bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΙΚΟ ΝΤΟΚΙΜΑΝΤΕΡ «Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών - Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΠΙΣΩ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΟΝΟΜΑ»
Authors: Μυλωνά Ειρήνη , Σοφός Αλιβίζος (Λοΐζος)
Published: April 2022

Κεντρικό θέμα της ταινίας1 είναι η ονομασία του αρχαιότερου πανεπιστημίου της χώρας, του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημιακού Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ) και η «ιστορία πίσω από το όνομα» αυτό. Η ονομασία του Πανεπιστημίου είναι διπλή και όπως προέκυψε από τη μελέτη των πηγών και την επεξεργασία του υλικού, φανερώνει πολλά για την πλούσια ιστορία του. Τόσο ο τίτλος «Εθνικό» όσο και ο τίτλος «Καποδιστριακό» είναι απόρροια σημαντικών εξελίξεων στη διάρκεια ενός αιώνα (1837-1932). Το ντοκιμαντέρ καταγράφει, επίσης, το πλούσιο εκπαιδευτικό έργο του Ιωάννη Καποδίστρια, πρώτου Κυβερνήτη της Ελλάδας, και τους λόγους για τους οποίους δεν προχώρησε τότε στην ίδρυση Πανεπιστημίου, τις επιθέσεις της αντιπολίτευσης και τέλος, το τραγικό γεγονός της δολοφονίας του.
Open learner modeling techniques in a digital educational game and study of motivation mechanisms
Authors: Λεονάρδου Αγγελική
Published: April 2022

Η μαθησιακή προσέγγιση Digital Game-based Learning (DGBL) έχοντας στο επίκεντρο τον μαθητή, κάνει χρήση ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών με εκπαιδευτικό υλικό, ώστε να προκαλέσει το ενδιαφέρον των μαθητών και να ενισχύσει τη μαθησιακή τους αποτελεσματικότητα. Στα πλαίσια των 2 παραμέτρων της DGBL, δηλαδή της μάθησης (εκπαίδευση) και του παιχνιδιού (διασκέδαση, ψυχαγωγία) αναπτύχθηκε το Παιχνίδι της Προπαίδειας (Multiplication Game - MG). Το MG είναι ένα προσαρμοστικό ψηφιακό παιχνίδι για την προπαίδεια, όπου οι μαθητές δημοτικού αποκτούν τις απαραίτητες δεξιότητες πολλαπλασιασμού με ευχάριστο και διαδραστικό τρόπο, σε ένα ασφαλές περιβάλλον, όπου γίνεται διακριτική διαχείριση λαθών. Μέσω των τεχνικών Ανοιχτού Μοντέλου Μαθητή (Open Learner Model -OLM) και Ανοιχτού Κοινωνικού Μοντέλου Μαθητή (Open Social Learner model - OSLM) προάγονται οι μεταγνωστικές δεξιότητες (π.χ. αυτό-αξιολόγηση, αυτό-οργάνωση), ενώ προσφέρεται η δυνατότητα σύγκρισης των επιδόσεων των μαθητών. Παράλληλα παρέχεται η δυνατότητα το εργαλείο αυτό να χρησιμοποιηθεί από εκπαιδευτικούς για εύκολη αξιολόγηση και λεπτομερή παρακολούθηση των επιδόσεων των μαθητών. Το MG συμπεριλαμβάνει όλους τους εμπλεκόμενους στη διαδικασία της μάθησης: μαθητή - εκπαιδευτικό - συμμαθητές, ώστε να μπορεί να αποτελέσει κομμάτι αυτής της διδασκαλικής διαδικασίας. Σύμφωνα με την έρευνα που διενεργήθηκε, αποδείχτηκε ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί έχουν θετική στάση και αποδοχή για τα ψηφιακά παιχνίδια έχουν επίσης θετική άποψη για το MG. Αποδείχτηκε επίσης ότι η παροχή στοιχείων OLM ενισχύει την κινητροποίηση, ενώ οι παρακινητές παιχνιδοποίησης (gamification motivators) συσχετίστηκαν θετικά με την εσωτερική κινητροποίηση των μαθητών.
Using social annotation to construct knowledge with others: A case study across undergraduate courses
Authors: Morales Esteban , Kalir Jeremiah H. , Fleerackers Alice , Alperin Juan Pablo
Published: April 2022

Background: Social annotation (SA) is a genre of learning technology that enables the addition of digital notes to shared texts and affords contextualized peer-to-peer online discussion. A small body of literature examines how SA, as asynchronous online discussion, can contribute to students’ knowledge construction (KC)—or a process whereby learners collaborate through shared socio-cognitive practices. This case study analyzed how SA enabled student participation in seven KC activities, such as interpretation and elaboration.

Methods: We analyzed 2,121 annotations written by 59 students in three undergraduate courses at a Canadian University in the first months of 2019. Using a method of open coding and constant comparison, we coded each annotation for evidence of KC activities.

Results: Results showed a range of KC activities in students’ SA. Across courses, interpretation was the most common KC activity (40%), followed by elaboration (20%). Annotations that were part of peer-to-peer discussion included all seven types of KC activities, but some activities, such as consensus building, support, and conflict, were almost exclusively found in replies to others.

Conclusions: This study suggests that SA is a productive form of online learning through which undergraduate students in multiple disciplinary contexts can interact with peers, make sense of academic content, and construct knowledge by reading and writing together.
Exploring pandemic-related stress and resilience among digital workers: A basic interpretive qualitative study
Authors: Rahmat Hawa , Cheang Alexius Weng-Onn , Tan Choon-Hong , Koo Ah-Choo , Siew Wei-Fern , Amir Sarji Elyna , Cheng Kin-Meng
Published: April 2022

Background: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the world's socio-economic structure must adjust to operate within the new normal for each country for its citizens to survive. Many jobs are now operating online, which has changed regular workers into “digital workers”. The abrupt shift in the nature of work has caused pandemic-related stress among workers and raises the question - can these digital workers thrive during the pandemic? The study aims to evaluate pandemic-related stress faced by digital workers and their resilience and ability to thrive during the pandemic. 

Methods: A qualitative research methodology in the form of a thematic approach was used to gauge digital workers’ pandemic-related stressors and resilience strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 15 digital workers from various backgrounds were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. 

Results: Five themes were identified as the pandemic-related stressors among digital workers. These include anxiety about COVID-19 infections, mental exhaustion, physical exhaustion, feeling insecure and uncertain about financial concerns. The resilience factors include an active approach towards problem-solving, a positive outlook even during suffering, staying focused on responsibility for others, managing  one’s well-being and a strong reliance on faith. 

Conclusions: The outcomes of the study were derived from the culmination of a qualitative approach that comprehended the feelings, ideas, and experiences of digital workers. Therefore, there is a need to conduct a quantitative analysis in order to test the hypotheses and assumptions of the study.
Reverse transcription PCR to detect low density malaria infections
Authors: Christensen Peter , Bozdech Zbynek , Watthanaworawit Wanitda , Imwong Mallika , Rénia Laurent , Malleret Benoît , Ling Clare , Nosten François
Published: April 2022

Background: Targeted malaria elimination strategies require highly sensitive tests to detect low density malaria infections (LDMI). Commonly used methods for malaria diagnosis such as light microscopy and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are not sensitive enough for reliable identification of infections with parasitaemia below 200 parasites per milliliter of blood. While targeted malaria elimination efforts on the Thailand-Myanmar border have successfully used high sample volume ultrasensitive quantitative PCR (uPCR) to determine malaria prevalence, the necessity for venous collection and processing of large quantities of patient blood limits the widespread tractability of this method.

Methods: Here we evaluated a real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method that reduces the required sample volume compared to uPCR. To do this, 304 samples collected from an active case detection program in Kayin state, Myanmar were compared using uPCR and RT-qPCR.

Results: Plasmodium spp. RT-qPCR confirmed 18 of 21 uPCR Plasmodium falciparum positives, while P. falciparum specific RT-qPCR confirmed 17 of the 21 uPCR P. falciparum positives. Combining both RT-qPCR results increased the sensitivity to 100% and specificity was 95.1%.

Conclusion: Malaria detection in areas of low transmission and LDMI can benefit from the increased sensitivity of ribosomal RNA detection by RT-PCR, especially where sample volume is limited. Isolation of high quality RNA also allows for downstream analysis of malaria transcripts.
Efficiency of transplacental transfer of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) specific antibodies among pregnant women in Kenya
Authors: Nyiro Joyce U. , Bukusi Elizabeth , Mwaengo Dufton , Nyaguara Amek , Nyawanda Bryan , Otieno Nancy , Bigogo Godfrey , Murunga Nickson , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Verani Jennifer R. , Chaves Sandra S. , Mwangudza Hope , Odundo Calleb , Berkley James A. , Nokes D James , Munywoki Patrick K.
Published: April 2022

Background: Maternal immunisation to boost respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies in pregnant women, is a strategy being considered to enhance infant protection from severe RSV associated disease. However, little is known about the efficiency of transplacental transfer of RSV-specific antibodies in a setting with a high burden of malaria and HIV, to guide the implementation of such a vaccination program.

Methods: Using a plaque reduction neutralization assay, we screened 400 pairs of cord and maternal serum specimens from pregnant women for RSV-specific antibodies. Participants were pregnant women of two surveillance cohorts: 200 participants from a hospital cohort in Kilifi, Coastal Kenya and 200 participants from a surveillance cohort in Siaya, Western Kenya. Transplacental transfer efficiency was determined by the cord to maternal titre ratio (CMTR). Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of impaired transplacental transfer of RSV-specific antibodies.

Results: A total of 800 samples were screened from the 400 participants. At enrollment the median age was 25 years (Interquartile range (IQR): 21-31). Overall, transplacental transfer was efficient and did not differ between Kilifi and Siaya cohort (1.02 vs. 1.02; p=0.946) but was significantly reduced among HIV-infected mothers compared to HIV-uninfected mothers (mean CMTR: 0.98 vs 1.03; p=0.015). Prematurity <33 weeks gestation (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.85; p=0.028), low birth weight <2.5 kgs (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.94; p=0.041) and HIV infection (OR: 0.47, 95% CI:0.23-0.98; p=0.045) reduced efficiency of transplacental transfer among these women.

Conclusions: Transplacental transfer of RSV-specific antibodies among pregnant women in Kenya is efficient. A consideration to integrate other preventive interventions with maternal RSV vaccination targeting infants born premature (<33 weeks gestation), with low birth weight <2.5 kgs, or HIV-infected mothers is likely to improve vaccine outcomes in this setting.
The genome sequence of the large yellow underwing, Noctua pronuba (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: April 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Noctua pronuba (the large yellow underwing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 529 megabases in span. The complete assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the W and Z sex chromosome assembled. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length.
Depiction of mental health issues during Covid-19 pandemic in media: an analysis framework model and a pilot study (the cases of Australia, Germany and Lithuania)
Authors: Karaliuniene Ruta , Sumskiene Egle , Akstinaite Vita
Published: April 2022

Aim of the study

To present the new model for the depiction of mental health issues during Covid-19 pandemic in the media

Subject or material and methods

A unique 11-item framework was created for the analysis of the articles and the pilot study was conducted.

Results

365 online media articles related to mental health and Covid-19 from multiple news websites in Lithuania, Australia and Germany were included in the pilot study, which showed the power of the proposed model for depicting the mental health issues during Covid-19 pandemic

Discussion

The authors suggest that the proposed model could be used for further studies gathering not only the newspapers but also the other sources of media (podcasts, TV news, radio) to have a wider scope for analysis and interpretation. As a lot of information nowadays is being gathered through social media, this could also be used as a source in future studies, especially to those relating to the younger generation.

Conclusions

As indicated in our pilot study, many articles tend to focus on the adverse effects of the pandemic. Moreover, the news also lacked statistical information, a detailed explanation of the events and solutions to address the issues presented in the articles. With such a high flow of negative information, it is unsurprising that some experts estimate the mental health problems to rise rapidly in the upcoming months and years.
Emotion regulation difficulties moderate the effects of pandemic-related factors on stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Judy Kristen , McGinley Jared , Llera Sandra
Published: April 2022

Aim of the study

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many people’s standard operating procedures in ways that require behavioral and psychological adjustments. Research indicates widespread stress and anxiety during the pandemic. What is still less known is which pandemic-influenced factors are most directly impacting psychological wellbeing, and whether emotion regulation abilities are moderating this impact.

Subject or material and methods

182 participants were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) to complete an online survey composed of assessments of perceived stress, state anxiety, emotion regulation abilities, and pandemic-related behavioral and lifestyle impacts.

Results

Multiple behavioral and lifestyle impacts were significant predictors of both stress and state anxiety. Additionally, emotion regulation difficulty moderated the relationship between several pandemic-related predictors and both stress and anxiety.

Discussion

The current study provides evidence that emotion regulation moderates the degree to which pandemic-related changes impact stress and state anxiety.

Conclusions

Emphasizing adaptive emotion regulation strategies may strengthen one’s ability to cope with these pandemic-related changes and increase mental wellbeing, although even these strategies might have limited efficacy during periods of greater disruption.
Liberalizing and harmful interventions in international trade: case of Poland
Authors: Piekutowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

Motivation: As there is a need to track and analysis — with its practical implications — the responsibility for actions affecting international trade, therefore exploration of trade interventions implemented by Poland has its justification.

Aim: The aim of the paper is to reveal direction, scale and dynamics of both liberalizing and harmful interventions in international trade implemented by Poland. The goal to achieve is to answer crucial question: to what extent, EU protectionism is shaped by EU bodies only — and to what extent by Poland by itself.

Results: An analysis reveals both country-specific direction of interventions as well as country-specific sectors affected by liberalizing and harmful interventions. Although part of all interventions is those of EU bodies, Poland uses for instance state aid to stimulate national businesses as not all kinds of state aid are forbidden by EU law (types listed on not so short list in Article 107 of TFEU). Thus, as member states differ in their economic interests, one can observe differentiation in state interventions in scope of international trade.
Disclosure requirements and their assessment by SMEs traded on alternative markets in Poland (NewConnect) and Germany (m:access)
Authors: Śliwiński Paweł , Woźniak Sonia
Published: April 2022

Motivation: Financial access limitations are a main barrier to the development of SMEs. One of the methods of bridging the capital gap is SME access to the stock markets, in particular to an alternative market (MTF). Compared to regulated markets, MTFs offer more liberal entry conditions and in many cases prior to MAR implementation they proposed more liberal disclosure requirements.

Aim: The aim of the article is to analyze the disclosure requirements resulting from MAR directive and to test their perception by issuers listed on the alternative markets in Poland (NewConnect) and Germany (m:access). The research focused on the assessment of difficulties in performing disclosure requirements and checking whether there is a difference in perceiving the scale of difficulties in fulfilling disclosure duties in both countries.

Results: Analysed markets are subject to MAR, so as a rule, there are no differences in the reporting requirements. There is, however, a difference in perceiving them in both countries. The analysis of German issuers shows that, unlike Polish companies, most of them defined their disclosure obligations as simple. This may result from higher knowledge of the regulations than in Poland. The opinion on disclosure requirements by NewConnect issuers had an impact on the amount of time and human resources devoted to disclosure obligations. The research has also shown that issuers in both markets generally assess well the cooperation with authorized advisers who help them, inter alia, in disclosure obligations.
Strategic Reviews
Authors: Mostagir Mohamed , Siderius James
Published: April 2022

The impact of product reviews on consumer purchasing behavior is empirically well documented. This can create perverse incentives for firms to offer reviewers side payments (“bribes”) in exchange for biased reviews for their products. The presence of bribes distorts the information in reviews and leads to detrimental effects on consumer utility. This paper builds a two-sided reputation model where a reviewer can inflate her reviews in exchange for bribes. If the reviewer accepts bribes and misrepresents her reviews, then she builds her reputation as an inaccurate reviewer and makes consumers less likely to follow her recommendations. This in turn makes firms no longer interested in offering her a bribe. Can the reviewer retain influence over consumers’ purchasing decisions while simultaneously accepting bribes and misrepresenting her reviews? We provide a characterization of the environments that allow this kind of manipulation and show that regulatory policies that aim to reduce bribes can lead to undesirable outcomes. Finally, we show that eliminating bribes from the market can increase the welfare of all market participants, even for those firms who would have otherwise bribed in exchange for more favorable reviews.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4376 .
Stackelberg Max Closure with Multiple Followers
Authors: Jungnitsch Karsten , Peis Britta , Schröder Marc
Published: April 2022

In a Stackelberg max closure game, we are given a digraph whose vertices correspond to projects from which firms can choose and whose arcs represent precedence constraints. Some projects are under the control of a leader who sets prices in the first stage of the game, while in the second stage, the firms choose a feasible subset of projects of maximum value. For a single follower, the leader’s problem of finding revenue-maximizing prices can be solved in strongly polynomial time. In this paper, we focus on the setting with multiple followers and distinguish two situations. In the case in which only one copy of each project is available (limited supply), we show that the two-follower problem is solvable in strongly polynomial time, whereas the problem with three or more followers is NP-hard. In the case of unlimited supply, that is, when sufficient copies of each project are available, we show that the two-follower problem is already APX-hard. As a side result, we prove that Stackelberg min vertex cover on bipartite graphs with a single follower is APX-hard.
Technical Note—Stochastic Scheduling with Abandonment: Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for the Optimality of a Strict Priority Policy
Authors: Chen Gang , Gayon Jean-Philippe , Lemaire Pierre
Published: April 2022

Strict priority policies in a stochastic system with abandonment

In the technical note “Stochastic scheduling with abandonment: Necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimality of a strict priority policy,” Chen, Gayon, and Lemaire consider a stochastic scheduling problem in which jobs abandon when their waiting time exceeds their lifetime. Such a problem arises, for example, in call centers or emergency systems. It is known that the optimal policy is a strict priority policy under some sets of conditions. The authors provide the first set of necessary and sufficient conditions for a problem with two types of jobs. They also provide conjectures to guide toward generalizations of the proposed conditions.
Manufacturing Popularity: An Ecological Model of Time-Based Competition
Authors: Barnett William P. , Rhee Mooweon , Tak Elise
Published: April 2022

Many markets are characterized by the rapid coming and going of successive products, each lasting in the market for only a short period of time before it is replaced by another. Such markets confront firms with the strategic challenge of trying to enhance the success and longevity of their products. We develop a model to understand such time-based competition among products and how it is shaped by different organizational strategies. We estimate the model using data on Korean popular music. The results highlight the importance of social exposure to a transitory product’s chances of becoming and remaining popular. They also show that efforts by large organizations to manufacture popularity in that context have triggered a self-defeating dynamic. These efforts not only improve the competitiveness of songs trying to become popular but also increase competition from rival songs, thereby intensifying the brevity of success.

Funding: This research was supported by the Stanford Graduate School of Business, as well as an International Joint Research Grant by Yonsei Graduate School [to Rhee].
Seventy Hyal 2000: review of a new skinbooster treatment and case study
Authors: Robinson Adam
Published: April 2022

Within the aesthetics sector, the popularity of skinboosters is increasing, with the benefits of hyaluronic acid, particularly its hydrating effect, being sought after among patients who are looking for improved skin complexion. Seventy Hyal 2000 is a new skinbooster in the market that is particularly promising due to high levels of hyaluronic acid (30 mg/2 ml) and its high-molecular weight when compared to other products. This article will aim to outline the mechanism of action and review the evidence base behind skinboosters, before looking more specifically at Seventy Hyal 2000. This will include a review of the treatment protocols used thus far in the four UK clinics trialling the product, as well as feedback from treatments performed and an overview of a case study from one of the aforementioned clinics.
Understanding maternal vaccination
Authors: Sisson Helen
Published: April 2022

Vaccination programmes have traditionally focused on infants, young children and older people. However, maternal vaccination is an important strategy used to provide protection against infection for both mothers and infants. This article explores this activity, describing which vaccines are offered during pregnancy, and the rationale behind this. It also considers what is behind the modest vaccine coverage rates seen and suggests how these may be addressed.
ICT in Agriculture: Creating SMART Farmers
Authors: Sharma Aparana
Published: April 2022

Agriculture is the backbone of any country and India is blessed to have agriculture as the main occupation of a large population. The varied geographical terrain of India provides an opportunity for yearlong production of crops. With the onset of technical revolution in all the areas of life, all over the world, agriculture is not untouched. The developments in ICT has revolutionized agricultural operations many folds. Be it the meteorological information, soil health, seed health, fertilizer application or even the insect attack on the crops, all are being regulated by the ICT applications in one form or other. Our today’s farmer is well informed about the use of new technologies in agriculture and is very efficiently utilizing the information in an intelligent way. All these are irrespective of the region, season, crop, place or the location. The use of Information Technology has made our farmers SMART, i.e., they are Self Monitoring, Analyzing and Reporting through the use of adequate Technology. The use of proper IT tools has given both the scientists and farmers a suitable platform to interact more frequently and on time. The scientists are using ICT tools to reach the farmers on their fields and our farmers has brought their knowledge to the labs for further growth and development in the field of agriculture. The present paper is a review on the current ICT applications which is making our farmers SMARTER and self reliant. There are many initiatives of government and private organizations to bring our farmers closer to the technologies developed for their benefit. The current paper is an attempt to visualize the efforts made by scientists and technologists in the field of information and Technology for the benefit of farmers and towards the end it conceptualizes the application of ICT and its use by our farmers.
Role of Librarian in Electronic Libraries
Authors: Manoharrao Shinde Mahadu , Patil Madhav Raghunathrao , Amrat Munjewar Subhadra
Published: April 2022

The term information electronic library it’s need and importance and takes a stock of some notable efforts being made to initiate information electronic library activities in different parts the world.

The aim of electronic library is to explorer and to collect useful knowledge over above faster coping. Search and to distribute. So present paper discuses in electronic library services. It’s meaning, feature, feature, roll of librarians, services of e-libraries, advantages, disadvantages, and objective etc..
Virtual Machine Migration in Cloud Computing
Authors: Hasan Waqas
Published: April 2022

Cloud computing provides multiple services to users through the internet and these services include cloud storage, applications, servers, security and large network access. Virtual Machine allows the user to emulate multiple operating systems on a single computer; with the help of virtual machine migration users can transfer operating system instances from one computer to multiple computer machines. In this paper we will be discussing VM migration in cloud and also I will explain the whole procedure of VM migration. The two methods through which we can perform VM migration are Live VM migration and NON-live VM migration.VM migration also helps in managing the loads of the multiple machines and with VM we can save power consumption. People have written about cloud computing and virtual machines in previous studies, but in this research, we'll speak about virtual machine migration in cloud computing, as well as the techniques that are used in the VM migration process. I have used table to show the differences between VM migration techniques.
Total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe obesity provides value for money despite increased complications
Authors: Elcock Katie L. , Carter Thomas H. , Yapp Liam Z. , MacDonald Deborah J. , Howie Colin R. , Stoddart Andrew , Berg Guy , Clement Nick D. , Scott Chloe E. H.
Published: April 2022

Aims

Access to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is sometimes restricted for patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). This study compares the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with TKA in patients with a BMI above and below 40 kg/m2 to examine whether this is supported.

Methods

This single-centre study compared 169 consecutive patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) (mean age 65.2 years (40 to 87); mean BMI 44.2 kg/m2 (40 to 66); 129/169 female) undergoing unilateral TKA to a propensity score matched (age, sex, preoperative Oxford Knee Score (OKS)) cohort with a BMI < 40 kg/m2 in a 1:1 ratio. Demographic data, comorbidities, and complications to one year were recorded. Preoperative and one-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were completed: EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), OKS, pain, and satisfaction. Using national life expectancy data with obesity correction and the 2020 NHS National Tariff, QALYs (discounted at 3.5%), and direct medical costs accrued over a patient’s lifetime, were calculated. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was used to model variation in cost/QALY for each cohort across 1,000 simulations.

Results

All PROMs improved significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups without differences between groups. Early complications were higher in BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2: 34/169 versus 52/169 (p = 0.050). A total of 16 (9.5%) patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 were readmitted within one year with six reoperations (3.6%) including three (1.2%) revisions for infection. Assuming reduced life expectancy in severe obesity and revision costs, TKA in patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 costs a mean of £1,013/QALY (95% confidence interval £678 to 1,409) more over a lifetime than TKA in patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2. In PSA replicates, the maximum cost/QALY was £3,921 in patients with a BMI < 40 kg/m2 and £5,275 in patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2.

Conclusion

Higher complication rates following TKA in severely obese patients result in a lifetime cost/QALY that is £1,013 greater than that for patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2, suggesting that TKA remains a cost-effective use of healthcare resources in severely obese patients where the surgeon considers it appropriate. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):452–463.
Management of periprosthetic fractures of the humerus
Authors: Mourkus Hany , Phillips Nick J. , Rangan Amar , Peach Chris A.
Published: April 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of periprosthetic fractures of the humerus and to assess the uniformity of the classifications used for these fractures (including those around elbow and/or shoulder arthroplasties) by performing a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Healthcare Databases Advance Search. For inclusion, studies had to report clinical outcomes following the management of periprosthetic fractures of the humerus. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database.

Results

Overall, 40 studies were included, involving a total of 210 patients. The fractures were reported using very heterogeneous classification systems, as were the functional outcome scores. A total of 60 patients had nonoperative treatment with a 50% rate of nonunion. Fixation was undertaken in 99 patients; successful union was obtained in 93 (93%). Revision of either the humeral stem or the whole arthroplasty was reported in 79 patients with a high rate of union (n = 66; 84%), and a mean rate of complications of 29% (0% to 41%).

Conclusion

This study highlighted a lack of uniformity in classifying these fractures and reporting the outcome of their treatment. The results may help to inform decision-making with patients, particularly about the rate of complications of nonoperative treatment. There is a need to improve the reporting of the pattern of these fractures using a uniform classification system, and the harmonization of the collection of data relating to the outcome of treatment. Based on this review, we propose a minimum dataset to be used in future studies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):416–423.
Does cumulative topical antibiotic powder use increase the risk of drug induced acute kidney injury in fracture patients?
Authors: O'Hara Nathan N. , Carullo Jessica , Joshi Manjari , Banoub Mary , Claeys Kimberly C. , Sprague Sheila , Slobogean Gerard P. , O'Toole Robert V. ,   PREP-IT Investigators
Published: April 2022

Aims

There is increasing evidence to support the use of topical antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections. Although previous research suggests a minimal nephrotoxic risk with a single dose of vancomycin powder, fracture patients often require multiple procedures and receive additional doses of topical antibiotics. We aimed to determine if cumulative doses of intrawound vancomycin or tobramycin powder for infection prophylaxis increased the risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) among fracture patients.

Methods

This cohort study was a secondary analysis of single-centre Program of Randomized Trials to Evaluate Pre-operative Antiseptic Skin Solutions in Orthopaedic Trauma (PREP-IT) trial data. We included patients with a surgically treated appendicular fracture. The primary outcome was drug-induced AKI. The odds of AKI per gram of vancomycin or tobramycin powder were calculated using Bayesian regression models, which adjusted for measured confounders and accounted for the interactive effects of vancomycin and tobramycin.

Results

Of the 782 included patients (mean age 48 years (SD 20); 59% male), 83% (n = 648) received at least one vancomycin dose (cumulative range 1 to 12 g). Overall, 45% of the sample received at least one tobramycin dose (cumulative range 1.2 to 9.6 g). Drug-induced AKI occurred in ten patients (1.2%). No association was found between the cumulative dose of vancomycin and drug-induced AKI (odds ratio (OR) 1.08 (95% credible interval (CrI) 0.52 to 2.14)). Additional doses of tobramycin were associated with a three-fold increase in the adjusted odds of drug-induced AKI (OR 3.66 (95% CrI 1.71 to 8.49)). Specifically, the risk of drug-induced AKI rose substantially after 4.8 g of tobramycin powder (7.5% (95% CrI 1.0 to 35.3)).

Conclusion

Cumulative doses of vancomycin were not associated with an increased risk of drug-induced AKI among fracture patients. While the risk of drug-induced AKI remains less than 4% with three or fewer 1.2 g tobramycin doses, the estimated risk increases substantially to 8% after four cumulative doses. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(4):284–290.
Breaking new ground: combining crowdfunding and foundation grants
Authors: Kehl Konstantin , Sundermann Larissa M.
Published: April 2022

New projects by non-profit organisations and civil society initiatives face the challenge of obtaining financial support in the start-up phase. In recent years, crowdfunding has been cited as one of the solutions to this problem. However, this type of funding is associated with a high level of effort and expertise that many projects cannot afford, and trust issues on the part of donors. Foundations can remedy this by organising a crowdfunding competition and, in addition to the financial benefits, using their reputation to build trust, create public visibility and provide intangible support to projects in terms of capacity building, networking and professionalisation. Based on a companion study to a model introduced by a German foundation, this article explores the benefits that non-profit projects derive from an approach combining crowdfunding and foundation grants. It finds that during a crowdfunding competition the perceived relevance of non-monetary support increases at the expense of financial benefits. However, there is evidence that this change in perception occurs regardless of whether the foundation provides a lot or only a moderate amount of non-monetary support.
Static and dynamic disturbance compensation for optical misalignment of large ground-based wide field survey telescope
Authors: Cao Yuyan , Wang Jianli , Fan Wenqiang , Wang Zhichen , Wang Honghao , Liu Yang , Wang Fuguo , Li Hongwen , Xu Wei
Published: April 2022

For large ground-based telescopes, static and dynamic disturbances would greatly degrade the optical performance. This is especially true for wide field survey telescopes with prime focus optics. The estimation of disturbance effects on large telescopes is becoming increasingly important during the design phase. Therefore, a wide field survey telescope with 2.5 m aperture and 3.5 deg field of view is studied in this research. This telescope is under construction now, and its first light is expected at the beginning of 2023. The estimation method for the optical performance under static and dynamic disturbances in the temporal domain and the active compensation method to improve the optical alignment, are investigated, which is a supplement for the simulation in the frequency domain. First, based on the mechanical model, the optical misalignment is established, where the deviation of the primary mirror is obtained from the length gauges and the deviation of the corrector is computed using the fitting method. Second, a method for compensating the static and dynamic disturbances is proposed, improving the optical performance. This method uses the disturbed primary mirror as the reference, and the corrector is actively controlled to align with it. Finally, a series of experimental tests and numerical simulations is conducted. The results show that the mechanical modeling error is within 10% and the maximum optical misalignment is reduced from

12

′
′

/

0.27

to

0.2

′
′

/

0.006

m
m

for static disturbance and from

1.3

′
′

/

0.03

to

0.4

′
′

/

0.01

m
m

for dynamic disturbance. Through active compensation, the telescope optical property is greatly improved. The modeling method and the simulation process mentioned in this research can also be used in the other relevant fields.
In vivo PS-OCT needle probe scan of human skeletal muscle: publisher’s note
Authors: McBride Jeffrey M. , Hackmann Michael J. , Nimphius Sophia , Cense Barry
Published: April 2022

This publisher’s notes amends the reference citations and the reference list of [Biomed. Opt. Express 13, 1386 (2022)10.1364/BOE.446169].
Foveal and peripheral visual quality and accommodation with multifocal contact lenses
Authors: Papadogiannis Petros , Romashchenko Dmitry , Vedhakrishnan Shrilekha , Persson Britta , Lindskoog Pettersson Anna , Marcos Susana , Lundström Linda
Published: April 2022

Multifocal contact lenses are increasingly popular interventions for controlling myopia. This study presents the short-term effects of multifocal contact lenses on foveal and peripheral vision. The MiSight contact lenses designed to inhibit myopia progression and the 1-Day Acuvue Moist contact lenses designed for presbyopia were investigated. The MiSight produced similar foveal results to spectacles despite the increased astigmatism and coma. The MiSight also reduced the low-contrast resolution acuity in the periphery, despite no clear change in relative peripheral refraction. When compared with spectacles, Acuvue Moist decreased accommodative response and reduced foveal high- and low-contrast resolution acuity, whereas peripheral thresholds were more similar to those of spectacles. The most likely treatment property for myopia control by the MiSight is the contrast reduction in the peripheral visual field and the changed accommodation.
Design of the all-silicon long-wavelength infrared achromatic metalens based on deep silicon etching
Authors: Shan Dongzhi , Xu Nianxi , Gao Jinsong , Song Naitao , Liu Hai , Tang Yang , Feng Xiaoguo , Wang Yansong , Zhao Yi , Chen Xin , Sun Qiao
Published: April 2022

An all-silicon long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) achromatic metalens based on deep silicon etching is designed in this paper. With a fixed aperture size, the value range of the equivalent optical thickness of the non-dispersive meta-atoms constructing the achromatic metalens determines the minimum f-number. The fabrication characteristic with high aspect ratio of deep silicon etching amplifies the difference value of optical thickness between different meta-atoms by increasing the propagation distance of the propagation mode, which ensures a small f-number to obtain a better imaging resolution. A 280-µm-diameter silicon achromatic metalens with a f-number of 1 and the average focusing efficiency of 27.66% has been designed and simulated to validate the feasibility of this strategy. The simulation results show that the maximum focal length deviation percentage from the target value between the wavelength of 8.6 and 11.4 µm is 1.61%. This achromatic metalens design is expected to play a role in the field of LWIR integrated optical system.
Adaptive time-delayed photonic reservoir computing based on Kalman-filter training
Authors: Jin Jiaoyang , Jiang Ning , Zhang Yiqun , Feng Weizhou , Zhao Anke , Liu Shiqin , Peng Jiafa , Qiu Kun , Zhang Qianwu
Published: April 2022

We propose an adaptive time-delayed photonic reservoir computing (RC) structure by utilizing the Kalman filter (KF) algorithm as training approach. Two benchmark tasks, namely the Santa Fe time-series prediction and the nonlinear channel equalization, are adopted to evaluate the performance of the proposed RC structure. The simulation results indicate that with the contribution of adaptive KF training, the prediction and equalization performance for the benchmark tasks can be significantly enhanced, with respect to the conventional RC using a training approach based on the least-squares (LS). Moreover, by introducing a complex mask derived from a bandwidth and complexity enhanced chaotic signal into the proposed RC, the performance of prediction and equalization can be further improved. In addition, it is demonstrated that the proposed RC system can provide a better equalization performance for the parameter-variant wireless channel equalization task, compared with the conventional RC based on LS training. The work presents a potential way to realize adaptive photonic computing.
Dual-wavelength operation of a tapered laser diode based on a composite DBR grating near 1.03 µm
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Fan Jie , Zou Yonggang , Wang Haizhu , Ma Xiaohui
Published: April 2022

A novel monolithic dual-wavelength tapered laser diode based on a composite distributed Bragg reflection (DBR) grating is demonstrated. The composite DBR grating, composed of two sub-gratings with different effective refractive indices, is designed. With the aid of the lateral expansion effect of the optical field in the ridge waveguide, the dual-wavelength operation of tapered laser diode is realized by using the composite DBR grating as a narrow linewidth filter. At the ridge current of 190–300 mA and the heat sink temperature of 20℃, the tapered laser diode obtains dual-wavelength emission with wavelengths of 1025.4 nm and 1036.2 nm, respectively. The linewidths of both wavelengths are less than 36 pm, and the minimum power difference between the two wavelengths is 1.2 dB. The spectral distance between the two wavelengths can be modulated from 10.4 nm to 10.9 nm by adjusting the heat sink temperature of the tapered laser diode from 13.8℃ to 20.7℃.
Group delay dispersion tuned femtosecond Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser
Authors: Seres E. , Seres J. , Schumm T.
Published: April 2022

We report on a new design for a femtosecond Ti:sapphire oscillator in which dispersion compensation is realized exclusively using mirrors, including special mirrors with third order dispersion. This makes the oscillator dynamically tunable over a spectral range of 45 nm using an intracavity wedge-pair; and it delivers 40 fs pulses at 80 MHz repetition rate. Due to the all-mirror design, the oscillator represents an attractive base for a tunable frequency comb for high precision spectroscopy applications.
Clinical and psychosocial factors associated with domestic violence among men and women in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara Piumee , Page Andrew , Senarathna Lalith , Wijewardene Kumudu , Silva Tharuka , Gunnell David , Knipe Duleeka , Rajapakse Thilini
Published: April 2022

Domestic violence (DV) is a violation of human rights with adverse intergenerational consequences on physical and mental health. Clinical and psychosocial correlates of DV have been documented internationally, but evidence from South Asia is limited, especially among men. This is a nested cross-sectional study of the control population (N = 856) of a large case-control study in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the association between clinical and psychosocial factors and experience of DV. Overall associations were examined and stratified by sex and type of abuse. Overall, 19% (95% CI 16%-21%) of the sample reported DV of any form in past year, with a similar prevalence being reported in both men (18% 95% CI 14%–22%) and women (19% 95% CI 15%–23%). Depression symptoms (adjusted OR [AOR] 3.28 95% CI 2.13–5.05), suicidal ideation (AOR 6.19 95% CI 3.67–10.45), prior diagnosis of a mental illness (AOR 3.62 95% CI 1.61–8.14), and previous self-harm (AOR 6.99 95% CI 3.65–13.38) were strongly associated with DV, as were indicators of perceived poor social support (AOR range 2.48–14.18). The presence of in-laws (AOR 2.16 95% CI 1.34–3.48), having three or more children (AOR 2.15 95% CI 1.05–4.41) and being divorced/separated/widowed were also strongly associated with DV (AOR 2.89 95% CI 1.14–7.36). There was no statistical evidence that any associations differed by sex. A multi-sectoral approach is needed to address DV in this context. Enhanced coordination between DV support services and mental health services may be beneficial. Further research and support for men as well as women is needed.
Magnitude and associated factors of urinary tract infections among adults living with HIV in Ethiopia. Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Birhanu Molla Yigzaw , Habtegiorgis Samuel Derbie , Gietaneh Wodaje , Alemu Simegn , Tsegaye Tesfa Birlew , Bekele Getamesay Molla , Abebaw Abtie , Dilnessa Tebelay , Elmneh Haymanot Tewabe , Amha Haile , Bekele Ketema Daniel , Gebre Anto Tsige , Desta Melaku , Jemberie Selamawit Shita
Published: April 2022

Background

Urinary tract infection is a major public health problem in developing countries among immunocompromized populations where there are limited health-care services. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTI) due to the suppression of their immunity. There is no single representative figure as well as the presence of significant heterogeneity among studies conducted on people living with HIV in Ethiopia. Hence, this study tried to pool the magnitude of UTI among people living with HIV in Ethiopia.

Method

To find relevant studies, researchers looked through Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Worldwide Science. The I2 statistic was used to examine for heterogeneity among the studies that were included. To evaluate the pooled effect size across studies, a random-effects model was used. The presence of publication bias was determined using a funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. STATATM version 14.0 software was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 7 studies with 2257 participants were included in this meta-analysis. UTI was shown to be prevalent in 12.8% (95% CI: 10.8–14.79, I2 = 50.7%) of HIV patients. Being male (0.35, 95% CI:0.14, 1.02), rural residents(OR:1.41,95% CI: 0.85, 2.34), no history of catheterization (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.85), had no history of DM (OR:0.84, 95% CI:0.12, 0.597) and having CD4 count greater than 200 (OR:0.36 95% CI: 0.06, 2.35) were the factors which were the associated factors assessed and having association with UTI among people living with HIV but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, one in every eight HIV-positive people is at risk of acquiring UTI. Regardless, we looked for a link between sex, residency, CD4, catheterization history, and DM and UTI, but there was none. To avoid this phenomina, every HIV patient should have a UTI examination in every follow-up.