctic Barents region started in the 1980s. In the 1990s it has been mostly limited to research- and student exchanges.

In September 2006 seven universities including Northern State Medical University, Arkhangelsk (Russia), University of Tromsø (Norway), Nordic School of Public Health (Sweden), Umeå University (Sweden), Mid-Sweden University (Sundsvall, Sweden), Tampere University (Finland) and the National Institute of Public Health (Oslo, Norway), came together to found the International school of public health in Arkhangelsk, Russia (ISPHA). The mission of the ISPHA was to increase the level of knowledge in methods of research and practice in the field of public health, and to promote the implementation of this knowledge in Northwest Russia. Since 2007, ISPHA is providing public health education based on a 2-year MPH training. In 2007, ISPHA became the first full member of ASPHER. Forty-eight specialists got MPH degrees at ISPHA as a part of the program.

In 2013 a PhD programme between NSMU and the University of Tromsø was established. In 2013-19, 6 PhD theses were defended, and totally 28 full-text papers were published in peer-reviewed journals. In 2017 two new PhD programs in public health between Norway and Russia were initiated. The programme in environmental health and registry epidemiology in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Russia is run in collaboration between two Russian and two Norwegian universities while the second programme on cardiovascular epidemiology is run by NSMU and the University of Tromsø. Both programmes have already recruited PhD students and teachers from both countries. Achievements, challenges, sustainability and future perspectives will be discussed.

In spite of political perturbations, cooperation in public health education and research between Norway and Russia is contributing to better understanding of each other and strengthening public health workforce in Arctic Russia.

Key messages

Norwegian Russian cooperation evolved from exchanges to PhD programs. Most of the graduates strengthen public health capacity in their regions.
Education and the ethics of refugee health
Authors: Worthington R
Published: October 2020

Background

While meeting the health needs of refugees is defensible as a human right, asserting this right is insufficient to ensure that health care needs of refugees are actually met. In addition to political will and social commitment, a well-trained workforce is needed. Problems faced by refugees mean taking a range of public health and other measures, requiring a mix of skills to help health care professionals [HCPs] meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

Objectives

In taking an overview of global health problems associated with the health care needs of refugees, ethics and human rights are assessed to see what practical steps can be taken by public health leaders to better enable HPCs address unmet needs.

Results

Given the scale of the problem and the moral implications, there is a case for making refugee health a core topic in global health education. Ethical analysis is used to devise learning outcomes that could be included in programmes for continuing education and professional development. Twelve indicative learning objectives are offered, including to ‘demonstrate leadership when trying to affect change and address health problems faced by refugees' and to ‘demonstrate sensitivity to social customs without necessarily acceding to unlawful or unethical practices'.

Conclusions

When focusing on the health needs of refugees, practical and ethical considerations should be taken into account in support of efforts at finding educational solutions. Making refugee health a core topic in postgraduate global health education could help HCPs acquire new skills.

Key messages

The right to health is insufficient to ensure that refugees receive the care they need. There is an ethical case for building refugee health into education programmes for global (public) health.