bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing the Caregiver Benefit Program in Nova Scotia: Supporting Unpaid Caregivers at Home
Authors:   University of Ottawa, Mihailescu Mara
Published: April 2021

Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada to implement the Caregiver Benefit Program, an allowance of $400 a month to eligible caregivers if both the caregiver and care receiver qualify for the program. In response to Nova Scotia's aging population -- a population with increasingly complex chronic conditions -- more attention was given to home care and unpaid caregivers through the Continuing Care Strategy, which set the stage for implementation of more caregiver supports. The goals of the Caregiver Benefit are to acknowledge the contributions of eligible caregivers in providing assistance to a family member or friend, help sustain the support these caregivers provide, and keep people in their homes and out of long-term care. A policy window was created in 2009 for the New Democratic Party (NDP) to implement the Caregiver Benefit quickly after their election win by building on a previous Progressive Conservative initiative, thus fulfilling the NDP's promise to support seniors and caregivers. While no official evaluation has been conducted, it is the role of the Executive Director, Risk Mitigation of the Continuing Care Branch to provide accountability and monitoring of the policy. The Caregiver Benefit helps caregivers feel recognized and supported, however it potentially excludes a vulnerable population of caregivers and does not provide enough support to cover lost wages.
Terahertz sensor based on a three-dimensional double I-type metamaterial integrated microfluidic channel
Authors: Yang Jieping , Deng Hu , Xiong Zhonggang , Shang Liping
Published: April 2021

Terahertz metamaterial sensors have received extensive attention in biosensing applications. However, sensitivity toward terahertz frequencies emitted by liquid samples remains challenging because of the strong absorption of terahertz waves by water. Here, we present a highly sensitive terahertz sensor based on a three-dimensional double I-type metamaterial integrated microfluidic channel. The designed sensor produces an inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance with a high quality factor of approximately 72, while demonstrating a maximum sensitivity of 832 GHz/RIU. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the resonance frequency and ethanol concentration. These findings would promote the application of terahertz technology in label-free and rapid biomedical sensing as well as substance detection.
Tunable broadband cross polarization converter based on a graphene sheet with a T-shaped carved-hollow array
Authors: Qiao Qi , Liu Yongqi , Yang Xiaojie , Fu Yu , Zhou Xinwei , Li Runjia , Lu Mengjia , Wang Yueke
Published: April 2021

We propose a tunable broadband reflective cross polarization converter (CPC) composed of a graphene sheet with a T-shaped carved-hollow array. In the mid-infrared region, cross polarization conversion with 5.17 THz bandwidth is achieved due to the superimposition of the two reflection components with a phase difference of nearly 180°. The polarization conversion ratio is larger than 80% in this broadband range, and the fractional bandwidth is 40%. The physical mechanism of CPC is attributed to the excitation of symmetric and antisymmetric graphene surface plasmons. The CPC broadband can always be retained when the incident angle increases from 0° to 20°, and the polarization angle increases from 40° to 50°. Also, the tunable responses of the reflective polarizer with Fermi energy and electron scattering time are discussed. Our design can be widely applied to adjustable broadband polarization conversion.
Thermal infrared and broadband microwave stealth glass windows based on multi-band optimization
Authors: Yang Chang , Niu Shuai , Chang Huicong , Wang Yangyang , Feng Yajun , Zhang Yi , Li GuoHua , Chen Sai , Qu Yanchen , Xiao Lin
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of detection technologies, compatible stealth in the infrared and radar ranges has become increasingly essential not only for military application but also for personal privacy protection. In this study, we design a metamaterial window that possesses stealth ability in both the thermal infrared and broadband microwave ranges, using a particle swarm optimization algorithm to realize multi-band optimization. We experimentally verify that the proposed structure can achieve over 90% microwave absorption in the range 5.1 to 19.2 GHz (covering the X and Ku bands), with low infrared emissivity (∼0.15), and also maintain visible transmittance above 60%. Moreover, the window retains good performance up to 200 °C owing to the intrinsic properties of the material. Our multi-band optimization method enables the application of the transparent metamaterial windows in electromagnetic shielding and stealth and can potentially be applied in smart window related industries.
Diode-pumped sub-50-fs Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:GdYCOB laser
Authors: Zeng Huangjun , Lin Haifeng , Lin Zhanglang , Zhang Lizhen , Lin Zhoubin , Zhang Ge , Petrov Valentin , Loiko Pavel , Mateos Xavier , Wang Li , Chen Weidong
Published: April 2021

We present a sub-50-fs diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked laser employing a novel “mixed” monoclinic Yb:Ca4(Gd,Y)O(BO3)3 (Yb:GdYCOB) crystal as a gain medium. Nearly Fourier-limited pulses as short as 43 fs at 1036.7 nm are generated with an average power of 84 mW corresponding to a pulse repetition rate of ∼70.8 MHz. A higher average power of 300 mW was achieved at the expense of the pulse duration (113 fs) corresponding to an optical-to-optical efficiency of 35.8% representing a record-high value for any Yb-doped borate crystal. Non-phase-matched self-frequency doubling is observed in the mode-locked regime with pronounced strong spectral fringes which originate from two delayed green replicas of the fundamental femtosecond pulses in the time domain.
Integrated MLL chip-based PAM-4/DMT-16QAM photonic-wireless link in W-band for flexible applications
Authors: Jia Shi , Li Longsheng , Fu Yan , Oxenløwe Leif Katsuo , Hu Hao
Published: April 2021

To accommodate the demand of exponentially increasing global wireless traffic driven by the coming beyond 5G and 6G, wireless communication has stepped into the millimeter wave (MMW) band to exploit large available bandwidth. The future wireless application scenarios require wireless communication systems with high speed, low cost, a small footprint and simple configuration, and the integrated light source-based intensity modulation and direct detection (IM-DD) photonic-wireless system can better meet the demand than the traditional system based on bulky components. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a lens-free pulse-amplitude-modulation with four levels (PAM-4) and discrete multi-tone with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (DMT-16QAM) MMW photonic-wireless transmission system in the W-band using an integrated mode-locked laser (MLL) chip and a mixer-based receiver, which could be applicable for flexible wireless applications. The integrated MLL as an on-chip single light source is used to generate W-band signals and simplify the transmitter. The signal-to-noise ratio of the generated wireless signal is improved by two coherent optical carriers both modulated with data and then beating in the photodiode. In addition, we investigate the IM-DD configuration by employing an envelope detector (ED) to receive the PAM-4 signal for further simplifying the system. The ED-based photonic-wireless system is more suitable for the applications with lower data rate and low cost. For higher data rate, the mixer-based PAM-4/DMT-16QAM systems with up to 31.75 Gbit/s net data rate are more favorable, although the cost is also higher.
CMOS-compatible integrated 4-f system for mode-transparent spatial manipulation
Authors: Qi Wei , Chen Chao , Yu Yu , Zhang Xinliang
Published: April 2021

To exploit spatial dimension, on-chip optical modes with various spatial profiles have been utilized in optical interconnects and spatial analog computing. An integrated Fourier optical system is able to perform spatial operations. However, the reported schemes based on a subwavelength structure pose difficulty in fabrication, and the fabrication-friendly structure has been investigated only with a fundamental mode. With the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process, we propose an integrated 4-f system with simple geometry and a moderate minimum feature size to manipulate the mode’s spatial size and position in a mode-transparent way. A size magnification of 2.5 and center-to-center position offset of 7 µm are experimentally demonstrated. Reasonable insertion loss and low inter-mode crosstalk are measured over a 30 nm bandwidth. The work in this Letter paves the way for an on-chip Fourier optical system with convenient fabrication and broadband operation.
Performance of a U-Net-based neural network for predictive adaptive optics
Authors: Chen Justin G. , Shah Vinay , Liu Lulu
Published: April 2021

We apply a U-Net-based convolutional neural network (NN) architecture to the problem of predictive adaptive optics (AO) for tracking and imaging fast-moving targets, such as satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). We show that the fine-tuned NN is able to achieve an approximately 50% reduction in mean-squared wavefront error over non-predictive approaches while predicting up to eight frames into the future. These results were obtained when the NN, trained mostly on simulated data, tested its performance on 1 kHz Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor data collected in open-loop at the Advanced Electro-Optical System facility at Haleakala Observatory while the telescope tracked a naturally illuminated piece of LEO space debris. We report, to our knowledge, the first successful test of a NN for the predictive AO application using on-sky data, as well as the first time such a network has been developed for the more stressing space tracking application.
Measuring refractive indices of a uniaxial crystal by structured light with non-uniform correlation
Authors: Lin Rong , Chen Mengyu , Liu Yonglei , Zhang Hui , Gbur Greg , Cai Yangjian , Yu Jiayi
Published: April 2021

We introduce an effective method for measuring the refractive indices of a uniaxial crystal based on the independent self-focusing property of non-uniformly correlated beams along the

x

and

y

directions. We demonstrate how the positions of the independent foci can be changed by adjusting coherence lengths to determine the characteristic coherence lengths of the beams in a uniaxial crystal, and how this information can be used to determine the refractive indices by relating the propagation characteristics of the beam in free space and in the crystal. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that, by choosing a high beam order, one can reduce the measuring error caused by CCD detection precision. These results present an example of how non-uniformly correlated beams can be used for applications in anisotropic materials.
A mathematical representation of protein binding sites using structural dispersion of atoms from principal axes for classification of binding ligands
Authors: Premarathna Galkande Iresha , Ellingson Leif
Published: April 2021

Many researchers have studied the relationship between the biological functions of proteins and the structures of both their overall backbones of amino acids and their binding sites. A large amount of the work has focused on summarizing structural features of binding sites as scalar quantities, which can result in a great deal of information loss since the structures are three-dimensional. Additionally, a common way of comparing binding sites is via aligning their atoms, which is a computationally intensive procedure that substantially limits the types of analysis and modeling that can be done. In this work, we develop a novel encoding of binding sites as covariance matrices of the distances of atoms to the principal axes of the structures. This representation is invariant to the chosen coordinate system for the atoms in the binding sites, which removes the need to align the sites to a common coordinate system, is computationally efficient, and permits the development of probability models. These can then be used to both better understand groups of binding sites that bind to the same ligand and perform classification for these ligand groups. We demonstrate the utility of our method for discrimination of binding ligand through classification studies with two benchmark datasets using nearest mean and polytomous logistic regression classifiers.
It is beyond remuneration: Bottom-up health workers’ retention strategies at the primary health care system in Tanzania
Authors: Sirili Nathanael , Simba Daudi
Published: April 2021

Although Tanzania is operating a decentralized health system, most of the health workers’ retention strategies are designed at the central level and implemented at the local level. This study sought to explore the bottom-up health workers’ retention strategies by analyzing experiences from two rural districts, Rombo and Kilwa in Tanzania by conducting a cross-sectional exploratory qualitative study in the said districts. Nineteen key informants were purposefully selected based on their involvement in the health workers’ retention scheme at the district and then interviewed. These key informants included district health managers, local government leaders, and in-charges of health facilities. Also, three focused group discussions were conducted with 19 members from three Health Facility Governing Committees (HFGCs). Qualitative content analysis was deployed to analyze the data. We uncovered health-facility and district level retention strategies which included, the promotion of good community reception, promotion of good working relationships with local government leaders, limiting migration within district facilities and to districts within the region, and active head-hunting at training institutions. Retention of health workers at the primary health care level is beyond remuneration. Although some of these strategies have financial implications, most of them are less costly compared to the top-bottom strategies. While large scale studies are needed to test the generalizability of the strategies unveiled in our study, more studies are required to uncover additional bottom-up retention strategies.
Egg nutritional modulation with amino acids improved performance in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Navarro-Guillén Carmen , do Vale Pereira Gabriella , Lopes André , Colen Rita , Engrola Sofia
Published: April 2021

New and more efficient methods to sustainably intensify Aquaculture production are essential to attain the seafood demand for direct human consumption in the near future. Nutrition has been identified as one strategy of early exposure that might affect animal early development and later phenotype. This strategy may have positive consequences in the modulation of fish digestive physiology, which will correlate with higher performance outputs. Thus, improving fish digestive efficiency will lead to higher productivity and lower biogenic emission from aquaculture facilities, minimising the impact on the environment while increasing the biological efficiency. An innovativein ovonutritional modulation technique based on low-frequency ultrasounds was used to enhance the transport of amino acids across the embryo membranes. An early stimulus with either arginine or glutamine, both involved in gut maturation, was applied in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at 3.5 hours post-fertilization (hpf). At 22 days post-fertilization (dpf), growth performance, digestive enzyme activities and gut microbiota composition were analysed to evaluate the larval nutrition-induced metabolic plasticity and the effects on fish digestive efficiency. Results showed that fish survival was not affected either by the sonophoresis technique or amino acid supplementation. Final dry weight at 22 dpf was statistically higher in larvae from glutamine treatment when compared to the control even with lower trypsin activity, suggesting a higher nutrient digestion capacity, due to a slightly modulation of gut microbiota. Higher arginine supplementation levels should be tested as strategy to enhance growth at later developmental stages. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the efficiency of sonophoresis technique forin ovonutritional modulation and suggests thatin ovoglutamine supplementation might promote growth at later developmental stage through a positive microbiota modulation.
Resistance to insect growth regulators and age-stage, two-sex life table in Musca domestica from different dairy facilities
Authors: Abbas Naeem , Hafez Abdulwahab M.
Published: April 2021

Among the vectorial insect pests, the domestic house fly (Musca domestica L., Diptera: Muscidae) is a ubiquitous livestock pest with the ability to develop resistance and adapt to diverse climates. Successful management of the house fly in various locations requires information about its resistance development and life table features. The status of insect growth regulators resistance and life table features on the basis of age, stage, and two sexes of the house fly from five different geographical locations of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Dirab, Al-Masanie, Al-Washlah, Al-Uraija and Al-Muzahmiya were therefore investigated. The range of resistance levels were 3.77–8.03-fold for methoxyfenozide, 5.50–29.75 for pyriproxyfen, 0.59–2.91-fold for cyromazine, 9.33–28.67-fold for diflubenzuron, and 1.63–8.25-fold for triflumuron in five populations of house fly compared with the susceptible strain. Analysis of life history parameters—such as survival rate, larval duration, pupal duration, pre-female duration, pre-male duration, adult and total pre-oviposition periods, longevity of male, oviposition period, female ratio, and fecundity female-1—revealed significant variations among the field populations. Additionally, demographic features—including the generation time, the finite and intrinsic rates of increase, doubling time, and net reproductive rate—varied significantly among the field populations. These results will be helpful in planning the management of the house fly in geographically isolated dairies in Saudi Arabia.
Prevalence of SARS-COV-2 positivity in 516 German intensive care and emergency physicians studied by seroprevalence of antibodies National Covid Survey Germany (NAT-COV-SURV)
Authors: Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Brandenburger Timo , Braun Julian F. W. , Cleff Corvin , Moussazadeh Kian , Mrosewski Ingo , Timm Jörg , Wetzchewald Dietmar
Published: April 2021

Healthcare personnel are at risk to aquire the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We evaluated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and positive nasopharyngeal reverse transcriptase polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests in German intensive care and emergency physicians. Physicians attending intensive care and emergency medicine training courses between June 16th and July 2nd 2020 answered a questionnaire and were screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies via automated electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay. We recruited 516 physicans from all parts of Germany, 445/516 (86%) worked in high risk areas, and 379/516 (73%) had treated patients with COVID-19. The overall positive rate was 18/516 (3.5%), 16/18 (89%) had antibodies against SARS-COV-2, another 2 reported previous positive RT-PCR results although antibody testing was negative. Of those positive, 7/18 (39%) were unaware of their infection. A stay abroad was stated by 173/498 (35%), mostly in Europe. 87/516 (17%) reported a febrile respiratory infection after January 1st 2020 which was related to SARS-CoV-2 in 4/87 (4.6%). Contact to COVID-19 positive relatives at home was stated by 22/502 (4.4%). This was the only significant risk factor for Covid-19 infection (Fisher´s exact test, p = 0.0005). N95 masks and eye protection devices were available for 87% and 73%, respectively. A total of 254/502 (51%) had been vaccinated against seasonal influenza. The overall SARS-CoV-2 infection rate of german physicians from intensive care and emergency medicine was low compared to reports from other countries and settings. This finding may be explained by the fact that the German health care system was not overwhelmed by the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Long term outcome of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy: A single center experience
Authors: Mohd Rozita , Mohammad Kazmin Nur Ezzaty , Abdul Cader Rizna , Abd Shukor Nordashima , Wong Yin Ping , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Alfian Nurwardah
Published: April 2021

Introduction

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has a heterogeneous presentation and the progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD) is often influenced by demographics, ethnicity, as well as choice of treatment regimen. In this study, we investigated the long term survival of IgAN patients in our center and the factors affecting it.

Methods

This study included all biopsy-proven IgAN patients with ≥ 1year follow-up. Patients with diabetes mellitus at diagnosis and secondary IgAN were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, blood pressure, 24-hour urine protein, serum creatinine, renal biopsy and treatment received. The primary outcome was defined as combined event of 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction or ESRD.

Results

We included 130 (74 females; 56 males) patients of mean age 38.0 ± 14.0 years and median eGFR of 75.2 (interquartile range (IQR) 49.3–101.4) ml/min/1.73m2. Eighty-four (64.6%) were hypertensive at presentation, 35 (26.9%) had nephrotic syndrome and 57 (43.8%) had nephrotic range proteinuria (NRP). Median follow-up duration was 7.5 (IQR 4.0–13.0) years. It was noted that 18 (13.8%) developed ESRD and 34 (26.2%) reached the primary outcome. Annual eGFR decline was -2.1 (IQR -5.3 to -0.1) ml/min/1.73m2/year, with median survival of 20 years. Survival rates from the combined event (50% decrease in eGFR or ESRD) at 10, 20 and 30 years were 80%, 53% and 25%, while survival from ESRD were 87%, 73% and 65%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, time-average proteinuria (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.41, 95% CI 1.77–3.30), eGFR <45ml/min/1.73m2 at biopsy (HR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.03–5.32), hypertension (HR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.16–6.80), mean arterial pressure (HR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04), tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis score (HR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.84–7.73), and cellular/fibrocellular crescent score (HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.19–5.00) were found to be significant. Whereas only time-average proteinuria (TA-proteinuria) remained as a significant predictor in the multivariate analysis (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.57–3.16).

Conclusion

In our cohort, TA-proteinuria was the most important predictor in the progression of IgAN, irrespective of degree of proteinuria at presentation.
A meta-analysis and systematic review of changes in joint position sense and static standing balance in patients with whiplash-associated disorder
Authors: Mazaheri Masood , Abichandani Deepa , Kingma Idsart , Treleaven Julia , Falla Deborah
Published: April 2021

Objective

To synthesise and analyse the current evidence regarding changes in joint position sense (JPS) and standing balance in people with whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) taking the presence or absence of dizziness into account.

Data sources

PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE and APA PsycINFO were searched by two independent reviewers from inception until August 2020 and reference lists of all included studies were also reviewed.

Study selection

Only cross-sectional studies that measured JPS and/or standing balance between people with WAD vs. healthy controls (HC) or people with WAD complaining of dizziness (WADD) vs. those not complaining of dizziness (WADND) were selected.

Data extraction

Relevant data were extracted using specific checklists and quality assessment was performed using Downs and Black Scale (modified version).

Data synthesis

Twenty-six studies were included. For JPS, data were synthesized for absolute error in the primary plane of movement for separate movement directions. For standing balance, data were synthesized for traditional time- and frequency domain sway parameters considering the conditions of eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) separately. For meta-analysis, reduced JPS was observed in people with WAD compared to HC when the head was repositioned to a neutral head position (NHP) from rotation (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.43 [95%: 0.24–0.62]) and extension (0.33 [95%CI: 0.08–0.58]) or when the head was moved toward 50° rotation from a NHP (0.50 [0.05–0.96]). Similarly, people with WADDhad reduced JPS compared to people with WADNDwhen the head was repositioned to a NHP from rotation (0.52 [0.22–0.82]). Larger sway velocity and amplitude was found in people with WAD compared to HC for both EO (0.62 [0.37–0.88] and 0.78 [0.56–0.99], respectively) and EC (0.69 [0.46–0.91] and 0.80 [0.58–1.02]) conditions.

Conclusion

The observed changes of JPS and standing balance confirms deficits in sensorimotor control in people with WAD and especially in those with dizziness.
RBF neural network based backstepping terminal sliding mode MPPT control technique for PV system
Authors: Khan Zain Ahmad , Khan Laiq , Ahmad Saghir , Mumtaz Sidra , Jafar Muhammad , Khan Qudrat
Published: April 2021

The energy demand in the world has increased rapidly in the last few decades. This demand is arising the need for alternative energy resources. Solar energy is the most eminent energy resource which is completely free from pollution and fuel. However, the problem occurs when it comes to efficiency under different atmospheric conditions such as varying temperature and solar irradiance. To achieve its maximum efficiency, an algorithm of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is needed to fetch maximum power from the photovoltaic (PV) system. In this article, a nonlinear backstepping terminal sliding mode control (BTSMC) is proposed for maximum power extraction. The system is finite-time stable and its stability is validated through the Lyapunov function. A DC-DC buck-boost converter is used to deliver PV power to the load. For the proposed controller, reference voltages are generated by a radial basis function neural network (RBF NN). The proposed controller performance is tested using the MATLAB/Simulink tool. Furthermore, the controller performance is compared with the perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm, Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller and backstepping MPPT nonlinear controller. The results validate that the proposed controller offers better tracking and fast convergence in finite time under rapidly varying conditions of the environment.
Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for diagnosis of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, one year of use in a multi-centric hospital laboratory in Brussels, Belgium
Authors: Mekkaoui Leila , Hallin Marie , Mouchet Françoise , Payen Marie-Christine , Maillart Evelyne , Clevenbergh Philippe , Georgala Aspasia , Van den Wijngaert Sigi
Published: April 2021

Among the challenges in controlling tuberculosis, a rapid and accurate diagnostic test for the detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBc) and its resistance to first line therapies is crucial. We evaluated the performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Xpert Ultra) for the rapid detection ofMTBc and rifampicin resistance (RR) in 1120 pulmonary and 461 extra-pulmonary clinical specimens and compared it with conventional phenotypic techniques. The Xpert Ultra assay detectedMTBc in 223 (14.1%) samples with an overall sensitivity and specificity, using culture as the “gold standard”, of 91.1% (95% CI, 85.6–95.1) and 94.5% (95% CI, 93.1–95.6), respectively. The sensitivity of the Xpert Ultra test for smear-negative extra-pulmonary specimens was high (87.1%), even higher than with smear-negative pulmonary specimens (81.8%). But this enhanced sensitivity came with a low overall specificity of smear-negative extra-pulmonary specimens (66.7%). For 73 patients, 79/1423 (3.4%) negative mycobacterial culture samples were found to be positive with Xpert Ultra. Clinical data was necessary to correctly interpret potential false-positive results, especially trace-positive results. Sensitivity of the Xpert Ultra to detect RR compared to drug susceptibility testing was 100% (95% CI, 29.2–100) and specificity was 99.2% (95% CI, 95.8–100). We concluded that the Xpert Ultra test is able to provide a reliable TB diagnosis within a significantly shorter turnaround time than culture. This is especially true for paucibacillary samples such as smear-negative pulmonary specimens and extra-pulmonary specimens.
Genetic diversity and structure of Saussurea polylepis (Asteraceae) on continental islands of Korea: Implications for conservation strategies and management
Authors: Yun Seon A. , Kim Seung-Chul
Published: April 2021

Saussurea polylepisNakai is an herbaceous perennial endemic to Korea and is highly restricted to several continental islands in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula. Given its very narrow geographical distribution, it is more vulnerable to anthropogenic activities and global climate changes than more widely distributed species. Despite the need for comprehensive genetic information for conservation and management, no such population genetic studies ofS.polylepishave been conducted. In this study, genetic diversity and population structure were evaluated for 97 individuals from 5 populations (Gwanmaedo, Gageodo, Hongdo, Heusando, and Uido) using 19 polymorphic microsatellites. The populations were separated by a distance of 20–90 km. We found moderate levels of genetic diversity inS.polylepis(Ho= 0.42,He= 0.43). This may be due to long lifespans, outcrossing, and gene flow, despite its narrow range. High levels of gene flow (Nm= 1.76, meanFst= 0.09), especially from wind-dispersed seeds, would contribute to low levels of genetic differentiation among populations. However, the small population size and reduced number of individuals in the reproductive phase ofS.polylepiscan be a major threat leading to inbreeding depression and genetic diversity loss. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed three significant structures at K = 3, consistent with DAPC and UPGMA. It is thought that sea level rise after the last glacial maximum may have acted as a geographical barrier, limiting the gene flow that would lead to distinct population structures. We proposed the Heuksando population, which is the largest island inhabited byS.polylepis, as a source population because of its large population size and high genetic diversity. Four management units (Gwanmaedo, Gageodo, Hongdo-Heuksando, and Uido) were suggested for conservation considering population size, genetic diversity, population structure, unique alleles, and geographical location (e.g., proximity).
Condom application skills and self-efficacy in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ferrand John L. , Blashill Aaron J. , Corliss Heather L. , Walsh-Buhi Eric R.
Published: April 2021

Globally, and in the United States (U.S.) specifically, rates of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been steadily increasing and are especially high among youth aged 13–25 years. Using condoms correctly and consistently is an effective STI prevention measure for sexually active youth, yet public health endeavors tend to focus only on condom use consistency. Directly measuring condom application is challenging and expensive. Alternative tools evaluate this behaviour, but little evidence exists on the appropriateness of these instruments in measuring application skills. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between condom application skills and self-efficacy. We conducted a search of several databases as well as unpublished works. Studies were included if they were in English, examined youth aged 13–25 years, and were available between 1992 and 2019. The authors screened 630 titles and abstracts for initial inclusion criteria. A full-text review of 30 studies was conducted. The authors included 19 studies in the systematic review and 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both a fixed- and random-effects model (Q = .2321, I2 = 0%) yielded a medium-sized statistically non-significant association (r = 0.217) between skills and self-efficacy. Despite the small sample size, findings suggest that skills and self-efficacy may not be as interchangeable as previously assumed when assessing condom application. Implications for future research are discussed.
Lead aVR predicts early revascularization but not long-term events in patients referred for stress electrocardiography
Authors: Baheti Aparna , Hanson Christopher A. , McArdle Michael , Lall Sumeet K. , Beller George A. , Bourque Jamieson M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Exercise stress electrocardiography (ExECG) is recommended as a first-line tool to assess ischemia, but standard ST-analysis has limited diagnostic accuracy. ST elevation in lead aVR has been associated with left main and LAD disease in the population undergoing coronary angiography but has not been studied in the general population undergoing stress testing for the initial evaluation of CAD without coronary angiography. We sought to determine the predictive value of lead aVR elevation for ischemia, early revascularization, and subsequent cardiac events in consecutive patients undergoing ExECG.

Methods and results

The study cohort included 641 subjects referred for ExECG who were dichotomized by presence or absence of aVR elevation ≥1mm and compared for prevalence and predictors of ischemia and a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and late revascularization. The cohort had a median age of 57 and 57% were male. The prevalence of aVR elevation was 11.5%. The prevalence of significant ischemia on patients who received imaging was significantly higher with aVR elevation (14.3% vs 2.3%, p<0.001). Early revascularization occurred in 10.9% with vs 0.2% without aVR elevation, p<0.001. No subjects without aVR elevation or ST-depression underwent early revascularization. However, cardiac event rates were similar over a median 4.0 years of follow-up with and without aVR elevation (2.8% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.80). aVR elevation did not predict long-term cardiac events by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p = 0.94) or Cox proportional hazards modeling (p = 0.35).

Conclusions

aVR elevation during ExECG predicts ischemia on imaging and early revascularization but not long-term outcomes and could serve as a useful adjunct to standard ST-analysis and potentially reduce the need for concurrent imaging.
Patients’ perceptions regarding multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and barriers to seeking care in a priority city in Brazil during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Santos Felipe Lima dos , Souza Ludmilla Leidianne Limirio , Bruce Alexandre Tadashi Inomata , Crispim Juliane de Almeida , Arroyo Luiz Henrique , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Alves Yan Mathias , Scholze Alessandro Rolim , Costa Fernanda Bruzadelli Paulino da , Martoreli Júnior José Francisco , Moncaio Ana Carolina Scarpel , Pinto Ione Carvalho , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to analyze the discourses of patients who were diagnosed with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, the perception of why they acquired this health condition and barriers to seeking care in a priority city in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an exploratory qualitative study, which used the theoretical-methodological framework of the Discourse Analysis of French matrix, guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. The study was conducted in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Seven participants were interviewed who were undergoing treatment at the time of the interview. The analysis of the participants’ discourses allowed the emergence of four discursive blocks: (1) impact of the social determinants in the development of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, (2) barriers to seeking care and difficulties accessing health services, (3) perceptions of the side effects and their impact on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment, and (4) tuberculosis and COVID-19: a necessary dialogue. Through discursive formations, these revealed the determinants of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Considering the complexity involved in the dynamics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, advancing in terms of equity in health, that is, in reducing unjust differences, is a challenge for public policies, especially at the current moment in Brazil, which is of accentuated economic, political and social crisis. The importance of psychosocial stressors and the lack of social support should also be highlighted as intermediary determinants of health. The study has also shown the situation of COVID-19, which consists of an important barrier for patients seeking care. Many patients reported fear, insecurity and worry with regard to returning to medical appointments, which might contribute to the worsening of tuberculosis in the scenario under study.
Topical NAVS naphthalan for the treatment of oral lichen planus and recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A double blind, randomized, parallel group study
Authors: Rogulj Ana Andabak , Z. Alajbeg Iva , Brailo Vlaho , Škrinjar Ivana , Žužul Ivona , Vučićević-Boras Vanja , Alajbeg Ivan
Published: April 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of non-aromatic very rich in steranes (NAVS) naphthalan in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between NAVS and topical steroids in the treatment of OLP and RAS.

Methods

The study consisted of two sub-trials conducted as randomized, double-blind controlled studies: first included OLP patients and second patients with RAS. Patients received either NAVS or 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate. Primary outcomes were activity score (OLP patients), No of lesions and lesion diameter (RAS patients) and pain intensity (VAS) while secondary outcome included the impact of the disease on quality of life assessed by Oral health impact profile (OHIP 14).

Results

No significant differences in terms of OLP clinical signs (p = 0.84, η2 = 0.001) and responses on the OHIP-14 (p = 0.81, η2 = 0.002) or on VAS (p = 0.14, η2 = 0.079) between NAVS and betamethasone groups were observed. In RAS patients, no significant differences between the groups in terms of lesion number (at days 3 and 5, p = 0.33 and p = 0.98, respectively), lesion diameter (days 3 and 5, p = 0.24 and p = 0.84, respectively) were observed. However, in NAVS group a significant reduction of lesions diameter was observed on the 3rd day, while in betamethasone group a significant reduction in lesions diameter was evident only after the 5th day. No significant differences in VAS (p > 0.05) and the OHIP-14 (p > 0.05) between groups were found.

Conclusion

No evidence of differences between the two compared interventions was found.

Registration

Retrospective registration of this trial was conducted in ClinicalTrials.gov on September 30, 2016; trial registration number: NCT02920658.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02920658?term=NAVS&draw=2&rank=4.
Different fixation pattern for thoracolumbar fracture of ankylosing spondylitis: A finite element analysis
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Wang Yanhua , Zhang Peixun , Xue Feng , Zhang Dianying , Jiang Baoguo
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study is to establish an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) thoracolumbar fracture finite element (FE) model and provide a proper posterior fixation choice from the biomechanical perspective. The ankylosing spondylitis T9-L5 FE model was built and the range of motion (ROM) was compared to previous studies. The L1 transverse fracture was simulated and was separately fixed by five different patterns. The pull force and yielding force of the screws, the von Mises stress of the internal fixation, and the displacement of fracture site were analyzed to evaluate the proper fixation pattern for thoracolumbar fracture of AS. ROM of AS model was obviously restricted comparing to the normal vertebral experimental data. All the fixation patterns can stabilize the fracture. At least four levels of fixation can reduce the von Mises stress of the internal fixation. Four levels fixation has a higher pull force than the six levels fixation. Skipped level fixation did not reduce the stress, pull force and yielding force. The kyphosis correction did not change the biomechanical load. At least 4 levels fixation was needed for AS thoracolumbar fracture. The cemented screws should be chosen in 4 levels fixation to increase the holding of the screws. The skipped fixation has no advantage. The kyphosis correction can be chosen after weighing the pros and cons.
Simple discrete-time self-exciting models can describe complex dynamic processes: A case study of COVID-19
Authors: Browning Raiha , Sulem Deborah , Mengersen Kerrie , Rivoirard Vincent , Rousseau Judith
Published: April 2021

Hawkes processes are a form of self-exciting process that has been used in numerous applications, including neuroscience, seismology, and terrorism. While these self-exciting processes have a simple formulation, they can model incredibly complex phenomena. Traditionally Hawkes processes are a continuous-time process, however we enable these models to be applied to a wider range of problems by considering a discrete-time variant of Hawkes processes. We illustrate this through the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a substantive case study. While alternative models, such as compartmental and growth curve models, have been widely applied to the COVID-19 epidemic, the use of discrete-time Hawkes processes allows us to gain alternative insights. This paper evaluates the capability of discrete-time Hawkes processes by modelling daily mortality counts as distinct phases in the COVID-19 outbreak. We first consider the initial stage of exponential growth and the subsequent decline as preventative measures become effective. We then explore subsequent phases with more recent data. Various countries that have been adversely affected by the epidemic are considered, namely, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. These countries are all unique concerning the spread of the virus and their corresponding response measures. However, we find that this simple model is useful in accurately capturing the dynamics of the process, despite hidden interactions that are not directly modelled due to their complexity, and differences both within and between countries. The utility of this model is not confined to the current COVID-19 epidemic, rather this model could explain many other complex phenomena. It is of interest to have simple models that adequately describe these complex processes with unknown dynamics. As models become more complex, a simpler representation of the process can be desirable for the sake of parsimony.
Effect of hydroponic green herbage on the productive qualities of parent flock geese
Authors: Khaziev Danis , Gadiev Rinat , Yusupova Chulpan , Kazanina Marina , Kopylova Svetlana
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Green food is the natural diet for livestock and poultry. Therefore, production of green food in sufficient quantities to meet the current demand has emerged as an urgent problem today. The use of natural laylands results in green food shortage, which, in turn, necessitates the application of various methods of artificial production of green herbage. One of these methods is hydroponic cultivation of green grass as animal feed. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the productive and reproductive qualities of geese of the parent herd.

Materials and Methods: Complex scientific analysis was conducted to explore the effect of hydroponic green herbage used at various dosages (20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of total diet weight) on the realization of the reproductive qualities of parent flock geese. The methodological framework of this research is the efforts of various foreign and domestic scientists on the topic under study. This research was conducted using generally accepted methods (i.e., experiment, comparison, analysis, and generalization), along with special methods (zootechnical, physiological, biological, hematological, morphological, statistical, and economic).

Results: The optimal dosage of hydroponic green herbage for geese diet was established, which constituted 25-30% of the total diet weight and increased the poultry population survival rate by 2.0%, egg production rate by 3.8%, and the hatching egg yield by 4.9%. The carotenoid content in egg yolk ranged from 1.62 to 3.50 μg. The content of Vitamins A and B2 was higher by 3.19 and 2.32 μg, respectively, compared to that in the control. The production profitability level increased by 9.6%.

Conclusion: By introducing 25-30% of hydroponic greens from the weight of the diet, it is possible to increase the safety of livestock by 2%, the yield of hatching eggs by 4.9%, egg production by 1.46-1.11 μg.
A hatékony panaszkezelés lehetőségei: kompenzáció és bocsánatkérés (Efficient possibilities of the customer complaints: compensation and apology)
Authors: Kenesei Zsófia , Kolos Krisztina
Published: April 2021

A szerzők cikkükben a panaszkezelés hatékonyságát vizsgálják, kutatási módszerük a szcenáriókon alapuló kísérleti módszertan. Eredményeik alapján elmondható, hogy a panaszkezelés hatásaként vizsgált elégedettség és lojalitás – előzetes hipotéziseiknek megfelelően – nemcsak a kompenzáció nagyságától függ, hanem lényeges az is, hogy a folyamat során milyen hangnemben történik a hiba kiigazítása. Elemzéseik azt is alátámasztják, hogy a hiba típusától is függ, hogy a kompenzáció vagy az őszinte bocsánatkérés-e a célravezetőbb. ____________ Relatively little research attention has been given to what happens after service failure, how the organizations respond to the failure and how this response affects customers’ subsequent behaviours and attitudes. This article proposes to take an in-depth look at the different organizational responses to customer complaints. On the basis of the equity theory the concept of justice has been used that involves distributive, procedural and interactional justice. Using 2x2x2 factorial design experiment based on scenarios the main findings of the research is that interactional justice (explanation and apology) is as important as distributive justice (compensation). On the other hand the result is dependent on the failure type: different recovery effort is efficient in the case of outcome or process failure.
Ki ítéli meg a felsőoktatási szolgáltatások teljesítményét és hogyan? - A hallgatói elégedettség mérési modelljei, empirikus kutatási eredmények az aktív és a végzett hallgatók körében
Authors: Hetesi Erzsébet , Kürtösi Zsófia
Published: April 2021

A szerzők dolgozatukban az egyik legnagyobb hazai egyetemen végzett elégedettségi kutatások eredményeit elemzik, és választ keresnek arra, hogy az aktív, illetve a végzett hallgatók az oktatás mely dimenzióit tartják fontosnak, és hol látnak hiányosságokat a szolgáltatásban. Kísérletet tesznek arra is, hogy a két különböző hallgatói kör elégedettségi modelljét felállítsák, és jelezzék a modellalkotások korlátait. A tanulmány ismerteti a felsőoktatás elégedettségi mérésére alkalmazott modelleket, az empirikus kutatások eredményeit, és felhívja a figyelmet arra, hogy az elégedettségi modellek nem standardizálhatók, és hogy a két különböző hallgatói körben az elégedettség dimenziói más megközelítést igényelnek.