bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-range hunters: exploring the function and constraints of water shooting in dwarf gouramis
Authors: Jones Nick A. R. , Klump Barbara C. , Abaurrea Teresa M. , Harrower Sophie , Marr Clare , Scott Louise , Rendell Luke , Webster Mike M.
Published: December 2021

Ballistic predation is a rare foraging adaptation: in fishes, most attention has focused on a single genus, the archerfish, known to manipulate water to shoot down prey above the water surface. However, several gourami species also exhibit apparently similar ‘shooting’ behaviour, spitting water up to 5 cm above the surface. In a series of experiments, we explored the shooting behaviour and aspects of its significance as a foraging ability in the dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius). We investigated sex differences in shooting abilities to determine whether gourami shooting is related to the sex-specific bubble nest manufacture where males mix air and water at the surface to form bubbles. We found that, actually, both sexes were equally able to shoot and could learn to shoot a novel target. In a second experiment, we presented untrained gouramis with opportunities to shoot at live prey and found they successfully shot down both fruit flies and crickets. Finally, we explored the effect of target height on shooting performance to establish potential constraints of shooting as a foraging ability. The frequency of attempted shots and success of hitting targets decreased with height, whereas latency to shoot increased. We also observed that repeatable individual differences account for variation in these measures of shooting performance. Together, our results provide evidence that gourami shooting has a foraging function analogous to that of archerfish. Gourami shooting may serve as an example of convergent evolution and provide opportunities for comparative studies into the, as yet unexplored, ecology and evolution of shooting in fishes.
Construction of Supramolecular Fluorescent Probe by a Water-Soluble Pillar[5]arene and Its Recognition of Carbonate Ion
Authors: Zhu Xin Yi , Yang Xi Nan , Wu Heng , Tao Zhu , Xiao Xin
Published: December 2021

The interaction between pyridine pillar[5]arene (PyP5) and 2-naphthol with the former as the host molecule and the latter as the guest molecule is studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and NMR techniques, and the results show that PyP5 forms a 1:1 host-guest inclusion complex with 2-naphthol. Although free 2-naphthol has strong fluorescence, it is quenched in 2-naphthol@PyP5. Experiments were conducted with 2-naphthol@PyP5 as a fluorescent probe to detect different anions with results showing that only CO32− causes a significant enhancement of the fluorescence of the fluorescent probe. Due to this high selectivity and high sensitivity, the fluorescent probe 2-naphthol@PyP5 may open up an effective way for the detection of CO32−.
The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - A resource for COVID-19 research: Home-based antibody testing results, October 2020. An emphasis on self-screening at a population level
Authors: Northstone Kate , Smith Daniel , Bowring Claire , Hill Amanda , Hobbs Richard , Wells Nicholas , Timpson Nicholas J.
Published: December 2021

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prospective population-based cohort study which recruited pregnant women in 1990-1992 and has followed these women, their partners (Generation 0; G0) and offspring (Generation 1; G1) ever since. The study reacted rapidly to the COVID-19 pandemic, deploying online questionnaires in March and May 2020. Home-based antibody tests and a further questionnaire were sent to 5220 participants during a two-week period of October 2020. 

4.2% (n=201) of participants reported a positive antibody test (3.2% G0s [n=81]; 5.6% G1s [n=120]). 43 reported an invalid test, 7 did not complete and 3 did not report their result. Participants uploaded a photo of their test to enable validation: all positive tests, those where the participant could not interpret the result and a 5% random sample were manually checked against photos. We report 92% agreement (kappa=0.853). Positive tests were compared to additional COVID-19 status information: 58 (1.2%) participants reported a previous positive test, 73 (1.5%) reported that COVID-19 was suspected by a doctor, but not tested and 980 (20.4%) believed they had COVID-19 due to their own suspicions.  Of those reporting a positive result on our antibody test, 55 reported that they did not think they had had COVID-19.

Results from antibody testing and questionnaire data will be complemented by health record linkage and results of other biological testing– uniting Pillar testing data with home testing and self-report. Data have been released as an update to the original datasets released in July 2020. It comprises: 1) a standard dataset containing all participant responses to all three questionnaires with key sociodemographic factors and 2) as individual participant-specific release files enabling bespoke research across all areas supported by the study. This data note describes the antibody testing, associated questionnaire and the data obtained from it.
Complexity Analysis of a Sampling-Based Interior Point Method for Convex Optimization
Authors: Badenbroek Riley , de Klerk Etienne
Published: December 2021

We develop a short-step interior point method to optimize a linear function over a convex body assuming that one only knows a membership oracle for this body. The approach is based a sketch of a universal interior point method using the so-called entropic barrier. It is well known that the gradient and Hessian of the entropic barrier can be approximated by sampling from Boltzmann-Gibbs distributions and the entropic barrier was shown to be self-concordant. The analysis of our algorithm uses properties of the entropic barrier, mixing times for hit-and-run random walks, approximation quality guarantees for the mean and covariance of a log-concave distribution, and results on inexact Newton-type methods.
Cultural and educational work of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for preserving the national identity in the second half of the XX century (on materials of Ukrainian-language periodicals of the US diaspora)
Authors:   West Ukrainian National University, Bilovus Lesia , Homotyuk Oksana ,   West Ukrainian National University, Yablonska Nataliia ,   West Ukrainian National University
Published: December 2021

The article shows the activity of one of the leading Ukrainian scientific institutions in the diaspora, in particular the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, in the sphere of preserving the national identity. The main source base of the study was Ukrainian-language publications of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States. The main directions of cultural and educational activity of this institution are described i.e. activity of Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute, opening of three departments of Ukrainian studies in this prestigious university, scientific researches, publications presenting results of Ukrainian scientists and the ones about Ukraine, increase of library funds of Ukrainian, scientific conferences, book exhibitions, art exhibitions, cultural and entertainment events. The interaction of scientists from the USA and Canada in the field of Ukrainian studies, which resulted in the creation of the Standing Conference of Ukrainian Studies, is presented. The main topics of Harvard Ukrainian Studies in the study period are considered. The focus is on the first publications on the Holodomor, which were made at the Harvard Institute. The activities of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute are useful as it brings the light to the Ukrainian problem or segment of a particular topic from the Ukrainians’ point of view.
Political and ideological contradictions of the Orthodox Church and the Bolshevik government in the 20–30's of the XX century in Ukraine
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Bublik Olga
Published: December 2021

The article considers the peculiarities of the relations between the Orthodox Church and the communist authorities in the 1920s and 1930s. in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to highlighting the contradictions between government and the church in the period under study. The author notes the relevance of the topic, as it is rather weakly reflected in Ukrainian historiography. It is noted that when they came to power in 1917, the Bolsheviks began active legislative work to restrict the rights of the church. Thus, the decree of the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets on land of November 8, 1917 deprived the church and parish clergy of land ownership, and on December 4 (17) the nationalization of land was confirmed by a decree on land committees, which provided for the confiscation of church and monastery and agricultural lands without any compensation, the ministers of the religious cult were declared „servants of the bourgeoisie” and deprived of civil rights. Thus, as a result, the church was significantly limited in its economic activities and in the possibility of obtaining additional income. The militant mood of Soviet atheism in theory and ideology and in practice allows us to distinguish two stages of this process: the first – the 20s of the twentieth century – had mostly peaceful forms. In the second period – the late 20's – 30's of the twentieth century – changed the ideology, which was based on new information technologies that replaced the truth with lies and manipulated human consciousness. This stage with minor changes existed before the Second World War. Its apotheosis was mass repression against the clergy and the most active believers.
Review of the book: Humeniuk B. I. From the diary of the Ambassador of Ukraine. Kyiv – Nicosia – Kyiv. K.: SE „GDIP”, 2021. 208 p.
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Naboka Oleksandr
Published: December 2021

The scientific article is a review of the book of memoirs of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus (2003–2007, 2012–2019) Borys Ivanovych Humeniuk. The reviewer notes that B. Humeniuk's book provides an opportunity to consider the key events in the diplomatic and domestic political history of Ukraine in recent years. In particular, it describes in detail the process of implementing one of the main directions of Ukraine's European integration policy – the establishment of equal and good neighborly relations with the Republic of Cyprus, which, as the author rightly noted, depended on the general context of relations with Brussels, in particular in the issues of granting, first visa exemptions for citizens of Ukraine, and then „visa-free” regime. It was also noted that the memoirs, which clearly describe the work of the ambassador, the peculiarities of his interaction with the political leadership of the host country, protocol measures, can be used in the training of future diplomats. Humeniuk's reflections on the development of Ukrainian-Cypriot relations during the period of „hybrid” confrontation with Russia in recent years also proved to be valuable for the author of the article. The author managed to show in detail, interestingly and clearly the foreign policy vector of this struggle, to trace the risks that Ukraine has to face in the foreign policy arena in the conditions of intensification of Moscow's anti-Ukrainian policy. The reviewer concludes that the book of memoirs of Borys Ivanovych Humeniuk can be recommended both for a wide range of readers interested in Ukraine's foreign policy and for specialists-scientists.
Mass artificial famine of 1921–1923 in Donetsk province
Authors:   Holodomor Research Institute, Baikienich Dmytro
Published: December 2021

The study is dedicated to the centenary of the mass artificial famine of 1921–1923. Attention is focused on the development of the process in the territory of Donetsk province, which was one of the officially recognized starving. The chosen topic is relevant because to date it has not yet received comprehensive scientific coverage. On the basis of published and archival sources, a gradual exacerbation of the food crisis is shown. The statistical evidence on crops and harvests of Donetsk province are presented, confirming the natural component of hunger. At the same time, the artificiality of hunger was noted as a result of the seizure of grain for the tax in kind and the needs of the starving Volga region. The position of the head of the communist regime regarding the food situation in the region is given. The author focuses on the fact that neither the provincial nor the republican center initiated preventive measures to avoid the spread of famine to the entire region. The question of recognizing the province as a victim was raised by starving workers because of the instability of the centralized food supply of the „all-Union stoker”. The official recognition of the Donetsk province as a victim became the basis for the introduction of measures to combat hunger. The sources of obtaining bread for Donbas are considered as well. The role of Ukrainian agricultural provinces and foreign aid are emphasized. Various methods of filling the reserves of the committees to help the hungry were indicated – from a voluntary donation to a compulsory share contribution. Compared to the situation of the workers, the peasants suffered more from hunger. Rural districts of the north and south of the province were considered as food self-sufficient. This confirms their non-recognition of the famine in 1922-1923. To survive, the peasants put up passive and active resistance, which was a reaction to the internal policies of the regime, in particular taxation with compulsory confiscation of food. Analysis of the worked-out sources allows us to conclude that the Donetsk province suffered greatly from hunger and only thanks to its status received assistance. This partially reduced the effects of famine that was an artificially created catastrophe by the communist regime.
Characterisation of hospital-produced guidelines regarding management of temporary tube feeding care in general paediatric patients
Authors: Syrmis Maryanne , Frederiksen Nadine , Reilly Claire
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims

There is significant variation in the implementation of temporary tube feeding management in children and a paucity of associated clinical practice guidelines covering all phases of care, from decision making regarding tube insertion through to tube weaning. Development of clinical practice guidelines should consider levels of evidence other than randomised control trials. Examining hospital-produced guidelines used by frontline health staff, for example, could distinguish areas of application of evidence-based recommendations, as well as domains of care in need of increased implementation. This article describes the content of existing hospital-produced guidelines relating to tube feeding care in a general paediatric population.

Methods

Hospital-produced guidelines were sought by mailing 200 health services worldwide and searching Queensland Health's Electronic Publishing Service in Australia and Google. A content analysis was then performed.

Results

The 13 collected hospital-produced guidelines from Australia, the UK and Canada generally comprehensively reported on processes related to the decision-making, tube placement and tube maintenance phases. However, reporting on oral feeding while tube feeding, tube feeding dependency, tube feeding exit planning, and the social and emotional aspects of tube feeding were areas within these phases that had limited coverage. Recommendations for the phase of tube weaning were also infrequently included.

Conclusions

Development of formal clinical practice guidelines covering all tube feeding phases should assist in optimising patient and health service outcomes.
Comparison of Lung Flute and threshold positive expiratory pressure devices for airway clearance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Fernandes Orein , D'Silva Cherishma , Mascarenhas Don Gregory , Rebello Sydney Roshan
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims

Mucus hypersecretion and altered lung functions leads to adverse clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the Lung Flute and threshold positive expiratory pressure devices on sputum quantity and pulmonary functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 used the Lung Flute device and group 2 used a threshold positive expiratory pressure device. Sputum quantity was measured post-intervention on a daily basis. Forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow rate were evaluated on day 1 and day 6.

Results

The mean sputum quantity in group 1 was 11.40 ml and it was 11.04 ml in group 2. Between-group comparison demonstrated a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in the first second for group 1 compared to group 2 (P<0.005).

Conclusions

The Lung Flute was found to be slightly more effective than the threshold positive expiratory pressure device for airway clearance and also had a positive effect on pulmonary functions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Reliability of stair-climbing speed in two cohorts of older adults
Authors: Brodowski Hanna , Andres Natascha , Gumny Margareta , Eicher Cornelia , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Tannen Antje , Kiselev Joern
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims

The ability to climb stairs is an important prerequisite for activities of daily living and social participation in older adults, and is therefore an important part of rehabilitation. However, there is no consensus on how to measure stair-climbing ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the test–retest reliability of the measurement of stair-climbing speed (steps per second) as a parameter for functional ability in older adults.

Methods

A total of 57 participants who were in hospital and 56 participants who were community-dwelling and did not have any limitations in activities in daily living, all aged 60 years and over, ascended and descended a set of 13 stairs twice. The halfway point of the staircase was marked in order to split the time required for both the ascending and the descending actions. Additional measurements consisted of the Functional Reach Test, the Timed Up and Go Test, walking ability using the GAITRite walkway system and the isometric strength of four muscle groups of the lower extremities using a handheld dynamometer.

Results

Test–retest reliability of the first and second half of the stair-climbing for both ascending and descending showed excellent results for the group of hospitalised participants (intraclass correlation coefficient, [ICC] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.93 to 0.94, 95% CI 0.9 – 0.97 for comparison of first vs second half of stair climbing; ICC 0.9, 95% CI 0.83-0.94 to ICC 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.97 for comparing first vs second measurement)) and moderate to excellent results for the group of community-dwelling participants with no limitations (ICC 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.73 to ICC 0.76, 95% 95% CI 0.63-0.85 for comparison of first vs second half of stair climbing; ICC 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.89 to 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.95 for comparing first vs second measurement). As expected, hospitalised participants took significantly longer descending than ascending stairs (t(56)=6.98, P<0.001, d=0.93). A general and significant trend of increasing speed while descending could be observed in both groups (performing paired sample t-tests).

Conclusions

The results indicate that stair-climbing speed is not constant and that different patterns exist in older adults who have no limitations and in those who are hospitalised. The use of stair-climbing speed as an assessment tool should include both stair ascent and descent, because differences in these speeds seem to be indicators of stair-climbing ability.
Denoising method for a lidar bathymetry system based on a low-rank recovery of non-local data structures
Authors: Hu Bin , Zhao Yiqiang , Chen Rui , Liu Qiang , Wang Pinquan , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2021

The lidar bathymetry system (LBS) echo is often contaminated by mixed noise, which severely affects the accuracy of measuring sea depth. The denoising algorithm based on a single echo cannot deal with the decline of the signal-to-noise ratio and impulse noise caused by sea waves and abrupt terrain changes. Therefore, we propose a new denoising method for LBS based on non-local structure extraction and the low-rank recovery model. First, the high-frequency noise is eliminated based on the multiple echo in a small neighborhood, and then the matrix is constructed based on the processing results in a larger range. Then, we make full use of the structural similarity between LBS echoes by transforming the echo denoising issues into low-rank matrix restoration to further eliminate the noise. The experimental results show that this method can effectively preserve the seafloor signal and eliminate the mixed noise.
Dynamic routing, modulation, and spectrum assignment based on fuzzy logic control in elastic optical networks
Authors: Zhao Yi , Zhang Qi , Li Zhipei , Xin Xiangjun , Gao Ran , Chai Furong , Tao Ying , Tian Qinghua , Tian Feng , Chen Dong , Qian Jinxin , Yang Mai
Published: December 2021

Considering the constantly changing network resources and randomly generated spectrum fragmentation problem, a dynamic routing, modulation, and spectrum assignment based on the fuzzy logic control (RMSA-FLC) algorithm is proposed in this paper. A fuzzy logic control (FLC) system based on the degree of fragmentation optimization and the degree of link selection is constructed. The path-control weight (PW) is achieved as the output of the FLC system, and the path and spectrum allocation scheme with the maximum PW is selected for the immediate reservation requests. The simulation results show that the proposed RMSA-FLC algorithm can effectively reduce the blocking probability and improve the spectrum resource utilization in a dynamic elastic optical network.
Impulse response of underwater optical wireless channel in the presence of turbulence, absorption, and scattering employing Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Enghiyad Nima , Ghorban Sabbagh Abbasali
Published: December 2021

Recently, compared with acoustic and radio methods, underwater optical wireless communications has been considered as a high-speed and high-bandwidth transmitting method at a lower cost. Absorption, scattering, and optical turbulence are three destructive phenomena that affect the performance of underwater optical communication systems. In this work, we use computer simulations to mimic the statistical behavior of underwater media employing the Monte Carlo method. Our simulation results for optical turbulence are in good agreement with the lognormal probability density function, which describes weak turbulence well, and they deviate as the turbulence moves away from weak. By considering the combined effect of absorption, scattering, and turbulence (AST) phenomena, we obtain the underwater channel’s impulse response (IR). We demonstrate that there is no noticeable difference between the mean of ensemble IRs of the AST channel and the IR of the channel when turbulence is not taken into account. Moreover, our results predict that tripling the coastal link length from 10 to 30 m increases the average variance of sample IRs of the AST channel from their ensemble average by more than five times.
Theoretical design of an absorption hologram-based sensor for dose quantification in daylight photodynamic therapy
Authors: O’Callaghan J. , Cournane S. , McCavana J. , Cody D.
Published: December 2021

Daylight photodynamic therapy (D-PDT) is an effective and almost painless treatment for many skin conditions, where successful treatment relies on daylight activation of a topical photosensitizer. Optimization of D-PDT requires accurate assessment of light dose received. There is a requirement for a small-area sensor that can be placed adjacent to the treatment site to facilitate accurate dose quantification. Here, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, configuration for a D-PDT dose sensor, consisting of a holographic absorption grating fabricated in a photosensitive film, is presented. Theoretical modeling of the sensor’s response (i.e., change in grating diffraction efficiency due to change in grating absorption modulation,

α
1

, on exposure to daylight) was conducted using Kogelnik’s coupled-wave theory. The influence of the different grating parameters (initial film absorption, thickness, spatial frequency, and reconstruction wavelength) on the sensor response was examined and revealed that the initial absorption and grating thickness values have a large impact on both the magnitude and rate of the D-PDT sensor response. The optimum design for an absorption grating-based D-PDT sensor is described.
On-chip asymmetric beam-steering for broadband visible light
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Yang Rui , Dai Chenjie , Wan Chengwei , Li Zhongyang
Published: December 2021

Artificial optical nanostructures including three-dimensional (3D) metamaterials and two-dimensional (2D) metasurfaces have shown overwhelming capability to control electromagnetic waves in desirable manners. However, the challenges of manufacturing a complex 3D bulk architecture or achieving nanoscale alignment between multilayers limit their practical applications, and they are unable to be used in on-chip integrated photonic devices. Therefore, the emerging dimensionality-reduction to on-chip metadevices would be of promising research value. Here, we propose a visible-frequency on-chip dual-layer design by cascading one-dimensional (1D) plasmonic metawires with metagratings, which can effectively manipulate surface plasmon polariton (SPP) wavefronts and exhibit on-chip asymmetric beam-steering functionality. Our 1D metawires consist of trapezoidal plasmonic nanoantennas and can enable broadband (460–700 nm) on-chip beam-deflection with a high conversion efficiency. The cascading plasmonic coupling between metawires/metagrating is further demonstrated with broadband asymmetric propagation performance, which is crucial for on-chip plasmonic device development. Finally, we study and theoretically verify a cascade system that integrates a dual-functional (convergent/divergent) lens for the forward/backward propagation, respectively. Compared with conventional free-space multilayer metasurfaces, on-chip 1D metawires enjoy single-time lithography processing and no alignment requirement for implementation in multifunctional devices. We believe that the proof-of-concept on-chip metawires study will pave a new, to the best of our knowledge, way for creating multifunctional photonic integrated devices and hold tremendous potential in realizing on-chip transformation optics, information processing, spectrometers, as well as optical sensors.
High spatial resolution correlative imaging of Cryo-SXT and GSDIM for identification of three-dimensional subcellular structures
Authors: Bai Haobo , Dang Zheng , Tao Xiayu , Guan Yong , Tian Lijiao , Liu Gang , Wu Zhao , Tian Yangchao
Published: December 2021

Correlative imaging of soft X-ray tomography (SXT) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) has emerged as a promising strategy to provide complementary morphological and functional information. Despite much progress achieved in correlative imaging, precise identification of three-dimensional subcellular structures inside cells needs to be improved. Here, we present a high-resolution correlative imaging method by coupling ground state depletion microscopy followed by individual molecule return (GSDIM) and Cryo-soft X-ray tomography (Cryo-SXT). The custom-designed correlative imaging enables to provide high spatial resolution fusion image of three-dimensional subcellular structure inside cell with depth of several micrometers. Furthermore, the GSDIM is facile, cost-effective and maneuverable. We believe this advanced technique would be a powerful imaging toolkit to provide useful and comprehensive information in bioscience.
Evaluation method on seismic risk of substation in strong earthquake area
Authors: Cui Jiawei , Che Ailan , Li Sheng , Cheng Yongfeng
Published: December 2021

Frequent earthquakes in strong earthquake areas pose a great threat to the safety operation of electric power facilities. There exists a pressing research need to develop an assessment method for the seismic risk of substations, i.e., the hubs of power system networks. In this study, based on Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA), Probabilistic Seismic Demand Model (PSDM) and reliability theory, a vulnerability model for a substation is obtained, based on considering the relationships between Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and four seismic damage states (complete, extensive, moderate, and slight.) via a probabilistic approach. After an earthquake, the scope of influence and PGA distribution are evaluated using information recorded by the seismic observation stations, based on using interpolation or an empirical formula for the PGA attenuation. Therefore, the seismic risk can be evaluated by combining ground motion evaluation and the pre-built vulnerability model. The Wuqia- Kashgar area of Xinjiang was selected as the study area; it is an Earthquake-prone area, and one of the starting points for new energy transmission projects in China. Under a hypothetical earthquake (MS 7.9), the seismic risk of the substations was evaluated. The results show that: this method is able to give the probabilities of the four damage states of the substations, four substations close to the epicenter only have a probability of slight damage (45%-88%) and other substations are safer.
A novel state space reduction algorithm for team formation in social networks
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Zubair , Zamli Kamal Z. , Almutairi Mubarak , Chiroma Haruna , Aamir Muhammad , Kader Md. Abdul , Nawi Nazri Mohd.
Published: December 2021

Team formation (TF) in social networks exploits graphs (i.e., vertices = experts and edges = skills) to represent a possible collaboration between the experts. These networks lead us towards building cost-effective research teams irrespective of the geolocation of the experts and the size of the dataset. Previously, large datasets were not closely inspected for the large-scale distributions & relationships among the researchers, resulting in the algorithms failing to scale well on the data. Therefore, this paper presents a novel TF algorithm for expert team formation called SSR-TF based on two metrics; communication cost and graph reduction, that will become a basis for future TF’s. In SSR-TF, communication cost finds the possibility of collaboration between researchers. The graph reduction scales the large data to only appropriate skills and the experts, resulting in real-time extraction of experts for collaboration. This approach is tested on five organic and benchmark datasets, i.e., UMP, DBLP, ACM, IMDB, and Bibsonomy. The SSR-TF algorithm is able to build cost-effective teams with the most appropriate experts–resulting in the formation of more communicative teams with high expertise levels.
Advancing the representation of reservoir hydropower in energy systems modelling: The case of Zambesi River Basin
Authors: Stevanato Nicolò , Rocco Matteo V. , Giuliani Matteo , Castelletti Andrea , Colombo Emanuela
Published: December 2021

In state-of-the-art energy systems modelling, reservoir hydropower is represented as any other thermal power plant: energy production is constrained by the plant’s installed capacity and a capacity factor calibrated on the energy produced in previous years. Natural water resource variability across different temporal scales and the subsequent filtering effect of water storage mass balances are not accounted for, leading to biased optimal power dispatch strategies. In this work, we aim at introducing a novelty in the field by advancing the representation of reservoir hydropower generation in energy systems modelling by explicitly including the most relevant hydrological constraints, such as time-dependent water availability, hydraulic head, evaporation losses, and cascade releases. This advanced characterization is implemented in an open-source energy modelling framework. The improved model is then demonstrated on the Zambezi River Basin in the South Africa Power Pool. The basin has an estimated hydropower potential of 20,000 megawatts (MW) of which about 5,000 MW has been already developed. Results show a better alignment of electricity production with observed data, with a reduction of estimated hydropower production up to 35% with respect to the baseline Calliope implementation. These improvements are useful to support hydropower management and planning capacity expansion in countries richly endowed with water resource or that are already strongly relying on hydropower for electricity production.
Driver behaviour and traffic accident involvement among professional heavy semi-trailer truck drivers in China
Authors: Han Wanli , Zhao Jianyou , Chang Ying
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop a driving behavior scale for professional drivers of heavy semi-trailer trucks in China, and study the causes of such driving behavior and its impact on traffic safety operation. Data was processed by IBM SPSS 25. In addition to principal component analysis, Promax rotation, Bartlett’s test, Cronbach’s alpha, correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were examined. A DBQ with 4 dimensions and 20 items, and a PDBQ with 1 dimension and 6 items were developed for professional drivers of heavy semi-trailer trucks in China. The KMO coefficients of PDBQ and DBQ were 0.822 and 0.852, respectively, and the significant level of Bartlett’s popularity test was p < 0.0001. The accident prediction model showed that the variables related to traffic accidents were negligence/lapses and driving time of heavy semi-trailer truck drivers. 1–5 a.m. was found to be the most dangerous period for drivers of medium and heavy semi-trailer trucks, during which accidents were most likely to happen. As negligence/lapses increased by one unit, the probability of traffic accidents increased by 2.293 times.
Prevalence of common mental health issues among migrant workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hasan Siti Idayu , Yee Anne , Rinaldi Ariyani , Azham Adlina Aisya , Mohd Hairi Farizah , Amer Nordin Amer Siddiq
Published: December 2021

Previous literature has shown that migrant workers manifested higher common mental issues (especially depressive symptom) compared to local workers due to stressors such as financial constraint and lack of access to healthcare. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current body of evidence for the prevalence of depression and anxiety among migrant workers as well as exploring the risk factors and the availability of social support for migrant workers. Seven electronic databases, grey literature and Google Scholar were searched for studies from 2015 to 2021 related to mental health, social support and migrant workers. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). Study heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. Random effects meta-analysis results were presented given heterogeneity among studies. The search returned 27 articles and only seven studies were included in meta-analysis, involving 44 365 migrant workers in 17 different countries. The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety among migrant workers was 38.99% (95% CI = 0.27, 0.51) and 27.31% (95% CI = 0.06, 0.58), respectively. Factors such as age, biological (health issue, family history of psychiatric disorder), individual (poor coping skills), occupational (workplace psychosocial stressors, poor working condition, salary and benefits issue, abuse), environmental (limited access towards healthcare, duration of residence, living condition) and social factor (limited social support) were associated with a mental health outcome in migrant workers. The availability of social support for migrant workers was mainly concentrated in emotional type of support. A high prevalence of depression and anxiety was found among migrant workers across the globe. This finding warrants a collective effort by different parties in providing assistance for migrant workers to promote their mental well-being.
Depression, anxiety, burnout and empathy among Spanish medical students
Authors: Capdevila-Gaudens Patricia , García-Abajo J. Miguel , Flores-Funes Diego , García-Barbero Mila , García-Estañ Joaquín
Published: December 2021

Medical Education studies suggest that medical students experience mental distress in a proportion higher than in the rest of the population In the present study, we aimed to conduct a nationwide analysis of the prevalence of mental health problems among medical students. The study was carried out in 2020 in all 43 medical schools in Spain, and analyzes the prevalence of depression, anxiety, empathy and burnout among medical students (n = 5216). To measure these variables we used the Beck Depression Inventory Test for assessing depression, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey for Students was used for burnout, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to assess anxiety state and trait and the Jefferson Empathy Scale 12 to obtain empathy scores. In relation to depression, the data indicate an overall prevalence of 41%, with 23.4% of participants having moderate to severe levels, and 10% experiencing suicidal ideation. Burnout prevalence was 37%, significantly higher among 6th year than among 1st year students. Anxiety levels were consistent with those reported previously among medical students (25%), and were higher than in the general population for both trait and state anxiety. The prevalence of trait anxiety was higher among women. Empathy scores were at the top end of the scale, with the highest-scoring group (>130) containing a greater percentage of women. Similarly to those published previously for other countries, these results provide a clear picture of the mental disorders affecting Spanish medical students. Medicine is an extremely demanding degree and it is important that universities and medical schools view this study as an opportunity to ensure conditions that help minimize mental health problems among their students. Some of the factors underlying these problems can be prevented by, among other things, creating an environment in which mental health is openly discussed and guidance is provided. Other factors need to be treated medically, and medical schools and universities should therefore provide support to students in need through the medical services available within their institutions.
Magnitude and associated factors of low back pain among nurses working at intensive care unit of public hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Bitew Zewudie , Zeleke Haymanot , Abate Abebe , Abebe Haimanot , Mekonnen Zebene , Sewale Yihenew
Published: December 2021

Background

Low back pain is a common public health problem throughout the world with a global prevalence from 28% to 86%. Nurses working in intensive care units are handling people who are critically ill and helpless, which requires more assistance for transferring and handling activities. This possesses a risk for low back pain but little is known about it in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of low back pain and associated factors among nurses who work at intensive care units in Amhara region public hospitals, North Ethiopia.

Methods

A multi-centered institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amhara region public hospitals from March 1-30, 2020. A simple random sampling technique after proportional allocation was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a standard modified Nordic musculoskeletal assessment tool. After data were checked for completeness and consistency, it was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science software version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with low back pain. Finally, those variables with a p-value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.

Result

Study was conducted among 412 intensive care unit nurses giving a response rate of 97.6%. The magnitude of low back pain was 313 (76%) [95% CI: (71.6%-79.9%)]. Being female [AOR = 2.674 (1.404, 5.076)], unavailability of assistive device for patient handling [AOR = 2.139 (1.035, 4.410)], lack of training on intensive care [AOR = 2.017 (1.092, 3.943)], lack of regular exercise [AOR = 2.164 (1.164, 4.108)] and job stress [AOR = 3.66 (1.955, 6.498)] were factors significantly associated with low back pain.

Conclusions

In this study the magnitude of low back pain was high. Being female, unavailability of an assistive device for patient handling, lack of training on intensive care, lack of regular exercise and job stress were factors associated with low back pain. Policymakers and concerned bodies should emphasize the accessibility of assistive devices for patient care, provision of training on intensive care, and adaptive working environment for intensive care unit nurses.
Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Medeiros Kleyton Santos de , Ferreira de Paiva Letícia Maniçoba , Macêdo Luíza Thomé de Araújo , Farias de Souza Wederson , Soares da Silva Luís Antônio , Sarmento Ayane Cristine Alves , Costa Ana Paula Ferreira , Freitas Cijara Leonice , Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Studies carried out during previous pandemics revealed an increase in the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders among health professionals. A high prevalence of psychiatric disorders is also observed in some health categories, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

This systematic review/meta-analysis study aims to assess the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia) among health care professionals and other support professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inclusion criteria

Observational studies published from December 2019, without language restrictions in which the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and other psychiatric disorders among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic will be assessed.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHAL, PsycINFO, LILACS, SCOPUS, and The Cochrane Library will be searched for eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently screen and select studies, assess methodological quality, and extract data. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Ethics and disclosure

This study will use secondary data. Thus, there is no need for submission to the ethics committee. The results of this systematic review will be published in a journal after a peer-review process.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration number: CRD42020212036.
Exploring inclusiveness towards immigrants as related to basic values: A network approach
Authors: Sam Nariman Hadi , Nguyen Luu Lan Anh , Hadarics Márton
Published: December 2021

Using the 9thround of European Social Survey (ESS), we explored the relationship between Europeans’ basic values and their attitudes towards immigrants. Employing a latent class analysis (LCA), we classified the respondents based on three items capturing the extent to which participants would support allowing three groups of immigrants to enter and live in their countries: immigrants of same ethnic groups, immigrants of different ethnic groups, and immigrants from poorer countries outside Europe. Fourclassesof Europeans with mutually exclusive response patterns with respect to their inclusive attitudes towards immigrants were found. The classes were named Inclusive (highly inclusive), Some (selective), Few (highly selective), and Exclusive (highly exclusive). Next, using a network technique, a partial correlation network of 10 basic human values was estimated for each class of participants. The four networks were compared to each other based on three network properties namely:global connectivity,community detection, andassortativity coefficient. The global connectivity (the overall level of interconnections) between the 10 basic values was found to be mostly invariant across the four networks. However, results of the community detection analysis revealed a more complex value structure among the most inclusive class of Europeans. Further, according to the assortativity analysis, as expected, for the most inclusive Europeans, values with similar motivational backgrounds were found to be interconnected most strongly to one another. We further discussed the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
The utility of measures of anterior segment parameters of a Pentacam Scheimpflug tomographer in discriminating high myopic astigmatism from keratoconus
Authors: Zaabaar Ebenezer , Kyei Samuel , Parkson Brew Maame Ama Amamoah , Boadi-Kusi Samuel Bert , Assiamah Frank , Asiedu Kofi
Published: December 2021

The study aimed to evaluate and compare anterior segment parameters between keratoconic eyes and eyes with high myopic astigmatism using Pentacam Scheimpflug tomography. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that included sixty keratoconic eyes (thirty-two persons) and seventy-three eyes (forty-six persons) with high myopic astigmatism with mean ages 24.72 ± 11.65years and 26.60 ± 10.69years, respectively. Twenty-three parameters from the topographic map and fifteen parameters from the Belin-Ambrosió enhanced ectasia display map of the printouts of a Scheimpflug principle-based Pentacam tomographer were evaluated for their diagnostic accuracy using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. All parameters except cornea volume, anterior chamber volume, and anterior chamber angle indicated a significant difference between high myopic astigmatism and keratoconic eyes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of eighteen Pentacam parameters was excellent (0.9–1.0) in discriminating keratoconus from high myopic astigmatism, out of which four {anterior minimum sagittal curvature (ant. Rmin), posterior minimum sagittal curvature (post. Rmin), maximum Ambrosió relational thickness (ART max) and total deviation value (D)} indicated excellent (>90%) sensitivity and specificity in addition to the excellent AUROC values. Topographic and Belin-Ambrosió enhanced ectasia display (BAD) maps of a Scheimpflug principle-based Pentacam tomographer are useful in enhancing the diagnosis of keratoconus and may also provide valuable information in effectively screening for keratoconus cases among refractive surgery candidates with high myopic astigmatism.